Sedona Travel Guide: Camping, Dining, and Must-Know Tips

Sedona is a premier destination for adventure seekers, offering countless opportunities for breathtaking hikes, exceptional mountain biking, delicious dining, and much more. The stunning views around town guarantee that you’ll be in awe no matter where you go!

However, planning a trip to Sedona can be a bit challenging. As a highly sought-after location, it attracts thousands of visitors each year. Although I adore Sedona, I find that with each visit, there are more people and increased traffic to contend with. Having some insider tips for traveling to Sedona can make a significant difference.

To assist you with your planning, we’ve created this comprehensive Sedona travel guide. It includes essential information on camping spots, the best hotels, dining recommendations, helpful tips, and much more.

Looking for a daily itinerary? Check out our 4-Day Sedona Itinerary for Adventure Travelers.

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Getting to & Around Sedona

Flying to Sedona

The nearest airports to Sedona are Flagstaff, located about 45 minutes to the north, and Phoenix, situated two hours to the south.

Groome Transport provides several daily shuttle services to and from both Flagstaff and Phoenix airports.

Getting Around Sedona

A car might not be necessary during your visit to Sedona, depending on your plans and activities.

Recent years have seen increased traffic in Sedona, prompting improvements to the bus and shuttle systems in town.

Here are some options for getting around Sedona:

• The Sedona Shuttle: A free and convenient shuttle service that connects various trailheads and stops within Sedona.
• The Verde Shuttle: For just $1 per ride, this shuttle takes you between South Sedona, Uptown, and West Sedona.
• Groome Transport: Travels between Flagstaff, Sedona, and Phoenix.
• Trail Lovers: Provides private adventure shuttles to various trailheads.
• ATV Rentals: Several businesses in town offer rentals for off-road vehicles, perfect for exploring the dirt roads and OHV areas around Sedona.

Best Time to Visit Sedona

The ideal time to experience Sedona is during late fall, winter, and early spring, with October through April providing the coolest temperatures.

Avoid the sweltering summer months from June to August when temperatures consistently reach into the 90s or even 100s. May and September can also be quite warm.

During spring, from March to April, the desert flora comes alive and transforms the area into a stunning landscape, though it is also a busy season for tourists.

Winter may bring colder temperatures, but with proper winter gear, you can enjoy the magnificent red rocks dusted with snow and explore without the large crowds.

We last visited Sedona in mid-October, when temperatures were still quite warm, hitting the 90s during the day with intense sun. We made it work by hiking early and late in the day while finding shaded trails outside of town.

Where to Camp & Stay in Sedona

Sedona offers a variety of lodging and camping options to suit your needs.

Keep in mind that hotels and accommodations can be a bit pricey, especially during peak season.

It’s advisable to make campground reservations in advance, as they tend to fill up quickly.

Camping in Sedona

Some paid campgrounds in the Sedona area include:

Sedona Hotels

There are plenty of hotel options in and around Sedona. Here are a few recommendations:

Book Your Stay

Check pricing and availability for the most popular Sedona hotels and book your stay on Trip Advisor.

Sedona Airbnbs

While researching for my trip to Sedona and creating this travel guide, I found numerous unique and beautiful Airbnbs available. However, many were already booked by the time I was ready to secure a place.

If you’re interested in an Airbnb, I recommend booking early to secure the best options!

Best Places to Eat in Sedona

Sedona has an abundance of exceptional restaurants, cafés, and dining spots. Here are some of my personal favorites:

Tamalazia

Tamalazia is a hidden gem known for its delicious and authentic Mexican cuisine, especially their tamales. All food is freshly made from scratch, with plenty of vegan options available.

Hideaway House

Considered a classic Sedona restaurant, Hideaway House is a quaint, welcoming café adorned with sunflower murals and a warm, friendly atmosphere. Don’t miss the outdoor patio, which offers breathtaking views that invite you to linger.

The Hudson

I had my doubts about The Hudson initially, as it was highly recommended and I feared it might be overly touristy, but I was pleasantly surprised. The Hudson has stunning interiors and exteriors, with both indoor dining and an outdoor patio overlooking the red rocks. The salad, ahi sandwich, and fries we enjoyed were perfect after a long morning of hiking, and the service was exceptional.

Elote

A special shoutout to a reader of Bearfoot Theory for recommending Elote! This reservation-only restaurant is a must-try. It fills up quickly and is often booked months in advance, but we got lucky with a reservation just a week before our visit. Every dish we tried was amazing, including the margaritas. For vegetarians, the vegetable mole is a standout, and seafood lovers should definitely try the scallops!

Gerardo’s Italian Kitchen

Another great recommendation came from a Bearfoot Theory reader. Although I did not have the chance to dine at Gerardo’s during my trip, the pictures of their food were enough to convince me that I need to return! Their traditional, wood-fired pizzas are a must-try, though they may not accommodate dietary restrictions.

Oak Creek Espresso

This quaint coffee shop in the heart of Sedona serves fantastic coffee and delicious pastries, including vegan and gluten-free options. It’s the ideal spot for a quick breakfast on the go or a leisurely coffee before starting your day.

Indian Gardens

Located just 10 minutes north of Sedona up Oak Creek Canyon, Indian Gardens is a charming cafe and market, perfect for breakfast or lunch after a hike. The beautiful patio at the back offers a wide range of menu items, from hearty meals to delightful breakfast pastries, all with vegan-friendly options.

What to Pack for Sedona

Your packing list for Sedona will vary depending on the season you visit.

For a trip during warm weather, refer to our guides on What to Wear Hiking and Sun Protection for Hikers.

If you’re traveling during the cooler months, consider these tips for what to bring:

Sedona Travel Tips

Now that we’ve covered the logistics, let’s delve into some travel tips to enhance your Sedona experience:

Start Your Hikes Early

And by early, I mean very early—like 7 AM early. Sedona is a highly popular hiking destination, and trailhead parking lots usually fill up before 8 AM, even on weekdays.

For instance, when we arrived at the West Fork trailhead just before 8 AM on a Friday, the parking lot was already full. Thankfully, we found a spot at a nearby turnout, but had we arrived any later, we would have had to park even further away and embark on a long trek alongside the highway to reach the trailhead.

The takeaway from this tip? The early bird catches the worm in Sedona!

Tip: Check the Sedona Shuttle schedule to be the first on the bus (and trail!). Many trailheads fill up quickly, and parking is not guaranteed.

Download Maps Before Heading Out

Some trails in Sedona are located outside of cell service zones, so it’s wise to download a map of your chosen hiking trail before you leave.

Additionally, not all trails are well-marked, making it easy to stray off course, so having a map handy is beneficial.

Make Dinner Reservations Ahead of Time

I had no idea how vibrant Sedona’s culinary scene was until my recent visit! There are fantastic restaurants boasting incredible views.

However, given Sedona’s popularity, the best restaurants fill up rapidly, and walk-in wait times can be extensive during peak hours.

If there are specific restaurants you want to try, make reservations ahead of time. Establishments like Elote and Mariposa are often reservation-only and can book up a month in advance.

Dine at Scenic Restaurants During Daylight Hours

This lesson hit home after a late dinner at Hideaway House when the sun had already set. While the food was enjoyable, the views are a major part of what makes this place special, so aim to dine during daylight.

A late lunch or early dinner can minimize your wait time and allow you to savor dining al fresco beneath the stunning red rocks.

Be Prepared for the Sun and the Heat

Sedona can be scorching, even outside of the peak months of May through September. During our mid-October visit, we experienced high temperatures in the 90s each day.

To manage this, we hiked early in the morning (remember, the early bird catches the worm!), wore comprehensive sun protection, carried plenty of water, and opted for trails with some shaded areas whenever possible.

Pack the Right Gear

Similarly, bringing the right gear to Sedona will enhance your comfort and, in some cases, safety.

As mentioned earlier, sun protection is crucial for visits during warmer months. Additionally, having a sturdy, comfortable pair of hiking shoes is vital, along with appropriate hiking attire and a daypack filled with water.

If you’re visiting in winter, ensure you pack warm layers for hiking to stay comfortable during temperature fluctuations.

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Do you have any additional tips or questions about planning a Sedona trip? Share your experiences, suggestions, and inquiries in the comments below!