I have visited Sedona multiple times, and each visit I adjust my Sedona itinerary to ensure I get the most out of my adventure, including a touch of luxury.
Sedona is a top-notch destination in the Southwest for outdoor enthusiasts, offering countless activities like hiking, biking, swimming, camping, and taking in the stunning red rock landscapes that make this area unique.
My 4-day Sedona itinerary is packed with the best hikes, moments of relaxation, and dining experiences at some delightful restaurants, complete with views that will make you want to savor every moment.
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Itinerary Overview
I could easily spend months in Sedona without fully exploring everything it has to offer; there’s always something happening!
For me, the main goals during my time in Sedona are to:
- Experience as much hiking as possible
- Try out some of the finest restaurants in Sedona
- Explore the town and its charming shops
Feel free to customize this itinerary to suit your interests and schedule, but this plan will help you cover a little bit of everything during your visit to Sedona.
- DAY 1: Hike the Bell Rock & Courthouse Butte Loop
- DAY 2: Hike the West Fork Trail
- DAY 3: Choose your hike!
- DAY 4: Hike Cathedral Rock for sunrise
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4-Day Sedona Itinerary
There’s so much to see and do in Sedona! If you’re looking for additional activities beyond hiking or planning a longer stay, check out our post on the Best Things to Do in Sedona.
Day 1: Explore Courthouse Butte & Bell Rock
- Morning: Arrive in Sedona
- Afternoon: Hike the Courthouse Butte & Bell Rock Loop
- Evening: Dinner at Elote (reservations required)
On your first day, tackle one of Sedona’s most iconic loops: the Courthouse Butte and Bell Rock trail.
This loop will take you around Courthouse Butte, offering traditional Sedona views and breathtaking scenery. Don’t forget to bring your camera!
We began this hike at around 3:30 PM during the peak heat of a 92-degree day in mid-October. It was significantly warm, but a nice breeze kept things bearable, and we were well-prepared with sun protection and hydration.
Surprisingly, there was plenty of late afternoon shade along the trail. Just make sure to bring ample water in your hydration pack.
Courthouse Butte & Bell Rock Loop Tips
- Trailhead: Bell Rock trailhead (requires a Red Rock Pass or America the Beautiful Pass)
- Distance: 3.9 miles
- Trail type: Loop
- Direction: Either direction is fine; we hiked clockwise
- Time needed: 2-3 hours
- Elevation gain: 341 ft
- Map: Available on AllTrails or Hiking Project
After your hike, freshen up and get ready for dinner at Elote, which I guarantee will offer some of the best food you’ve ever tasted! Reservations at Elote are essential, and due to its popularity, it’s advisable to book well in advance. Make sure you secure your reservation before heading to Sedona.
Day 2: Hike the West Fork Trail
- Morning: Hike the West Fork Trail
- Afternoon: Lunch at Indian Gardens
- Evening: Explore the town and dinner at Hideaway House
In my opinion, the West Fork Trail is a must-experience hike in Sedona. It is absolutely stunning and remains cooler than most trails, even during the warmer months.
This scenic trail runs along the beautifully winding West Fork of Oak Creek, enveloped by a canyon filled with trees that showcased vibrant fall colors during my visit in October. It is one of Sedona’s most popular trails, so aim to start early if you prefer a less crowded experience.
Measuring 3.6 miles one way, the trail is relatively flat but sandy, making it somewhat slow-going, and includes several river crossings.
When we hiked this trail in October, the water was shallow, allowing us to navigate easily by either stepping on rocks or simply walking across. For those keen on wading through, I recommend wearing a pair of Astral water shoes, which are excellent for hiking through rivers and streams.
You can pack a lunch to enjoy at a scenic spot along the river, or I highly recommend stopping for lunch post-hike at Indian Gardens, a charming café and market with a lovely outdoor seating area in the back.
Depending on when you finish your hike, take some time to relax or check out the adorable shops around town, including the Tlaquepaque Arts and Crafts Village (Cocopah and Crystal Magic were my favorites).
Then, head to an early dinner at Hideaway House to soak in the views before sunset. I recommend making a reservation, as it is one of the most sought-after spots in Sedona to watch the sun dip below the horizon.
Day 3: Choose Your Hike!
- Morning/Afternoon: Hiking trail options: Bear Mountain, Huckaby Trail, or Boynton Canyon
- Evening: Dinner at The Hudson
With so many fantastic hikes available in Sedona, here are a few options for Day 3.
Bear Mountain Trail
If you’re up for a challenge, rise early for a hike on the Bear Mountain Trail. This is a difficult 4.3-mile out-and-back trail that takes you to a peak with stunning views. >> Map: AllTrails, Hiking Project
Huckaby Trail
If you prefer a more moderate hike, try Huckaby Trail (5.7-mile out-and-back), offering shaded areas, lovely views of the town, and a swimming hole. >> Map: AllTrails, Hiking Project
Boynton Canyon Trail
The Boynton Canyon Trail (6.1 miles out and back) is another popular choice offering beautiful views, and it’s said to be a site of an energy vortex. >> Map: AllTrails, Hiking Project
Whichever trail you select, pack a lunch or plenty of snacks to enjoy on the trail, as these hikes will likely consume half of your day.
After your hike, head to The Hudson for an early dinner, letting you avoid the crowds while still taking in the breathtaking views.
Whether seated on the patio or in the dining area with giant windows, the scenery is remarkable and will make you want to stick around for hours. Plus, the food is exceptional, complemented by top-notch service.
Day 4: Hike Cathedral Rock for Sunrise
- Morning: Cathedral Rock sunrise hike
- Afternoon: Depart Sedona
The Cathedral Rock hike is particularly beautiful at sunrise or sunset. We chose to hike at sunrise on our final morning, considering we had a long drive ahead and wanted something manageable.
We started around 7 AM as the sun began to rise, but I recommend starting even earlier to capture the best views from higher up.
In the mornings, you may even spot hot air balloons floating over the town, which adds an extra incentive to start early!
The Cathedral Rock trail is more of a climb than a hike. Though short (only 1.2 miles round trip), it’s challenging as it involves an uphill trek almost the entire way.
You will encounter areas requiring you to use your hands for climbing, so if heights make you uneasy, consider this before proceeding. Alternatively, you can hike up to a comfortable point and simply enjoy the views from there.
Cathedral Rock Trail Tips
After your hike, grab a quick breakfast at Creekside Coffee, located across the parking lot from Hideaway House. They serve great coffee, teas, a small breakfast menu, and have a lovely atmosphere, though the main attraction is the views.
If you’re in the mood for a hearty sit-down breakfast, check out Creekside American Bistro located downstairs.
Additional Sedona Resources
And there you have it—your 4-day itinerary for an unforgettable trip to Sedona! There are so many activities available, so even if you don’t follow this specific plan, I hope it serves as inspiration for your journey.
If you’re looking for more ideas to customize your trip, peruse our other guides on Sedona:
Frequently Asked Questions
There isn’t a definitive answer on how long to stay in Sedona. Four days will offer a solid overview of the area, but you could easily spend weeks exploring and still discover new sights and activities.
If it’s your first visit, I recommend setting aside at least 4-5 days in Sedona. You can always choose to return!
Sedona is a year-round destination, but visiting in the spring or fall is ideal for pleasant temperatures and weather. Summer can become extremely hot, while winter may bring colder weather, rain, and even snow.
If you’re only in Sedona for one day, I recommend:
– Hiking the West Fork Trail
– Lunch at Indian Gardens
– Exploring the shops in downtown Sedona
– Dinner at Elote or Hideaway House
If you’re seeking more adventures in the Southwest, check out these blog posts to kickstart your road trip or getaway planning:
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Have you visited or planned a trip to Sedona? What are your favorite hikes, restaurants, and activities? Share your tips and recommendations in the comments below!
