Things To Do
Boynton Canyon Vortex and Mescal Mountain Trail (Easy Hike 1 to 6 miles)
Connected to Enchantment is our favorite vortex, the feminine Kachina Woman and the masculine Knoll. Boynton Canyon Vortex is less than a mile from the parking lot and the peaceful energy you will experience there is truly extraordinary. At the right time of day, you might find a flute player at the top of the structure who hands out heart shaped rocks (sounds fake but that is for real). See the links below for directions and trail guidance. From the vortex continue on Mescal Mountain trail for incredible views. You can turn around whenever you like but the entire trail is 6 miles. We highly recommend this trail because it caters to all abilities and has stunning views that will not disappoint. Mescal Mountain Trail: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/arizona/mescal-mountain-trail?sh=vxagpo Boynton Canyon Trail: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/arizona/boynton-canyon-trail?sh=vxagpo Vortex Details: http://www.treksw.com/boynton-canyon-vortex-sedona-arizona/
Sugar Loaf Loop (Easy Hike - 2 miles)
We love this trail because it is easy to get to, there is a parking lot, and the views are breathtaking. It should not be this easy to get the kind of views that this hike delivers. Just make sure to follow the AllTrails map (linked below) because the path at the bottom can be tricky but you are always very close to civilization so it is safe for all skill levels. If you want brunch before/after the hike, we recommend The Coffee Pot Restaurant - it’s not fancy but the menu is excellent and the place is charming. A local favorite and a tradition every time we visit Sedona. Sugarloaf Loop Summit and Tea Cup Loop on AllTrails: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/arizona/sugarloaf-loop-trail?sh=vxagpo
Pink Jeep Tours
The Pink Jeep Tours are a must-do experience for the adventurous at heart when visiting Sedona. The tour guides take you on an exciting off-road Jeep adventure through Sedona’s spectacular red rock landscapes and provide you with a guided tour that delivers a deeper understanding of the natural beauty and cultural significance of the area. However, not all of the trails are equal and we highly recommend any of the tours on the Broken Arrow trail. If you prefer a more tame, history rich tour - you could try the Ancient Ruins tour where you will experience exclusive access to an ancient Sedona cliff dwelling ruin and rare petroglyphs. Broken Arrow (Recommended): https://www.pinkadventuretours.com/sedona-tours/broken-arrow-scenic-rim-combo/ Ancient Ruins: https://www.pinkadventuretours.com/sedona-tours/ancient-ruin/
Tlaquepaque Art & Shopping Village
A gorgeous arts and shopping village in the heart of Sedona. The perfect place to shop for art or local treasures, grab a bite to eat, or get some Instagram worthy photos among the vine-covered stucco walls, cobble-stoned walkways, and magnificent arched entryways. For elevated French cuisine, try Rene or if you are looking for a more casual dining experience, El Rincon has delicious Mexican food. From 5:30PM to 7:30PM every Sunday to Tuesday, El Rincon has "Flamenco Music in the Courtyard", where you can enjoy some incredible music and dancers or show off your own moves on the dance floor.
Center For The New Age
Sedona is world renowned for its beauty and healing powers. Many visit specifically for yoga workshops, psychic readings, aura photos, and vortex tours. If you are looking for a unique, highly spiritual experience, Center of the New Age is one of the best in Sedona. Whether it is your first time doing a reading or you are looking to add to your expansive crystal collection, they are happy to guide you through a memorable experience.
Chapel of the Holy Cross (Quick ~20 min activity)
Chapel of the Holy Cross is a beautiful church built by an Arizona sculptor, with help from Lloyd Wright, son of the famous architect Frank Lloyd Wright. The Chapel is free to visit, open to the public, close to downtown Sedona, and has ample parking. It is a quick (~20 min) experience where you will take in expansive views of Sedona. The church is known for the many miracles that have occurred for those who have visited, which you can learn about on their website. Anyone is welcome to donate a couple of dollars to light a candle after entering. This is on the way into Sedona so we recommend making it one of the first stops as you head into town from Pheonix.
Devil's Bridge Trail (Moderate 4 mile hike)
Devil’s Bridge is one of the most famous hikes in Sedona and well worth the beautiful ~4 mile journey to the bridge. The hardest part might be finding parking at the trailhead. Read the instructions in the two Alltrails routes linked below for how to take the free shuttle from the park and ride. There are more than two trails to Devil’s Bridge so look up alternate trails on Alltrails if you want something longer than 4-miles, though we recommend the two below. Devil's Bridge Trail via Dry Creek Road: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/arizona/devils-bridge-trail?sh=vxagpo Devil's Bridge via Mescal Trailhead: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/arizona/devil-s-bridge-via-mescal-trailhead--2?sh=vxagpo
Subway Cave (Hard, but awesome, hike) ~6 miles round trip
The Sedona Subway Cave is an instagram favorite, it is spectacular. Aside from an amazing cave and view, you can also explore some Native American ruins just beyond the cave. However, getting to the cave is tricky, somewhat difficult and is intentionally not well marked. If you are an experienced hiker and you want an epic adventure - here is how you can find it. There is no cell service so get the paid version of Alltrails app to download the offline Boynton Canyon Trail map. Zoom into the map ~3/4 of the way and find the black dotted line that ends in “cave”. Even if you loose service, you can use the GPS dot on your map to navigate. Link to map below and I recommend you watch the video linked below as well. You got this! AllTrails Map: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/arizona/boynton-canyon-trail?sh=vxagpo Watch this video: https://youtu.be/5iQLMB6ZLXo?si=gGQv7vkMEg53nQTe
Sedona Stargazing
The beautiful views don’t end when the sun sets in Sedona because it is one of the few dark sky locations in the US, where light pollution is so low that you can see the glow of the Milky Way at night and more stars than you believed existed. There are many options for star parties but Sedona Stargazing is an incredible experience where their experienced astronomers will guide you through a stellar journey across the galaxy using high powered telescopes and laser pointers to show the way (reservations link below). The famous Lowell Observatory is another great option, with epic star parties but it is about an hour drive from Sedona. Sedona Stargazing Experience: https://www.eveningskytours.com Lowell Observatory: https://lowell.edu
Amitabha Stupa and Peace Park
The Amitabha Stupa is a spiritual destination for people of all faiths. Dozens of local residents, visitors and groups come to this outdoor venue each day for prayer, meditation, and an experience of peace in a sacred place. Stupas come from the Buddhist religion and they are spiritual generators or amplifiers, meaning that any prayers, meditations, visualizations and spiritual practices that are done at the stupa will be made more powerful by the spiritual energy that is imbued within it. There are less than 100 in the western hemisphere but Sedona is home to two, which are free to visit and welcome all who wish to come experience their beauty.
Mesa Grill Sedona
Mesa Grill is an unforgettable lunch experience. Right in the middle of Sedona, you will see unbelievable views from the airport mesa. This is unlike any airport you have seen in your life. While the cuisine is casual dining, you will take in high elevation views of Sedona (stop at the view point on the way up) while having an indoor, runway side, view of small aircraft takeoff/landing from the mesa while you dine. If you need a lunch destination, make it Mesa Grill. You will be happy that you did - very fun.
Mariposa Latin Restaurant (Reservation Required - months in advance)
Chef Lisa Dahl is one of the most renowned chefs in the US and her restaurant Mariposa has won countless awards for culinary excellence. The red rock views from the dining room are second to none, which is one of the many reasons you will need a reservation months in advance (link below). Lunch requires less advanced planning but still needs a reservation 3-4 weeks out. If you love food and beautiful views, book this experience NOW, you will be happy that you did. Reservations: https://www.mariposasedona.com/reservations