Enjoy Sedona for free

Description:

This 286-acre state park preserves many of the famous monoliths and formations that have made Sedona's "Red Rock Country" famous around the world. The park has plenty of meandering trails through the high desert landscape of manzanita bushes, pinyons, and juniper trees. If you're looking for a secluded entry point to Oak Creek, come early in the morning and enjoy the solitude. The park does not permit camping, but there several tables and ramadas for day picnics. Other amenities include a visitor's center and classroom and theater that host regular presentations from park rangers and guest speakers.

Our Local Expert Says:

Take 89A through this beautiful canyon dotted with great spots to fish, camp, hike, and picnic. Don’t forget your camera!

Description:

A trip to Sedona would not be complete without a day spent bumming around Oak Creek Canyon. Traveling from Flagstaff to Sedona, Ponderosa pines give way to Sedona's signature red rocks in this breathtaking canyon. A quick stop at the Oak Creek Canyon Vista Lookout is worth a few wide-angle lens photos before driving down the winding switchbacks. Once the road levels out, most visitors tour the canyon by foot; hiking along Oak Creek, there are plenty of opportunities for fishing, swimming, and gazing at the towering cliffs in all directions.

Our Local Expert Says:

Drop in any new-age shop in Sedona—and there are many—to quench your curiosity about vortexes and what they mean. There are many examples – some that are very accessible and some that are not.

Description:

New Age thinkers interested in basking in the radiance of swirling spiritual energy come from all over the world to experience the vortexes of Sedona. So what is a vortex anyway? People witness vortexes all the time, in the swirling of whirlpools and the twirling of dust devils. Instead of vortexes of water and air, it is believed that vortexes of spiritual energy spiral away from some particular alignments in the red rocks rising from the earth. Cathedral Rock, Boynton Canyon, and Bell Rock are among the most famous sites for experiencing vortexes.

Our Local Expert Says:

Leave early to see some of the best preserved examples of rock art in the southwest and continue down the trail to Honanki to see even more.

Description:

Palatki, which is Hopi for "red house," is known as one of the most preserved pictograph sites in the area. In addition to this two story cliff dwelling, there is an easy, well-marked trail that will lead visitors to a series of rock alcoves where pictographs were drawn 3,000 to 6,000 years ago. From Sedona, it takes roughly 15 minutes to get to the site and takes about an hour or two to see. From 89A go north on Red Canyon Rd. It will turn into Forest Road 525 (remember this spot if you want to continue down the road to see the Honanki Ruins). Veer right onto Forest Road 595, and then follow the signs to the parking lot. Visitors will need a Red Rocks Pass in order to park, which is available for purchase at the site. Keep in mind that reservations are required (just call ahead) and the site closes every day at 3PM.

Our Local Expert Says:

Continue down the trail beyond the Palatki Ruins to see a bigger set of ruins and even more rock art.

Description:

Succumb to the natural curiosity brought on by the mystery of ancient rock writings and pictographs. Similar to Palatki in terms of style, and history, the ruins at Honanki are larger. While the rock writings and pictographs are inspiring, they are less accessible than those at Palatki. A good pair of binoculars, therefore, would serve visitors well. To get to Honanki, drive beyond the Palatki Ruins, continuing on Forest Road 525 for another 10 miles. Like at Palatki, visitors will need a Red Rocks Pass to park and should call ahead. The site closes daily at 6PM.

Description:

Cathedral Rock is one of Sedona's most famous scenic landmarks, a majestic monolith with red spires twisting up toward the sky, perfect for getting postcard-worthy vacation pics that will make your friends back home green with envy. Be warned that getting up close and personal with Cathedral Rock is not a simple endeavor, but it's completely worth the effort for the broad valley views and close encounters with a fascinating lava dike. You'll need to rock climb your way across and over steep, unshaded bald rocks and shallow clefts to get to rock's multilevel ledges and bases. Like all great hikes, challenging but rewarding. To get here from the junction of Routes 89A and 179, take 179 south 3.5 miles to Back-O'Beyond Road, which will be on your right. From there, go less than one mile to the trailhead parking turnout on your left.

Our Local Expert Says:

The entire length of this trail is 5.6 miles each way, though it could easily be cut in half for those hikers who got a late start. It’s a strenuous hike, but a wide angle lens will produce amazing photographs.

Description:

One of the most challenging hikes Sedona has to over, but not without great rewards for those prepared to take the challenge. This trail offers some of the most breathtaking panoramic views of the vast Sedona wilderness and Verde Valley. Those looking to explore the local wildlife should plan this hike early in the morning; visitors who tread lightly have a good chance of seeing mule deer, javelina, and coyotes. On hot days, watch for snakes. After an hour or so into the Wilson Mountain Trail, hikers have the option of continuing onto the North Wilson Trail, making for a "there-and-back" round trip of nearly 5 hours. Two miles north of Sedona on 89A, the trailhead is just north of Midgely Bridge where you'll find a small parking lot and a monument to Richard Wilson who was killed by a grizzly in this area in 1885. There are, of course, no grizzlies here anymore.

Our Local Expert Says:

Allow two to three hours for this 6-mile round trip excursion. Mile markers are posted every half-mile so you can track your progress.

Description:

West Fork Trail trail is popular among visitors because of its easy access, short distance, and beautiful scenery. Most of the trail runs along a quiet stream whose constant ripple reminds hikers they are not alone. Lizards, birds, squirrels and butterflies are among many of animals hikers are likely to see most of the year. In the summer and fall, when the sun begins to go down, look out for skunk! Towering canyon walls shade most of West Fork Trail, particularly in the beginning, resulting in dense forest and wonderful photographic opportunities. Hikers should be aware that the trail does cross the stream; although most of the year sure-footed hikers can cross and stay dry, hopping from rock to rock, during the monsoon season (July-August), crossing the stream might require hikers to get their feet wet.

Our Local Expert Says:

Ambitious hikers should start this 5.5 mile trail as early as possible. It is “off the beaten path,” but offers solitude from the masses and amazing scenery.

Description:

This is a long hike for the visitor seeking a peaceful, yet challenging trail, "off the beaten path." This quiet trail plunges you immediately into the wilderness, winding in and out of this deep canyon. Secret Canyon Trail offers a bit of everything: great views of Sedona's red rock formations, strenuous uphill, smooth rock riverbeds, lots of sun, and just enough shade when necessary. There are spots where the trail is wide enough to lay across and times when it narrows just enough for hikers to walk single-file. An inviting stream gives way to small waterfalls and the occasional pool of water, all between below the towering canyon walls. The trailhead can be reached by driving west through Sedona on 89A to Dry Creek Road (152C). Turn right on Dry Creek Road and drive for two miles to Forest Road 152 and turn. About 3 miles down the road you should see a sign on the left pointing you to the Secret Canyon Trailhead. Keep in mind that it's a bumpy road, but passable with normal clearance. Use caution and don't chance it in a car if it's muddy.