Sedona has been nearing the top of my hiking bucket list for a long time and it’s safe to say… it totally lived up to the hype! Imagine giant red rock towers, deep green canyons and trails which make you stop every few minutes to take it all in. It feels a bit like stepping onto another planet! It is the perfect destination for an active escape with plenty of hiking routes, gorgeous swimming spots and delicious cafes to refuel at. I have jam packed this guide with all my top recommendations, including some hidden gems to help you get away from the crowds.
The Practicalities
How To Get There & Get Around:
There are regular flights into Phoenix airport which is about a 2 hour drive from Sedona. I recommend hiring a high clearance vehicle to allow for easy access to all trails.
Where To Stay:
I actually stayed in nearby Flagstaff because I was visiting a friend up there, but if I was staying in Sedona I would have opted for Mountain Modern or L’Auberge De Sedona.
When To Visit:
I would recommend visiting in March-May or September-November for manageable temperatures and less crowds, it can get absolutely hecticly busy with unbearable heat in peak summer.
How Long To Stay:
You could easily spend a whole week exploring Sedona and the surrounding area at a relaxed pace, but I would recommend around 3-4 days to cover most of the highlights.
Sedona Travel Tips:
- Purchase a Red Rock Pass prior to our arrival in Sedona, print it and place it in your car window. This is required at most trailheads within the Sedona region.
- Consider using the Sedona Shuttle service if you want to arrive at trailheads later in the day, as parking is very limited. Otherwise, arrive as early as you can.
- Download any trail maps you are using before you set off to your hike, as phone signal can be patchy on the trails.
The Best Hikes In Sedona
There are numerous hiking trails in Sedona, enough to keep you on your feet for weeks!
However, if you’re short on time then these are my absolute top recommendations – including some hidden gems – for when you visit:
The Best Cafes In Sedona
Sedona is home to a whole range of delicious cafes and restaurants, but these were my personal favourite spots to stop at for coffee, snacks or lunch:
- Local Juicery – Your one stop shop for all things uber-healthy and superfood-laden. Try their glowing beauty matcha – divine!
- Berry Divine – A cute little acai bowl cafe with a great selection of toppings.
- ChocolaTree – An organic vegetarian restaurant with nourishing meals served in a cute garden setting.
- Picazzo’s – An Italian spot which has classics such as pizza and pasta, as well as nourishing salad bowls and plenty of plant based options.
- Indian Gardens – Our favourite! A cute little cafe with a garden oasis, serving up breakfast and lunch classics.
Bonus tip: Head to the Harding natural spring to refill your water bottles with the most delicious fresh spring water.
The Best Swimming Spots In Sedona
It can get seriously hot in Sedona, so it’s nice to find a little swimming spot to cool down post hike. Here are my top three recommendations:
- Red Rock Crossing. The most scenic swimming location in terms of the surrounding views. There’s no cliff jumping but plenty of beachy areas and shallow swimming spots to enjoy.
- Grasshopper Point. A gorgeous spot located along a bend in Oak Creek, it remains shady until midday and has plenty of options for swimming, terraces to lay on and ledges to jump off.
- Slide Rock. The most popular and well known swimming spot in Sedona, but you just can’t miss it. It’s absolutely gorgeous, with the creek narrowing and being surrounded by cliffs. It’s got plenty of spots to lie down, jump off and go for a dip. The most popular activity is riding down the creek itself which forms a waterslide!
