If you’re looking for outdoor adventures, stunning scenery, great shopping, and amazing sunsets then Sedona is a dream destination. It’s a place I’ve wanted to visit for years, so when a last-minute chance popped up, I jumped at it! Sedona is a place you will fall madly in love with and it’s a place that will have you planning your next visit before you even leave. This list of 14 fun things to do in Sedona will help you to start planning your trip.
As you drive toward Sedona, you’ll notice the magical red glow of the rocks that this place is famous for. The scenery will take your breath away and leave you awe inspired. If you pay close attention you may even notice your energy shift. Sedona is the home of 4 vortexes that are said to have heightened spiritual and metaphysical energy. Visiting these vortexes will be one of the highlights of your trip, but more on that a little later.
Let’s get to it…
14 Fun Things To Do Sedona
1. Drive Through Coconino State Park
If you are driving in from Flagstaff, as I did, make sure to choose route 89a, where you will drive through the insanely gorgeous Coconino National Forest. Take your time on the drive and marvel at all those beautiful red rock formations.
Coconino is one of the most diverse National Forests in the entire country with landscapes ranging from the famous red rocks of Sedona to Ponderosa pine forests. It’s stunningly beautiful as you snake through Oak Creek Canyon and marvel at the sheer size of the rock formations around you. There are plenty of overlooks, picnic areas, swimming holes, and hiking trails all along the drive. Make sure to stop at Midgley Bridge where this vista point has an especially unforgettable backdrop and views. Grasshopper Point was one of my favorites.
2. Take In The Views Of Red Rock Scenic Byway
The 7.5 mile Red Rock Scenic Byway starts as you take exit 298 off Interstate 17, and has plenty to see and do. In fact, it’s often referred to as a “museum without walls” and you’ll quickly understand why. Some of the top highlights include sightseeing, hiking, biking and golfing. Two of Sedona’s most popular vortexes also lie on this route, Bell Rock and Cathedral Rock. It’s a must do scenic drive while in Sedona.
3. Off Road On A Pink Jeep Tour
204 N State Rte 89A, Sedona, AZ 86336
Find out more here
Known as one of the most epic ways to explore Sedona, have an adventure, and take a Pink Jeep Tour. These 4×4 beasts will take you on the off-road adventure of a lifetime through the red rock landscape of Sedona. You’ll see absolutely stunning scenery while you bounce through the back roads. They offer several different tour options, the most popular being the Broken Arrow Tour. It’s a good idea to book these popular tours in advance.
4. Visit Chapel Of The Holy Cross
780 Chapel Rd, Sedona, AZ 86336
You’ll be stunned as you see the Chapel Of The Holy Cross appear on the side of a mountain and you will be shocked by the beautiful structure. There is ample parking, so make sure to drive to the top to make sure that the closer parking spaces aren’t taken. This Roman Catholic chapel has an interesting history, it was commissioned by local rancher and sculptor Marguerite Brunswig Staude. In 1932 she was inspired to build such a church and initially attempted to do this in Budapest, Hungary. However, their attempt of building was thwarted by the outbreak of World War II. With this unfortunate turn of events, Staude decided to build the church in her native homeland, Arizona. The chapel was completed by 1956. Even if you aren’t incredibly religious, the Chapel Of The Holy Cross is something to see.
5. Feel The Energy At A Vortex
Beneath the eternal beauty of Sedona beats a healing heart. It’s long been regarded as a place of sacred power and powerful healing energy. Are you visiting Sedona in search of the vortexes?
What is a vortex? Sedona vortexes are believed to be swirling centers of energy that are beneficial for healing, meditation and self-exploration. These are places where the earth seems especially alive with energy. Many people feel inspired, recharged or uplifted after visiting a vortex. Others believe the power of Sedona vortexes is simply a state of mind and a perception of the location. But I’ve gotta tell you, I could feel the energy and I honestly just felt so much lighter while hiking the Bell Rock Vortex. There are 4 main vortexes including Bell Rock, Cathedral Rock, Boynton Canyon and Airport Mesa.
6. Bell Rock
Distance: .8 miles
Rating: Moderate
Elevation Gain: 203 ft
Requires a Red Rocks Parking Pass – $5 for a day
If you’ve only got time to hike one vortex in Sedona, I highly recommend the Bell Rock Vortex. This vortex is known as an Upflow area that is best for serenity and solving problems from a higher perspective. For decades seekers from around the world have used Bell Rock for contemplative reflection and inspiration. The hike is a bit of a scramble and essentially straight up to the vortex itself. But you can honestly feel a crazy amount of energy as soon as you arrive, it’s pretty wild. It’s a beautiful hike and one that you should absolutely take.
7. Cathedral Rock
Distance: 1.2 miles
Rating: Difficult
Elevation Gain: 741 ft
Cathedral Rock is one of the most photographed locations in all of Sedona and you’ll feel the amazing energy of this place immediately. If you’re up for a challenge, hike the Cathedral Rock Trail, this 1.2-mile trail generally takes people an hour to complete. To reach the top you will have to scramble up a variety of rocks, so make sure that you wear sturdy hiking boots for this one. The views from the top are breathtaking, particularly around sunset.
8. Boynton Canyon
Distance: 7.3 miles
Rating: Moderate
Elevation Gain: 1,167 ft
Known as one of the best vortexes to visit in Sedona, Boynton Canyon is a must see. The hike to the vortex is a moderate, 7.3 mile climb that does require some elevation climbing, but the trail is good for all skill levels. The area is full of energy centers and Native American history.
9. Take A Hike
Hiking is one of the best things to do in Sedona, and for most it’s one of the top reasons for visiting this mystical destination. You can hike through hidden caves, canyons, vortexes and natural arches. Here are some of the top hikes in Sedona…
Devil’s Bridge Trail
Distance: 3.9 miles
Rating: Moderate
Elevation Gain: 521 ft
Bell Rock To Courthouse Butte Loop
Distance: 3.9 miles
Rating: Moderate
Elevation Gain: 357 ft
Soldiers Pass Trail
Distance: 4.5 miles
Rating: Moderate
Elevation Gain: 839 ft
10. Try Mountain Biking
Sedona is one of the best mountain biking destinations in the entire country. One of the best ways to explore the red rocks is by mountain biking. You can either bring your own bike or rent one in Sedona. There are even mountain biking tours that will give you a better lay of the land. Popular mountain biking trails include Bell Rock To Courthouse Butte Loop, Cathedral Rock Trail, Mescal Trail and Doe Mesa.
11. Stroll Uptown Sedona
Uptown Sedona is what used to be the old town and here you’ll find boutiques, galleries, tourist shops and an array of great restaurants. Window shop for everything from local handmade jewelry to the beautiful Bearcloud Gallery and everything between.
12. Visit The Palatki Ruins
Forest Rd #795, Sedona, AZ 86336
These well preserved ruins are one of the largest Sinagua villages in the area. This village was inhabited by the Sinagua around 800 years ago, but the rock art indicates that this area has been used for 3,000 to 5,000 years. There are 2 main trails running through the park, one that takes you to the cliff dwellings and another that brings you to the rock art alcoves. The tours here are guided and reservations are recommended at this time.
13. Explore Sliding Rocks State Park
$20 per vehicle entrance fee
Slide Rock State Park, originally the Pendley Homestead, is a 43-acre historic apple farm located in Oak Creek Canyon. Today historic cabins are available for viewing, and the creek offers the park’s namesake slide for adventure seekers and those looking for a place to cool off. The swimming spot at Sliding Rock will bring out the kid in you as you slide down the rocks into the water below. There are also a few places for cliff diving if you are a thrill seeker. You can also do some wildlife watching here, keep an eye out for black bear, coues deer, and javelinas.
14. Marvel At A Sunset
Airport Mesa overlook and vortex summit are by far the most popular places to take in a sunset in Sedona. And once you see the warm light touching the red rocks you’ll understand exactly why! But be aware that everyone knows that this is the best location and you will have tons of company.
Other Great Options For Sunset:
- Bell Rock
- Cathedral Rock
- Devils Bridge
- Red Rocks Crossing
These 14 fun things to do in Sedona will provide days of entertainment and fun outdoor adventures! Have you been to Sedona? What was your absolute favorite thing about it?
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