Things to do in  Sedona

Built directly into the side of red-rock cliffs not far from downtown Sedona, the Chapel of the Holy Cross is a modern architectural marvel and a place for reflection. Visitors flock to the Roman Catholic chapel to take in the outstanding views of Sedona’s awe-inspiring desert scenery, including the Twin Buttes rock formations that sit behind it. Some say its location among Sedona’s energy vortexes adds spiritual significance to the site.

The stretch of State Route 89A that winds tightly through Arizona’s Oak Creek Canyon is the most scenic route between Sedona and Flagstaff. With Slide Rock State Park in the middle, dramatic red rock formations to either side, and plenty of pull-off points, the gorge offers far more than just a pretty drive—it’s an outdoor playground for camping, fishing, hiking, and swimming.

The Verde Canyon Railroad winds its way along the scenic Verde River for a 4-hour rail journey, offering passengers a uniquely scenic way to experience the Arizona wilderness. The refurbished heritage railroad cars make the round-trip journey through the pristine gorge, with unobstructed canyon vistas out panoramic windows and open-air viewing cars as the train passes over bridges, through tunnels, and past soaring formations of red rock.

Get a feel for the art scene of Sedona and pick up unique gifts at Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village. Located along the banks of Oak Creek, this picturesque outdoor shopping complex and artist community is home to more than 45 art galleries, boutiques, and specialty shops selling hand-made crafts and one-of-a-kind artistic creations.

This towering 4,965-foot (1,513-meter sandstone butte stands sentinel over Sedona’s red rock landscape. An icon of Arizona, its image is often emblazoned on postcards and tourist materials. The formation draws camera-toting visitors who want to capture the sight as well as hikers who trek up the short-but-steep Cathedral Rock Trail.

Boynton Canyon Trail’s red-rock surroundings and easy passes make it one of Sedona’s most popular hikes. Visitors find panoramic views early during the 6-mile (9.6 kilometers) trek, where red buttes, pine forests, and canyon expanses mix. It’s a relatively easy hike with optional stops at Sinagua ruins, a “secret” cave, and, according to sages, one of Sedona’s major energy vortexes.

Bell Rock is a colorful bell-shaped red rock formation set in the desert outside of Sedona. The area is home to popular hiking trails, wildlife—keep an eye out for coyote and fox tracks—and vista points overlooking the surrounding valley and rock formations. The site is also known as an energy vortex and is a popular meditation destination.

With panoramic views of the desert, Airport Mesa is a rock formation where you’ll find Sedona Airport and a popular hiking area. According to some it’s also a vortex, an area of high electromagnetic energy. Whether you see Airport Mesa as one of Sedona’s spiritual highlights—or just a scenic one—it’s certainly a gorgeous spot.

Sedona is known for its red-rock views, desert life, and spiritual aura, but there’s a solid golf game here too. The Seven Canyons Golf Course is one of the top private courses in the area, offering a luxury setting skirting the edge of the Coconino National Forest. What’s more, the course houses Rachel’s Knoll, a scenic viewpoint and meditation spot said to overlook multiple energy vortexes.

If you gaze at Snoopy Rock from the right angle, the red rock formation resembles the famousPeanuts dog lying on his back with Woodstock on his nose. This rock—one of the most famous in Sedona—can be spotted from a number of viewpoints, such as Marg’s Draw Trail, and the shops, restaurants, galleries, and cafés of uptown.

One of the largest pueblos built by the pre-Columbian Sinagua people, the Tuzigoot National Monument crowns a desert ridge above the Verde Valley. Less known than Montezuma Castle, a similar monument built by the Northern Sinagua, Tuzigoot holds some of the largest ruins in the area, highlighted by petroglyphs and pithouses once accessed via ladders through doors cut into the roofs.

With views of ruddy cliffs everywhere you look, Red Rock State Park is a sight to behold. Trails slice through this 286-acre (116-hectare) nature preserve, winding through manzanita juniper shrubs toward the banks of Oak Creek. The visitor center offers numerous daily activities for guests, including nature walks and naturalist activities.

Stretching for 200 miles from Arizona to New Mexico, the Mogollon Rim is a spectacular aerial playground. A rocky escarpment—a plateau, essentially—rising over 2,000 feet (610 meters) above the desert below, up here you’ll find verdant canyons, fishing lakes, dramatic white cliffs, tunnels of pine, trails and campgrounds, and adventure galore.

On the historic 43-acre (17-hectare) Pendley Homestead, just north of Sedona, Slide Rock State Park is considered one of the top swimming holes in America—it’s most famous for its 80-foot (24-meter) natural water slide. The park, set in Oak Creek Canyon, is also home to an apple orchard, historic sites, picnic areas, hiking trails, and volleyball courts.

For exceptional views out over Oak Creek Canyon, make your way to Oak Creek Vista, just off Route 89A between Flagstaff and Sedona. While the views alone are worth a visit, there’s also an artisan market led by Native American craftspeople to visit plus a seasonal information booth run by the Arizona National History Association to see.