Sedona: Travel Guide

Sedona sits in Yavapai County in north-central Arizona, approximately 110 miles north of Phoenix and 30 miles south of Flagstaff, at an elevation of approximately 4,350 feet. The city has about 10,000 permanent residents, but the population swells considerably in peak season — Sedona is one of the most visited small cities in the United States. The draw is the red rock landscape: sandstone buttes, mesas, and canyon walls in shades of crimson, orange, and rust, against a sky of unusual clarity at this elevation. Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock, and Courthouse Butte are the most photographed formations.

Sedona also has a well-established reputation as a center of new age spirituality, centered on four designated vortex sites — locations where visitors report unusual energy fields. This aspect of Sedona’s identity is commercially significant (vortex tours, crystal shops, and healing practitioners are numerous) and draws a distinct visitor type alongside the hiking and jeep tour crowd.

Getting to Sedona

By air: There is no commercial airport in Sedona. Flagstaff Pulliam Airport (FLG, 30 miles north) has limited service from Phoenix and Los Angeles. Phoenix Sky Harbor (PHX, 115 miles south, approximately 2 hour drive via I-17 and AZ-179) is the primary arrival airport for most visitors. Tucson International is approximately 2.5 hours.

By car: Sedona is accessed via AZ-179 from the south (exit I-17 at exit 298, then north on AZ-179 into the Village of Oak Creek and Uptown) or AZ-89A from the north (through Oak Creek Canyon from Flagstaff — one of the most scenic drives in Arizona). No viable public transit exists between Sedona and Phoenix.

Getting Around Sedona

A car is essential for everything in Sedona. Uptown Sedona and the Village of Oak Creek (the southern area near Bell Rock) are the two main commercial nodes, approximately 5 miles apart. Parking fills by 9am on peak weekends at popular trailheads. Many trailheads now require a Red Rock Pass ($5/day, $15/week) or America the Beautiful annual pass. Jeep tour operators provide transportation to off-road areas; Pink Jeep Tours (204 N AZ-89A) is the largest operator, with tours from approximately $100-$180 per person.

What to See

Cathedral Rock — the most iconic red rock formation in Sedona, reflected in Oak Creek at Crescent Moon Ranch. The Cathedral Rock Trail (3.6 miles round trip from Back O’ Beyond Rd trailhead) involves significant scrambling. Crescent Moon Picnic Site requires a $12/vehicle fee; parking fills by 8am on weekends.

Chapel of the Holy Cross — 780 Chapel Rd. A 1956 Catholic chapel built between two red rock spires, designed by Marguerite Brunswig Staude. Free admission; open daily 9am-5pm. One of the most architecturally significant religious buildings in the Southwest.

Slide Rock State Park — 6871 N AZ-89A, 7 miles north of Sedona via Oak Creek Canyon. A natural water slide on Oak Creek through red rock canyon — one of the most popular swimming spots in Arizona. Entry approximately $30/vehicle in peak season as of 2026; $20 in off-season. Timed entry reservations required in summer.

Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village — 336 AZ-179. A 1970s development built to resemble a Mexican village, with galleries, boutiques, and two restaurants amid fountains and courtyards. Worth a walk regardless of shopping intent.

Vortex sites: Airport Mesa (free, accessible short walk from Airport Rd), Bell Rock (outside Village of Oak Creek, flat trail, free with Red Rock Pass), Boynton Canyon (northwest of Uptown), Cathedral Rock. All are marked on trail maps available at the visitor center.

Neighbourhoods

Uptown Sedona (along N AZ-89A and SR-89A) is the primary tourist strip — Tlaquepaque, Pink Jeep headquarters, the majority of restaurants and galleries.

Village of Oak Creek (5 miles south on AZ-179) is the quieter residential-commercial node closest to Bell Rock and Courthouse Butte, with generally lower accommodation rates.

Hotels

Enchantment Resort — 525 Boynton Canyon Rd. A 218-room resort within Boynton Canyon, one of the four vortex sites — the most dramatically positioned hotel in Sedona. Spa, pools, tennis. From approximately $400-$900 per night as of 2026.

L’Auberge de Sedona — 301 L’Auberge Ln. A 93-room creek-side resort with individual cottages along Oak Creek. The location is one of the most desirable in town. From approximately $350-$750 per night.

Sky Rock Sedona — 75 Bell Rock Blvd, Village of Oak Creek. A 108-room hotel with red rock views from most rooms. Better value than the Uptown options at similar quality. From approximately $200-$350 per night.

Arabella Hotel Sedona — 725 N AZ-89A. A 98-room boutique hotel in Uptown with a pool and rooftop bar. From approximately $140-$220 per night.

Budget: Sedona Real Inn & Suites (95 Arroyo Piñon Dr) — from approximately $110-$180 per night.

Restaurants

Elote Cafe — 771 AZ-179. Inventive modern Mexican by Jeff Smedstad; roasted corn with chile mayo is the signature appetizer. No reservations; arrive at opening or expect a long wait. Mains approximately $18-$34. Open Tuesday-Sunday for dinner.

Dahl & Di Luca — 321 AZ-179. Italian-American cooking in a warmly decorated space; good option for a non-Southwestern evening. Mains approximately $22-$42.

Mariposa Latin Inspired Grill — 700 W AZ-89A. The most panoramic dining view in Sedona — red rock vistas from the terrace. Contemporary Latin-inflected menu. Mains approximately $28-$52.

Coffee Pot Restaurant — 2050 W AZ-89A. A Sedona institution serving 101 omelette variations alongside standard American diner fare. Breakfast and lunch; mains approximately $10-$16.

Hudson — 671 AZ-179. Rooftop dining with Bell Rock views; American menu. Mains approximately $20-$38.

Practical Notes

Sedona’s peak seasons are spring (March-April, wildflower period) and fall (September-October). Summer (June-August) temperatures reach approximately 95-100°F but are more bearable than the Phoenix desert floor at 4,350 ft elevation. December-February is quieter with mild days and occasional snow on the red rock formations. All major trailheads require early arrival on weekends year-round — by 8am for the most popular spots. Helicopter tours ($170-$350 per person) and hot air balloon flights ($250-$350 per person) provide red rock views without hiking.