Sedona Travelers Recommend

A full Sedona experience can be had in three days if you plan an itinerary with activities that highlight the natural beauty, history, and outdoor opportunities of central Arizona. Here are our top ideas for how to spend a nature-filled 72 hours.

Day 1: Top Sights

Get acquainted with scenic Sedona on a short tour that introduces you to natural and man-made attractions like Oak Creek Canyon and Chapel of the Holy Cross. Or, take advantage of the early morning light on a photography tour where you’ll receive advice on capturing the scenery. Spend the afternoon in the rugged countryside to discover the natural landmarks for which Sedona is known. Depending on your interests, choose a tour that includes Native American sites and ancient rock art; check out Cathedral Rock; or follow in the footsteps of cowboys in Dry Creek Basin. 

When evening rolls around, visit Blazin’ M Ranch in nearby Cottonwood for a barbecue dinner, live music, and Western-themed activities like roping. If living history isn’t your thing, learn about the dead on a ghost tour of Jerome, an old mining town past Cottonwood.

Day 2: Alternative Activities

Splurge on a helicopter tour to begin the day up in the air, looking down on Sedona and its high desert scenery. Afterward, discover a different side of the area on a Jeep tour that combines a tour of the desert with a visit to an Arizona winery for wine tastings. If you prefer to stay in town, opt for a Segway tour to explore Jordan Road or see the Sedona Heritage Museum. 

In the evening, head out on a safari for the chance to spot local wildlife, such as elk or foxes, and enjoy the sunset in this tranquil environment. For a more mystical take on the landscape, take a sunset vortex tour to learn about this mysterious element of Sedona.

Day 3: Day Trip

Sedona’s proximity to the Grand Canyon’s South Rim and the Utah border—both are two to three hours’s drive, respectively—offers several day trip options for those who want to see some of the geological wonders of the American southwest. 

The Grand Canyon is understandably the most popular, but Antelope Canyon is a good alternative, with its sandstone slot canyon accessible only with a guided tour. If you’d like to get on the water in this desert region, consider a Colorado River rafting tour that includes floating around Horseshoe Bend. Or, see the otherworldly buttes of Monument Valley, accessible on a day trip to Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park. Many day trips from Sedona include visiting the Navajo Nation or learning about the region from a Navajo guide.

The Grand Canyon needs no introduction. Considered one of the seven natural wonders of the world, its gorges, ridges, and rock formations must be seen to be believed. Many tours are available, so here’s how to experience exactly what you want when visiting the Grand Canyon from Sedona or Flagstaff. 

Full-Day Tours

If you are based in either Sedona or Flagstaff, you have a range of options for day trips to the Grand Canyon. A typical small-group tour often includes a drive along the South Rim with side visits to other area attractions like Wupatki National Monument, Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument, and Cameron Trading Post. Other options might include a helicopter tour of the West Rim, white-water rafting through the canyon along the Colorado River, or a spectacular flightseeing tour over the Painted Desert and the South Rim.

Rail Tours

One of the most traditional (and romantic) ways to see the Grand Canyon is by rail. The historic Grand Canyon Railroad has been operating for more than a century, and it affords you some time to enjoy the desert scenery of Northern Arizona at a relaxed pace on the 65-mile (105-kilometer) journey to Grand Canyon Depot before exploring Grand Canyon National Park itself.

Things to Know

• Experience the sights of the Grand Canyon by helicopter, airplane, raft, or historic railway.

• Grand Canyon day trips from Sedona and Flagstaff can last between 90 minutes and 17 hours, depending on the option you choose.

• Combine your visit to the Grand Canyon with other Northern Arizona attractions, including a Navajo Indian reservation or nearby national monument.

With 48 hours in Sedona, you can immerse yourself in the history and natural beauty of central Arizona. From red rocks and barbecue to vortexes and wine, here are a few ways to make the most of your time in this scenic town.

Day 1: See the main sights

**Morning:**Get acquainted with Sedona on a short tour that introduces you to the area’s top attractions, such as Chapel of the Holy Cross and Oak Creek Canyon. Alternatively, take advantage of the early morning light on a photography tour, and get some tips on capturing the scenery.

**Afternoon:**Head into the rugged countryside to discover the natural landmarks for which Sedona is known. Join a tour that includes Native American sites and ancient rock art; travel by Jeep along the Broken Arrow Trail; visit Cathedral Rock; or follow in the footsteps of cowboys through Dry Creek Basin.

**Night:**Visit Blazin’ M Ranch in Cottonwood for a barbecue dinner and Western-themed entertainment, including roping and live music. Or for something less wholesome, explore the eerie side of the area on a ghost tour in Jerome, an old mining town just past Cottonwood.

Day 2: Enjoy some alternatives

**Morning:**Treat yourself to a helicopter tour above the Sedona high desert, and savor sweeping views of the mountains and red sandstone formations.

**Afternoon:**Experience another side of the region on a wine-tasting Jeep tour. If you prefer to stay in town, hop on a Segway and check out the sights on Jordan Road, stopping by the Sedona Heritage Museum along the way.

**Night:**Embark on an evening safari for the chance to see native wildlife, such as elk and foxes. For something a little more mystical, opt for a sunset vortex tour to learn about this unusual element of Sedona.

A trip to scenic Sedona and its powerful vortexes can be an almost religious experience. With several unique tour options, travelers to this red rock landscape can embark on their own spiritual energy journey in the Southwest. Here is what you need to know about these distinctive Sedona experiences.

What is a Spiritual Vortex?

Vortexes are powerful energy centers where subtle energy flows to or from Earth’s plane. Hidden deep within rock formations, they are an entry point to the mystical world of healing. Sedona has four main vortexes: Cathedral Rock, the Chapel of the Holy Cross, Airport Mesa, and Bell Rock. Boynton Canyon vortex is another important spot.

Spiritual Experiences in Sedona

On a spiritual vortex tour in Sedona, you will learn where energy vortexes come from, how they work, and ways to utilize their expansive energy. The Sedona vortex sites offer various experiences, but visitors typically leave with a feeling of serenity. Uncover the history of the vortexes and New Age beliefs held about vortex energy; learn about Native American traditions on a Grand Canyon, Sedona, or Navajo reservation day trip; or choose a tour that offers psychic readings or more in-depth descriptions of the spirituality of the sacred sites. Small-group tours of 15 or fewer travelers ensure a personalized journey.

With its easy access to outdoor activities in the surrounding red rocks and canyons, Sedona is a great place for nature enthusiasts to spend a day. Whether you wander the town itself to check out its popular art scene, explore nature, or do a little bit of both, here are some top ways to enjoy 24 hours in Sedona.

Morning: Get an Overview

Start the day on a high note by looking down on the red rock landscape of Sedona on a helicopter tour. You’ll get an aerial perspective of mountains, rock formations, and other natural features before, perhaps, checking them out in more detail later in the day. Alternatively, stay on the ground and get acquainted with scenic Sedona on a short tour that introduces you to the area’s geology and history at attractions such as Chapel of the Holy Cross or Oak Creek Canyon. If you’re interested in capturing beautiful photos, book an early morning photography tour.

Afternoon: Explore the Red Rocks

There are several 2- to 4-hour tours from Sedona that take you into the rugged countryside for a guided exploration. Depending on your interests, opt for an excursion that includes Native American sites and ancient rock art or one that focuses on the area’s mysterious vortexes. Travel by jeep along the Broken Arrow Trail; visit natural formations like Cathedral Rock and Airport Mesa; or follow in the footsteps of cowboys by exploring Dry Creek Basin and surrounding canyons. Alternatively, stay in town and check out Sedona's galleries and bohemian vibe. 

Night: See a Show

Head to nearby Blazin’ M Ranch in Cottonwood for a barbecue dinner and Western-themed entertainment including roping and live music. If you’d rather see a natural show, take an evening safari for the chance to see native wildlife (elk,  foxes, etc.) and enjoy the sunset. Or perhaps discover the eerie side of the area on a ghost tour of Jerome, an old mining town southwest of Sedona.

Legend has it that Sedona is situated on one or more vortexes, or places where intense energy emanates from the earth. Lore or not, the area is undeniably special with its namesake red desert rock formations, wilderness areas, and incredible photo opportunities. See below for some of the top red rock spots in Sedona.

Oak Creek Vista

For a bird’s-eye view of the red rock formations, the scenic overlook at Oak Creek Vista is a sure winner. This easy-to-access point offers a good vantage spot to capture some of the most photographed views in the region. 

Mt. Wilson

Known as the big boy of the red rocks, Mt. Wilson offers experienced hikers a challenging ascent with up-close views of the famous formations. 

Snoopy Rock

You guessed it—the area’s most recognizable landmark is Mother Nature’s ode to Charles Shultz, named for the iconic cartoon character. 

Red Rock State Park

An essential destination for Sedona visitors, Red Rocks State Park has it all: scenic drives, stunning scenery, trails, and overlooks where you can snap postcard-worthy photos.