There is nothing like Sedona to cultivate an intimate connection – with ourselves and with others – through meaningful experiences that enrich lives and renew spirits. Sedona’s beauty is hard to explain to someone who hasn’t been there before, but easy to someone familiar with its red rock canyons, rugged wildness, and unique vortex energy. Sedona is one of those places that has a small town to explore the wilderness around it. Here’s a quick and easy guide to Sedona to help you plan your weekend.
Getting There
If you’re flying in, Phoenix, Las Flagstaff, or Las Vegas are most likely where you’ll be starting your journey from. To reach Sedona from Phoenix, it takes approximately 2 hours by car and 3 hours by bus. From Flagstaff, it takes about an hour by car and 1 hour and 30 minutes by bus. To reach Sedona from Las Vegas, it takes about 4 and a half hours by car and 5 hours by bus. Expects to spend around $20, $30, or $40 on bus fare, respectively.
Scenic Route 89 is one of Arizona’s Scenic Byways, and is a great option if you are traveling from the north. Also, you can take SR-179, which has been designated an All American Road by Federal Highways Administration as a result of its natural, recreational, and scenic qualities. In addition, if you are staying in West Sedona, you can travel through Camp Verde and Cottonwood on SR-260. All three routes are picturesque and enjoyable, but SR-260 is often less crowded, so it is a convenient option.
Where to Say
Depending on whether you are seeking luxury and relaxation or the wilderness and open night sky, there are some great places all over Sedona. This guide to Sedona will cover a number of options, ranging in price, experience, and simplicity.
Hotel Guide to Sedona
But let’s talk luxury and relaxation. Here’s your guide for Sedona hotels.
L’Auberge – Best for Luxury
Experience the ultimate in relaxation and rejuvenation at L’Auberge de Sedona. Here, breathtaking views and a historical setting come together to provide the perfect getaway. Take a refreshing outdoor shower amidst a canopy of Sycamore trees. Then, indulge in a sumptuous nighttime dining experience overlooking a moonlit balcony. As you drift off to sleep, let the soothing sounds of a nearby stream lull you into a peaceful slumber.
At L’Apothecary, a nature-inspired spa, you’ll find a wide range of unique offerings that take place in natural settings. From traditional services like deep tissue massages to more unconventional options, everything is crafted with the natural world in mind.
Explore the true meaning of inhabiting the earth through daily guest activities that focus on metaphysically immersive classes and experiential art. At L’Auberge de Sedona, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the natural world. Leave feeling refreshed, rejuvenated, and spiritually enlightened.
Enchantment Resort – Best Overall
Discover the renowned Enchantment Resort, offering an unparalleled experience in the spectacular vistas of Boynton Canyon. The resort offers world-class mountain biking, hiking, golf, a spa, and innovative cuisine. Featuring well-appointed guest rooms, suites, and villas with balconies offering breathtaking views, Enchantment Resort offers bespoke service. They provide luxurious amenities and individualized preferences for a memorable stay in the middle of red rock country.
Enchantment Resort’s four signature dining experiences offer a diverse selection of innovative cuisine, an unrivaled ambiance, and handcrafted cocktails and spirits. As the sun rises and the sun sets (and even after the stars rise), Enchantment Resort will satisfy every age and interest, making it the most popular Sedona resort.
Creekside Inn Sedona – Best Boutique
Creekside Inn offers modern accommodations underneath the Arizona sun surrounded by a shady, scenic corridor. The Inn offers modern rooms with inspired character and amenities that make for a relaxing getaway. The inn is located in the heart of Sedona, yet just a short drive away from the city centre. They offer a gourmet breakfast every morning. It’s just the perfect setting for you to relax and enjoy the outdoors.
Camping Guide to Sedona
If you’re more the outdoorsy type, here are some campground in and around Sedona.
Chavez Crossing Group Campground
Escape to the wilds of Oak Creek Canyon and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Sedona at this forest camp. It’s surrounded by the opulent golf courses and swanky homes of this art and resort town. You’ll still enjoy the serene country and creekside ambiance, all while being treated to the awe-inspiring red rock scenery.
Hiking, sight-seeing and swimming are all just a stone’s throw away. In Oak Creek, you can fish and splash in the cool, crystal clear waters.
Nestled in a grove of majestic Arizona sycamores and stately Arizona cypresses, Chavez Crossing campground offers the perfect blend of nature and convenience. The access roads are paved for easy arrival. You can choose from three separate sites or reserve the entire campground for group events. So pack your bags, grab your hiking boots and come experience the great outdoors like never before!
Manzanita Campground
Experience the serenity of the great outdoors at Manzanita Campground, where nature and adventure come together in perfect harmony. With a mix of first-come first-serve and reservable campsites, you can plan your stay in advance. or take your chances and arrive early to secure a spot. Surrounded by lush Arizona ash and box elder trees, tranquil gravel beaches, towering boulders, and trout-stocked creeks, this campground offers a unique and unforgettable camping experience.
Plus, RVs and trailers are not allowed, ensuring a more intimate and peaceful atmosphere. Located just off the 89 and featuring paved pull-throughs for easy access, Manzanita Campground is the perfect destination for those seeking a true escape into nature. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to create lasting memories and connect with the beauty of the great outdoors.
BLM Camping
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) offers a variety of dry camping options in the Sedona area, including Main Drag and Loy Butte. Loy Butte Road (Forest Road 525) is located just 10 miles from town and offers secluded camping with beautiful views. To get there, take Highway 89 west towards Cottonwood and turn off onto Loy Butte Road.
Another option is Coconino Forest Road 535, which is open weather permitting and has 6-15 campgrounds. However, the maximum RV length is 25 feet due to the presence of trees and uneven terrain. Campers are allowed to stay for up to 14 days, but there are no toilets or water available at the campsite.
Keep in mind, these campground have no amenities, so you’ll need to pack in and pack out everything. Check out our guide on boondocking for tips.
Vortex Guide to Sedona
The Airport Mesa Vortex is a must-see destination for any Sedona traveler. This powerful electromagnetic vortex is the largest and most easily accessible of its kind, offering 360-degree views of the stunning Sedona landscape. Known for its masculine energy, the Airport Mesa Vortex is the perfect spot to tap into your inner strength and gain confidence in yourself and your life. The hike to the vortex is easy and the trail is well-maintained, making it perfect for visitors of all ages. The twisted trees and other natural features surrounding the vortex only add to its mystical energy. And the best part? It’s the closest vortex to Sedona town, so you won’t have to travel far to experience its powerful energy.
Boynton Canyon Vortex
The Boynton Canyon-Kachina Sedona Vortex is a must-visit for spiritual seekers and nature enthusiasts. Located just a short hike from the main road, this sacred vortex offers a unique experience with its powerful energy that balances masculine and feminine energies. It is the perfect spot for building intimacy and openness in relationships. Notice the twisted trees in the direction of the vortex as you explore the area. Notice the iconic Kachina Woman rock formation, adding to the mystical atmosphere.
Bell Rock Vortex
Bell Rock is one of the most powerful vortex energy sites in Sedona. It is known for its high levels of quartz crystals within. It is a perfect destination for those seeking to enhance their spiritual being and gain a greater sense of balance between the masculine and feminine. A visit to Bell Rock may not only uplift your spirit, but also give you a deeper understanding of yourself. The Courthouse Butte Loop Trail is a great way to access the vortex. It’s a moderate hike with breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
Cathedral Rock Vortex
There is an immense amount of feminine energy present in Cathedral Rock Sedona Vortex, creating a cleansing experience and generating immense amounts of energy. The vortex’s energy cleanses and balances the mind, body, and spirit.
Deep meditation at Cathedral Rock will connect you to the earth’s energy as well as your guides, compelling your ability to access deep knowledge within. It is the strongest magnetic vortex in Sedona, producing a subtle but extremely powerful experience.
The hike up to the saddle of Cathedral Rock is a moderate to strenuous hike. It typically takes about 1-2 hours to complete. The trail starts off relatively flat and easy. As you approach the base of Cathedral Rock, the terrain becomes steeper and more rocky. The final climb to the saddle is a steep scramble up a rocky incline. You’ll find the views from the top are well worth the effort. The hike is considered one of the most popular trails in Sedona. To fully enjoy the hike, hikers should wear good hiking shoes, bring water, and start early in the day to avoid the heat.
For those looking for a more relaxed experience, Buddha Beach is a nearby spot for sunbathing and picnicking. This beach is situated on the shore of Oak Creek. It is a perfect spot for those who want to take a break from hiking. The beach is covered in fine red sand, and the water is crystal clear. It is ideal for those who want to take a dip in the creek, have a picnic or just relax.
Things To Do
Slide Rock
Slide Rock State Park is a must-see destination for any nature lover visiting Sedona. The natural water slide is formed by smooth, red rocks and crystal-clear water, making for an exhilarating experience for all ages. The picturesque park also features picnic areas, hiking trails, and historic apple orchards, making it the perfect spot for a fun-filled day in the great outdoors. Slide Rock is a popular destination, so it’s best to visit early or during off-season.
Grasshopper Point
There is a large cliff-side swimming hole known as Grasshopper Point, which is very popular with swimmers and picnickers alike. Grasshopper Point is a hidden gem located just a short drive from Sedona’s bustling downtown. This secluded swimming hole offers crystal-clear water and a natural rock diving platform, making it the perfect place to cool off on a hot summer day. The nearby hiking trails offer breathtaking views of the surrounding red rocks, making Grasshopper Point a must-see destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
The Crack at Wet Beaver Creek
The Crack at Wet Beaver Creek is an awe-inspiring natural wonder located just a short hike from the Wet Beaver Creek Trailhead. This deep and narrow gorge is carved out of the red rock, making for a unique and dramatic landscape. Cliff jumpers will love The Crack, but it offers something for everyone, with sunbathing rocks and shallow waters.
The Crack requires a 3.5-mile hike each way, making it a bit less popular than Sedona’s more accessible swimming holes. The hike involves about 500 feet of elevation gain, but the hot desert sun makes it challenging. The hike to The Crack is challenging but worth it. The views of the surrounding red rocks and the cool water of the creek make for an unforgettable experience. It’s a perfect spot for a little adventure and nature appreciation.
Spiritual Guide to Sedona
These places are said to have particularly strong earth energy that can help connect with the earth’s energy, heal your mind, body, and spirit.
Many people seek out the vortexes in Sedona as part of their spiritual and holistic healing practices. Combining it with meditation, yoga, and energy work is common.
Whether you are looking to find inner peace, to heal your body, or to connect with the earth’s energy, Sedona’s vortexes offer a powerful and transformative experience that can help you to achieve your goals. With breathtaking natural beauty and powerful spiritual energy, Sedona is a destination that is sure to leave a lasting impression on all who visit.
Extreme Guide to Sedona
But for those seeking a truly extreme adventure, Sedona offers some of the most challenging and exhilarating experiences in the Southwest.
One of the most popular extreme activities in Sedona is rock climbing. The red rock formations provide a unique and challenging climbing experience for both beginners and experienced climbers. Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock, and Courthouse Butte are just a few of the popular climbing spots in Sedona.
Another popular extreme activity in Sedona is off-roading. The Sedona area is home to miles of rugged terrain. There are plenty of off-road trails that offer an adrenaline rush for off-road enthusiasts. Take a guided tour or rent a Jeep and explore the backcountry on your own.
For those looking for a different kind of thrill, Sedona also offers hot air balloon rides. Float above the red rocks and take in the stunning views of Sedona and the surrounding area.
Conclusion
Sedona, Arizona is a destination that offers a unique combination of natural beauty, outdoor activities, and spiritual experiences. With its stunning red rock formations, clear blue skies, and tranquil surroundings, it’s no wonder that people come from all over to visit. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing vacation or an action-packed adventure, Sedona has something for everyone. From hiking and biking to hot air ballooning and jeep tours, there’s no shortage of ways to experience the beauty of this special place. With a wealth of activities and experiences to choose from, Sedona is a destination that truly has it all. Hopefully this guide to Sedona has enticed you to go find out for yourself.