Sedona

Arizona

United States

North America

Sedona is one of the most visually stunning destinations in the United States. The area is known as a spiritual center with a number of energy vortexes in the surrounding hills and valleys.

Sedona is one of the most visually stunning destinations in the United States. The area is known as a spiritual center with a number of energy vortexes in the surrounding hills and valleys. Attractions in the area range from hiking, rock climbing, mountain biking, and scenic drives to architecture and spiritual retreats. This is a designated Dark Sky Community and the number of stars that are visible at night is truly spectacular. Use the city of Sedona as a base and explore all that this unique area has to offer.
<h2>10. Uptown Sedona</h2>
The Uptown Sedona section of the city is the old part of town where you will find restaurants, tourist shops, galleries, and boutiques. This is a convenient place to base yourself if you are staying in Sedona as you can easily walk to places to eat and shop. Parking is fairly full here on weekends and staying in a hotel will guarantee you a parking spot.

<img class="attachment-large alignnone" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2018/09/176015639-1024x683.jpg" alt="Uptown Sedona" width="1024" height="683" /><span class="image-caption">catscandotcom / Getty Images</span>
<h2>9. Oak Creek Canyon Scenic Drive</h2>
Take a scenic drive through the dramatic rock formations, towering cliffs, and deep forests along Highway 89A. The road follows Oak Creek before dramatically climbing out of the canyon on a twisting path with switchbacks. Narrow sections of road and steep drops mean that you will probably want to drive this road during the daytime. There are a number of spectacular hikes including the West Fork Trail.

<img class="attachment-large alignnone" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2018/09/544732290-1024x683.jpg" alt="Oak Creek Canyon Sedona" width="1024" height="683" /><span class="image-caption">GaryKavanagh / Getty Images</span>
<h2>8. Chapel of the Holy Cross</h2>
This is one of the most iconic sites in Sedona and is a popular place to get married. The chapel sits perched on a small plateau of red rock half-way up a dramatic cliff. The building was constructed in 1956 by a pupil of the famous architect, Frank Lloyd Wright. A 90-foot cross dominates the glass front of the chapel.

<img class="attachment-large alignnone" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2018/09/519825821-1024x589.jpg" alt="Chapel Sedona" width="1024" height="589" /><span class="image-caption">DCorn / Getty Images</span>
<h2>7. Hiking in Sedona</h2>
Hiking is one of the most popular activities in the Sedona region, and people travel from all over the United States to hike through the stunning scenery of the region. Canyon hikes offer relatively flat trails with the cliffs towering high above you. The majority of the hikes are less than three miles long making it possible for most people to enjoy a hike in the area. There are a few challenging multi-day hikes for those wanting to push themselves and to escape from the crowds.

<img class="attachment-large alignnone" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2018/09/885620720-1024x683.jpg" alt="Hiking in Sedona" width="1024" height="683" /><span class="image-caption">Nikolas_jkd / Getty Images</span>
<h2>6. Jeep Tour of Sedona</h2>
A number of Jeep Tour operators can be found in Uptown Sedona, and you should be able to find the perfect tour to suit your needs. The open-air Jeeps can take visitors to areas that can't be explored with a normal vehicle. Be prepared for a bumpy but fun ride into the wilderness. The drivers are very knowledgeable about the area and will share stories along the way about the Geology and History of the region.

<img class="attachment-large alignnone" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2018/09/450419281-1024x683.jpg" alt="Jeep tour Sedona" width="1024" height="683" /><span class="image-caption">twildlife / Getty Images</span>
<h2>5. Bell Rock</h2>
Bell Rock is just South of Sedona, near the village of Oak Creek. This Bell shaped rock formation is a popular stop for tourists to take photographs and explore the area around the rock. You can walk around the base of the rock or scramble up the sides for a short distance. A fun mountain bike trail starts at the base of the rock.

<img class="attachment-large alignnone" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2018/09/517957593-1024x683.jpg" alt="Bell rock Sedona" width="1024" height="683" /><span class="image-caption">m-kojot / Getty Images</span>
<h2>4. Boynton Canyon</h2>
The number one reason to visit Boynton Canyon is to hike the 6.1-mile in-an-out Boynton Canyon Trail. Hike through the canyon to enjoy a mix of vegetation such as large pine trees and shrubland. There is an energy vortex near the start of the trail, and it is the easiest energy vortex to reach as it doesn't require hiking or climbing. Those that don't want to hike or go to the energy vortex can head to the Enchantment Resort. This luxury resort is a great place to stay, but you can just go there to enjoy a meal at one of their excellent restaurants that offer views over the canyon.

<img class="attachment-large alignnone" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2018/09/466327884-1024x683.jpg" alt="canyons in Sedona" width="1024" height="683" /><span class="image-caption">JodiJacobson / Getty Images</span>
<h2>3. Grand Canyon Day Trip</h2>
The Grand Canyon is a 2.5-hour drive from Sedona. Take a day-trip to experience one of the most famous sites in the United States. You can drive by yourself or take a guided tour to the Grand Canyon. A guided tour allows you to sit back and relax while the guide takes you to the best viewpoints of the Grand Canyon. You can upgrade your tour to include a helicopter flight over the canyon.

<img class="attachment-large alignnone" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2018/09/493375036-1024x431.jpg" alt="day trip Sedona" width="1024" height="431" /><span class="image-caption">tobiasjo / Getty Images</span>
<h2>2. Slide Rock State Park</h2>
People flock to Slide Rock State Park in the summer months to cool off in the series of small rock pools. Oak Creek flows over small waterfalls which create a natural water slide. Take care as the rock is hard and you can easily get a few bumps and bruises along the way.

<img class="attachment-large alignnone" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2018/09/172130482-1024x681.jpg" alt="state parks in Sedona" width="1024" height="681" /><span class="image-caption">groveb / Getty Images</span>


<h2>1. Cathedral Rock</h2>
This is the attraction that brings people the world over to Sedona. Cathedral Rock is the most photographed site in the Sedona area. You can reach the mountain on Highway 179, or you can drive to Red Rock Crossing Site to take in the classic view of Cathedral Rock. Those wanting to climb Cathedral Rock will find a hiking trail that leads up to the saddle section and provides incredible views of the area. You will need rock climbing equipment to reach the peak of Cathedral rock. This mountain is considered to be one of the most important energy vortexes in the area.

<img class="attachment-large alignnone" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2018/09/467635904-1024x486.jpg" alt="Sedona" width="1024" height="486" /><span class="image-caption">JacobH / Getty Images</span>

Top 10 Countdown: Best Attractions in Sedona

Sedona is known as a spiritual center with a number of energy vortexes in the surrounding hills and valleys.

Sedona is one of the most visually stunning destinations in the United States. The area is known as a spiritual center with a number of energy vortexes in the surrounding hills and valleys. Attractions in the area range from hiking, rock climbing, mountain biking, and scenic drives to architecture and spiritual retreats. This is a designated Dark Sky Community and the number of stars that are visible at night is truly spectacular. Use the city of Sedona as a base and explore all that this unique area has to offer.
<h2>1. Cathedral Rock</h2>
Cathedral Rock is the most photographed site in the Sedona area. You can reach the mountain on Highway 179, or you can drive to Red Rock Crossing Site to take in the classic view of Cathedral Rock. Those wanting to climb Cathedral Rock will find a hiking trail that leads up to the saddle section and provides incredible views of the area. You will need rock climbing equipment to reach the peak of Cathedral rock. This mountain is considered to be one of the most important energy vortexes in the area.

<img class="attachment-large alignnone" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2018/09/467635904-1024x486.jpg" alt="Sedona" width="1024" height="486" /><span class="image-caption">JacobH / Getty Images</span>
<h2>2. Uptown Sedona</h2>
The Uptown Sedona section of the city is the old part of town where you will find restaurants, tourist shops, galleries, and boutiques. This is a convenient place to base yourself if you are staying in Sedona as you can easily walk to places to eat and shop. Parking is fairly full here on weekends and staying in a hotel will guarantee you a parking spot.

<img class="attachment-large alignnone" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2018/09/176015639-1024x683.jpg" alt="Uptown Sedona" width="1024" height="683" /><span class="image-caption">catscandotcom / Getty Images</span>


<h2>3. Red Rock Scenic Byway</h2>
The Red Rock Scenic Byway is your introduction to Sedona's gorgeous Red Rock Country. It's also an All-American Road, a designation reserved only for the most scenic of byways, and a destination unto itself. Stop at scenic pullouts along the eight-mile-long highway for some impressive photos, or walk to a heritage site to see ancient petroglyphs. The factory outlet center in the Village Of Oak Creek is a less-crowded shopping district, while the Tlaquepaque Arts &amp; Shopping Village transports you to a traditional Mexican community.

[caption id="attachment_40350" align="alignnone" width="2121"]<img class="size-full wp-image-40350" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2020/11/GettyImages-1153768895.jpg" alt="vacation get away; recreational location; travel adventure; desert wonderland" width="2121" height="1414" /> Ron and Patty Thomas / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>4. Eat Your Way Through Sedona</h2>
Sedona is a prime destination for its scenic landscapes and artistic communities, but it's also quickly becoming a culinary destination in its own right. A new generation of chefs helped transform Sedona's dining culture with seasonal, gourmet recipes, locally-sourced ingredients, and bold flavors for any budget. You'll find most eateries along Highways 89A and 179. Make reservations online for restaurants with the longest wait times, and take some dessert to go.

[instagram-image url="https://www.instagram.com/p/CHs9AB9HSfD/" caption="openrangegrillandtavern" captionUrl="https://www.instagram.com/openrangegrillandtavern/"]


<h2>3. Oak Creek Canyon Scenic Drive</h2>
Take a scenic drive through the dramatic rock formations, towering cliffs, and deep forests along Highway 89A. The road follows Oak Creek before dramatically climbing out of the canyon on a twisting path with switchbacks. Narrow sections of road and steep drops mean that you will probably want to drive this road during the daytime. There are a number of spectacular hikes including the West Fork Trail.

<img class="attachment-large alignnone" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2018/09/544732290-1024x683.jpg" alt="Oak Creek Canyon Sedona" width="1024" height="683" /><span class="image-caption">GaryKavanagh / Getty Images</span>
<h2>4. Devil's Bridge Trail</h2>
Devil's Bridge Rock is a stunning, natural sandstone bridge that spans 45 feet to a sheer drop. The trail to get there is a winding hike through beautiful desert scenery and short sections of the Coconino National Forest, with panoramic views of the red rock mountains in the distance. Unless you have a 4x4 vehicle, expect the journey to total about five miles round trip. A photo of you standing on Devil's Bridge, however, is worth the trouble.

[caption id="attachment_40351" align="alignnone" width="2121"]<img class="size-full wp-image-40351" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2020/11/GettyImages-1077263172.jpg" alt="Devil’s Bridge in Sedona Arizona shoot in HDR. The bridge itself is shoot in shadow drawing the viewers eye up to an inspiring vista." width="2121" height="1414" /> jasony00 / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>4. Chapel of the Holy Cross</h2>
This is one of the most iconic sites in Sedona and is a popular place to get married. The chapel sits perched on a small plateau of red rock half-way up a dramatic cliff. The building was constructed in 1956 by a pupil of the famous architect, Frank Lloyd Wright. A 90-foot cross dominates the glass front of the chapel.

<img class="attachment-large alignnone" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2018/09/519825821-1024x589.jpg" alt="Chapel Sedona" width="1024" height="589" /><span class="image-caption">DCorn / Getty Images</span>
<h2>5. Hiking in Sedona</h2>
Hiking is one of the most popular activities in the Sedona region, and people travel from all over the United States to hike through the stunning scenery of the region. Canyon hikes offer relatively flat trails with the cliffs towering high above you. The majority of the hikes are less than three miles long making it possible for most people to enjoy a hike in the area. There are a few challenging multi-day hikes for those wanting to push themselves and to escape from the crowds.

<img class="attachment-large alignnone" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2018/09/885620720-1024x683.jpg" alt="Hiking in Sedona" width="1024" height="683" /><span class="image-caption">Nikolas_jkd / Getty Images</span>
<h2>6. Jeep Tour of Sedona</h2>
A number of Jeep Tour operators can be found in Uptown Sedona, and you should be able to find the perfect tour to suit your needs. The open-air Jeeps can take visitors to areas that can't be explored with a normal vehicle. Be prepared for a bumpy but fun ride into the wilderness. The drivers are very knowledgeable about the area and will share stories along the way about the Geology and History of the region.

<img class="attachment-large alignnone" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2018/09/450419281-1024x683.jpg" alt="Jeep tour Sedona" width="1024" height="683" /><span class="image-caption">twildlife / Getty Images</span>
<h2>8. Chakra Vortex Tours</h2>
Sedona is known to some for harnessing some of Earth's most intense spiritual energies. Specific sites are called chakra vortexes, and visiting them can help you connect with your deeper self and nature or to balance your chakra energies. Reserve a spot on a guided Vortex Tour to learn more about the science behind the metaphysics or to gain an Indigenous perspective of Sedona's spirituality. A guide can customize your visit to accommodate your physical abilities and interests based on their spiritual guidance.

[caption id="attachment_40352" align="alignnone" width="2119"]<img class="size-full wp-image-40352" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2020/11/GettyImages-157400307.jpg" alt="Cathedral Rock Sedona Arizona" width="2119" height="1414" /> DOUGBERRY / Getty Images[/caption]


<h2>7. Bell Rock</h2>
Bell Rock is just South of Sedona, near the village of Oak Creek. This Bell shaped rock formation is a popular stop for tourists to take photographs and explore the area around the rock. You can walk around the base of the rock or scramble up the sides for a short distance. A fun mountain bike trail starts at the base of the rock.

<img class="attachment-large alignnone" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2018/09/517957593-1024x683.jpg" alt="Bell rock Sedona" width="1024" height="683" /><span class="image-caption">m-kojot / Getty Images</span>
<h2>8. Boynton Canyon</h2>
The number one reason to visit Boynton Canyon is to hike the 6.1-mile in-an-out Boynton Canyon Trail. Hike through the canyon to enjoy a mix of vegetation such as large pine trees and shrubland. There is an energy vortex near the start of the trail, and it is the easiest energy vortex to reach as it doesn't require hiking or climbing. Those that don't want to hike or go to the energy vortex can head to the Enchantment Resort. This luxury resort is a great place to stay, but you can just go there to enjoy a meal at one of their excellent restaurants that offer views over the canyon.

<img class="attachment-large alignnone" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2018/09/466327884-1024x683.jpg" alt="canyons in Sedona" width="1024" height="683" /><span class="image-caption">JodiJacobson / Getty Images</span>
<h2>9. Grand Canyon Day Trip</h2>
The Grand Canyon is a 2.5-hour drive from Sedona. Take a day-trip to experience one of the most famous sites in the United States. You can drive by yourself or take a guided tour to the Grand Canyon. A guided tour allows you to sit back and relax while the guide takes you to the best viewpoints of the Grand Canyon. You can upgrade your tour to include a helicopter flight over the canyon.

<img class="attachment-large alignnone" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2018/09/493375036-1024x431.jpg" alt="day trip Sedona" width="1024" height="431" /><span class="image-caption">tobiasjo / Getty Images</span>
<h2>10. Slide Rock State Park</h2>
People flock to Slide Rock State Park in the summer months to cool off in the series of small rock pools. Oak Creek flows over small waterfalls which create a natural water slide. Take care as the rock is hard and you can easily get a few bumps and bruises along the way.

<img class="attachment-large alignnone" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2018/09/172130482-1024x681.jpg" alt="state parks in Sedona" width="1024" height="681" /><span class="image-caption">groveb / Getty Images</span>


<h2>15. Sedona UFO and Vortex Tour</h2>
If you're hoping to explore Sedona's natural beauty more unconventionally, head for Sedona UFO &amp; Vortex Tour. From Meditation Retreats to Vortex and Food Tours, you can tailor your experience of Sedona to favor your unique interests. Wait until after sunset to join the Ghost Tour at the oldest cemetery in Sedona or the magical UFO Tour. Starry night skies combined with military-grade night vision goggles guarantees phenomenal stargazing — and maybe even a UFO sighting.

[caption id="attachment_40353" align="alignnone" width="2121"]<img class="size-full wp-image-40353" src="https://thegetaway.mblycdn.com/uploads/tg/2020/11/GettyImages-1035380198.jpg" alt="A bright green meteor streaks through the Milky Way and starry night sky above Cathedral Rock in Sedona, Arizona." width="2121" height="1414" /> mdesigner125 / Getty Images[/caption]

Sedona

Arizona

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Top 10 Countdown: Best Attractions in Sedona

The Top Attractions in Sedona