Is Sedona Worth Visiting? Honest Review and 25 Things to Do in Sedona

Wondering “Is Sedona Worth Visiting?”

Well, just last year, we were right there with you! We wondered if Sedona was just a hyped-up destination or if it was genuinely as mesmerizing as everyone says.

After a week of immersing ourselves in the stunning red rocks and the vibrant culture of Sedona, we say Sedona is 1,000% worth visiting!

From the captivating trails perfect for hikers to the charming streets that shoppers and art lovers will adore, Sedona is a haven for all.

And the best part? Whether you’re watching your wallet or ready to indulge, there are countless ways to experience this magical destination.

So, come along as we unveil the wonders of Sedona and share insider tips to help you make the most of your trip. You’re in for an epic journey

Is Sedona Worth Visiting?

Sedona’s a place of striking beauty and adventure, but like anywhere, it has its ups and downs.

To help you decide if it’s your next must-visit destination, we’ve put together a list of pros and cons based on our own experiences.

Pros of Visiting Sedona:

1. Stunning Natural Beauty: The red rock formations and scenic landscapes are breathtaking and offer a one-of-a-kind experience.
2. Hiker’s Paradise: With trails like Devil’s Bridge, Cathedral Rock, and Boynton Canyon, there’s a hike for every skill level, each offering unique views and experiences.
3. Varied Activities: Beyond hiking, there are activities like jeep tours, wine tasting, and visiting the Chapel of the Holy Cross, catering to diverse interests.
4. Photography Opportunities: Sedona’s landscape provides perfect photo ops, especially during sunrise and sunset.
5. Accessible and Family-Friendly: The area is relatively easy to navigate, and many trails are suitable for families, making it a great all-ages destination.

Cons of Visiting Sedona:

1. Crowds: Popular spots can get quite crowded, especially during peak seasons, which might detract from the serene natural experience.
2. Cost: While there are budget-friendly options, some aspects of a Sedona trip, like accommodations and dining, can be on the pricier side.
3. Parking Challenges: For popular hiking trails, parking can be a hassle, requiring early arrival or use of shuttle services.
4. Weather Dependent Activities: Some activities, especially those involving outdoor adventures, are highly dependent on the weather, which can be unpredictable.
5. Limited Nightlife: For those seeking vibrant nightlife, Sedona is more laid-back, focusing on nature and relaxation rather than late-night entertainment.

We think the pros WAY outweigh the cons for Sedona which is why we say Sedona is definitely worth visiting!

What is so special about Sedona?

Sedona is one of the most beautiful cities to visit in the US.

There is great hiking, unbelievable food, beautiful landscapes, awesome shopping, and many places to connect with your spiritual self. If you ask us if Sedona is worth visiting, we would say ABSOLUTELY!

Another major plus is Sedona is 2.5 hours away (or less!) from the Grand Canyon, Horseshoe Bend, Antelope Canyon, Flagstaff, Scottsdale, and Phoenix.

With all those close nearby, you could stop in Sedona on your way through, or use Sedona as your home base and take day trips to the other nearby attractions. 

Sedona is known for its red sandstone formations.  They were formed by a unique layer of rock known as the Schnebly Hill Formation,  a thick layer of red/orange-colored sandstone found only in the Sedona vicinity.

The town is also surrounded by the Coconino National Forest, which only adds to its beauty.

Sedona also has a reputation for being a spiritual mecca. There are many amazing healers and spiritual guides. Many have experienced life transformations in the red-rock vortexes.

Although all of Sedona is considered to be a vortex, there are specific sites where the energy is supposed to be the most intense.

The four best-known Sedona vortexes are found at Airport Mesa, Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock, and Boynton Canyon.

With over 3 million visitors a year, we hope you enjoy your trip to Sedona as we do!

If Sedona is worth visiting, what is the best month to visit?

Sedona has mild winters and hot summers.

From June to September, expect the high temperatures to be in the 90s. Unless you enjoy really hot weather, we recommend avoiding those months. 

October will be the mildest month, with highs in the upper 70s and lows in the 50s. While you will have great temperatures, you will have bigger crowds and some traffic jams.

Sedona has 2 back to back roundabouts at the junction of West, East, and Cathedral that tend to cause visitors some problems leading to traffic. The traffic is highest in the September-October time period. 

Our favorite time is from December through March.

Expect the lows to be in the 30s with some of the highest to be in the 40s/low 50s.

There can be some snow and ice down on the hikes during these months but much fewer people in the area, if you are looking for smaller crowds.

Is Sedona worth visiting in the winter? Yes! We loved visiting during this time! It had actually snowed (an infrequent occurrence) which we thought added to the ambiance.

With the warmth that comes off the Red Rocks, we found that even in the low 40s we were very comfortable with just a standard down jacket on. 

• Nicholas’s favorite budget-friendly down jacket
• Kelsea’s favorite budget-friendly down jacket

How many days do you need in Sedona?

We recommend at least 3 days in Sedona to enjoy everything it has to offer.

If you are big into hiking, you could spend all 3 days hiking. As you’ll see in our recommended hikes below, most take a few hours and would take up most of the day.

If you want to experience all that Sedona has, including helicopter rides, spending time uptown shopping and enjoying the unique artwork, visiting some wineries, and enjoying the immense amount of great restaurants, you could easily spend 5 days in order to experience it all.

All in all, is Sedona worth visiting if you have just a few hours or a whole week? We say yes! With so much to choose from, you can make the most of whatever amount of time you have to work with.

How much does Sedona cost?

We were pretty worried Sedona was going to be pretty pricey since we frequently see it referenced as a luxury location.

We were happy to find that while you definitely can spend a lot here, there are plenty of ways to make it budget-friendly!

Hiking is free when you use the shuttle.

At other hikes like Bell Rock, you will need a Red Rock Pass (Daily – $5 or Weekly – $15) or another interagency pass, which includes the America the Beautiful National Park Pass, for parking at the trailheads in the National Forest.

Restaurants are relatively standard prices to any “city” eating. Expect $15 per entree on the less expensive side and going up pretty steadily.

There is a Safeway and Whole Foods in town if you would like to get groceries and cook yourself. We found soup from Whole Foods was the perfect meal to end our day with one night! 

During the off-season, we discovered that the accommodations were reasonably priced at around $200 per night.

If you go in the busier months, we recommend booking many months ahead to get the best places with the best rates. 

Getting Around Sedona

Sedona is very driveable and walkable. Driving from one side of town to the other takes less than 15 minutes.

From Thursday through Sunday, there is a free shuttle that takes you to the most popular hikes from park-and-ride lots.

Some hikes, like Cathedral Rock and Soldier Pass, are only accessible Thursday-Sunday by using the shuttle.

Others like Devil’s Bridge offer a shuttle but still have a small parking lot that is accessible every day of the week. The shuttle does run year-round.

9 Top Hikes in Sedona

Sedona is a hiker’s paradise. 🥾🌄

There are an endless number of hikes in the area that provide you with amazing views of the Sedona red rocks. In our opinion, this is one of the main reasons Sedona is worth visiting!

Here are a few of our favorites. 

Devil’s Bridge Trail

Devil’s Bridge Trail is the most popular hike in Sedona because of the formation that gives the trail its name.

It is not for those who are afraid of heights! It is a moderate 4.2 miles round-trip hike and will be very crowded during peak season. 

Expect to get in line to get the iconic photo on the bridge.

There is a great viewpoint before the bridge before a short climb up a rock staircase to the top. We did see a few that weren’t brave enough to make it to the bridge. 

There are about 40 parking spots at the trailhead, so get there early or you will be circling with other eager hikers.

Cathedral Rock Trail 

Cathedral Rock Trail will be your favorite place in Sedona to see the sunrise. It is a 1.2-mile strenuous round trip.

It does require a few times to pull yourself up. Before the end of your hike, turn around to see the Chapel of the Holy Cross in the distance. 

Once you get to the top where there is an End of Trail sign, you will get a spectacular view of the valley on the other side. There is a small walkway on the right where you can get on a ledge to get a great photo. 

The viewpoint is incredible! We did this hike on our first day, and if we had only been able to just do this hike, Sedona still would have been worth visiting!

Remember, Thursday-Sunday you must use the Sedona shuttle to access the trail. The bus does not continue after sunset, so if you want to stay for the sunset, plan on walking back to your car (1.1 miles). 

Boynton Canyon Trail

Boynton Canyon Trail was home to our favorite tunnel cave, famously called the subway tunnel cave because it looks like a subway platform.

We were really glad we had access to AllTrails maps because you must turn right during the hike onto a side path to get to the cave, but there isn’t a sign. 

After a 3.1-mile easy hike, you will reach the cave. The cave has two entrances, with one being pretty strenuous, and the other being scarier for those afraid of heights. 

When we got there, most of the crowd was at the bottom of the strenuous one and many were struggling to climb up, as it requires you to crawl and pull yourself up the rocks.

When we got to the top, we were told by another hiker at the top that there is another entrance to the left that is much easier but requires you to walk on the side of some moderately scary cliffs. 

So we eventually made our way down that way after enjoying our time taking in the views and exploring the Sinagua ruins at the top, and it was much easier.

Soldier Pass Cave

Soldier Pass Cave Spur Trail is a fantastic hike!

The trail is only accessible only by shuttle Thursday-Sunday. There are only about 15 parking spots for Monday-Wednesday. 

The highlights of the hike are the Seven Sacred Pool, the Devil’s Sinkhole, and the Soldier Pass Cave. The first two were pretty underwhelming, but the cave was worth the hike.

We actually don’t recommend that you do the full 4.5-mile loop, but just the 2.8-mile hike to the cave and back to save time. 

About a mile into the trail, you will start to see a series of caves in the distance. Take the fork in the trail to the right to reach them.

When we arrived, we viewed the cave on the left, but then heard voices coming from the cave on the right. 

To our surprise, when we got to the right cave, there was no one in sight. But then we saw a head pop out from above.

There is a very tough climb to ascend up into the cave and explore. Be very careful as it is narrow and slippery in some places, but gives you a great view into the valley.

Fay Canyon Trail

Fay Canyon Trail was a very quick (under 1 hour) and easy hike we did to finish the day.

It is only 2.3 miles, but the coolest part about it is that you get to hike the rocks at the end of the trail and take a look at the valley that you just hiked through. 

The Fay Canyon Arch is also off on a side path about halfway through the hike.

This would be a great hike to do with kids or for adventurers who need a flat hike. 

Bell Rock

Bell Rock was the most disappointing hike of the trip for us.

Known to have a powerful vortex, it does provide some rewarding views of the iconic rock formation. 

However, the trail is confusing to hikers and was very icy at the time we visited, so we spent more time maneuvering than enjoying the area.

It’s only about 0.8 miles out and back, so it should only take about a half hour to explore. You can also add Courthouse Butte for a more fulfilling 3.6-mile hike.

Slide Rock State Park

Located in the heart of Oak Creek Canyon, Slide Rock State Park is known for its natural water slides.

We found it to be a playground for both the young and the young at heart! The park’s star attraction, a smooth, natural chute in the creek, is accessed via a half-mile, easy hike (more of a walk).

Late spring to early fall is the sweet spot for visiting – the weather’s just perfect for splashing around. But we still enjoyed visiting it in the winter, though we skipped getting in 🙂

Entrance fees change with the seasons, so check the park’s website before you head out.

West Fork Trail

When we hit the West Fork of Oak Creek Trail #108, we instantly knew we’d stumbled upon a hiker’s paradise.

What makes it so special? For starters, the trail is about 7 miles round trip, but it’s a fairly easy hike – more like a scenic stroll, really.

It winds through a gorgeous canyon, alongside the babbling creek, and the shade from towering cliffs and trees makes it ideal even in warmer weather.

One tip from us: start early, especially in peak seasons, because it gets crowded. Also, pack some water-friendly shoes – there are a few creek crossings that are just part of the fun.

The Sedona Secret 7 – Sedona’s “SECRET” Hikes 

The Sedona Secret 7 are lesser-known trails and locations throughout Red Rock Country. They are:

• Airport Loop Trail – 3.3 miles, moderate
• Turkey Creek – 6.7 miles, moderate
• Jacks Canyon – 13.4 miles, hard
• Woods Canyon – 10.6 miles, moderate
• Schuerman Mountain Trail – 3.6 miles, moderate
• Aerie Trail – 5 miles, moderate
• Chimney Rock Loop – 3.3 miles, moderate

If you are looking for hikes that are less crowded, we recommend trying these for a quieter and more peaceful experience. 

The Sedona Airport Loop Trail was our favorite from this group as it goes all the way around the airport and passes the Airport Mesa.

8 Fun Things to Do in Sedona

Jeep Rental or Tour

There is no shortage of adventure in Sedona and Jeep rentals offer a great opportunity to see more! Plus, what an exhilarating experience! We do recommend you are prepared for a very bumpy ride. 

There are many options for you to enjoy a Sedona Jeep experience! 

• If you’d like to drive on your own, check out Red Rock Rubicon to rent a Jeep. 

• Our recommendation: a tour! This is a great way to experience the Jeep climbing the Red Rocks without the stress of operating the vehicle. Check out Arizona Safari Jeep Tours

• Want something in between a tour and driving a full Jeep? ATV is the perfect option! Just be ready to get a bit dirty. This ATV tour of Western Sedona is a fun-filled adventure! 

Chapel of the Holy Cross

One of the most visited places in Sedona is the Chapel of the Holy Cross. It was constructed in 1956 and rises 70 feet out of a 1,000-foot cliff.

Inside the chapel, there is a window and a cross with benches and pews. We highly recommend a visit. 

Sedona Wine

Sedona is also known for wine. A handful of estate vineyards speckles the hillsides just outside of town.

The high altitude in Sedona creates the perfect environment for ripe grapes with rich flavors. The most common grapes grown in this area primarily produce syrahs, merlots, and even chardonnays.

To make the most of your experience, book a wine tour!

💫 We recommend this tour to the Verde Valley. 🍇 You will get transportation to 4 wineries, lunch, and some discounts at the wineries themselves!

Vortex Tour

Don’t miss one of the things Sedona is most famous for, Vortexes!

If you do not do a tour… you are liable to walk right past a Vortex and not know it (like we did).

There are many options to choose from.

This vortex tour provides an all-inclusive experience of multiple vortexes, guided meditation, and information on the flora and fauna around you.

It is a perfect way to expand your horizons in Sedona!

Art + Window Shopping in Uptown Sedona

Sedona has tons of cute shops and unique art galleries. We loved walking around Uptown Sedona and popping into the shops and galleries. 

The Sedona Arts Center, founded in 1958, is the oldest arts center in northern Arizona and is located in the uptown area. They have a fine art gallery as well as educational programs in workshops and classes.

Helicopter Tours

What better way to experience the vastness of the Red Rocks than from above! Sedona offers ample opportunities for Helicopter tours.

We recommend Sedona Helicopter Tour: Desert Thunder Tour. 
You are guaranteed a window seat!

You’ll see all the top sights from high above and have expert commentary from your pilot! It is a unique and exhilarating experience to see the beauty from above!

We recommend booking either the first or last tour and then watching the sunrise/sunset from the airport. The view is INCREDIBLE! 

Golf

Sedona is known for its many golf courses because of its year-round playability.

We recommend Seven Canyons Golf Club if you are staying at Enchantment Resort or in one of the townhome rentals at Seven Canyons. 

If you are looking for a public club, the courses at Sedona Golf Resort and Oakcreek Country Club are stunning!

Annual Events

Every year there is a 5K/10K and Half Marathon hosted by RunSedona Events. In 2023, the race occurred on February 4th.

Because of the Sedona scenery, it was named one of the most beautiful races in the US.

If you are in Sedona on September 23rd & 24th, 2023, you should go to the Sedona Winefest at the Posse Grounds Park to experience plenty of wines from the Verde Valley.

Where to Stay in Sedona

When staying in Sedona, there are a few main areas: Chapel, West Sedona, and East Sedona.

We highly recommend staying in the West Sedona area.

This is where many of the main shuttle spots are, hiking, and grocery stores. Additionally, you’ll find the least amount of traffic. 

Hotels

• Budget: Sedona Real Inn & Suites
  • What a wonderful place! They found us a room on short notice when the rental house we were supposed to stay in had an emergency.
  • It was clean, in a great location, had fun daily activities, and a well-rounded breakfast.
  • Plus, the showers were super hot which was a welcomed bonus on the cold days we were there in December! We look forward to staying here again!

• Moderate: Sky Rock Sedona
  • In a central location, Sky Rock Sedona offers a great stay with pretty views.
  • The bar area which features a terrace and a firepit is the perfect place to wind down after a fantastic day exploring the area!

• Luxury: Enchantment Resort
  • Looking for the height of luxury? Enchantment Resort offers stays of different varieties, all of which are breathtaking.
  • You will be staying in the Boyton Canyon which has some of the best views.
  • Plus, you’ll be right by some fantastic hiking!

House Rentals

• Cozy 1 Bedroom Cottage – this cottage offers serenity and greenery which is a lovely contrast to much of the Sedona landscape. It would be a perfect spot for a couple!
• 2 Bedroom within a few yards of trails – want to wake up and get started on the trails? This is the perfect location! Plus, you will have incredible views when you are ready to relax!
• 3 Bedroom with breathtaking views – this rental would be the perfect escape for families or multiple couples. The views are incredible! Can you imagine drinking your coffee on that deck?! You will be saying “YES” to the question is Sedona worth visiting!

Where to eat in Sedona

We ate a lot while in Sedona, so we have plenty of recommendations for where to eat.

Breakfast

Red Rock Cafe is a fantastic spot for a hearty breakfast! Their Blue Corn Huevos Rancheros would be the most delicious start to any day!

Sedonuts – for anyone who is new to Out of Office Mindset, you will quickly find that there are few things we love as much as a donut. Sedonuts is the spot for donuts in Sedona! Don’t skip the Vortex, a cinnamon roll with cream cheese frosting! 

Sedona Crepes has the most amazing Nutella Crepe!

Coffee Pot Restaurant is another hearty breakfast spot. You’ll have a choice of 101 different omelets!

Lunch

Tamaliza was one of our favorite lunch spots between hikes. We got two of the Tamale Supremes, one with chicken in mole sauce and one with pork in guajillo pepper sauce.

The tamales come with all the toppings (black beans, spinach, sour cream, salsa, guacamole, and radish relish).

If we had another day, we would have gone back again for more tamales – these Tamales alone make Sedona worth visiting. They are not cheap but they are fresh and so, so good!

Senor Bob’s Burgers and Dogs is delicious! We got the biggest corn dogs we have ever had with a side of fries. Service was quick and got us back on the trails quickly.

Our only regret is that we went here on our last day so we didn’t have time to go back to try their mouthwatering burgers!

Picazzo’s Healthy Italian Kitchen has great vegan and gluten-free pizzas. We also had a yummy quinoa bowl. 

Outlaw Grille is the best place in town for BBQ! Nothing fancy about it but the food is good!

Dinner

Hideaway House has one of the best dining views from their patio. It is stocked with heaters so even on the 30-degree winter evening we were there, it was comfortable.

We got the brick chicken after an appetizer, and it was more food than we could eat!

Elote Cafe is the most popular restaurant in Sedona. With a cuisine inspired by the markets of Mexico, they are known for their lamb adobo, carne asada, and Mexican chocolate pie.

Reservations are required and can be booked up to 60 days in advance! We weren’t even able to book a month out.

They do have takeout and Tuesday-Saturday starting at 3pm they take pre-orders for an after 5pm pickup.

Tortas de Fuego might have had the best entree we had in Sedona. The Suizaz Enchiladas come topped with a special chef cream sauce made from poblanos.

It was absolutely perfect. We left stuffed but came back later that night to have the Churros.

The Hudson is a popular upscale American eatery with great cocktails and wine. The chicken pot pie and butternut squash ravioli were delicious.

Finally, for a cheap and iconic meal, Sedona is host to the nationally recognized McDonald’s with turquoise arches, instead of the traditional Golden Arches. It’s truly shocking the first time you drive by.

So, is Sedona worth visiting?

Sedona is an amazing destination for any traveler looking to explore the great outdoors and enjoy some delicious food.

From hiking trails with breathtaking views to unique restaurants serving up locally inspired dishes, Sedona has something for everyone.

Whether you’re looking for amazing views, vortexes, or Jeep rides – there is no shortage of choices in this stunning city.

So if you’re wondering whether it is worth visiting Sedona – our answer is a resounding yes! With its vibrant culture and diverse offerings, this Arizona town is sure to leave lasting memories that will stay with you long after your visit is over.

We wish you the best travels, and don’t forget to set your “Out of Office!”