The Ultimate Guide to Sedona, Arizona: Hikes, Viewpoints, Eats & More
The Ultimate Guide to Sedona, Arizona: Hikes, Viewpoints, Eats & More
Shiz | When Shiz Hits The Van
Welcome to Sedona, Arizona— where adventure meets stunning red rock landscapes! Whether you're a seasoned hiker, a thrill-seeking off-roader, or just looking to soak in the majestic views, this comprehensive guide (with over 70 spots!) has you covered. Explore iconic hiking trails, discover breathtaking viewpoints, and experience the rugged beauty of Sedona's off-roading paths. After a day of adventure, unwind in charming accommodations and savor local flavors at some of the best eateries in town. Get ready to embark on an unforgettable journey through Sedona's most captivating destinations!
If you found this guide useful, I'd appreciate any tips! Thanks for reading and keep traveling!
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Hiking Trails
Cathedral Rock Trail
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One of the most popular (& iconic) hikes in Sedona! It's a classic! Renowned red rock formation in Coconino National Forest & a popular spot for sunset photography.
Length: 1.2 mi round trip
Time: 1-2 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Route type: Out & back
Elevation gain: 741 ft
Dog friendly: Yes
Parking: Two trailhead parking lots ($5/day) are available off Back "O" Beyond Rd. If visiting from Thursday through Sunday, you must either hike in or ride the free Sedona Shuttle service after first parking at 1294 SR 179. Pro tip: Go early to avoid crowds! At the top, take the path to the natural platform on the right for a scenic view. Also, turn left at the End of Trail sign & scramble up the rocks for another stunning canyon view.
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Devil's Bridge via Dry Creek Rd
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One of the most popular hikes in Sedona! Hike to a towering sandstone arch, which visitors can also walk across.
Length: 3.9 mi round trip
Time: 2-3 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Route type: Out & back
Elevation gain: 521 ft
Dog friendly: Yes
Parking: Parking lot ($5/day) is located at Dry Creek Trailhead. If you have a car with AWD, continue to drive up Dry Creek Rd & park at Devil's Bridge Trailhead. This shortens the hike to 2 miles round trip!
Pro tip: Go early to avoid standing in a long line for photos on the bridge.
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Subway Cave via Boynton Canyon Trail
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Such a unique experience in Sedona!
Length: 5.6 mi round trip
Time: 3-4 hours
Difficulty: Moderately easy
Route type: Out & back
Dog friendly: Yes
Parking: Parking lot is located at Boynton Canyon Trailhead. Arrive by 7:30 am or you'll have to find street parking. Read all parking signs!
Pro tip: Arrive early for the best lighting for photography.
Trail tips:
1. Around the 2 mile mark, look for a large alligator juniper tree on your left. A spur trail will lead towards the cave on your right.
2. At 0.18 miles on the spur trail, you'll see a tree stump. Make an immediate hairpin right turn. Do not cross the creek bed!
3. Once you reach the cave, there are two ways to enter:
- A rocky trail on your left leads you to the far left side of the cave. Keep left to explore some Sinagua ruins or head right toward the cave. Be careful crossing the narrow ledge.
- Look for a narrow slit in the rocks & climb up the step incline.
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Soldier Pass Cave via Soldier Pass Trail
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This hike to Soldier Pass Cave passes by Devil's Kitchen & Seven Sacred Pools!
Cave coordinates: 34.900749, -111.785582
Spur trail off Soldier Pass Trail to the cave: 34.897716, -111.787801
Length: 2.8 mi round trip
Time: 2-4 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Route type: Out & back
Elevation gain: 541 ft
Dog friendly: Yes
Parking: There is a tiny parking lot at the trailhead. Arrive by 7:30 am to guarantee a spot or you will have to wait. The lot is only open from 8 am to 6 pm.
Pro tip: Devil's Kitchen is located 0.25 mi after the first intersection. Seven Sacred Pools are located at the 0.9 mile marker.
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West Fork Oak Creek Trail
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A scenic hike along Oak Creek, especially beautiful during fall and after snowfall. Hike this easy trail through a canyon with rock formations, stream crossings & swimming holes.
Length: 7.5 mi round trip
Time: 3 hours
Difficulty: Moderately easy
Route type: Out & back
Elevation gain: 564 ft
Dog friendly: Yes
Parking: Sizable parking lot at the trailhead off Route 89A. Arrive early to guarantee a spot. Parking costs $11.
Pro tip: Bring water shoes, as the latter part of the trail leads into the creek. If visiting during the winter, wear snow shoes instead.
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Secret Slickrock Trail
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A popular spot for weddings and photography shoots. The views of Cathedral Rock are unparalleled!
Length: 0.7 mi round trip
Time: 30-60 min
Difficulty: Easy
Route type: Out & back
Elevation gain: 78 ft
Dog friendly: Yes
Parking: Small parking lot located at trailhead
Pro tip: Go after rain to get a reflection shot! Sunsets are beautiful here too.
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Birthing Cave via Long Canyon Trail
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Another Sedona cave with gorgeous views!
Cave coordinates: 34.91309, -111.83618
Length: 1.9 mi round trip
Time: 1-2 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Route type: Out & back
Elevation gain: 242 ft
Dog friendly: Yes
Parking: There is a very small lot at the trailhead. Overflow parking is limited along the shoulder of Long Canyon Rd.
Pro tip: At 0.6 miles, look for a spur trail on the left. The last section is steep & involves scrambling.
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Hide Out Cave via Forest Service Rd 9530 & Robbers Roost Trail
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Discover a secret cave nestled among unique geological formations with a stunning desert backdrop.
Cave coordinates: 34.93115, -111.96822
Lookout coordinates: 34.93086, -111.96729
Length: 3.0 mi round trip
Time: 2.5 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Route type: Out & back
Elevation gain: 462 ft
Dog friendly: Yes
Parking: There is a small dirt lot off the Forest Service Rd at 34.91577, -111.97823
Pro tip: If you have a car with AWD, continue to drive up Forest Service Rd 9530 & park at Hide Out Cave Trailhead (34.93095, -111.97204). This shortens the hike to 0.8 mi round trip!
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Chicken Point Overlook
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Via Little Horse Trailhead
Length: 2.8 mi round trip
Time: 2-2.5 hours
Difficulty: Easy
Route type: Out & back
Elevation gain: 350 ft
Dog-friendly: Yes
Parking: Small parking lot at the trailhead. $5/day.
Via Chapel of the Holy Cross
Length: 2.6 mi round trip
Difficulty: Easy
Route type: Out & back
Dog-friendly: Yes
Parking: Parking may be scarce due to church visitors. Another lot is available further down the road. Parking is free.
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Fay Canyon Trail
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Walking-only trail leading to scenic views of a natural rock arch & red sandstone cliffs.
Length: 2.4 mi round trip
Time: 1.5-3 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Route type: Out & back
Elevation gain: 298 ft
Dog friendly: Yes
Parking: There is a sizable parking lot with free parking across from the trailhead.
Pro tip: At the 0.6 mile mark, there will be a spur trail marked by cairns on the right side that leads to Fay Canyon Arch (34.9083775, -111.8627545).
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Bell Rock Trail
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Unique rock formation with hiking & mountain-biking trails.
Length: 0.8 mi round trip
Difficulty: Moderate
Route type: Out & back
Elevation gain: 203 ft
Dog friendly: Yes
Parking: Parking lot available at the trailhead, which is also the site of Courthouse Vista. Costs $5/day.
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Sedona Airport Loop Trail
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Hiking loop around Table Top Mountain through basalt boulders & red rocks to panoramic views.
Length: 3.3 mi round trip
Time: 1.5 hrs
Difficulty: Moderate
Route type: Loop
Elevation gain: 429 ft
Dog friendly: Yes
Parking: Free limited parking
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Merry Go Round Rock via Munds Wagon Trail
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One of the best viewpoints in Sedona is Merry Go Round Rock. Both the trail and viewpoint offer breathtaking views of the surrounding red rocks and valleys. Combine this with a visit to Window Cave Lookout for the ultimate shot!
Length: 6.5 mi round trip
Time: 3-4 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Route type: Out & back
Elevation gain: 1105 ft
Dog friendly: Yes
Parking: Small parking lot at the trailhead. Costs $5/day. Pro tip: If you have a car with AWD, you can also visit this spot via the Schnebly Hill Road off-roading trail. For a shorter alternative route, park at Schnebly Hill Vista Overlook and walk down Schnebly Hill Rd for 1 mile until it intersects with Munds Wagon Trail. After 0.6 miles on the trail, you will reach Merry Go Round rock.
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Window Cave Lookout
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This arch can be seen from the top of Merry Go Round Rock. It's accessible off the main Munds Wagon Trail.
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Keyhole Cave via Teacup Trail
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This hike starts off Teacup Trail before branching into an off-trail route that leads to Keyhole Cave, which you can see from the trailhead.
Cave coordinates: 34.887248, -111.799108
Length: 2.0 mi round trip
Time: 3 hours
Difficulty: Hard
Route type: Out & back
Elevation gain: 531 ft
Dog friendly: Yes, but not recommended
Parking: There is a very small parking lot (maybe 12 spots). You are not able to park on the neighborhood streets so it is best to arrive early.
Pro tip: Once you reach the cave, it’s a 30 foot Class III climb to get onto the ledge. Climbing experience is recommended.
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Viewpoints & Points of Interest
Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village
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Enduring outdoor market featuring art galleries, craft shops, cobblestone paths & decorative arches.
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Slide Rock State Park
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Slide down slippery rocks at scenic Oak Creek!
Entrance varies from $10-30 depending on the season. Dogs are allowed but prohibited from going on the rocks.
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Seven Sacred Pools
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Picturesque hiking area known for a series of small natural pools & striking desert scenery. Accessible via Soldier Pass Trail.
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Lover's Knoll
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Viewpoint featuring panoramic vistas. Involves a short 0.25 miles round trip walk to the viewpoint.
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Sedona Airport Scenic Lookout
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Lookout point with views of the town & rugged red sandstone hills that are illuminated at sunset.
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Chapel of the Holy Cross
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Modern 1950s chapel with a striking location atop red rock buttes & wide views of the Sedona area.
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Schnebly Hill Vista Overlook
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A popular hiking destination, this hilltop vista offers scenic views of the red rock landscape.
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Crescent Moon Picnic Site
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Popular site with swimming & fishing in nearby Oak Creek, plus views of dramatic Cathedral Rock.
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Grasshopper Point Swimming & Picnic Area
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Swimming hole backed by dramatic red cliffs, popular for hiking, fishing & picnicking.
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Honanki Heritage Site
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Remains of cliff dwellings dating from the 12th–14th centuries, with Ancient Pueblo rock art. Parking costs $5/day.
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Palatki Heritage Site
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Archaeological site in a red sandstone canyon, home to ancient cliff dwellings with pictographs. Parking costs $5/day.
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Off-Roading Trails
Outlaw Trail
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Wonderful vistas accompany this easygoing route. Combine this trail with a visit to nearby Honanki Heritage Site.
Length: 6.4 mi
Time: 2 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Thrill Factor: Low to medium
Trail Start: Honanki Heritage Site
Trail End: Forest 525 Rd
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Diamondback Gulch
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Steep descents and climbs make this trail fun! It's more about the trail vs the views on this off-roading adventure.
Length: 6.1 mi
Time: 2 hours
Difficulty: Adventurous
Thrill Factor: Medium
Trail Start: Boynton Pass Rd
Trail End: Red Canyon Rd Forest Rd 525 Note: At 4.3 miles, you will arrive at the gulch. Here, you'll encounter big descents/climbs.
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Broken Arrow Trail
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The ultimate off-roading trail awaits you! Descend The Stairs before arriving at Chicken Point Overlook!
Length: 4 mi
Time: 2 hours
Difficulty: Hard
Thrill Factor: Thrilling
Trail Start & End: Broken Arrow Trailhead
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Soldier Pass Road
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Skip the hike and drive to Devil's Kitchen & Seven Sacred Pools instead!
Length: 2.4 mi
Time: 1.5 hours
Difficulty: Moderate to adventurous
Thrill Factor: Medium to high
Trail Start & End: Soldier Pass Trailhead
Note: Only 12 permits are granted daily. Reserve a permit at recreation.gov. This trail must be completed between 8 am to 6 pm since the parking lot to the trail is only open during these hours.
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Schnebly Hill Road
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This trail offers unique vistas along the way to a popular overlook.
Length: 5.7 mi
Time: 2-3 hours
Difficulty: Easy
Thrill Factor: Low
Trail Start: Schnebly Hill Trailhead
Trail End: Schnebly Hill Vista Overlook
Note: The trail is extremely rocky, which may become tiresome to navigate.
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Accommodations
Budget Stays
The Sedona Hilltop Inn
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Motel with free parking, steps from Tlaquepaque Arts and Crafts Village
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Mid-tier Stays
Inn Above Oak Creek
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Comfortable bed & breakfast, a short walk to Tlaquepaque Arts and Crafts Village
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Upscale Stays
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Enchantment Resort
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Sedona resort in West Sedona with 2 restaurants and 2 outdoor pools
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Luxury Stays
L'Auberge de Sedona
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Surrounded by serene, picturesque landscapes, this tranquil retreat offers a zenlike atmosphere with beautifully maintained grounds. Delight in delicious breakfasts by the peaceful creek and unwind in cozy, comfortable rooms, all while enjoying exceptional service from the friendly staff.
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Adobe Grand Villas
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Upscale Sedona bed & breakfast in West Sedona with a full-service spa
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Campsites
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Coconino National Forest Dispersed Camping Area @ FR 9559
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Some great spots along this road featuring vistas of red rock formations. Go early to grab a prime campsite!
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Where to Eat
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Hideaway House
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Relaxed eatery featuring sandwiches, pizza & pasta also offers scenic creek & canyon views. Dog-friendly patio seating
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The Hudson
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Neighborhood restaurant serving New American fare & cocktails in chic, contemporary surroundings. Dog-friendly patio.
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Elote Cafe
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Bustling restaurant inside a hotel turning out inspired regional Mexican fare plus tequila drinks.
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Indian Gardens Cafe & Market
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Sandwiches, salads & artisan coffee drinks in a scenic historic setting with a shaded back patio.
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Shorebird Sedona
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Easygoing restaurant offering brunch, sandwiches & a raw bar, plus dinner & cocktails. Dog-friendly patio seating.
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Wildflower
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Local cafe chain serving high-end sandwiches, salads & baked goods in a counter-serve setting. Dog-friendly patio.
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Pump House Station Urban Eatery and Market
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Rustic-chic, A-frame eatery offering elevated breakfast, lunch & dinner staples, plus beer & wine. Dog-friendly patio.
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Sedona Beer Company | Uptown
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Laidback brewery serving inventive dishes. Dog-friendly
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Sedona Beer Company | Basecamp
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Laidback brewery serving inventive dishes. Dog friendly.
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Vespa Healthy Italian Café Sedona
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This healthy Italian spot offers sandwiches and pinsas (thin flatbreads). Dog-friendly outdoor patio
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Momo's Kitchen
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Straightforward food truck takeaway providing traditional Korean cooking & fruit teas.
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Local Juicery
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Organic juices (including cleanses) & health food are served with coffee & tea, plus a to-go area. Dog-friendly outdoor seating.
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Outlaw Grille
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Hefty hamburgers & BBQ sandwiches turned out in a down-to-earth space with a simple, cowboy theme. Dog-friendly outdoor seating available.
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Gerardo's Pizzeria
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Popular restaurant serving Neapolitan pizzas & classic Italian dishes with wine in a low-key space. Outdoor patio.
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Hilltop Deli Sedona
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Quick service stop serving a variety of hot and cold specialty sandwiches
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Sedona Memories Café
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Quaint bakery-deli with patio seating & a menu of salads & customizable sandwiches.
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Mesa Grill Sedona
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High-ceilinged establishment with many windows & an American menu that includes steaks & seafood. Great place to view the planes landing/taking off by the airport. Beautiful at sunset.
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Creekside American Bistro
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Casual, upscale spot with creative, seasonal meals & local beers, plus scenic creekside outdoor seating & a dog menu.
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Red Rock Cafe
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Generously portioned meals are a draw at this Southwestern spot for daily breakfasts & lunches.
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Dellepiane
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Specialty burgers with Argentinean flair, empanadas & more served in a trendy, laid-back atmosphere. Dog-friendly patio.
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Sedonuts Donut & Coffee Shop of Yavapai County: Sedona, AZ
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Brick-fronted café serving flavored, glazed & frosted donuts, hot & cold drinks & merchandise.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Shiz | When Shiz Hits The Van
Hi, I'm Shiz!
I am beyond thrilled to share my passion for travel and photography with you. As a school-based speech-language pathologist in Los Angeles, I'm lucky to have a few breaks throughout the year, which allow me to travel frequently and with great flexibility. My husband and I often venture on trips together around the globe. Ever since we got the keys to our off-road truck (ahem, van) during the pandemic, my wanderlust has gone into overdrive. When we're not traveling overseas, you can often find us camping or off-roading on the weekends across California or in the Southwest.
Whether you're looking for inspiration for your next road trip destination or luxe vacation, my comprehensive travel guides provide you with immersive and authentic travel experiences worldwide. My thoroughly crafted itineraries go beyond the typical tourist sites and highlight a mix of outdoor adventures, cultural attractions, and trendy food locales. I also love discovering and exploring hidden gems, which I'm more than happy to share with you all. Take a look around the site and feel free to reference my travel tips to help plan your dream trip.
I've done the research so you don't have to!
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