Everything You Need to Know Before Visiting Sedona, Arizona
- Logan & Audri
- Dec 23, 2025
- 8 min read
Sedona, Arizona is one of the best places to visit in the Southwest. The red rocks, easy scenic trails, beautiful viewpoints, great restaurants, and endless outdoor activities make it an amazing spot for a quick getaway or a longer trip. In this post, we’re sharing everything you need to know to plan your own trip to Sedona, including the best things to do, where to stay, and when to visit.
Where is Sedona, Arizona?
Sedona is located in northern Arizona, about two hours north of Phoenix and just south of Flagstaff. Click here for Google Maps directions to Sedona, Arizona.
Even though Sedona feels tucked away in nature, it’s surprisingly easy to reach from several major Arizona destinations. Whether you’re flying into Phoenix, planning a Grand Canyon day trip, or road-tripping through the Southwest, Sedona fits into most itineraries without much extra driving.
The town itself is compact and simple to navigate; no matter where you stay, you'll be close to restaurants, viewpoints, trailheads, and many of Sedona’s most popular attractions.
How Far is Sedona From Other Major Destinations?
Phoenix to Sedona: 117 miles (about 2 hours)
Flagstaff to Sedona: 33 miles (about 1 hour)
Grand Canyon South Rim to Sedona: 117 miles (about 2 hours)
Scottsdale to Sedona: 127 miles (about 2 hours)
Tucson to Sedona: 229 miles (about 3.5 hours)
Las Vegas to Sedona: 282 miles (about 4.5 hours)
Page to Sedona: 168 miles (about 3 hours)
Oak Creek Canyon to Sedona: 8 miles (about 15 minutes)
When to Visit Sedona
Sedona is a true year-round destination, but the experience can feel completely different depending on the season, especially when it comes to Sedona weather, crowds, and how enjoyable the trails are.
The best time to visit Sedona, in our opinion, is April and October. Spring brings perfect hiking temperatures, blooming desert plants, and clear views of Sedona’s red rock formations. Fall has the same comfortable weather but usually slightly fewer crowds, making it an ideal time to explore Sedona’s scenic trails, viewpoints, and famous vortex sites.
Summer in Sedona can get very hot, often reaching the high 90s, which makes midday hiking tough. If you’re visiting in June–September, plan your hikes early in the morning, explore Oak Creek during the heat of the day, and save sunset viewpoints for the evening. This is also monsoon season, so quick afternoon storms aren’t uncommon.
Winter is much quieter. Sedona does get some colder days and even occasional snow on the red rocks (which is stunning!), but most trails and attractions stay open year-round. This is a great time to visit if you want fewer crowds and don’t mind packing layers.
If you want a detailed breakdown, Sedona's weather by month is extremely helpful when planning your trip, especially if you’re choosing hikes, jeep tours, or deciding the best time to see Sedona’s vortexes. No matter when you go, Sedona has plenty of incredible things to do, but choosing the right season can make your trip even better.
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Best Things to Do in Sedona
Sedona has no shortage of amazing things to do, from scenic hikes and famous red rock viewpoints to vortex sites, great restaurants, and some of the most iconic tours in Arizona. Here are the experiences we think belong on every Sedona itinerary:
Take a Pink Jeep Tour
Pink Jeep Tours are one of the most popular things to do in Sedona, especially for families or anyone who wants to explore Sedona’s off-road areas without doing the driving themselves. Book a Pink Jeep Tour here.
Experience a Sedona Vortex Site
Sedona is famous for its “vortexes”, natural energy sites that many describe as calming, uplifting, or inspiring. The most popular vortex spots include Airport Mesa, Bell Rock, Cathedral Rock, and Boynton Canyon. Whether or not you feel anything spiritual, these places are beautiful viewpoints and worth the stop. Learn more about Sedona's Vortexes here.
Watch Sunset at Airport Mesa
Airport Mesa is one of the best sunset spots in Sedona (and a vortex site!). Get there early if you’re visiting during peak season, parking fills quickly, but the views are completely worth it.
Walk Through Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village
For a break from the trails, Tlaquepaque is a beautiful outdoor arts village with Spanish-style courtyards, boutique shops, and great restaurants. It’s a fun place to wander for an hour or two. Learn more about Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village here.
Visit Chapel of the Holy Cross
This is our personal favorite view in Sedona! The Chapel of the Holy Cross sits high above Sedona with incredible red-rock views, and it’s one of the easiest attractions to add to any itinerary.
Visit Sedona's Local Wineries
Sedona’s wine scene is such a fun surprise! The Verde Valley is home to some amazing vineyards and tasting rooms, many with amazing views. Whether you want a full wine-tasting afternoon or just a quick stop between activities, it’s a relaxing way to experience a different side of Sedona. See more about Sedona's wineries here.
Best Hikes in Sedona
Sedona is one of the best hiking destinations in the United States, and you’ll see why the moment you step onto a trail. You could spend days exploring and still feel like there’s more to discover. Whether you're an experienced outdoorsy or newer to hiking, Sedona has hikes for every experience level. Here are some of the most popular (and most worthwhile) trails to add to your trip.
Devil's Bridge
Distance: 3.9 miles round-trip (via Dry Creek Road), Elevation Gain: 521ft, Difficulty: Moderate. Click here for Devil's Bridge trail details.
Cathedral Rock Trail
Distance: 1.1 miles round-trip, Elevation Gain: 669ft, Difficulty: Strenuous.
Boynton Canyon Trail
Distance: 6.6 miles round-trip, Elevation Gain: 931ft, Difficulty: Moderate.
Seven Sacred Pools and Soldiers Pass Cave Trail
Distance: 3 miles round-trip, Elevation Gain: 419ft, Difficulty: Moderate.
Birthing Cave Trail
Distance: 2 miles round-trip, Elevation Gain: 232ft, Difficulty: Moderate.
Bell Rock Trail
Distance: 0.8 miles round-trip, Elevation Gain: 200ft, Difficulty: Moderate.
Where to stay in Sedona, Arizona
Sedona has no shortage of places to stay, whether you’re looking for a relaxing resort, a cozy boutique hotel, or something simple and close to the trails. Most accommodations are spread throughout town, so no matter where you stay, you’ll be within a short drive of restaurants, viewpoints, and trailheads. These are a few great options to consider depending on your travel style and budget.
Sedona Hotels and Rentals
Sedona has a great mix of boutique hotels, well-known resorts, and unique vacation rentals, but accommodations here can definitely be pricey. If you’re traveling on a budget, staying just outside of town in Flagstaff or choosing one of Sedona’s campgrounds can be a much more affordable option while still keeping you close to the area.
Sedona Camping
Camping is a great option if you want to stay close to nature and don’t mind trading hotel amenities for views and quieter nights. While there isn’t camping inside Sedona itself, there are plenty of campgrounds and dispersed camping areas just outside town.
Manzanita Campground and Cave Springs Campground (located in Oak Creek Canyon) are two of the most popular developed options, offering restrooms and easy access to hiking. For a more off-grid experience, dispersed camping is allowed in designated areas of the Coconino National Forest surrounding Sedona, especially along forest roads outside town.
Most developed campgrounds require reservations, while dispersed camping is first-come, first-served and has specific rules to follow. If you plan to camp during spring or fall, arriving early or booking ahead is highly recommended, as campsites fill up quickly during peak season.
How Many Days Do You Need in Sedona?
How many days you need in Sedona really depends on how much you want to do and how fast you like to travel, but 2–4 days is the sweet spot for most people.
If you only have one to two days, you can still see a lot. Focus on a few of Sedona’s highlights like a popular hike, one or two scenic viewpoints, and sunset at Airport Mesa. This works well if you’re visiting Sedona as part of a larger Arizona road trip or coming up from Phoenix for a quick getaway.
With three days, you’ll be able to slow down and really enjoy the area. This gives you time to hike a couple of Sedona’s best trails, visit a vortex site, explore Oak Creek Canyon, and still fit in things like a Pink Jeep Tour or a winery stop without feeling rushed.
If you have four to five days, Sedona becomes a much more relaxed experience. You can spread hikes out, explore quieter trails, spend more time along Oak Creek, and enjoy the town itself by going to restaurants, shops, and enjoying spa days and scenic drives. This is ideal if Sedona is your main destination rather than a quick stop.
No matter how long you stay, Sedona has a way of making you want to come back. Even a short trip gives you a taste of what makes the area special, while extra days let you experience just how much there is beyond the main viewpoints.
Getting Around Sedona
Sedona is a small town, but having a car is the easiest and most convenient way to get around. Most trailheads, viewpoints, restaurants, and attractions are a bit spread out, and public transportation is very limited.
Sedona does not have a major commercial airport. The closest airport is Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, which is about a two-hour drive away and where most visitors fly into. From Phoenix, renting a car is the best option for reaching Sedona and exploring the area comfortably.
Once you’re in town, driving is straightforward, and distances are short. That said, parking can be tricky at popular trailheads and viewpoints, especially during peak seasons like spring and fall. Arriving early in the morning or later in the afternoon can make a big difference.
Some of Sedona’s busiest areas, like Cathedral Rock, are accessible via the Sedona Shuttle during certain times of year, which can be helpful if you don’t want to deal with parking restrictions. For everything else, having your own vehicle gives you the most flexibility, especially if you plan to explore Oak Creek Canyon, nearby hikes, or wineries outside of town.
Other Places to Explore Near Sedona, Arizona
Sedona is located in the perfect area to explore many more Arizona and nearby gems. Here are some suggestions for places to add-on to your road trip:
Flagstaff
Grand Canyon National Park
Antelope Canyon
Horseshoe Bend
Petrified Forest National Park
Meteor Crater
Route 66
Four Corners
Monument Valley
Fun Facts About Sedona, Arizona
We hope this Sedona, Arizona guide helps you plan an unforgettable trip to one of Arizona's most beautiful landscapes. And if you’re still on the fence, here are a few fun facts that might convince you it’s time to experience Sedona for yourself:
Despite being one of Arizona’s most visited destinations, Sedona has zero stoplights, the town relies on roundabouts to keep traffic moving.
Thanks to Sedona’s mild climate and lower elevation compared to Flagstaff, most trails stay accessible all year, and snow usually melts quickly.
The scenic drive between Sedona and Flagstaff through Oak Creek Canyon is considered one of the most beautiful drives in the state.
Sedona has strict building and lighting regulations to preserve dark skies and keep the red rock views unobstructed.
The town is named after Sedona Schnebly, the wife of the city’s first postmaster. Her name was chosen because it was unique and unlikely to be confused with other towns.
FAQ About Sedona
Is Sedona expensive to visit?
Sedona can be expensive, especially when it comes to hotels and resorts. However, you can visit on a budget by staying outside of town, camping, or planning your activities around free hikes and viewpoints.
Is Sedona good for beginners at hiking?
Yes! Sedona has a wide range of trails, from easy scenic walks to more challenging hikes. Beginners can enjoy trails like Bell Rock or Oak Creek paths, while more experienced hikers can tackle longer routes.
What are Sedona vortexes?
Sedona vortexes are natural areas believed by some to have strong spiritual or energy centers. Popular vortex sites include Airport Mesa, Bell Rock, Cathedral Rock, and Boynton Canyon.
Does it snow in Sedona?
Snow is possible in winter, but it’s usually light and doesn’t last long. Snow on the red rocks is rare and beautiful, and most trails reopen quickly once it melts.
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