Your First visit to Sedona

Our Local Expert Says:

Take one of these 55-minute tours and peer into the history of Sedona with the help of knowledgeable guides with a great sense of humor.

Description:

Known as "the best first thing to do in Sedona," The Sedona Trolley is a great way for visitors to acclimate themselves to the area before taking off on their own. The trolley operators educate passengers on the history of Sedona, cruising past famous landmarks and areas of historical importance. Organized in two 55-minute tours, The Sedona Trolley offers a lot more than great photo opportunities. Trolley operators are very knowledgeable of Sedona and can offer suggestions on anything from hiking trails to restaurants. Tours are $12 for adults and $6 for children and all tours leave from the Uptown Trolley Depot (at the intersection of Uptown and 89A, next to Canyon Breeze).

Our Local Expert Says:

An uptown favorite for its location and consistently good food.

Description:

Healthy, fresh Mexican food gives your taste buds something to sing about at this scenic uptown restaurant in Sedona. The large, comfortable patio provides some of the best canyon vistas you'll find at at any restaurant in town, and the carefully prepared food adds to a great dining experience. Smoky salsa and an extensive tequila list make this a good place for a long lunch or leisurely dinner. Oaxaca owner Carla Butler is a registered dietitian who does not use lard or cholesterol-rich oils in the dishes, making this a health-conscious foodie's dream come true, and the gluten-free menu items provide choices for those with food sensitivities and allergies.

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:

Exquisite food and wine but make sure you're patient because beauty and deliciousness takes time.

Description:

The sumptuous dining room--all white linen and polished silverware--is located creekside at the ritzy L'Auberge de Sedona resort property. This is one of the most formal, elegant, and scenic dining rooms in town, and it's easy to see why it's a favorite spot for special dinners, romantic dates, and Valentine's Day. Chef David Schmidt has crafted a menu that fuses contemporary and classic American cuisine with a strong French influence. For can't miss house favorites, choose the filet mignon with mushroom risotto or the spinach and leek chicken crepes. With a wine cellar brimming with over 1,200 bottles, this is a perfect spot to enjoy a four-course wine-paired tasting menu.

Description:

A 20-minute drive into town, the Enchantment Resort makes up for any loss of convenience with its exquisite views of Boynton Canyon, one of the most photographed red rock canyons in Sedona and the Southwest. Rooms and suites are situated in pueblo-style casitas, all with private decks, beehive gas fireplaces, and expansive views. Did we mention the views? Aside from the resort's gorgeous natural setting, other attractions include Mii Amo, a world-class spa featuring locker rooms, steam room, sauna and whirlpool, fitness room, indoor pool with fireplace, and an outdoor lap pool. The spa and beauty treatments are inspired by local native plants and traditional indigenous recipes. This is a quintessentially Sedona luxury resort spa in one of the most scenic spots in town.

Description:

American and Mediterranean-inspired dishes are served in the pastel-toned dining room, which manages to be country without getting kitschy. The stone exterior of the restaurant gives it an Italian country-cottage-like quality. The restaurant also offers grilled Certified Angus steaks, fish and seafood and poultry dishes at dinner. At lunch, soups, sandwiches and salads are added. Breakfasts are hearty and have that just like grandma used to make quality.

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 is quite possibly the fanciest pizza place this side of the Mississippi. Award-winning, upscale and artistic, original art, creative wine and beer lists, Picazzo's will change the way you think about pizza. With locations throughout Arizona and a menu that now goes beyond pizza and into the realm of pastas and salads, Picazzos is sure not to disappoint. For a taste of heaven, be sure to try the Roasted Garlic and Brie appetizer. Of course their specialty is still pizza, blending the finest and most creative ingredients on top of your choice of crust options - everything from bagel crust to wheat to gluten-free and more.

Description:

A 20-minute drive into town, the Enchantment Resort makes up for any loss of convenience with its exquisite views of Boynton Canyon, one of the most photographed red rock canyons in Sedona and the Southwest. Rooms and suites are situated in pueblo-style casitas, all with private decks, beehive gas fireplaces, and expansive views. Did we mention the views? Aside from the resort's gorgeous natural setting, other attractions include Mii Amo, a world-class spa featuring locker rooms, steam room, sauna and whirlpool, fitness room, indoor pool with fireplace, and an outdoor lap pool. The spa and beauty treatments are inspired by local native plants and traditional indigenous recipes. This is a quintessentially Sedona luxury resort spa in one of the most scenic spots in town.

Our Local Expert Says:

Local favorite where people-watching, quick service, big portions, and eclectic art meet.

Description:

If you want to eat where the locals eat, head straight to The Coffee Pot, a down-home breakfast and lunch diner that is famous for its breakfasts and notably generous large servings. Named for the imposing coffee pot-shaped rock formation located behind the restaurant, the "home of the famous 101 omelettes" also happens to serve up a mean lunch platter. Choose from a large selection of sandwiches, salads, and Mexican specialties. The Coffee Pot has been a local Sedona landmark for decades, and recently expanded a bit with an outdoor patio and kids menu. There is also a gift shop stocked with knick-knacks.

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.

Description:

Year after year, Shugrue's Hillside Grill is awarded the distinction of being Sedona's superior seafood and fine dining restaurant. There is also good news for steak-lovers-the beef is hand cut for top quality. Located in the Hillside Sedona complex, it is a casually upscale restaurant, not a jacket and tie kind of place. The outdoor patio is even more informal in feel. On weekends, live jazz music is performed.

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:

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.

Description:

The King's Ransom Quality Inn's' restaurant specializes in antibiotic-and-hormone-free beef for a meal of some of the purest protein available. The cafe serves breakfast, lunch and dinner daily in a relaxing, casual atmosphere. Breakfast specialties include Eggs Benedict, Belgian Waffles and Blueberry Pancakes. At lunch, a full menu of soups, salads, sandwiches and Mexican dishes are reasonably priced. Dinners feature daily chef specials like grilled salmon in dill cream sauce and baked ham with a brandy raisin sauce. Full bar service is available.

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.

Description:

Owners Irena and Jerry Crandall use the traditional kettle-boiling method to ensure that their products are authentic, fresh and flavorful. Stop by this casual, New York deli-style eatery for a breakfast sandwich, or one of 18 varieties including apple walnut, cranberry orange pecan or their special Vortexx bagel. Lunch menus include the Beast and Bagel (roast beef with veggies and cheese) or the Touch of Champagne (oven-roasted turkey breast , honey maple ham with champagne mustard). Soups, salads, espresso and Cappuccinos round out the menu.

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:

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:

My personal favorite! Rent A-frames or cabins and sit close to the creek. Kitchens inside for full home comfort.

Description:

What if "roughing it" in a high desert canyon meant rugged rocks by day and sumptuous comfort by night? At this resort, visitors experience the best of both worlds. Rustically appointed rooms include fireplaces and Jacuzzis; some have televisions and VCR's. The creek-side grounds are a scenic stretch for picnics and bird watching. If you want to see the view beyond the beaten trail, rent a Jeep from the resort and take your adventure off road.

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:

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.

Description:

While there are many great restaurants in Sedona, there are not many that cater specifically to the growing population of vegetarians out there. ChocolaTree Organic Eatery blends the finest, freshest, 100% organic ingredients to create colorful and delicious meals, soups, snacks and drinks, all priced very modestly. The creamy carrot ginger soup offers amazing complementary flavors, and the falafel platter is highly recommended for an entree--it includes sprouted falafel balls, tomato, cucumber, red onion and mixed greens, served with a side of creamy garlic dill dip, veggie hummus and raw onion flatbread.


From ChocolaTree: "ChocolaTree Eatery offers 100% Organic Simple Cuisine made in our kitchens using freshly selected produce. Our entire menu is Organic, Vegetarian, Dairy Free and Processed Sugar Free. We offer many gluten free options as well as live and raw food options. Our daily soups are traditional family recipes, utilizing many of our garden grown herbs. People who eat at ChocolaTree Eatery feel 'more energy and in better health'. ChocolaTree Marketplace is filled with carefully selected goods from body care to plant care, local art, ethically harvested jewelry and crystals,... read more

Description:

Offering a menu that has changed and evolved with the help of suggestions and inspirations from patrons, employees, and community members, D'Lish offers the best in vegan cuisine. Not just for the health conscious, or those concerned about the welfare of animals, this restaurant has something unique and curious for anyone daring to try something different. And D'Lish is truly De-licious! Now serving breakfast in addition to their lunches, the restaurant is just as artistic and colorful as the food they serve. D'Lish also offers meals around special events like Christmas and Valentine's Day, and other events promoting de-tox and the virtues of a healthy lifestyle. Check online for a calendar of events.