Top things to do in Sedona

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:

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:

This open-air shopping center is modeled after a picturesque Mexican village and named after the artisan suburb outside Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico. In Sedona, Tlaquepaque happens to be one of the top tourist attractions in town, drawing a steady stream of visitors to the sprawling, hacienda-like structure lined with cobblestone and decorated with whimsical statuary and fountains. You'll find dozens of high-end galleries, jewelry stores, boutiques, restaurants, and a small chapel. The stucco walls are covered over with crawling vines and flower pots are tucked into every corner and decorative terrace. Undoubtedly one of the more romantic shopping centers in town, Tlaquepaque is also a working artisan community where you may catch a glimpse of artists at work.

Our Local Expert Says:

See parts of Sedona other tourists won’t be able to see without the help of these jeeps, which are capable as well as fashionable!

Description:

Rolling competently over extremely rugged terrain, these tours take visitors to beautiful and remote locations they wouldn't be able to see otherwise. Originally a means to show clients undeveloped real estate properties, Pink Jeep Tours have become a popular way for tourists to plan excursions that are both soul-enriching and educational. The most popular of the nationally renowned Pink Jeep Tours include the Broken Arrow, Ancient Ruin, and Diamondback Gulch tours. In fact, Pink Jeep Tours are the only tour company permitted by the Coconino National Forest to give guided tours at the Honanki ruins site. Located downtown on 89, Pink Jeep Tours also offers opportunities for those travelers who are interested in getting out of the jeep and discovering Sedona at a walker's pace. Most tours range from $65 to $75 per person with discounts for children and groups.

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:

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:

Beautiful area for those seeking a secluded experience. Go early, especially on the weekends, if you want to claim a good camping spot. Either way, take food and plenty of water.

Description:

This clear, cool brook remains pleasantly secluded in the deep red rock canyon it has cut into the southern rim of the Colorado Plateau. For much of its length, the land bordering Wet Beaver Creek has been declared a wilderness area. In addition to the opportunities for solitude such an area offers, the stream's pools and riffles are a popular place to fish, hike, swim, and bird watch. The waters of the stream are stocked with trout. The lush riparian area beside its banks is alive with a full palette of songbirds. The desert beyond that oasis bristles with the highly adapted plants of the upper Sonoran Desert.

FACILITIES: There are 13 single unit campsites with tables, fire rings, cooking grills, Drinking water and vault toilets at Beaver Creek Campground., picnic area, hiking trails, Wilderness Area.

Our Local Expert Says:

Take this 40-minute detour from Sedona and drive right up to the monument. Because it sits high on the cliff, this ancient dwelling is especially beautiful at sunset and sunrise.

Description:

Visit the ruins of a once-prosperous community of the ancient Sinagua. One of the best-preserved cliff dwellings in North America, the structure boasts five stories and 20 rooms. Inhabited more than 600 years ago, much of the building is still intact. The best time of the year to visit is December and January. Binoculars would be beneficial for a closer view. Walkways are provided and are wheelchair-accessible. Montezuma's Castle and visitor center is located off I-17 at exit 289. Entrance fees are minimal for adults, free for children 16 and under. Allow no less than one hour for your visit.