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One of many issues I like most about visiting Sedona is that there is no such thing as a scarcity of adventures and actions available. You might spend a month right here and never verify off all the very best issues to do in Sedona.

I’ve been to Sedona greater than a dozen instances now – it’s my favourite place within the US to mountain bike – and I’m at all times discovering one thing new.

From lovely hikes that showcase Sedona’s unimaginable crimson rock panorama to difficult (however enjoyable!) mountain biking singletrack and helicopter excursions that will provide you with a birdseye view of the realm, there’s one thing for everybody in Sedona.

So for those who’re planning a visit to this magical place, learn on to study what excursions and actions it is best to add to your Sedona itinerary.

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1. Go mountaineering

Sedona is without doubt one of the finest locations within the southwest to hike. There are a whole bunch of miles to discover and every path affords its personal particular shock.

Some trails result in beautiful lookouts whereas others take you thru slender canyons lined with oak bushes and tall crimson rock partitions.

Listed here are a couple of of my favourite hikes in Sedona. For extra suggestions verify our publish on the very best hikes in Sedona.

• West Fork Path: 6.5 miles, 564 ft elevation acquire, out-and-back
• Courtyard Butte & Bell Rock: 3.6 miles, 341 ft elevation acquire, loop
• Satan’s Bridge: 3.9 miles, 521 ft elevation acquire, out-and-back
• Cathedral Rock Path: 1.2 miles, 741 ft elevation acquire, out-and-back
• Troopers Cross to Brins Mesa: 5.6 miles, 1,066 ft elevation acquire, loop

2. Go Caving

By caving, I don’t imply spelunking…Caving in Sedona means exploring among the neat crimson rock caves that may be accessed through mountaineering trails round Sedona.

Common caves round Sedona embody:

3. Go to the Chapel of the Holy Cross

Even for those who’re not non secular, visiting the Chapel of the Holy Cross is a must-do whenever you’re in Sedona.

This chapel is an architectural landmark that blends seamlessly into the pure fantastic thing about the encompassing crimson rock panorama.

It was designed by Marguerite Brunswig Staude, a pupil of the famend architect Frank Lloyd Wright, and is an iconic monument in Sedona.

The Chapel is open from 9am – 5pm seven days per week. You’ll be able to drive as much as it or hike to it through Chapel Path.

4. Take a Pink Jeep Tour

Pink Journey Excursions is without doubt one of the oldest and most well-known tour operators in Sedona. Their Jeep adventures will get you out onto the crimson rock panorama of Sedona the place you possibly can expertise among the finest views and surroundings.

They’ve numerous excursions to decide on and you’ll choose how rugged and off-road you need to get.

Trying to get rowdy? Take a look at the Damaged Arrow / Scenic Rim Combo tour.

5. Go mountain biking

As a mountain biker, Sedona is my all-time favourite place to journey. I like the difficult trails, the unimaginable views, and the partaking terrain. Identical to mountaineering, there are a whole bunch of miles of trails to discover.

For route suggestions, take a look at my detailed information on Sedona mountain biking over on my weblog, Two Wheeled Wanderer.

6. Take a guided e-bike tour

E-bikes aren’t allowed on the paths in Sedona, however you possibly can nonetheless see the crimson rock vistas by the seat of a motorcycle with an e-bike tour led by a neighborhood information.

This tour will take you to among the most scenic locations round Sedona just like the Cresent Moon Picnic space. Plus, you don’t have to take a seat in Sedona’s dreaded site visitors!

7. Get pleasure from Sedona’s meals scene

After all of your adventuring outdoors, you’ll need to refuel at a few of Sedona’s finest eating places.

There’s no scarcity of excellent locations to eat on the town, however listed below are a couple of of my favorites:

• Elote: Genuine and scrumptious Mexican meals. Reservations required
• Mariposa: Fancy Latin-inspired grill
• The Hudson: American eatery with nice meals and cocktails.
• Hideaway Home: Italian-inspired. Go for sundown!
• Indian Gardens: Great spot for breakfast or lunch. Situated up Oak Creek Canyon.
• Black Potion: Wonderful espresso

8. Catch the sundown at Sedona Airport’s scenic lookout

Head to the Sedona Airport Lookout For among the finest views out over Sedona’s crimson rock panorama. This can be a excellent place to catch the sundown.

If you wish to add on a hike, the three.3-mile Sedona Airport Loop affords nice views.

9. Spend a day at Slide Rock State Park

Slide Rock State Park is situated up Oak Creek Canyon and is a ravishing spot to spend the day or afternoon, particularly on scorching days.

The park is legendary for its pure water slide, which has been carved out from the crimson sandstone mattress of Oak Creek. You’ll be able to slide down the graceful, slippery chute and plunge right into a refreshing swimming gap on the backside.

Slide Rock State Park is open from 8am – 5pm. The day-use price is $20-$30 per car relying on the day and season.

Study extra on the Slide Rock State Park web site.

10. Go to Montezuma Fortress Nationwide Monument

There are dozens of Native American archaeological websites unfold all through Arizona and one of the vital well-preserved ones is Montezuma Fortress.

This spectacular destroy is a 5-story cliff dwelling that was constructed someplace between 1100 and 1350 A.D. by the Sinagua folks.

It’s a bit little bit of a drive to get on the market, about half-hour one-way from Sedona, however for those who’re fascinated with historical past, it’s positively definitely worth the journey.

Whilst you can’t go into the cliff dwelling, you possibly can see it from beneath and take a look at a reproduction within the Customer’s Middle.

11. Go wine-tasting

Earlier than I’d spent lots of time in Arizona, I used to be shocked to study that there are a selection of wineries round Sedona.

The Verde Valley, the place Sedona is situated, is one among three grape-growing areas within the state (the opposite two are farther south).

Greater than 40 completely different types of grapes are grown within the Verde Valley and there are a minimum of a dozen completely different wineries that produce wine. A few of them have even gained worldwide awards!

In case you’re fascinated with sampling some southern Arizona wines, take a look at the Verde Valley Wine Path for a map and extra details about grape rising and wine-making within the space.

You can too join a 4-winery tour with transportation.

12. Be a part of a ghost tour of Jerome

Jerome is a small city perched excessive on Cleopatra Hill above Sedona. As soon as referred to as the “Wickedest City within the West,” Jerome was as soon as a thriving copper mining camp. When the mines closed within the Fifties, although, Jerome grew to become a abandoned ghost city.

At present, Jerome has been revived as a haven for artists, musicians, and historical past lovers. The steep, winding predominant road is lined with Victorian buildings that home artwork galleries, wine-tasting rooms, quaint retailers, and eating places filled with character.

You’ll be able to stroll round city, or dive into its historical past by signing up for a Jerome Ghost Tour.

13. Take a scorching air balloon journey

There’s actually no higher strategy to see Sedona than by a scorching air balloon. Crimson Rock Balloons affords dawn balloon rides 7 days per week.

14. Take a helicopter journey

If scorching air balloons aren’t your factor, you possibly can go for a helicopter journey over Sedona.

I’m not a lot of a client, however I did take pleasure in strolling across the Tlaquepaque Arts & Purchasing Village in Uptown Sedona. It’s particularly good at night time when all of the lights are lit up.

The are numerous retailers to poke round in from artwork galleries to bead retailers to jewellery shops and extra. There are additionally a number of eating places for those who’re on the lookout for a spot to have a pleasant dinner.

Insider tip: Head to the courtyard outdoors of El Rincon Restaurant on Sunday, Monday, or Tuesday night for some dwell flamenco music!

16. Discover the Palatki and Honanki Heritage Websites

Palatki and Honanki are two archaeological heritage websites situated northwest of Sedona off of OHV roads.

Palatki, which means ‘crimson home’ within the Hopi language, consists of cliff dwellings and rock artwork that date again 1000’s of years.

Honanki, which means “bear home” within the Hopi language, can also be a cliff dwelling and residential to house of the most important and best-preserved pictographs and petroglyphs within the area.

You’ll be able to go to these websites by yourself or guide a tour with a tour information firm in Sedona.

Tip: The roads out to Palatki and Honanki could be tough and never nicely maintained. You’ll desire a high-clearance 4×4 car.

17. Calm down on the Crescent Moon Picnic Website

On the lookout for a soothing afternoon? Head to the Crescent Moon picnic web site with a great guide and picnic lunch.

This lovely place is surrounded by tall crimson rock cliffs, leafy oak bushes, dramatic views of Cathedral Rock, and the meandering Oak Creek River. It’s paradise!

There’s a day-use price of $12, but it surely’s value it, particularly for those who plan on spending a couple of hours there.

18. Experience the Verde Canyon Railroad

The Verde Canyon Railroad begins in Clarkdale, a city close to Sedona, and winds its means alongside the Verde River by means of the picturesque Verde Canyon.

Sometimes called “Arizona’s longest-running nature present,” the prepare travels on tracks laid over a century in the past and affords unobstructed viewing of the canyon’s wildlife, vegetation, historic cliff dwellings, and geological wonders.

The 4-hour journey on the Verde Canyon Railroad is a bit dear ($109/per individual), however a cool expertise and probably the greatest issues to do in Sedona.

If you need lunch and a champagne toast, guide the Verde Valley Railroad Journey Bundle.

19. Drive Oak Creek Canyon to Flagstaff

Whether or not you’re on an Arizona highway journey otherwise you’re simply spending a couple of days in Sedona, a drive up Oak Creek Canyon is a should.

This slender, winding highway cuts by means of a deep chasm carved out by Oak Creek. As you ascend towards Flagstaff, the highway turns into tightly switchbacked and affords nice views again down the canyon.

This drive is especially magical within the fall when the foliage turns right into a show of autumn colours.

20. Join a Sedona Stargazing Tour

The night time skies above Sedona are among the finest within the southwest. In case you’re into night time images or need to study concerning the constellations, join a night time stargazing and story tour.

21. Ebook a Spa Day

Sedona is touted for having therapeutic vitality and vortex vibes, so why not absorb a few of that goodness with a day on the spa?

There are a handful of day spas round city that provide massages, facials, and different providers, or you possibly can guide an evening or two at a vacation spot spa like Enchantment Resort or The Wilde Resort & Spa. Simply be ready to pay Sedona costs.

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Have you ever visited Sedona? What’s in your finest issues to in Sedona checklist? Which of those hikes, actions, or websites pursuits you probably the most? Depart a remark beneath!

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