Sedona, Arizona
The Beautiful City of Sedona, Arizona
Sedona, Arizona is surrounded by red rock buttes and dramatic canyon walls. It's known for its vibrant arts community, small shops, and spas. It's definitely a city that needs to be on your to-do list to visit at least once while you're in Arizona. At only 2.5 hours away from Phoenix, it's not a bad drive for even a day trip to get away from the Phoenix heat.
Sedona Red Rocks
Sedona, Arizona's red rocks are truly awe-inspiring, and they are all around Sedona with many ways to take in the spectacular views. One of the most exciting ways to view them in Sedona is taking a hot air balloon ride above all of the beauty of Sedona. From the sky, you can truly enjoy this breathtaking area from an entirely new perspective! Another way to appreciate the splendor of the red rocks is by going hiking on one of many trials. There are hundreds of trails in the region, each providing a unique experience and amazing views of the surrounding landscape. While some trails may be challenging, there are also easier trails for the less-experienced hiker that still offer breathtaking views. Some of Sedona's most popular hiking trails include Devil's Bridge, Cathedral Rock Trail, and Airport Mesa Loop. You can't really go wrong with any trail when all of Sedona is surrounded by amazing landscape.
For a fun way to cool off in the desert heat, consider swimming at one of Sedona's popular swimming holes! Slide Rock State Park boasts some fantastic swimming holes with crystal-clear water that you won't find elsewhere. Red Rocks Crossing and Crescent Moon Ranch are other nearby swimming holes worth checking out when visiting the area. When you're in the heat, going for a quick swim will help you cool off and enjoy your day.
Slide Rock got its name due to the water running through the rocks, creating an incredibly smooth and slippery surface. Close to being on a slippery water slide. It is ideal for families with young kids as a great place to cool off during summer heat waves!
Hiking Trails
When in Sedona, one of the best activities to do is go hiking. This area boasts some of the most iconic red rock formations in the world and hiking here will give you a close-up view of its sandstone and rock canyons that give this destination its special charm.
Sedona offers plenty of trails to choose from. On weekends, some of these trails can be pretty busy, so plan your trip accordingly. The trails also offer different difficulties to choose from.
Boynton Canyon Trail in Sedona offers some of the best hiking opportunities and could be considered one of the most scenic hiking opportunities. You'll get to admire some spectacular views like Thunder Mountain, Chimney Rock, Coffee Pot Rock and more along the way!
For a nice, family-friendly hike you can check out the Cathedral Rock Trail. This loop begins in a forest and then ascends the sandstone formation, providing hikers with stunning views at each overlook. Enjoy some rest time and take in the views before continuing your ascent back up the trail for even more breathtaking scenery!
For those seeking a more strenuous hike, Bell Rock Trail is a great option. This expansive loop has plenty of scrambling to do, but is also matched with amazing scenery. Because this trail is a little harder, you may find it less busy than other trails.
When hiking in the desert, remember to drink plenty of water! The climate can be dry and it's easy to become dehydrated hiking in the desert sun. Also, be sure to pay close attention to the signage along the trails. It's an integral part of enjoying yourself on these trails and staying safe! This includes navigating tricky sections of terrain, staying on the right trail, and following directions from staff members.
Entertainment
Many visitors may come to Sedona for the stunning scenery, but there's also plenty of exciting entertainment and attractions here too. Popular activities include art galleries, wine tastings and more. This makes Sedona worth the trip, with so many things to keep you busy.
One of the best ways to experience Sedona is from above, with Sky Safari Tours and Charter's helicopter tour. Enjoy informative commentary from your pilot as you soar over red rock landscape with amazing views.
The Sedona Arts Center is an excellent destination to view some of the area's finest artwork. They also host creative workshops to help you express yourself and get motivated. Sedona offers tons of local art pieces. Whatever your background may be, you're sure to find something here that speaks to you.
If you're searching for an enjoyable lunch spot, Canyon Breeze restaurant is a great choice. Enjoy stunning views of the red rocks while having breakfast, lunch or dinner served seven days a week with your family and friends.
In addition to enjoying delicious food, you can also join a yoga or exercise class here to stay fit. Experience extreme meditation in a beautiful environment.
For wine enthusiasts, Sedona offers several local vineyards that offer tours and tastings. These establishments form part of the Verde Valley Wine Trail, where you can sample some of Arizona's finest wines. This is a great date idea if you are looking to enjoy the sites with some great wines.