Sedona’s beauty and lively, spiritual energy can make any traveler fall in love with it. From hiking the towering red rocks to indulging at the world-class spas, you will find something that will make you wish that you could stay in Sedona forever.
However, since you’re probably only here for a short time, we’ve compiled a three-day itinerary to help you experience the best that Sedona has to offer!
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Trip Description
When to Visit
Itinerary Details
Trip Description
Type: Small Group
Style: Adventure/Nature, Luxury
Pace: Moderate
Flexibility: Medium
Scope: Best of the Best
For more information on our descriptors, visit our FAQ page!
When to Visit
Sedona is a great destination all year round, so you will be happy whenever you choose to visit.
The most popular time to visit is between March and May and September through November when the temperatures are warm, but not extremely hot.
The temperature in the summer can reach above 100 degrees Fahrenheit ( 30 degrees Celsius), which can make some daytime activities too hot and unenjoyable. December through January averages are between 56 and 61 degrees Fahrenheit (13 and 16 degrees Celsius), which is great hiking weather!
Itinerary Details
Day 1
Morning
Start your day off with a hearty breakfast from Creekside American Bistro. The view and food are both spectacular. Make a reservation ahead of time so that you have an outdoor table with views of the red rocks. You can’t miss the Belgian Waffle and the Eggs Benedict – both were delicious!
After brunch, hop in the car and drive the Red Rock Scenic Byway. This picturesque, 7.5-mile long drive is a great way to get your initial taste of Sedona. There are many scenic pull-outs along the road where you can park and take in both panoramic and up-close views of the red rocks. I would highly recommend stopping and walking around the Bell Rock Vista and Pathway!
Drive from Sedona along HWY 179 towards the Village of Oak Creek. Once you reach Oak Creek, you can turn around. On the drive back, make a stop at the Chapel of the Holy Cross. This Roman Catholic Chapel was constructed in 1956 and is one of Sedona’s spiritual vortexes. Even if you are not religious, make a stop here as the views are absolutely breathtaking!
Afternoon
Time for lunch! We recommend lunch at either Elote Cafe or The Hudson. Keep in mind that Elote Cafe does not take reservations, so you might have to test your luck there. Both are great options!
Once you have had time to relax, you’ll head to Slide Rock State Park. This park is famous for its 80 foot-long slippery sandstone chute that is used as a natural waterslide! This is a great place to cool down on a warm day and a unique activity for all ages.
Evening
After you have had your fun at Slide Rock, head back to your hotel for some rest and relaxation.
Dinner tonight will be at Mariposa Latin Inspired Grill. Make a reservation well ahead of time as they tend to fill up very quickly. If you’re unable to make reservations for Mariposa, another great option is The Vault Uptown.
Wherever you choose to go, head over a little before sunset as the views are quite phenomenal.
After dinner, head home and catch some zzz’s as you’ll be up early tomorrow!
Day 2
Morning
Rise and shine! Today you will wake up at 4:15-4:30 A.M. for an early morning sunrise hike to Devil’s Bridge. Devil’s Bridge is one of the most popular hikes in Sedona, so the line to get onto the bridge becomes quite long after 6:30-7:00 A.M.
Aim to begin your hike at 5:00 A.M. from the Mescal Trailhead so that you will find a parking spot and a tourist-free bridge. The hike is relatively flat (with a short 0.5-mile steep climb at the end) and will be about 4 miles round-trip. Check out our Devil’s Bridge article for more tips on planning out your hike!
After your hike make your way over to the Coffee Pot for breakfast and, you guessed it, coffee! There are tons of food options to choose from and the staff is super friendly – you’ll feel right at home. It is a very casual place so you’ll fit right in with your hiking attire.
Head back to your hotel to shower, nap, or just relax after an early morning.
Afternoon
You’ll spend your afternoon visiting Tlaquepaque Arts and Shopping Village right in Sedona. Modeled after a traditional Mexican village, the square is full of galleries, one-of-a-kind art, music, and restaurants. You can easily spend a few hours exploring all the different shops or sitting by a fountain listening to some of the local musicians. It’s a great place to purchase a unique piece of Sedona art.
Another great place for some quirky souvenirs is right down the road at Son Silver West Gallery.
After you’re all shopped out, enjoy lunch at the Hideaway House.
At this point, you can either explore Sedona, grab a drink at one of the many restaurants in town, or make your way to the Crescent Moon Picnic Area.
Evening
To get to the picnic area, take the Red Rock Loop Trail – trust me, you won’t regret it! You can walk along the creek, explore, fish, or take a dip. Whatever you do, make sure that you stay to watch the sunset with a view of the famous Cathedral Rock. Keep in mind that there is an $11.00 entrance fee to get into the picnic area.
Another option would be to do a sunset hike at Cathedral Rock (one of the four main vortexes)! If you choose to hike, make sure that you are well-equipped with water, boots, and headlamps.
After a day of adventure, head back to your accomodation for some rest!
Day 3
Morning
Another day, another adventure! Wake up early to grab some breakfast before your 9 AM Pink Jeep Tour. These are popular, thrilling, off-road adventures that go through the red rocks. The full tour is two hours and prices begin at $129 per person. You will not want to miss this experience!
An alternate and unique experience is to take a hot air balloon ride over the red rocks!
Afternoon
After your tour, grab a bite to eat (and maybe a drink or two) at one of the restaurants listed earlier in this article that you haven’t hit yet.
Now… It’s spa time! Sedona is known for its renowned spas and resorts so treat yourself to some rest and relaxation! Some great options are:
L’Auberge de Sedona
Enchantment Resort
Amara Resort and Spa
Hilton Sedona Resort at Bell Rock
If spas aren’t for you, then consider going on a late afternoon hike! If you did not yet hike Cathedral Rock, now is the time! We recommend going later in the afternoon so that the sun is not as strong and the crowds have dispersed. Another great option is the Soldier Pass trail.
Evening
After your long, adventure-filled day, head to dinner at The Vault. I recommend the Cauliflower Crust Flatbread and the Grilled Salmon.
After dinner, and for your last night, head to either the Jordan Trailhead Observing Area or the Two Trees Observing Area for a view of the stars! Sedona is an International Dark Sky Community, so it is known to have some of the most amazing views of the stars and Milky Way.
Head back to your accomodation, pack up your things, and get some rest after your three days of adventure!
If you are looking for additional resources for your Sedona trip, check out our Detailed Guide to Sedona on the blog!
