by Celeste Lipford and Terry Lipford - last updated on 5/12/2025
We were making our way back to Phoenix, Arizona, after an unforgettable visit to the Grand Canyon, and a stop in Sedona was an absolute must. Having visited Sedona previously, we were already familiar with its unparalleled beauty, vibrant red rock formations, and serene atmosphere. This charming town holds a special place in our hearts for its unique blend of natural splendor, artistic culture, and welcoming ambiance.
Whether it's the awe-inspiring vistas, the inviting local shops, or the delicious dining options, Sedona never fails to captivate. We knew this stop would provide the perfect opportunity to unwind, take in the breathtaking scenery, and reflect on the adventures of our journey before heading back to the Phoenix Airport to fly back to Florida.
Ok, so in the interests of "honesty" we actually stayed at Hilton Sedona Resort at Bell Rock Ridge in Oak Creek Canyon, AZ. This location is 8 miles north of Sedona on route 179. Yes, this page is named for Sedona because that was the purpose of our visit, but for those of you who know about our Hilton Properties zeal, you can easily guess why we stayed at this hotel. Regardless of our Hilton enthusiasm, this is a seriously nice hotel, with a very nice set of amenities, pub, spa, pool and nearby golf course.
However, as I said above, the purpose of this destination was to further explore Sedona Canyon because it beckons with its fiery red rocks and spiritual allure. Hike stunning trails that wind through towering mesas and sculpted buttes. Witness the ingenuity of ancient cliff dwellings tucked into canyon walls, remnants of civilizations past.
Sedona is renowned for its vortexes—unique energy centers believed to foster healing, meditation, and spiritual connection. These vortexes are located at sites like Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock, Boynton Canyon, and Airport Mesa. Many visitors report experiencing heightened awareness, tranquility, or inspiration when visiting these areas. The vortexes are often associated with the stunning red rock formations, which are not only visually captivating but also enhance the mystical allure of Sedona. People come from around the world to hike, meditate, or simply soak in the natural beauty and energy of these sites. Whether you believe in the metaphysical aspects or not, the vortex locations are undeniably beautiful, offering panoramic views, vibrant sunsets, and a sense of peace. Sedona’s vortexes make it a unique destination for seekers of both natural and spiritual enrichment.
There are some really good 4WD off-road trails in the Sedona area, we did not endulge in this kind of adventure for this trip, but we did on a previous trip to Sedona. Click here to view that section on this page.
Sedona, Arizona is a land of vibrant red rocks, artistic energy, and fascinating secrets. Here are some interesting facts that set Sedona apart:
Keep in mind that there are 100 hotels (as of 8/30/2024) comprising all price ranges and ratings, so you have to consider where to stay based upon your budget, etc. The following are a few suggestions;
Upscale Resorts:
Mid-Range Hotels:
Budget-Friendly Options:
Kid-Friendly Accommodations:
Other Options:
Keep in mind that Sedona is spread-out along US Highway 89A and route 179, amenities are more densely found in what they call "uptown Sedona" and less so elsewhere within the city.
Click here to view a Google Search Results list for "accommodations in Sedona, AZ". NOTE: Once you arrive at the Google Search Results page, you can change the display order by selecting your own "search filters". Just as an example, if you wanted to search for accommodations in Sedona that are "kid friendly", you would click open the "filters" list and scroll down to the "Amenities list" and click the "kid friendly" menu item. Google would then re-display the accommodations and list the "kid friendly" accommodations for you.
As of 412/2025 there are approximately 151 dining establishments in Sedona. Here are the top five restaurants according to Google Reviews:
Guest Rating 4.6 based upon 4,000+ reviews
Guest Rating 4.5 based upon 3,500+ reviews
Guest Rating 4.5 based upon 3,800+ reviews
Guest Rating 4.5 based upon 3,800+ reviews
Guest Rating 4.4 based upon 2,900+ reviews
We'd like to give a special mention to Tortas de Fuego West Sedona, we had lunch there and the food & service was excellent!
If you would like to do your own research, here is a Google Results list for "places to eat in sedona arizona". You will be able to re-sort this list once you are on that page.
If you're seeking an excellent spot to capture breathtaking photos of Sedona from an elevated vantage point, consider heading to the Sedona Airport Overlook. Perched atop Airport Mesa, this location offers panoramic views of the valley and surrounding red rock formations, making it a perfect destination for photographers and sightseers alike.
Airport Mesa has fantastic views overlooking Cathedral Rock, Courthouse Butte, Bell Rock, Chimney Rock, and Coffee Pot Rock. To get to Airport Mesa, start from Sedona by taking North State Route 89A south toward Forest Road. Take the second exit at the traffic circle, onto AZ-89A. After one mile, continue straight on the traffic circle to stay on the AZ-89A. Finally, turn left onto Airport Road. Once you've reached the top of that hill, there will be a small parking lot on your left, park there as the turnout on the right has a fence in place to preclude cars from parking.
Note: The following images & narrative are from a previous visit we made to Sedona, we merged them into a single page for your viewing convenience.
The above image is a Panoramic view of Sedona, Coffee Pot Rock and Capital Butte Rock "Thunder Mountain" on the north side of the city. View is from the Sedona Airport mesa overlook. This area is east (and a little south) of the Palatki Heritage Area. These rocks, as well as the two Heritage sites, are part of the huge Cocochino National Forest.
Image Credit: Above image is the property of Geoff Livingston via Wikimedia Commons using the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0 Generic license.
A visit to the Palatki Heritage Site offered us a glimpse into the lives of the ancient Sinagua people who inhabited the region between 1100 and 1400 CE. Located in the stunning red rock canyons of the Coconino National Forest, Palatki is one of the most significant archaeological sites in the Verde Valley and a must-see destination for history enthusiasts and nature lovers.
Getting to Palatki Heritage Site
Tips for Visiting
Off-Road Vehicle Rentals in Sedona There are a number of locations that will rent long or short term off-road vehicles, here is a Google Search Results list link for "where to rent off road vehicles in sedona az".
NOTE: Even with an off-road vehicle, you cannot drive all the way to the Cliff Dwellings. You have to park about 75 yards away and walk in.
The Palatki Heritage Site and its sister site, the Honanki Heritage Site, were the largest cliff dwellings of the Red Rock Country between AD 1150 - 1350. The Palatki Heritage Site cliff dwelling and rock art site is located near the town of Sedona in north-central Arizona. Currently managed by the U.S. Forest Service under the Red Rock Pass Program, the site is open to the general public for visits seven days a week (closed Thanksgiving and Christmas).
It is amazing to realize that these cliffs were where this Indian Tribe lived a very long time ago. We could not imagine how long it must have taken to construct these dwellings!
In the trip menu list below, a "dark filled circle" represents a destination where we stayed, and the "dark filled arrow" items below that circle location, represent the destinations we visited while in that city or location. A circle icon that is not filled represents a city that we visited or stayed in, but did not necessarily explore.
Click any link below to go directly to that page;
Alamogordo, NM
Chaco Culture National Historical Park, NM
Grand Canyon, AZ
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