Sedona, Arizona is a popular tourist destination in the United States. Surprisingly picturesque. Red rock monoliths that are breathtaking. Serenity for the soul. Awe-inspiring in all ways. The Wilderness of Secret Mountain. Canyon walls that soar. Oak Creek Canyon and its glistening waters. Sedona, with its vortexes, is a spiritual Mecca.
Sedona, Arizona is about 150 miles north of Phoenix, but with an elevation of about 5,000 feet, temperatures are about 15 degrees cooler than in the Valley of the Sun. Amazing hiking trails, particularly the West Fork Trail at Oak Creek. Its campgrounds along Oak Creek are ideal for those who enjoy camping in the great outdoors.
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A four-season haven. Every year, over 4 million tourists visit this outdoor adventure. Resorts that will take your breath away. Budget-friendly motels, cabin rentals, bed and breakfasts, or camping under the stars. Flagstaff is only a 27-mile drive up Oak Creek Canyon, one of the country’s top five scenic drives. Sedona continues to entice visitors. Time and again.
It’s all about the outdoors when you visit Sedona. Not seeing some of the most beautiful scenery in the country is a missed opportunity. The Sedona Red Rocks are the most popular tourist attraction in Sedona, Arizona. These natural wonders can be found in any direction. The views will immerse you in the vivid colors of crimson as they reach for blue skies, and the visual feast is completely free.
There are an infinite number of things to do, places to visit, and activities to participate in. The following is a list of the best-rated adventurous things to do in Sedona while on vacation. Of course, there are omissions that may pique your interest. At the bottom of the list, we’ve included some additional great resources for what to do by visitor-recommended places to visit.
What Is There to Do in Sedona, Arizona?
Sedona is one of the most beautiful places you will ever see, known for its mystical vortexes and unique red rock monoliths. There is so much to do and see in Sedona that you would have to spend a few weeks in the Verde Valley just to see it all. Whether you’re planning a family vacation, a romantic getaway, a wedding, a family reunion, or a corporate event, an unforgettable trip to Sedona, Arizona awaits.
Choose a vacation style that is appropriate for your interests and budget. Yes, visiting Sedona can be expensive if you stay at a world-class resort and shop at the most expensive boutiques and art galleries, as well as eat at the best upscale restaurants. There are, however, budget and economic alternatives. And there are numerous free activities in Sedona. There is an endless range of outdoor activities that will not cost a dime while rejuvenating minds, body, and soul in an area that boasts the most diverse landscape in the southwest.
In Sedona, Arizona, there is never a shortage of things to do. Your biggest challenge will be deciding what to do or see among the numerous activity options. The following are some of the best, most popular, and highest rated Sedona activities. See also our Sedona Attractions page.
Sedona Tours and Sightseeing
Beauty is completely free. Some of Sedona’s famous red rocks can be seen from the road or even while eating lunch on a patio. For better views, many of the more popular monoliths have parking lots. You can even go on short hikes to get up close and personal. Tour companies in Sedona that will take you deeper into the back country by jeep and reward you with breathtaking views.
Ride in a hot air balloon. Take off in a biplane. Explore ancient Indian ruins. Ride the Verde Canyon Railroad for a relaxing afternoon. Hire a professional guide to take you on a tour of the secret vortex locations. With wine tastings, tour the Verde Valley vineyards and wineries. The views of Sedona are breathtaking. They are even more incredible when accompanied by a professional to inaccessible locations.
Scenic Drives in Sedona
Sedona’s Scenic Wonder. It’s red rock country here. Leisurely drives are just one way to appreciate the natural beauty. The most popular drive is up Oak Creek Canyon, a 16-mile journey through lush vegetation alongside the glistening Oak Creek. The Red Rock Scenic Byway along State Route 179, the drive up Schenbly Hill, the Red Rock Sycamore Canyon Loop, and the Desert Canyon Loop are all scenic drives.
Check out this loop drive from Sedona to the Grand Canyon’s South Rim. The roundtrip distance is approximately 220 miles through Flagstaff, with spectacular views of the San Francisco Peaks along the way. Take a short drive to Jerome, Arizona’s largest ghost town and once considered the most wicked town in the state. Jerome is now primarily an arts district with galleries and boutique shops.
Hiking in Sedona and the Oak Creek Valley
There are some incredible hikes in the Sedona AZ area, each with its own distinct personality. They are as dissimilar as their levels of difficulty. Steep ascents to high altitudes. Treks that follow the banks of Oak Creek and the canyon walls. Lush vegetation in remote areas of peace. Beautiful scenery meandering along creeks, swimming holes, and soft waterfalls. The West Fork Oak Creek Trail and the Bell Trail along Beaver Creek are particularly popular. Valerie Millett’s stunning photos of the West Fork Oak Creek Trail can be found here.
Camping and fishing in Sedona and Oak Creek Canyon
The camping in the Oak Creek Canyon is the best in Arizona. Relax in lush vegetation while cooking grills and easy parking are available. Hike and fish along Oak Creek while taking in the breathtaking views of red rock cliffs. There are several campgrounds, most of which do not accept reservations. So arrive early to secure your camping spot. in a cool country with ideal spring and summer temperatures Pitch your tent or bring your RV and reconnect with nature. There are small camping fees, but the enjoyment is well worth it. Check out our selection of Sedona and Oak Creek Canyon campgrounds.
State Parks in and Around Sedona, Arizona
Slide Rock State Park, located in Oak Creek Canyon, is perhaps the most popular state park. It features the famous Slide Rock, a water-slide chute on the slick boulders of Oak Creek. Swimmers can spend hours jumping from large boulders into deep pools of water.
Red Rock State Park is a 266-acre nature preserve with hiking trails, picnic areas, and a visitor center complete with a theater and gift shop.
Dead Horse Ranch State Park is a 423-acre park in nearby Cottonwood, Arizona, with the Verde River running through it, providing an ideal setting for camping, canoeing, fishing, and day picnicking. It should be noted that Arizona State Parks have small entrance fees.
Ancient Indian Ruins in the Sedona Area
If you are looking for things to do in Sedona AZ, consider visiting ancient Indian ruins and petroglyph sites in Sedona and the surrounding area. The most well-known is Montezuma Castle, which is located near Camp Verde. The Sinagua Indians constructed these ancient cliff dwellings in the 1100s.
Palatki Ruins are well-preserved ruins located east of Sedona. The V-Bar-V Petroglyph Heritage Site, southeast of Sedona, has over 1,000 petroglyphs with ancient, inscribed messages but no Indian ruins. There are numerous ruins scattered throughout Sedona’s Secret Wilderness, some of which require lengthy hikes to reach. Walnut Canyon in Flagstaff, just north of Sedona, has some amazing, well-preserved ancient cliff dwellings.
Other Activities, Attractions, and Points of Interest
There is so much to do in Sedona. Attractions and places to visit, as well as outdoor adventure activities The destination resort spas will more than satisfy those who enjoy indulging and being pampered. Northern Arizona attractions include the Grand Canyon, Antelope Canyon, and the massive Lake Powell. For golf enthusiasts, Sedona has a number of golf courses. When the day is done, you can curl up by a fireplace or visit one of Sedona’s many fine restaurants, where you can dine on an outside patio overlooking the points of interest, go to a BBQ cowboy steakhouse, or sit by the creek with a glass of wine. See also our Sedona Attractions List.