What To Do Outdoors in Sedona, Arizona

Other posts by MudslideMama

Mention you’re planning a trip to Sedona, and you may get some quizzical looks. Really? People wonder. So you’re into that whole vortex-New Age-crystals philosophy? Well, no, but that’s a big part of the subculture in this part of Arizona.  Sedona means many things to many people, and while I tried to feel some sort of otherworldly sensation at the Vortex, all I got was a view. But…what a view it is. Sedona is one of my favorite places to vacation in the United States, and the prevalent New Age culture has very little to do with it. There are many things to see and do in Sedona, almost all of which involve getting outdoors and appreciating one of the most beautiful places on Earth.

Pink Jeep for Off Road Travel Adventure

What to Do Outdoors in Sedona Arizona

Jeep Tours: My family visited Sedona last summer, and since we had our kids with us, this vacation involved more placid activities; the Red Rock Jeep tour took us off the road, but it wasn’t quite an off-roading experience. This past trip was just my partner and I; the Pink Jeep tour was everything an off-roading adventure should be (heart-pounding bumps, access to off-the-beaten-path cliffs and mesas) with a guide who nonetheless knew the local flora and fauna like the back of his hand. This Broken Trail jeep tour was a real highlight of our trip. I recommend both: Red Rock Jeeps for families with young children, Pink Jeeps for teens and adults. There is also A Day in the West jeep tour, but I haven’t personally experienced that one…yet. Earth Wisdom jeep tours offers a New Age experience, going to the famous vortex as well as some sacred sites.

Hikes: Oh boy, the hikes. Hiking in the morning to see the sun rise over the red rocks of Sedona must be an exhilarating feeling, but I slept right through that. The sunset hikes are just as magnificent – I hope, since that’s what I (with my sleeping-in-is-a-vacation-priority self) did. Now, there are over 100 hiking trails in Sedona, so my list of recommendations is by no means complete.

  • Quick, easy, low grade hikes in Sedona include the Vultee Arch wilderness area (elevation gain 400 Cathedral Rock in Sedona AZft), Deadman’s Pass (don’t let the name scare you off) is appropriate for horseback rides with its wide trail (elevation gain 300 ft), Fay Canyon running along Bear Mountain, with views of a rock arch and Indian ruins (elevaton gain 95 ft), the easy Brins Mesa Loop (there’s a hard one, too) which takes hikers through arches and affords a view of Uptown Sedona, and Dry Creek Trail, the longest of the easy hikes at just over 5 miles both ways (elevation gain 450 ft).
  • For those of us who hike regularly and don’t mind some challenges, moderate trails in Sedona include the Secret Canyon, which follows a stream bed along the base of those amazing red mesas and buttes (elevaton gain 660 ft), Lost Canyon at the “Brins Mesa #119″ trailhead marker which takes hikers through small canyons and Indian ruins; follow the marked trail carefully as there are some steep drop-offs here. Other moderate hiking trails in Sedona are Long Canyon, which brings hikers up close to some of the most intricate natural rock formations around (elevation gain 580 ft), Boynton Canyon, off the property of Enchantment luxury resort, through a box canyon with multiple paths and trails to explore and a supposed vortex (elevation gain 400 ft), and Doe Mountain, which at less than 2 miles is a fairly easy part of Boynton Canyon that leads to the top of a mesa with 360-degree views (elevation gain 400 ft).
  • For experienced hikers looking for even more of a challenging hike, the Cathedral Rock Trail off rte 179 has the best views of any on the list; a 360-degree perspective of all of Red Rock County, through to Verde Valley and all the way to Jerome (30 miles away). The strenuous Brin’s Mesa Trail begins in a manzanita forest but gets challenging along the way – this trail begins at the end of Jordan Road.

View of Sedona

View of Sedona

Aerial Views: There are helicopter rides and a hot air balloon tour through the red cliffs of Sedona. I haven’t done either, but I’ll be honest with you: If a helicopter had come chopping through the air during one of my hikes, it would have seriously interrupted my groove. While I can’t speak from experience, I imagine that Red Rock Balloon Adventures offers a much more peaceful aerial tour of the county. That company also doesn’t disturb the peace and quiet of the natural surroundings.

Shopping: There are a lot of shops in Uptown Sedona, along Highway 87A. These range from the tackiest of tourist traps to some pretty awesome art galleries featuring local artists. But a shopping vacation in Sedona really isn’t complete without a stop in Tlaquepaque. The stores here are ultra-high end, yes, and the few restaurants are pricier than a fast food joint. But the enclosed area of Tlaquepaque is modeled after an authentic Mexican village, with lovely architecture and cobblestone streets (cars pack outside). Be sure to check out El Prado Gallery here; it’s probably my favorite art shop in Tlaquepaque. I also like Geoffrey Roth’s gallery and, on the less expensive end, Esteban’s.

Just Outside Sedona: I recommend taking a morning trip to a couple of historic sites of the Sinagua Indians. Tuzigoot National Monument is an ancient pueblo that travelers can really explore, although of course with respect. Montezuma Castle National Monument is an elevated cliff dwelling (and park), hence cannot be experienced in quite the same hands-on way, but my family loved it. There is also the nearby Montezuma Well, which is a visible underground well the Sinagua built for farming purposes.

These are just a few of my favorite things to do outdoors in Sedona, Arizona. There are bound to be countless others; feel free to mention your favorites in the comments below!

  • Share/Bookmark

May 29, 2009 | Filed Under Adventure Travel, Destinations, Eco Travel, Family Travel, Luxury Travel 

Comments

24 Responses to “What To Do Outdoors in Sedona, Arizona”

  1. Amy @ The Q Family says:
    May 29, 2009 at

    You have me at ‘Pink Jeep Tour’.. :) I would really love to visit Sedona area. Sounds like it will be a fun trip for the whole family. Maybe I can omit the ‘pink’ part and leave just ‘Jeep Tour’ when I try to convince my hubby. :)

  2. MudslideMama says:
    May 29, 2009 at

    Hope you can make it to Sedona AZ sometime, Amy; it really is one of my favorite vacation destinations in the US.

    As a matter of fact, I’d love to hear about other people’s Sedona recommendations – I thought this article was getting too long before I even got to the al fresco dining option/restaurants I like in Sedona. Any other hiking trails you like?

  3. Cathy - wheresmydamnanswer says:
    May 29, 2009 at

    This is one of our favorite places and the pink jeep tour was so DAMN fun!! We were talking last week about this years vacation and we are pretty sure Sedona is where we will go!! This place is heaven on earth – magical, romantic and just breathtaking.

  4. margie van zee says:
    May 29, 2009 at

    We spend a ton of time in Sedona at one of our Villas. You hit some great activities MudSlideMama! Another really cool thing to do is a real hidden secret. Behind Los Abrigatos Resort is a nature path that takes you along the creek and has a great Labyrinth. Take in your thoughts and ponder!

    One of our favorite al fresco dining experiences is Heartline Cafe and getting a to go picnic basket from Cucina Rustica and hike creekside!

    Call Bella next time you go up for a private italian architects villa!

  5. Sandra says:
    May 29, 2009 at

    Sedona looks gorgeous! I hope we can hit it someday. Thanks for sharing! I’d go for the horseback riding, because I love it and am just not into sweating up a storm climbing mountains. Last time we went horseback riding my husband said he was an experienced rider. That horse bucked and raced everywhere. It was so funny.

  6. Sharlene says:
    May 29, 2009 at

    I have been dying to get to Sedona. I plan on getting there within the next 12 months. I just think it looks absolutely beautful. Thank you for all the hiking suggestions!

  7. jamie says:
    May 29, 2009 at

    On a jeep tour of Sedona (we brought our own, don’t ask!) my husband (then boyfriend) and I once found a rope swing overhanging a river. We gleefully swung in and discovered that the riverbed was infested with huge crawdads.

    He carried me to the riverbank so I wouldn’t have to risk my toes. How can you not marry a man like that?

  8. Toni Smith says:
    May 29, 2009 at

    Great summary of Sedona! It’s hard to sum up how much there is to do. I grew up in AZ and have been many, many times but every time I go, I’m always shocked about how beautiful it really is. My favorite hiking spot is the West Fork trail off of 89A. You get to cross a stream several times, pass ruins that date back to the 1900s, see super green plants and trees, and there’s a perfect spot to perch on the rocks adjacent to the stream and eat a picnic lunch.

  9. Gena says:
    May 29, 2009 at

    Wow! How wonderful!

  10. jen says:
    May 30, 2009 at

    I remember the pink jeeps from when I was a kid. We went to visit our aunt in Phoenix and she took us on a day trip to Sedona. We had a blast!

  11. Anto says:
    May 30, 2009 at

    Wow……. this place is beautiful! Thank you for all the tips, I would sure like to visit that destination one day :)

  12. Andy Hayes says:
    May 30, 2009 at

    Great photos. My auntie swears this is her most favourite place in the world, but I’ve not been. (No, I don’t need any more convincing. :P )

  13. Wassan says:
    May 30, 2009 at

    Great overview of ways to see beautiful Sedona, the Jeep tours are just awesome and I can’t wait to go back to do the air balloon trip, I didn’t have time the last time I went!

  14. Flyaway Cafe’s Travel Favorites 5-31-09 : Fly Away Cafe - Travel Tips and Destination Suggestions from a Flight Attendant says:
    May 31, 2009 at

    [...] Traveling Mamas – Exploring a city that I’ve not been to — Sedona, Arizona.  Lots of great suggestions on how to enjoy the beautiful outdoors of this area. Share and Enjoy: [...]

  15. Ghermine says:
    May 31, 2009 at

    Jeep tours are great for mobility impaired folks, but I encourage true nature lovers to take it easy on the delicate environment in Sedona and walk instead of adding to the air pollution and crushing the desert. If you’re looking to get off the touristy routes in Sedona and see the real red rocks, check out the hiking articles here http://www.ecoluxurylodging.com/sedona-trip-resources-hiking.html or at other ad-free, eco conscious sites.

  16. Judy says:
    May 31, 2009 at

    Have friends who absolutely love Sedona, I myself have never been will visit someday. To much going on for the next couple of Months. The Picture with the Hot Air balloons is awesome, wish I was in one of those balloons and the jeep tour, when I travel If they have jeep tours or ATV tours I take them you get to see so much more. Great Article.

  17. Keith says:
    June 1, 2009 at

    >>So you’re into that whole vortex-New Age-crystals philosophy? Well, no, but that’s a big part of the subculture in this part of Arizona. <<

    I get it all the time … some people can’t believe I live only a couple of miles from Stonehenge, and I’m not a Druid, or a New Ager.

  18. Olin Robie says:
    June 2, 2009 at

    I live and work in Sedona and love seeing such a nice and thoughtful review of my home. When people visit us, we always take them to Out Of Africa Wildlife Park, about 40 minutes south of Sedona as part of the trip. This is in addition to the Jeep rides and other things that have been mentioned here. For those of you who haven’t been here yet, don’t forget that the Grand Canyon is only 2 and 1/2 hours from Sedona. That alone justifies the trip if you haven’t been there yet.

  19. KattyBlackyard says:
    June 14, 2009 at

    Hi, gr8 post thanks for posting. Information is useful!

  20. Krwyxlhx says:
    June 23, 2009 at

    YPHzaS comment6 ,

  21. road trip planner USA says:
    July 3, 2009 at

    I would say Sedona is a must see destination for any traveling in the Southwest.

  22. Vacation says:
    July 16, 2009 at

    Thanks for the great traveling tips!

  23. bus tour grand canyon says:
    July 27, 2009 at

    There are many things to see and many things to do in Sedona. Visitors and residents delight in the area’s natural year-round beauty, which is conducive to many types of outdoor activities. It’s easy to spend several weeks in Sedona exploring hidden canyons and enjoying red rock trails or visiting the area’s sacred sites or Sedona’s vortexes.

  24. MIchelle says:
    November 7, 2009 at

    YOu guys! YOu forgot the MOST fun thing to do with kids in Sedona, oreven without kids! Slide Rock State Park! It’s in Oak Creek Canyon and and creek (more like a little river to me) has a natural water slide that propels you down the rapids about 30 feet. If you go to Sedona, you can NOT miss this!!!!!!
    I live two hours south of Sedona and we go up there frequently, just to go to Slide Rock. Oh, and if you go in the fall you can pick apples. THey have a huge apple orchard.
    Michelle

Leave a Reply