Red rock cliffs and buttes, deep canyon trails, verdant pine forests and clear blue skies characterize the Arizonian desert town of Sedona. Located at an elevation of more than 4300 feet, Sedona boasts of a dramatic landscape that inspires a sense of awe and thrill among its visitors.
The city is also popular among visitors for its vibrant local art scene, spas, vortexes, and boutique shopping. Planning a trip to Sedona, Arizona? Here is a handy list of things you should do on your trip.
Go on a Hiking Trail
With more than 100 different hiking trails in the region – from the easy ones for casual hikers to more challenging and strenuous ones for seasoned trekkers – there are many options to explore.
The Cathedral Rock Hike and the Doe Mountain Trail although not the easiest treks are quite popular and offer spectacular vistas of the rock formations. Other hiking trails include Airport Mesa Loop, Devil’s Bridge Trail, Fay Canyon, Boynton Canyon and Bell Rock Pathway.
Visit the Palatki Heritage Site
A UNESCO world heritage site, the Palatki Heritage site has a set of cliff dwellings that were the abode of the Hopi tribe between A.D 1150 to 1350.
The pictographs and petroglyphs on the walls at the site give you a glimpse to the lives of the ancient dwellers. Of the two hiking trails at the Palatki Heritage Site, one leads to the cliff dwellings and one to the view of the pictographs on cave walls.
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Take a Trip to Slide Rock State Park
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Located in Oak Creek Canyon, the Slide Rock State Park was originally a homestead apple farm. The slippery bed of the creek makes for a natural slide, hence the park is so named.
Make a splash and bask in the sun by the rock bed. If you are done swimming and soaking in the sun, you can explore the 3 hiking trails in the state park.
Visit the Chapel of the Holy Cross
An interesting piece of architecture, the Chapel of the Holy Cross is sandwiched between huge red rocks typical of Sedona.
Designed by Marguerite Brunswig Staude, the construction of the chapel was completed in 1957. The interior of the chapel is simple and the atmosphere serene. The view of the Verde Valley from the chapel is splendid and warrants a visit.
A Vortex Visit is a Must
Vortexes are places where tremendous energy flow in and out of the earth. The whole city of Sedona is considered a vortex; however, there are 4 specific places in Sedona that are said to be energy centers.
Check out the Airport Vortex, the Cathedral Rock Vortex, Bell Rock Vortex, and Boynton Canyon Vortex. These places are ideal if you want to sit and meditate, practice yoga or just ponder and soak up the vibe of the place.
Explore Tlaquepaque Arts and Crafts Village
Want to spend a lazy afternoon exploring the art scene in Sedona, Tlaquepaque Arts and Crafts Village is the place for you.
Styled as a Mexican village, it is home to several fine art galleries, cafes and restaurants, craft shops specialising in handmade jewellery, glassware, textiles, and modern art.
Take a Jeep Tour
A very popular activity in Sedona, the Jeep tours is typically led by a local guide who can drive you around the trails for some stunning landscape views.
Depending on the style and theme of the tour you choose, it can be anywhere around 1 to 3 hours. The Ancient Ruin Tour and the Soldier Pass Trail are among the popular ones.
Go on a Local Wine Tasting Trail
The Verde Valley near Sedona is home to some fabulous local wineries. If you need a break from the hiking trails, give the self-guided tour of Verde Valley Wine Trail a try.
It takes you through Javelina Leap Vineyard, Page Springs Cellars, Alcantara Vineyards, and Oak Creek Vineyards and you also get the opportunity to sample and taste the local wine.
Indulge in Stargazing
The desert city of Sedona is a great place for stargazing. So if that is something you fancy, you should check out some of the stargazing tours provided by qualified experts with the right astronomical equipment. Stargazing in clear night skies is an experience of a lifetime, so do give it a go.
Pamper Yourself at the Spa
Given the city of Sedona is so energetically blessed, there is no dearth of spas in the city. If you want to relax and rejuvenate after an exciting day spent hiking the rocky trails, pamper yourself with a spa session.
Choose a reputed spa center and help yourself to choose from a variety of treatments like deep hydration, healing, anti-aging and more.