We’ve been having fun with the fantastic thing about Sedona for years, uncovering its hidden treasures and experiencing all that this vacation spot has to supply.
From the towering pink rock formations to the climbing and biking trails, Sedona has captured our hearts and saved us coming again for extra.
We’ve witnessed the sunsets, explored the magical vortex websites, and indulged within the flavors of the native delicacies.
With every go to, we uncover new layers of Sedona and uncover hidden gems that make this place actually particular.
Who’s This Itinerary For
This itinerary is for anybody on the lookout for an unforgettable journey in Sedona, Arizona.
Whether or not you’re a first-timer or a returning adventurer, our itinerary is designed to showcase one of the best that Sedona has to supply.
When you’re a nature lover, our itinerary will take you on hikes, permitting you to expertise Sedona’s landscapes up shut.
When you’re a religious seeker, our itinerary consists of visits to Sedona’s vortex websites, the place you’ll be able to join with the earth’s vitality and rejuvenate your thoughts, physique, and soul.
When you’re an artwork fanatic, we’ll introduce you to Sedona’s vibrant artwork scene, the place you’ll be able to uncover native galleries and studios showcasing a various vary of creative types and mediums.
When you’re a foodie, our itinerary consists of suggestions for one of the best native eating places, wineries, and breweries, the place you’ll be able to savor the flavors and indulge within the scrumptious meals.
In brief, this itinerary is for anybody who desires to expertise the wonders and magic of Sedona.
Who’s This Day Journey To Sedona Itinerary Not For?
Whereas our day journey itinerary to Sedona is designed to cater to quite a lot of pursuits and preferences, it is probably not appropriate for everybody.
Our itinerary is jam packed and consists of hikes and out of doors actions, which is probably not appropriate for everybody.
When you favor a leisurely tempo, this present day journey is probably not for you. Take a look at our 2 day Sedona itinerary right here.
Day Journey To Sedona
All proper now that we’ve found out who this itinerary is for and who it isn’t; lets dive into one of the best issues to do on a day journey to Sedona
Morning: Hike To Devils Bridge
Though the title suggests a “morning hike,” for some, it implies beginning extraordinarily early.
We extremely advocate hitting the path as early as potential, as the favored trailheads are inclined to refill shortly.
Our favourite place to park is the Mescal Trailhead.
This trailhead is well accessible and can end in a manageable 4.2-mile roundtrip hike.
Parking And Climbing Devils Bridge
Located alongside Lengthy Canyon Highway, you’ll discover a smallish parking zone and that is the place you’ll park.
After parking on the lot on Lengthy Canyon Highway, you’ll start your hike by following the Mescal Path.
You gained’t be on this path for too lengthy earlier than it involves an finish. At this level, proceed on the Chuckwagon Path till you (virtually) attain Dry Creek Highway.
Simply earlier than you attain Dry Creek Highway, you’ll discover the purpose the place the Devils Bridge path veers off from the Chuckwagon Path.
Don’t fear, there’s an indication marking this spot to make sure you gained’t miss it. When you see the signal, comply with the path that branches off. After that, cross over Dry Creek Highway and proceed to the parking zone particularly for Devils Bridge.
After having fun with the scenic views and capturing some photographs on the high of Satan’s Bridge, it’s time to make your means again down the path.
As you descend and see the rising variety of folks alongside the path, you’ll recognize the early morning begin you had. You may thank me later!
Breakfast At Espresso Pot Restaurant
After the invigorating early morning hike, it’s time to refuel and fulfill your starvation. Head to Espresso Pot Restaurant, a preferred breakfast spot in Sedona.
The menu gives quite a lot of tasty dishes, from basic American breakfast staples like pancakes, omelets, and bacon to their well-known “101 Omelettes.” Whether or not you’re craving a hearty meal or one thing lighter, you’ll discover a little bit of all the things right here.
Various Breakfast Choice Secret Backyard Cafe
The Secret Backyard Cafe is a cute and quaint spot to seize breakfast (and even lunch and dinner) contained in the northern entrance of Tlaquepaque. What we loved most in regards to the Secret backyard was their pet-friendly backyard patio.
Good To Know: The Secret Backyard Cafe gives a Joyful Hour Monday to Friday, between 4 PM and 6 PM- this is applicable to the bar tables solely. Throughout Joyful Hour, you’ll be able to reap the benefits of 50% off on specialty wines, native craft beer, and effectively bar drinks.
Mid-Morning: Discover The Non secular Aspect Of Sedona In Uptown Sedona
Take pleasure in some religious retail remedy on the Middle For New Age Superstore, a metaphysical retailer providing a wide array of crystals, gems, and different religious gadgets.
Flick through the cabinets, study in regards to the properties of various crystals, and discover a particular piece to hold the optimistic vitality of Sedona with you.
Are you curious what all this Vortex And Non secular stuff is? In that case right here ya go.
A vortex is a pure location the place vitality is believed to be exceptionally highly effective, able to being sensed by sure people. This vitality is assumed to move in a spiral movement and may have an effect on those that go to or reside within the space.
Sedona is named one of many world’s most spiritually highly effective areas, and is dwelling to a number of acknowledged vortex websites. The 4 hottest vortexes in Sedona are Airport Mesa, Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock, and Boynton Canyon.
Guests to vortex websites might expertise varied sensations, resembling tingling, heat, or a profound sense of peace and tranquility. Some consider that the vortex vitality can facilitate therapeutic, private progress, and religious improvement.
When you’re focused on exploring the Sedona vortex phenomenon and need to do a vortex tour, there are vortex excursions by Jeep and religious vortex excursions.
Need To Study Extra About Vortexes? Test Out This Jeep Tour
Go Buying In Sedona
There are many locations to buy in Sedona, whether or not you’re on the lookout for a memento or searching for distinctive treasures.
Uptown Sedona is a vibrant purchasing district stuffed with quite a lot of shops providing jewellery, art work, clothes, and extra.
Tlaquepaque Arts & Buying Village
When you favor a extra relaxed purchasing atmosphere, the Tlaquepaque Arts and Crafts Village is value a go to.
This Spanish-style village showcases an assortment of artwork galleries, specialty outlets, and eating places nestled amidst lovely courtyards and fountains.
Seize Lunch To Go At Wildflower Bread Firm
Given our packed schedule for the day, we don’t have a lot time to spare for a sit-down lunch. Nevertheless, we’ve got an ideal resolution – make a fast cease at Wildflower Bread Firm and seize a sandwich to-go.
Professional Tip: Don’t overlook to get certainly one of their freshly baked bread loaves or pastries for later.
Afternoon: Chapel Of Holy Cross
Don’t miss out on visiting the Chapel of the Holy Cross, a architectural masterpiece located among the many pink rocks. It has been ranked as a primary attraction in Sedona.
Even when church buildings aren’t sometimes your factor, this iconic construction completely enhances the pure great thing about the encircling pink rock surroundings.
As a consequence of its recognition, the Chapel can get busy on weekends and through peak season. In consequence, discovering parking will be difficult as there are solely about 45 areas accessible. I like to recommend taking the primary spot you discover as a result of it’s unlikely you’ll come throughout one other one.
Good To Know: The Chapel of the Holy Cross is open 9 AM-5 PM seven days per week. The Present Store is closed on Christmas and Easter.
Afternoon Cathedral Rock Hike
Sedona is a hiker’s paradise, providing quite a few trails which you could conquer in a single day.
To profit from your 24-hour journey to Sedona, we advocate a shorter (1.2 miles round-trip) however standard hike that lets you see as a lot of the world as potential.
This hike is brief, but it surely packs a punch with rock scrambling and breathtaking views. It’s an ideal path from starting to finish.
When you’re focused on tackling an extended path, we’ve got an alternate suggestion for you under.
Parking At Cathedral Rock
The place to begin for the Cathedral Rock Path is on Again O Past Highway, which has two adjoining parking tons.
The parking space on Again O Past Highway fills up shortly and may undoubtedly be a problem when making an attempt to park. Particularly later within the day, fortunately you’ve the choice to take the shuttle to Cathedral Rock.
Test the schedule right here and remember to confirm the shuttle working hours as a result of it varies all year long.
When you resolve to park on the trailhead, you’ll want to purchase a Purple Rock Go. It prices $5 per day or $15 for per week. You may get the go on the machine positioned on the trailhead, however they solely settle for bank cards. If in case you have an America the Stunning Go, you should utilize that as an alternative and don’t want to purchase a Purple Rock Go.
Good To Know: Phrase on the road is that the Again O Past parking zone is closed from Thursday by means of Sunday, between 7 am to five:30 pm. Throughout this time, the one solution to entry the lot is through the Sedona Shuttle, so as soon as once more remember to test the shuttle schedule.
Climbing Cathedral Rock
The hike to Cathedral Rock entails climbing and scrambling up onto the rock formation from the Cathedral Rock Trailhead.
The climb begins virtually instantly at the beginning of the path. The path is identifiable by the wire baskets stuffed with rocks, which function path markers.
As soon as on the high you’ll get pleasure from a saddle between two huge sandstone spires, providing unobstructed 360° views.
Various (Longer) Hike Choice To Boynton Canyon
As Promised, I’m offering an alternate hike for these of you who want to knock out some mega mileage in your weekend journey to Sedona.
Whereas not as difficult as Cathedral Rock, this hike is longer and follows a principally stage path that gives shade from the solar. The path ends on the rear of the canyon, the place a fast ascent results in a viewpoint of Boynton Canyon.
Good To Know: Boynton Canyon is the situation of one of many 4 standard Sedona vortexes.
Parking For Boynton Canyon Hike
The parking zone for this hike is located on Boynton Canyon Highway, near the junction with Boynton Go Highway. With a capability of roughly 25 autos, this lot tends to refill shortly particularly within the busier months.
When you’re not capable of finding parking within the lot overflow parking will be discovered alongside Boynton Go Highway, west of the junction with Boynton Canyon Highway.
Climbing Boynton Canyon
The hike in Boynton Canyon begins off on a flat path. After a few mile, there are a number of quick ups and downs, however nothing too difficult.
Across the two-mile mark, the path regularly begins to climb in direction of the again of the canyon. The final mile is uphill, with the steepest part being the ultimate half-mile.
Good To Know: The Subway Cave is a brief hike off of Boynton Canyon hike when you’re focused on seeing the Subway Cave.
Mid-Afternoon: Take A Dip In The Water To Cool Off
After finishing your hike, deal with your self to a refreshing cool-off by taking a dip within the water. Fortunately, there are a number of choices close to Sedona that let you do exactly that.
A. Grasshopper Level
⌛️Driving Time From Sedona: 6 Minutes
Grasshopper Level is a big swimming gap positioned in Coconino Nationwide Forest, alongside Oak Creek Canyon. It has a good quantity of shade and gives an ideal combo of deep swimming pools and tall cliffs with built-in ledges for rest or leaping.
Good To Know: For day use, there’s a charge of $9 per car. When you favor to stroll in, you’ll be able to park alongside Route 89A and pay a charge of $2.
B. Purple Rock Crossing AKA Crescent Moon Ranch
⌛️Driving Time From Sedona: quarter-hour
Purple Rock Crossing, is a well-liked spot in Sedona for swimming. It gives a number of swimming holes, all with implausible views of Cathedral Rock.
Every swimming gap has its personal distinct options. You’ll discover huge pink rock seashores with out shade, secluded coves with loads of bushes for shade, deep swimming pools, and a big pink rock slab that’s excellent for sunbathing.
Good To Know: A day-use charge of $11 per car is required for entry (money or test solely).
C. Slide Rock State Park
⌛️Driving Time From Sedona: 15 Minutes
Positioned inside Slide Rock State Park, this swimming gap is probably not a hidden gem, however it’s undoubtedly value a go to.
Slide Rock is a well-known attraction in Sedona, with a pure waterslide stretching 80 toes, created by sandstone rock formations.
Alongside the park’s half-mile part of Oak Creek, you’ll discover a handful of pure swimming pools of various sizes and depths, nice for a refreshing dip.
Good To Know: The doorway charges for the state park fluctuate between $10 and $30 per car, relying on the time of yr.
Joyful Hour Or Chill out: Cocktail, Beer Or Wine Time In Sedona
After your hike and/or dip within the water, it’s time to take pleasure in a refreshing drink at one of many many spots round Sedona?
Sedona gives quite a lot of choices for a post-hike libation. You may go to one of many native breweries or if beer isn’t your factor, worry not! Sedona additionally has some a pair wine bars and locations to get a cocktail.
Our Favourite Locations To Get A Drink In Sedona
The Artwork of Wines
A wine bar that gives a various vary of wines from varied areas. Moreover, they serve craft beers and supply meals. You too can get pleasure from occasions and reside music of their welcoming and dog-friendly courtyard.
Mooney’s Irish pub
When you’re on the lookout for a chill unpretentious place to get a drink Mooney’s gives simply that.
Sedona Beer Firm
Has an ideal collection of beers and a spacious out of doors patio (that’s canine pleasant), making it the right spot to unwind after a day of climbing.
Avenue Aspect At Don Diego
Take pleasure in the fantastic thing about Sedona whereas sipping on a refreshing cocktail at Don Diego’s, a vigorous restaurant positioned within the coronary heart of the town. Take within the views of the pink rocks as you unwind and absorb the colourful ambiance of Sedona.
Dinner Time At Hideway Home
The Hideaway Home in Sedona is a captivating restaurant that gives quite a lot of scrumptious Italian dishes.
You may get pleasure from your meal whereas taking within the beautiful views of Sedona’s pink rocks from their out of doors patio.
It’s the right place to take pleasure in pasta, pizza, salads, or upscale sandwiches all whereas being surrounded by the pure great thing about Sedona.
Night Take pleasure in A Sundown At Airport Mesa
Because the day nears its finish, make your solution to the Airport Mesa Scenic Overlook for an unforgettable sundown expertise.
Positioned atop Airport Mesa, this vantage level gives panoramic views of Sedona’s landscapes.
The overlook gives a perfect spot to see the colourful colours of the setting solar portray the sky and illuminating the pink rock formations that encompass the world.
Wrapping Up Your 1 Day In Sedona Itinerary
As you attain the tip of your one-day itinerary in Sedona, take a second to replicate on the experiences you’ve had and the reminiscences you’ve made. From dawn to sundown, you’ve actually made essentially the most of your time on this well-known pink rock vacation spot.
Now, because the solar units over the pink rocks, take a deep breath and soak within the magnificence that surrounds you. Whether or not you hiked the scenic trails, explored the native artwork galleries, or savored the scrumptious delicacies, Sedona has undoubtedly left its mark on you.
Extra Time In Sedona?
If in case you have extra time in Sedona, there’s loads extra to discover. Take a look at our two-day itinerary, which gives quite a lot of choices and actions to expertise one of the best of Sedona.
From hikes to peaceable spots, cultural landmarks to native sights, there’s one thing for everybody.
Alternatively, you’ll be able to go to close by cities like Cottonwood ,Jerome benefit from the Verde Valley Wineries.
In Cottonwood, you’ll discover charming outlets, artwork galleries, and wineries within the historic Outdated City. Don’t miss the prospect to style some native wines and benefit from the laid-back ambiance.
Jerome, generally known as the “Ghost City,” is one other intriguing vacation spot.
Discover its mining historical past, browse the quirky outlets, and take within the panoramic views. For the adventurous, you’ll be able to even go to the well-known haunted areas.
Getting Round Sedona
As a result of loopy recognition of Sedona, getting across the space is turning into more and more troublesome. Trailheads and sights are sometimes overcrowded, making it difficult to seek out parking and navigate by means of the busy streets.
SEDONA SHUTTLE
I extremely advocate making an attempt out the brand new Sedona Shuttle that gives transportation from Park and Experience tons to standard trailheads all through Sedona.
The shuttle service is slowly increasing to incorporate extra Park and Experience’s making it a VERY handy solution to get round city.
Parking In Uptown Sedona
There are a number of free parking tons positioned all through Sedona. Nevertheless, discovering a a spot in Uptown Sedona will be difficult, particularly throughout peak vacationer seasons.
Sedona is a busy city with a lot of outlets, eating places, and galleries, attracting numerous guests. Due to this, parking areas refill shortly, and it may be irritating to drive round on the lookout for an open spot.
To make parking in Sedona simpler, you’ll be able to both park at one of many park and rides and shuttle into city, luck out and discover a spot within the free parking, or discover a aspect avenue parking possibility and stroll a bit additional into city.
Parking At Trailheads in Sedona
Don’t pay for parking at each trailhead when you’ll be in Sedona for greater than 3 days remember to Buy The Purple Rock Go its the extra economical solution to go. If in case you have a Nationwide Parks Go it should work at most trailheads.
