Place: Sedona

Why the rocks are red

Sedona’s buttes and spires are layers of sandstone and siltstone laid down hundreds of millions of years ago and stained red and orange by iron oxide. Erosion along the edge of the Mogollon Rim carved them into the shapes that give local landmarks their names: Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock, Courthouse Butte, Coffee Pot Rock and Snoopy Rock. The color shifts all day, and in the hour before sunset the whole valley seems to glow.

Getting your bearings

Sedona has a few distinct areas. Uptown is the walkable tourist core along Highway 89A, packed with shops, galleries and restaurants. West Sedona is where many locals live, shop and eat, and it is the jumping off point for Boynton Canyon and the Dry Creek trails. The Village of Oak Creek, about 7 miles south on Highway 179, sits beside Bell Rock and Courthouse Butte. North of town, Oak Creek Canyon winds up toward Flagstaff past swimming holes, cabins and the West Fork Trail.

Hiking and biking

Sedona has hundreds of miles of trails across the Coconino National Forest, from easy creekside walks to scrambles up slickrock. The classics include Cathedral Rock, short but steep; Devil’s Bridge, the largest natural sandstone arch in the Sedona area; the West Fork of Oak Creek, a shady canyon walk with many creek crossings; and Boynton Canyon. Bell Rock Pathway is an easy way to get close to the rocks with kids. Mountain bikers travel from all over for the technical slickrock and flowing singletrack.

Two things will save you a lot of frustration. First, many forest trailheads require a Red Rock Pass or an interagency pass such as America the Beautiful displayed in your vehicle. Second, popular trailheads fill early, so use the free Sedona Trailhead Shuttle where it runs or start at sunrise. The Hike House sells gear and shares local trail advice, and Absolute Bikes has shops in both Sedona and Flagstaff.

Where to eat

Sedona punches far above its size for food. Elote Cafe serves cooking inspired by the markets of Mexico. Chef Lisa Dahl’s Pisa Lisa turns out Neapolitan style wood fired pizza and gelato, and family owned Hideaway House pairs house made Italian food with open air patios facing the red rocks. Dellepiane started in 2017 as a small burger and empanada joint, and Thai Spices is where locals go for healthy Thai at modest prices.

If you eat plant forward, Sedona makes it easy. Local Juicery has pressed organic juice since 2014, Wildcraft Kitchen is an organic cafe and market, and The Secret Garden Café makes everything from scratch with plenty of gluten free and vegan choices. For something sweet, family owned Black Cow Cafe has scooped homemade ice cream since 1998. And Oak Creek Brewing Company, Sedona’s original craft brewery since 1995, pours on a dog friendly patio with live music.

Art and shopping

Sedona has drawn artists for generations. Tlaquepaque, a Mexican village style shopping center beside Oak Creek, is home to Mountain Trails Galleries and Vue Gallery, known for Lyman Whitaker’s wind sculptures. Goldenstein Gallery shows paintings, sculpture and jewelry. In Uptown, Gypsy Jenny’s Boutique carries original designs and jewelry, and Spirits & Spice stocks spirits, wine and custom spice blends. Browse more in our shop local guide.

Wellness and the vortex scene

Sedona is known worldwide for its spiritual and wellness community, and many visitors come for the energy sites locals call vortexes, including Airport Mesa, Bell Rock, Cathedral Rock and Boynton Canyon. Whatever you make of that, the spas are excellent. Namti Spa and Sedona’s New Day Spa offer massage and treatments with red rock surroundings. See our health and wellness guide for more.

Where to stay

Sedona has everything from full resorts to quiet inns. The Wilde Resort and Spa is a luxury boutique with an award winning spa, Adobe Grand Villas leans romantic, and Lantern Light Inn hosts micro weddings and retreats. The Inn at Thunder Mountain and The Cliffs sit close to the rocks and Oak Creek. Active travelers like Red Agave Resort, built as a basecamp for hiking and biking, and families like Sedona Pines Resort for its big heated pool and mini golf.

Campers can use the West Sedona designated dispersed camping areas, roughly 200 sites spread across eight areas including Angel Valley and Javalina. Rules there change, so check with the Coconino National Forest before you go.

Beyond the trailhead

See the rocks from above on a 30 to 45 minute flight with Bluebird Air Tours, or let Bliss Wine Tours drive you through the Verde Valley wine country south of town. Sedona is also a certified International Dark Sky Community, so plan to stay up after dinner and look up.

Practical tips

• Start early. Trailhead lots fill by mid morning on weekends and holidays.
• Carry more water than you think. Summer highs regularly top 90 degrees and there is little shade on the rocks.
• Stay on trail. The dark, crusty soil is living biological crust that takes decades to recover.
• Watch for flash floods in monsoon season, especially in narrow canyons and at creek crossings.
• Book dinner ahead at popular restaurants, especially on weekends.

Frequently asked questions

How far is Sedona from Flagstaff?

About 30 miles, roughly 45 minutes via Highway 89A through Oak Creek Canyon. The road is scenic and winding, with tight switchbacks near the top of the canyon.

Do I need a Red Rock Pass to hike in Sedona?

Many Coconino National Forest trailheads around Sedona require a Red Rock Pass or an interagency pass such as America the Beautiful displayed in your parked vehicle. Some trailheads and city lots do not. Check the signs at the trailhead.

What is the best time to visit Sedona?

Spring and fall offer the most comfortable hiking weather. Summer is hot with afternoon monsoon storms, and winter is mild with occasional snow that dusts the red rocks.

What are the vortexes in Sedona?

Vortexes are sites many visitors believe concentrate spiritual energy. The best known are Airport Mesa, Bell Rock, Cathedral Rock and Boynton Canyon, all of which are also excellent hikes.

Is there a shuttle to Sedona trailheads?

Yes. The free Sedona Trailhead Shuttle serves several of the busiest trailheads, which saves fighting for parking. Check current routes and operating days before you go.

Updated October 2026 by the Northern Arizona Co. directory team.