Find The Best Things To Do In Sedona

Looking for the best things to do in Sedona? Travelers visiting Sedona for the first time can quickly become overwhelmed with ideas. The area is rich in history, spirituality, and breathtaking scenery. Many people come for a visit and never want to leave.

We suggest making the drive from Phoenix, with stops along the way. Seeing the epic Oak Creek Canyon and unique formations like Bell Rock and Cathedral Rock makes the drive worthwhile. Photographers will want to see the fantastic view of Cathedral Rock from Red Rock Crossing.

Descending into Oak Creek Canyon and seeing Sedona’s Red Rocks, the Chapel of the Holy Cross, Bell Rock, and the vortex sites is simply unforgettable.

One of the best things to do in Sedona is simply taking time out to be still and allow your creative mind to recharge. Here are our recommendations for the best things to do in Sedona.

Take The Verde Valley Wine Trail

Take a drive through the lush Verde Valley, where 100s of acres of grapes are growing for the winemakers who produce award-winning wines.

The Verde Valley Wine Trail lists 22 wineries and tasting rooms where you can try the local wines. Wineries in the Sedona area are small production boutique style.

See The Oak Creek Canyon

Take a scenic drive to Oak Creek Canyon, an epic river gorge about five miles from Sedona. The canyon is 12 miles long, with sheer red rock walls, waterfalls, and sparkling Oak Creek at the bottom.

At the mouth of the canyon is Slide Rock, a popular swimming hole. Slide Rock forms a natural water slide that is a local favorite.

Best Things To Do In Sedona - Oak Creek Canyon

Visit The Sedona Vortex Sites

Tucked into Sedona’s incredible scenery are four vortexes that draw people from around the world. The Sedona vortex sites are natural spaces where visitors experience enhanced energy, prayerful contemplation, and increased creativity.

The sites are characterized as “upflow sites” where energy is flowing upward from the earth, “inflow sites” where energy is flowing inward toward the earth, or both.

There are a lot of vortexes in the area. The four main Sedona vortex sites are:

  • Boynton Canyon – A combination of upflow and inflow energy.
  • Bell Rock – Considered an upflow site
  • Airport Mesa – Considered an upflow site
  • Cathedral Rock – A combination of upflow and inflow energy.
Best Things To Do In Sedona - Bell Rock

See The Picturesque Chapel Of The Holy Cross

Built into Sedona’s red rocks, standing guard over the incredible scenery below, is the Chapel of the Holy Cross. It was commissioned by a local sculptor, Marguerite Brunswig Staude, and was completed in 1956.

The chapel is about 250 feet high and built into a 1000-foot rock wall. Holy Cross Chapel is open daily from 9 am to 5 pm. Visitors are welcome inside the Holy Cross sanctuary to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.

Best Things To Do In Sedona - Chapel Of The Holy Cross

Sedona’s Red Rocks – Hiking In Red Rock State Park

Hiking in Red Rock State Park tops many lists of best things to do in Sedona. Among Sedona’s amazing red rocks and lush green Oak Creek, there are 5-miles of hiking trails for anyone who likes to explore and enjoys outdoor adventures. Trails are clearly marked.

Designated hiking trails you will find here include:

  • Eagle’s Nest Loop – The highest point in the park, 1.53 miles
  • Apache Fire Loop – Leads to a 1946 adobe style home, .78 miles
  • Kisva Trail – Level trail that runs along Oak Creek, .64 miles
  • Javelina Trail – Two viewpoint stops with incredible scenery, 1.60 miles

Another great hike is the Bell Rock Pathway. The trail is 3.6-mile and considered moderately challenging with stunning views of Bell Rock.

Best Things To Do In Sedona - Red Rock State Park

Photograph Cathedral Rock At Red Rock Crossing

Even if you have not been to Sedona yet, you have most likely seen Cathedral Rock in the movies, pictures, and postcards that use this iconic view as a backdrop.

The Red Rock Crossing trail is a 1.8-mile hike just outside of Sedona, where photographers go to capture their best shot of Cathedral Rock. The trail runs alongside Oak Creek, where swimming holes invite hikers to stop and jump in.

Capture a great picture by looking for places along the Red Rock Crossing trail where Cathedral Rock is reflected in the water of Oak Creek.

Best Things To Do In Sedona - Cathedral Rock

Red Rock Ranger District Visitor Center

Stop by the Red Rock Ranger District Visitor Center to learn more about this amazing, world-class destination. You can pick up a free recreation guide map, get detailed trail information, and talk to park rangers.

Exhibits at the Red Rock Ranger District Visitor Center include:

  • Plan Your Trip – An interactive trip planning guide
  • Stories in Stone – Geology display of Red Rock country
  • Honor the Past – A timeline of the Verde Valley area
  • The Mosaic of Life – An interactive display of the region’s seven biotic communities.
  • An outdoor garden with native plants.

Visit An Authentic Old West Movie Set

The town of Cottonwood and the historic Cottonwood Hotel has been the location for many legendary films over the years. Stars like John Wayne, Carey Grant, Elvis Presley, Peter Fonda, Jean-Claude Van Damme, Jack Nicholson, and many more have walked the town’s streets.


Let Someone Else Drive While You Enjoy The Scenery

Sit back, relax, and leave the driving to us. Let us take you there, with a few stops along the way. With a knowledgeable local guide on board, you’ll see the landmarks and learn more about the history of Sedona.

Sedona is one of the most heavily visited areas in the world and draws almost as many travelers as the Grand Canyon. See the unique sites and geologic locations that draw so many awe-inspired visitors. We’ll make sure you don’t miss anything!

Our Scenic Sedona tours are private and can be completely customized for you. Leave the planning to us, and we will make sure you have a fun and memorable day.

Call, or go online today, to book our Scenic Sedona tour. We look forward to meeting you!

Scenic Sedona
Duration
11 hours
Group Size
4 to 14

Jerome Ghost Town Tour

Explore one of the most Historic and reputedly Haunted Towns in the US!
For those looking to dive into the truly historic, this is definitely the trip for you. At one point the richest copper mine in the entire territory this town is frozen in time. The entire town is listed on the national registry of historic places. We will also explore one of the most historic, reputedly haunted, locations in the US. The Jerome Grand Hotel. Locations of lawlessness await from pre 1900 Arizona.

*Call about our new overnight experience*

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from
129 USD
Duration
10 hours
Group Size
4 to 14

Scenic Sedona

Experience one of the most visited visually stunning places on earth!
One of the most visited places on earth, Sedona draws almost as many visitors as the Grand Canyon. Let us show you why. We will make stops at historic, as well as unique, scenic geologic locations to take it all in.

★★★★★
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145 USD
Duration
11 hours
Group Size
4 to 14

Historic Tombstone

Immerse yourself in Wild West History!

*Call us about our new overnight experiences!*

One of our favorite locations for old west history. Immerse yourself in wild west history on this tour. Come learn why Tombstone was nicknamed the town “too tough to die”. We will be exploring what life was like in an 1800’s boom town and of of course legendary sites such as the shooting at the OK corral, Boothill Cemetary, the Birdcage theater and saloon and more.

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159 USD
Duration
Group Size
Up to 54

Large Group and Custom Arizona Tours

Do you have 14 or more friends and family members? We'll take care of you! We'll help you to experience different famous, historic, and world-class places in Arizona!

We'll help you to experience different famous, historic, and world-class places in Arizona! Check out our tours. Not seeing what you're looking for? Call us and we'll help create the perfect day in the valley of the sun! Please call us for more information.

Phone: 602-551-6246
Email: info@spiritofarizonatours.com

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from
TBD
Duration
3 hours
Group Size
4 to 14

Scottsdale Wine Tour

Discover the beautiful Scottsdale wine region with our immersive wine-tasting experience.

Our knowledgeable and friendly guide will take you on a personalized tour of the region, visiting several different wineries and tasting rooms, each with its own unique charm and selection of wines.

Looking for a group or private tour? This tour is ideal for groups of families or friends looking to enjoy a day out together or make a hen-do celebration memorable with this scenic journey through Arizona's wine country, where you will taste some of the best local wines, learn about the winemaking process, and explore the stunning vineyards.

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99 USD
Duration
10 hours
Group Size
4 to 14

Sedona Winery Tour

Immerse yourself in the flavors of Arizona's high country with Spirit of Arizona Tours' Sedona Wine Tour. Departing from Phoenix, our scenic journey takes you to the heart of Arizona's wine country, where you'll have the opportunity to indulge in three of the state's top wineries.

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from
199 USD