Sedona Travel Guide

Sedona Travel Guide

Lucy On Locale
Sedona is one of the best getaways in the Southwest, so I've rounded up the best times to visit, hikes, activities, accommodations, restaurants, and day trips.
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Pro Tip for Visiting Sedona: Most trailheads have limited parking, so arrive as early as possible to beat the crowds (and the heat)! 

When To Visit Sedona

March - May is one of the best times to visit Sedona because the desert wildflowers will be in full bloom. Spring also has a low chance of rain, and temperatures range from the mid-60s to the low-80s, perfect for hiking and outdoor activities.

Winter is Sedona's low season. Temperatures average in the mid-50s, and snow in the higher red rock elevations is possible. You can score some great accommodation deals from December - February (except for the holidays) and have most of the trails practically to yourself.

June - August is Sedona's shoulder season, so tourist numbers and prices will be lower. You'll want to finish hiking by 10 am to avoid the heat and choose an accommodation with a pool. This is also the monsoon season when Sedona gets most of its annual rainfall, so bring your rain gear.

Best Hikes

Devil's Bridge Trailhead
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Moderate, 3.9 miles out and back
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Cathedral Rock Trailhead
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Moderate, 1.2-mile out and back
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Boynton Canyon Trail
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Moderate-difficult, 7.3-mile out and back
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Soldier Pass Trailhead
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Moderate, 4.5-mile loop
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Fay Canyon Trailhead
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Easy, 2.6-mile out and back
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Birthing Cave
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Moderate, 2-mile out and back
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Bell Rock Trailhead
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Moderate, 0.8-mile out and back
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Sedona Airport Loop Trail
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Moderate, 3.2-mile loop
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Activities

Drive the Red Rock Scenic Byway

Paddle the Verde River with Verde Adventures’ Water To Wine Experience

Go on an off-road jeep tour

Taste your way along the Verde Valley Wine Trail (my favorite wineries are Page Spring Cellars, Javelina Leap, and Oak Creek Vineyards)

Have a spa day

Take a helicopter ride

Go mountain biking

Crescent Moon Picnic Site
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Pack out a meal to have a picnic here, then wade in the river and hike around this area.
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Chapel of the Holy Cross
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Go inside the church, and enjoy the spectacular views.
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Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village
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Shop (or window shop) here for local art and souveniers.
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Amitabha Stupa and Peace Park
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Walk around this holy site, and enjoy the views.
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Where To Stay

If you’re bringing an RV or motorhome, I suggest Rancho Sedona RV Park or Oak Creek Mobilodge.

Where To Eat

The Hudson
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American, $$
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Cucina Rustica
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Italian, $$-$$$
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Vino Di Sedona
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Wine Bar, $$
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Tii Gavo
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American, Southwestern, $$$
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Javelina Cantina
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Southwestern, $$
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Mariposa Latin Inspired Grill
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Mexican, Southwestern, Latin, $$$
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Elote Cafe
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Mexican, Southwestern, Latin ($$-$$$)
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Shorebird Sedona
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Seafood, $$$
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Wildflower
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Brunch, $$
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SaltRock Kitchen
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Mexican, Southwestern, Latin, $$-$$$
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Layla's Bakery-Cafe
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Brunch, $$
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Che Ah Chi
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American, Southwestern, $$$$
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Best Day Trips

The Grand Canyon National Park Foundation
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Grand Canyon National Park is just two hours from Sedona by car or less time by helicopter. Many guided tours leave from Sedona, or you can do a self-guided tour of the Grand Canyon if you have a car.
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Montezuma Castle National Monument
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Here, you can marvel at one of the best-preserved cliffside dwellings in the U.S. This site was one of the first national monuments dedicated to preserving Native American culture. Located in Camp Verde, these dwellings were built and used by the Sinagua people, a pre-Columbian culture between approximately 1100 and 1425 AD.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Lucy On Locale
Chicago-based Travel Blogger and Creator specializing in adventure and boutique travel. My page offers straightforward, comprehensive travel itineraries and guides you can easily follow or customize. I also offer services to design and customize trips just for you. Contact me via Instagram (@lucyonlocale) or email me (info@lucyonlocale) to learn more about my personalized travel planning services and bespoke small-group trips.
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