One of the aspects I adore most about visiting Sedona is the endless array of adventures and activities available. You could spend an entire month here and still not experience all the incredible things to do in Sedona.
I have visited Sedona over a dozen times—it’s my favorite destination in the US for mountain biking—and I continually uncover something new each visit.
From stunning hikes that highlight Sedona’s breathtaking red rock scenery to exhilarating mountain biking trails and helicopter tours that offer a bird’s-eye view of the landscape, there truly is something for everyone in Sedona.
If you’re planning a trip to this enchanting destination, continue reading to discover which tours and activities to include in your Sedona itinerary.
Looking for an itinerary? Check out our detailed 4-day Sedona Itinerary designed for adventure travelers.
This post may contain affiliate links.
1. Go Hiking
Sedona is one of the premier hiking destinations in the Southwest, boasting hundreds of miles of trails, each offering unique surprises.
Some trails lead to breathtaking viewpoints, while others meander through narrow canyons lined with oak trees and towering red rock formations.
Here are a few of my favorite hikes in Sedona: For additional recommendations, check out our article on the best hikes in Sedona.
- West Fork Trail: 6.5 miles, 564 ft elevation gain, out-and-back
- Courtyard Butte & Bell Rock: 3.6 miles, 341 ft elevation gain, loop
- Devil’s Bridge: 3.9 miles, 521 ft elevation gain, out-and-back
- Cathedral Rock Trail: 1.2 miles, 741 ft elevation gain, out-and-back
- Soldiers Pass to Brins Mesa: 5.6 miles, 1,066 ft elevation gain, loop
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2. Go Caving
When I mention “caving,” I’m not referring to traditional spelunking. In Sedona, caving entails exploring fascinating red rock caves accessible via hiking trails.
Popular caves to discover in Sedona include:
3. Visit the Chapel of the Holy Cross
Whether you’re religious or not, visiting the Chapel of the Holy Cross is an essential experience in Sedona.
This chapel is an architectural marvel that integrates beautifully with the stunning red rock landscape.
Designed by Marguerite Brunswig Staude, a student of the famous architect Frank Lloyd Wright, it stands as an iconic monument in Sedona.
The Chapel is open daily from 9am to 5pm. You can either drive up to it or hike there via Chapel Trail.
4. Take a Pink Jeep Tour
Pink Adventure Tours is one of the oldest and most renowned tour operators in Sedona. Their Jeep adventures allow you to explore the rugged red rock landscape where you can witness breathtaking views and scenery.
They offer a variety of tours that let you choose how thrilling and off-road you wish to get.
Looking for an exciting experience? Check out the Broken Arrow / Scenic Rim Combo tour.
5. Go Mountain Biking
As an avid mountain biker, Sedona is my ultimate destination for the sport. I enjoy the challenging trails, stunning views, and diverse terrain. Much like hiking, there are extensive trails waiting to be explored in the area.
For route recommendations, check out my detailed guide on mountain biking in Sedona over on my blog, Two Wheeled Wanderer.
Book a Mountain Biking Tour
Sedona may not be the best place for beginners to learn mountain biking. If you’re new to the sport, consider booking a tour. A knowledgeable guide can take you along the easier trails, ensuring you have the most enjoyable experience possible. I recommend Sedona Trail Lovers for this purpose.
6. Take a Guided E-Bike Tour
E-bikes are not permitted on trails in Sedona, but you can appreciate the red rock vistas while riding an e-bike with a local guide.
This tour will take you to some of the most scenic spots in Sedona, like the Crescent Moon Picnic area. Plus, it helps you avoid the traffic that Sedona is notorious for!
7. Enjoy Sedona’s Food Scene
After a day filled with outdoor adventures, it’s time to refuel at some of Sedona’s finest restaurants.
You’ll find plenty of great dining options in town. Here are a few of my top picks:
- Elote: Authentic and flavorful Mexican cuisine. Reservations required.
- Mariposa: Upscale Latin-inspired grill.
- The Hudson: American eatery known for excellent food and cocktails.
- Hideaway House: Italian-inspired fare. Perfect for watching the sunset!
- Indian Gardens: A fantastic spot for breakfast or lunch, located in Oak Creek Canyon.
- Black Potion: Exceptional coffee.
Helpful Tip
Make Reservations
Many restaurants in Sedona tend to get busy, especially during peak tourist seasons. I highly recommend making advance reservations for the more popular dining spots.
8. Catch the Sunset at Sedona Airport’s Scenic Lookout
Head to the Sedona Airport Lookout for some of the most splendid views over Sedona’s red rock landscape. This location is perfect for catching the sunset.
If you’re up for a hike, the 3.3-mile Sedona Airport Loop Trail offers great viewpoints.
9. Spend an Afternoon at Slide Rock State Park
Slide Rock State Park is set in Oak Creek Canyon and is a delightful place to spend an afternoon, particularly on hot days.
The park is renowned for its natural water slide, which has formed in the smooth red sandstone bed of Oak Creek. You can glide down the slick chute and leap into a refreshing swimming hole below.
Slide Rock State Park is open from 8 am to 5 pm. The day-use fee ranges from $20 to $30 per vehicle, depending on the time of year.
For more details, visit the Slide Rock State Park website.
10. Visit Montezuma Castle National Monument
Arizona boasts numerous Native American archaeological sites, and one of the most well-preserved is Montezuma Castle.
This impressive ruin features a five-story cliff dwelling built by the Sinagua people between 1100 and 1350 A.D.
It requires about a 30-minute drive from Sedona, but if you appreciate history, it’s certainly worth the trip.
While access to the cliff dwelling is restricted, visitors can view it from below and check out a replica in the Visitor’s Center.
11. Go Wine-Tasting
Before spending significant time in Arizona, I was surprised to learn there are several wineries near Sedona.
The Verde Valley, where Sedona is located, is one of three grape-growing regions in the state (the other two are situated further south).
Over 40 grape varieties are cultivated in Verde Valley, and numerous wineries produce wine, some of which have garnered international awards!
If you’re keen on tasting some Southern Arizona wines, explore the Verde Valley Wine Trail for maps and information about grape growing and winemaking in the region. You can also book a 4-winery tour that includes transportation.
12. Join a Ghost Tour of Jerome
Jerome is a quaint town perched high on Cleopatra Hill, located above Sedona. Once dubbed the “Wickedest Town in the West,” Jerome thrived as a copper mining camp until the mines closed in the 1950s, transforming it into a ghost town.
Today, Jerome has been revitalized as a hub for artists, musicians, and history buffs. The steep and winding main street is lined with Victorian buildings housing art galleries, wine-tasting rooms, charming shops, and unique restaurants.
You can wander the town or delve into its history by enrolling in a Jerome Ghost Tour.
13. Take a Hot Air Balloon Ride
There’s no better way to appreciate Sedona than from above in a hot air balloon. Red Rock Balloons offers sunrise balloon rides every day of the week.
14. Take a Helicopter Ride
If hot air balloons aren’t quite your style, consider taking a helicopter ride over Sedona for a different perspective.
I’m not really into shopping, but I enjoyed exploring the Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village in Uptown Sedona. It’s especially magical at night when the lights illuminate the area.
You’ll find a variety of shops ranging from art galleries to bead shops, jewelry stores, and more. There is also a selection of restaurants if you’re in search of a delightful dinner experience.
Insider tip: Visit the courtyard outside of El Rincon Restaurant on Sunday, Monday, or Tuesday evening to enjoy live flamenco music!
16. Explore the Palatki and Honanki Heritage Sites
Palatki and Honanki are archaeological heritage sites located northwest of Sedona off of OHV roads.
Palatki, meaning “red house” in the Hopi language, comprises cliff dwellings and rock art that date back thousands of years.
Honanki, which translates to “bear house” in Hopi, is also a cliff dwelling and boasts the largest and most well-preserved pictographs and petroglyphs in the area.
You can visit either site independently or book a guided tour with a local company in Sedona.
Tip: The roads leading to Palatki and Honanki can be rough and poorly maintained. It’s advisable to have a high-clearance 4×4 vehicle.
17. Relax at the Crescent Moon Picnic Site
Looking for a calming afternoon? Head over to the Crescent Moon Picnic Site with a good book and a picnic lunch.
This stunning location is surrounded by tall red rock formations, leafy oak trees, gorgeous views of Cathedral Rock, and the winding Oak Creek River. It’s a true oasis!
There is a day-use fee of $12, but it’s definitely worth it, especially if you plan to spend some time here.
18. Ride the Verde Canyon Railroad
The Verde Canyon Railroad commences in Clarkdale, a nearby town, and meanders alongside the Verde River, traversing the picturesque Verde Canyon.
Often referred to as “Arizona’s longest-running nature show,” the train rides on tracks laid over a century ago and offers unobstructed views of the canyon’s wildlife, vegetation, ancient cliff dwellings, and geological features.
The 4-hour ride costs about $109 per person, making it a unique experience and one of the top activities in Sedona.
If you want a lunch experience and a champagne toast, consider booking the Verde Valley Railroad Adventure Package.
19. Drive Oak Creek Canyon to Flagstaff
Whether you’re on a road trip through Arizona or spending a few days in Sedona, a drive along Oak Creek Canyon is a must.
This narrow, winding road cuts through a deep gorge carved by Oak Creek. As you head towards Flagstaff, the road becomes tightly switchbacked, providing stunning views down the canyon.
This drive is especially enchanting in the fall when the foliage transforms into a vibrant display of autumn colors.
20. Sign Up for a Sedona Stargazing Tour
The night skies in Sedona offer some of the best stargazing in the Southwest. If you enjoy night photography or wish to learn more about the constellations, consider signing up for a night stargazing and storytelling tour.
21. Book a Spa Day
Sedona is famed for its healing energy and vortex vibes, so why not indulge in that atmosphere with a day at a spa?
There are several day spas in the area offering massages, facials, and various other treatments. You can also choose to stay at a destination spa like Enchantment Resort or The Wilde Resort & Spa. Just be prepared for Sedona’s pricing.
Planning a road trip in Arizona? Browse through these blog posts to make the most of your adventure:
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Have you been to Sedona? What’s on your must-do list while in Sedona? Which of these hikes, activities, or sites interests you the most? Feel free to leave a comment below!
