by Celeste Lipford and Terry Lipford - last updated on 9/6/2025
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:
Beat traffic by arriving before 8am or after 4pm, start in one zone to reduce cross-town driving on AZ-89A, and plan parking first. Many trailheads require a Red Rock Pass or a federal lands pass; display it on your dash. Use park-and-ride shuttles when operating, carry plenty of water, and wear grippy closed-toe shoes for rocky trails. Take a look at our section for Planning a Trip on this page.
Unlike some scenic destinations, Sedona's breathtaking red rock formations are completely free to enjoy. You can embark on scenic hikes, picnics, or meditation sessions surrounded by this natural wonder without spending a dime.
While the red sandstone is the most prominent feature, Sedona's landscape boasts a surprising range of colors. You'll find hints of black, white, and even turquoise peeking through, creating a visually stunning geological tapestry.
Sedona's history stretches back thousands of years. Evidence suggests the Sinagua people, known for their cliff dwellings, thrived here between 600 and 1450 AD. You can explore their legacy at the Palatki Ruins and Honanki Heritage Sites.
Sedona is known for its mystical vortexes, swirling pockets of energy believed to enhance creativity, meditation, and spiritual connection. The scientific validity of these claims is debated, but many visitors find these sites to be powerful and transformative.
The dramatic red rock formations and otherworldly landscapes of Sedona have made it a popular filming location. Over 300 movies have been filmed here, including westerns, sci-fi flicks, and even comedies. See if you can recognize some iconic locations during your visit! Click here to view the list of movies on the IMDB.COM Website.
Sedona has strict design guidelines to protect its unique aesthetic. As a result, the McDonald's here sports teal arches instead of the usual yellow, making it the only one of its kind in the world!
Sedona holds significant spiritual meaning for many Native American tribes. The land is considered sacred, and some areas are designated for prayer and meditation. Be respectful of these traditions during your visit.
Sedona's beauty and vibrant energy have long attracted artists. The city boasts a thriving arts scene with over 200 galleries showcasing works by local and regional talents. Immerse yourself in the artistic spirit by visiting galleries or attending a performance at the Sedona Performing Arts Center.
Sedona's minimal light pollution creates a perfect environment for stargazing. Gaze upon a breathtaking display of stars, planets, and even the Milky Way with the naked eye, or take a guided stargazing tour for an even more in-depth experience.
While hiking is a popular activity in Sedona, there's something for everyone. Relax at Slide Rock State Park's natural water slides, explore the Chapel of the Holy Cross perched on a butte, or go on a thrilling Jeep tour for an off-road adventure.
Sedona Uptown Mall
Cowboy Painter Sculpture
Red Rock Table Top Mountain
Capitol Butte from Airport Mesa
Birdwoman Sculpture
Exploring Downtown Sedona
Exploring Downtown Sedona
Exploring Downtown SedonaKeep 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.
Bear Mountain
Red Rock Bluff
4WD is required to reach the Palatki Heritage Site
Rachel’s Knoll
Buddha Beach Wash
Palatki Heritage Site CliffA 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.
Parking Lot Entrance to Honanki Heritage Site
Cliff-side Honanki Heritage Site
Cliff Structures Honanki Heritage SiteThe 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!
Sedona is gorgeous—and busy. AZ-89A is two lanes through town and becomes a choke point as visitors stack up at lights, trailheads, and viewpoints. Parking is limited and scattered; expect to use public lots or side streets and walk. The winning strategy is simple: go early, go late, and plan your parking first.
Traffic & Parking — Read This First
Expect congestion on 89A, especially mid-morning to late afternoon, weekends, and holidays. Closest lots fill early; side-street parking is common and walk-ins are normal.
Red Rock Pass & Fees
Many trailheads/viewpoints on Coconino National Forest require a Red Rock Pass (day/weekly) or a federal lands pass. Buy at machines or vendors and display on your dash. Some city lots/sights use separate pay kiosks—check signs.
Sedona Shuttle (When Operating)
At busy times, the free park-and-ride shuttles serve popular trailheads. Use official park-and-ride lots and check current routes/hours the morning of your visit.
Best Times & Seasons
Beat the peak: sunrise to mid-morning or late afternoon to sunset. Shoulder seasons can be friendlier than spring break/holidays. Golden hour is superb for photos (and cooler).
Scenic Drives vs. Trailheads
If lots are slammed, pivot to scenic drives and signed pullouts off 89A/179 instead of orbiting trailheads. You’ll still get stellar views and avoid gridlock.
Trail Strategy & Safety
Trails are rocky with steps and ledges—wear grippy closed-toe shoes. Download maps for offline use, carry more water than you think, and mind your footing near drop-offs.
Heat, Sun & Monsoon
High-desert sun bites. Hat, sunscreen, and 2L+ water per person on hotter days. Summer monsoons bring sudden storms—don’t enter drainages during thunderheads.
Accessibility
Some viewpoints/paths are more level than others; expect uneven surfaces overall. Ask staff/volunteers about easier access options near the lots you choose.
Leave No Trace
Stay on established trails, don’t cut switchbacks, and pack out all trash. Treat the red rock and desert soil gently—this landscape is fragile.
Restrooms & Services
Restrooms and water are limited once you leave town centers. Top off water before trailheads; cell coverage can be spotty in canyons.
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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