Escape the hustle and bustle of Phoenix and head north about 2 hours to Sedona, AZ. Known for the gorgeous red rocks and great hiking, it is the perfect spot for a quick weekend getaway.
It is highly recommended to visit in the early spring or fall to avoid the heat midday. I've visited in both May and January, each experience being totally different but, still enjoyable. If you visit in the winter months, plan to see snow (yes it snows in Arizona).
Sedona does have their very own airport right in town, but they are a regional location and do not offer many flight options. If you are flying in, we recommend flying into Phoenix International. The easiest and most convenient way is to rent a car to drive to Sedona. Rental deals from the airport were reasonable and easy to navigate.Â
Where to Stay
During my stay in Sedona in May, we stayed overnight in the Desert Quail Inn - located nearby the Bell Rock and other similar hikes.Â
Quaint Inn just south of Sedona. Was perfect for a quick overnight stay. Perfect if you are spending the majority of your day out hiking/exploring. Everything was clean and the pool was refreshing.
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HikingÂ
To stay prepared out on the trails, download AllTrails. They include maps, recent trail conditions and other hiking guides to help keep you safe. Reception is often very limited in sections of Sedona and the surrounding region. Over prepare to stay safe on the trails.Â
Items to bring along: small backpack, lots of various high protein snacks, good hiking shoes/boots, a hat, sun protectant, lots of water (way more than you think you should), small first aid kit, sunglasses, thin layers for early morning/evening hikes, hiking poles. This list is not all inclusive but should keep you safe and prepared for short trails. If you are doing anything much longer, pack extra!
Day 1 | Stop 1: Hike Bell Rock & Courthouse Butte Loop Trail
You have to pay a few dollars to park here but it is easy and worth it. Check out the lookout spot to see a great view of Sedona. There are a few short trails here as well if you want to walk around the area.
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Alternative Hike Option: 1/2 day or whole day experience
If you are looking for a more advanced trail hike nearby, check out Jacks Canyon. This is a huge destination spot for rock climbers as well. This is a 4.5 hour round trip hike. Plan at least a 1/2 day for this hike. If you plan to climb or explore in the canyon, plan a full day for this hike.
*parking for this trail is limited. One lot is only accessible by Off Road Vehicles with high clearance.* Do not attempt the ORV lot in a normal vehicle. It will do major damage to you car. Park at the Mescal Car Park and then follow the beginning of the Mescal trail. It will meet up with the Devil's Bridge Trail. It is clearly marked, follow the signs to avoid getting lost.
Depending on where you get to park, your hike may turn into a bit longer. From the parking lot, we hiked 4 miles round trip. We did this hike in early January on a sunny day but the whole trail was covered in snow and ice. Highly would recommend micro spikes and to wear gloves in the winter season for safety.
PARK HERE - This is the closest, legal parking for low clearance vehicles.
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Day 2 | Stop 2: Soldiers Pass Trailhead to Seven Sacred Pools
From the Soldier Pass Trailhead, it is a 0.7 out and back hike to the Seven Sacred Pools with a nice look at Devil's Kitchen along the way. This is considered relatively flat with minor elevation gain. Red rock can be slippery and sand. Always wear appropriate hiking shoes. Parking lot can fill up quickly as this is a very popular trail to hike.Â
If you're an adventurous hiker you can connect the trail from Devil's Bridge and continue on to Soldiers Pass. If shorter hikes are more your jam, you can drive to the Soldiers Pass Trailhead with nearby parking for a much shorter hike.
Part of the Arizona State Park network. Daily weekday entrance fee is $20.00 per car. Weekend entrance fee (Friday-Sunday & Holiday Mondays) is $30.00 per car until Labor Day Weekend. Out of season fees are less.
Open until 6pm. Check out their website for the most up to date closures. Swimming and last admittance is 5pm each day.
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Considered on of the top 10 Swimming Holes in the United States, Slide Rock State Park has tons of natural fun to offer. Spend a summer day here to beat the heat. Dry off by taking a short hike along the river.Â
$12 entrance fee per car (covers up to 5 people). CLIFF JUMPING IS NOT ADVISED - varying water depths. Use caution if recent nearby heavy rain to avoid flash flooding
Hi travelers! I am here to help you enjoy your weekend trips to the fullest to cities near, far, or even in your backyard.
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Michigander at heart but currently traveling the world one week at a time for work. When not on the road and living out of my suitcase, I am down to spend the day exploring the local city scene or out hiking in nature. I am an adventurous spirit and try to maximize my free time exploring the hidden corners of whatever city I am in. I've been traveling all over the U.S. and Europe for nine years and crave authentic experiences at local hot spots (and sometimes the touristy faves). As a young and avid traveler (16 Countries, 45 U.S. States, 24 U.S. National Parks & numerous cities) my goal is to help you reach your travel goals - no matter the destination.
On Thatch, I create super detailed guides and itineraries to destinations that I've personally visited. These destinations have a little bit of everything that I love about travel (adventure, city life, great eats, beach days and more). I can also create custom guides and itineraries to wherever you may be dreaming of traveling to.
Top bucket list items: Ride in a hot air balloon, visit all 50 U.S. states, and someday be on the Amazing Race with my sister.
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