Sedona sits in a bowl of red sandstone buttes two hours north of Phoenix, on the way to the Grand Canyon. The scenery is extraordinary from the main street; the trails take you inside it. Add jeep tours, a New Age scene built around “vortexes”, good restaurants and spas.
Things to do in Sedona
Cathedral Rock
A short but steep climb (1.2 miles return) with a scramble up slickrock to a saddle between the spires. Sunset views from the top are superb.
2Devil’s Bridge
The largest natural sandstone arch in the area. You can walk out on it — the photo queue at sunrise can be long. 4 miles return from Dry Creek Road (shuttle stop), more from the main lot.
3Bell Rock & Courthouse Butte
An easy loop at the south entrance of town around two monoliths, with scrambling as high as you dare on Bell Rock.
4Chapel of the Holy Cross
A 1956 chapel built into the red rock, with views over the valley. Free.
5Oak Creek Canyon & Slide Rock
A scenic drive north through a forested canyon; at Slide Rock State Park, a natural water slide in the creek.
6Pink Jeep tour
Off-road tours on Broken Arrow and other trails, an institution since 1960.
See tours and tickets partner link
Parking, passes and the shuttle
Most trailheads are in the Coconino National Forest and require a Red Rock Pass (daily or weekly), sold at visitor centers and kiosks; an America the Beautiful pass works instead. The free Sedona Shuttle runs to Cathedral Rock, Soldier Pass, Dry Creek (for Devil’s Bridge) and other busy trailheads from Thursday to Sunday, and is the easiest way to avoid full lots.
Where to stay in Sedona
Hotels range from spa resorts with red rock views to motels in West Sedona.
Our 2 hotel picks in Sedona
Photos, facilities and tips →
Luxury$$$$L'Auberge de Sedona
Uptown Sedona, on the banks of Oak Creek
Creekside cottages under the sycamores and a cliffside pool facing the red rocks, a short ride from Uptown.
Mid-range$$$$Sky Ranch Lodge
Airport Mesa, above West Sedona
A family-owned lodge on Airport Mesa, with botanical gardens, fireplaces and red rock views.
Uptown Sedona
$$$$Best for: walking, views
Shops, restaurants and hotels at the entrance to Oak Creek Canyon.
Hotels in Uptown Sedona partner linkWest Sedona
$$$$Best for: value
Hotels and restaurants near the Dry Creek and Boynton Canyon trails.
Hotels in West Sedona partner linkVillage of Oak Creek
$$$$Best for: Bell Rock, golf
South of town, closer to Phoenix.
Hotels in Village of Oak Creek partner linkFlagstaff
$$$$Best for: budget, Grand Canyon next
Forty-five minutes north through Oak Creek Canyon.
Hotels in Flagstaff partner linkWeather in Sedona by month
Compare every destination month by month in the when-to-go explorer.
Sedona: your questions
Do you need a pass to hike in Sedona?
You need a Red Rock Pass to park at most trailheads, or an America the Beautiful pass. The free shuttle avoids the parking issue at the busiest trails.
How many days do you need in Sedona?
Two days for two or three hikes, a jeep tour and a sunset; more if you come for the spas.
Is Sedona on the way to the Grand Canyon?
Yes: from Phoenix, Sedona is a 2-hour drive, and the Grand Canyon South Rim another 2 hours via Flagstaff.
Written by Kylian Dev · Last reviewed October 21, 2026. Prices are in US dollars, before sales tax.