Sedona Arizona – Red Rock Scenery, Canyon Trails & Scenic Drives

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.

Sedona Area Exploration Map

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.

Interesting facts about Sedona

Sedona, Arizona is a land of vibrant red rocks, artistic energy, and fascinating secrets. Here are some interesting facts that set Sedona apart:

Million Dollar Views: 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.
More Than Just Red: 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.
Home to Ancient Ancestral People: 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.
Mysterious Vortexes - Energy Hotspots or Tourist Trap? 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.
Hollywood's Playground: 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.
The Only McDonald's with Teal Arches: 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!
Spiritual Significance for Native Americans: 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.
A Haven for Artists: 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.
Stargazing Paradise: 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.
More Than Just Hiking: 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

Where to stay in Sedona

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:

Enchantment Resort: Luxurious resort nestled in Boynton Canyon, offering stunning views, multiple pools, a spa, and gourmet dining.
L'Auberge de Sedona: Elegant resort with suites and cottages, a restaurant, bar, and spa. Located on Oak Creek.
Amara Resort and Spa: Modern resort with an infinity pool, spa, and Salt Rock restaurant. Situated in Uptown Sedona.

Mid-Range Hotels:

Hilton Sedona Resort at Bell Rock: Chic resort with a spa, golf course, and pool. Offers stunning views of Bell Rock. We can vouch for this one, as we stayed there. The rooms are nice size, there is a restaurant, bar and a meeting room.
The Wilde Resort and Spa: Upscale resort with a spa, restaurant, and pool. Located near West Sedona.
The Orchards Inn of Sedona: Charming inn with a pool, hot tub, and breakfast buffet. Situated in Uptown Sedona.

Budget-Friendly Options:

Best Western Plus Sedona Inn: Comfortable hotel with a pool and hot tub. Located near Uptown Sedona.
Sedona View Bed and Breakfast: Bed and breakfast with stunning views of Sedona. Offers a continental breakfast.
Sedona Red Rock Inn: Affordable motel with a pool and hot tub. Located near Uptown Sedona.

Kid-Friendly Accommodations:

Hilton Sedona Resort at Bell Rock: Located among Sedona's dramatic red rock formations, this chic resort hotel is 7.2 miles drive to Tlaquepaque arts and crafts village and 11.8 miles' drive from Oak Creek Canyon.
Enchantment Resort: Set on 70 acres in Boynton Canyon, this upscale resort is 8.5 miles from Sedona and 16 miles from Slide Rock State Park.
Inn Above Oak Creek: Surrounded by trees, this secluded inn overlooking Oak Creek is 2 miles from the Sedona Heritage Museum and 8 miles from Slide Rock State Park.

Other Options:

Vacation Rentals: Consider renting a vacation home or condo for a more private and spacious experience. You could consider utilizing VRBO
Camping: For those seeking a more adventurous experience, Sedona offers several campgrounds with stunning views. Click here to view a Google Search Results list of "campgrounds in or near Sedona".

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.

Sedona Restaurants

As of 412/2025 there are approximately 151 dining establishments in Sedona. Here are the top five restaurants according to Google Reviews:

The Hudson: Neighborhood restaurant serving New American fare & cocktails in chic, contemporary surroundings.
Guest Rating 4.6 based upon 4,000+ reviews
Wildflower: Local cafe chain serving high-end sandwiches, salads & baked goods in a counter-serve setting.
Guest Rating 4.5 based upon 3,500+ reviews
Hideaway House: Relaxed eatery featuring sandwiches, pizza & pasta also offers scenic creek & canyon views
Guest Rating 4.5 based upon 3,800+ reviews
Creekside American Bistro: Casual, upscale spot with creative, seasonal meals & local beers, plus outdoor seating & a dog menu.
Guest Rating 4.5 based upon 3,800+ reviews
Mesa Grill Sedona: High-ceilinged establishment with many windows & an American menu that includes steaks & seafood.
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.

Sedona Airport Overlook

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.

Exploring Sedona Canyon 3D Map

Explore Sedona's majestic red rock canyons! Hike stunning trails, witness ancient cliff dwellings & awaken your spirit in this vortex hotspot. Breathtaking views await!

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 Cliff

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

Location: Palatki is about 16 miles west of Sedona. Visitors can reach it via Forest Road 525 (west exit off 89A), followed by Forest Road 795. A high-clearance vehicle is recommended as the dirt roads can be rough, with large rocks you will have to navigate through or around. This is not a drive you would want to make in a street car!
Reservations: Due to its popularity and limited capacity, reservations are required. These can be made by contacting the Red Rock Ranger District.
Passes: A Red Rock Pass, America the Beautiful Interagency Pass or a Senior Lifetime Pass is required for admission.
Tours: There are several companies that offer accompanied tours, here is a Google Search Results link for "sedona az tours".

Tips for Visiting

What to Wear: Sturdy shoes are recommended, as there is a short, uneven trail to the ruins from the parking lot area.
What to Bring: Carry plenty of water, especially during warmer months, and bring a hat and sunscreen for sun protection. There are no nearby facilities, so bring snacks, etc, until you can return to the Sedona area.

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 Site

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!

More Info for Sedona, AZ

Vortexes in Sedona, AZ
Sedona, AZ Wikipedia Article
Sedona, AZ Google Images Set:
Our Sedona, AZ Image Gallery:
Sedona, AZ Restaurants via Google Search Results:
Sedona, AZ Accommodations via Google Search Results:
Tortas de Fuego Mexican Restaurant, Sedona, AZ - We had lunch here and it was excellent:
See what others have said about Sedona: oogle Reviews
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