Often called "Red Rock Country" Sedona is a four seasons playground for everyone - whether you're into history and archaeology; arts and culture; shopping; outdoor sports; or the spiritual and metaphysical, imagine doing all this in a backdrop of some of the most spectacular scenery in the world. This picturesque city is surrounded by red-rock monoliths named Coffeepot, Cathedral and Thunder Mountain. At the north end of the city is the stunning Oak Creek Canyon, a breathtaking chasm that is wildly wonderful. Natural endowments aside, you'll also find world-class hotels, resorts, bed and breakfasts and a very good variety of dining to keep you satisfied. Escape the chaos of life, kick back and relax in Sedona.


Spring in Sedona

Cool nights and plentiful sunshine during the daytime welcomes in Spring Season in Sedona. Sedona is a top destination for Spring Travel and boasts incredible blooms and a beautiful red rock backdrop that you won't want to miss.


Things to Do in Sedona

People often ask, "Is there no end to Sedona's attractions?" It's true: 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.

In addition to enjoying the outdoors, there are many other things to do in Sedona. Sedona activities include visiting art galleries and attending shows, musical and theatrical performances, spiritual and personal enrichment activities, annual festivals and many community events.

Sedona activities abound for solo or group adventures, romantic weekends, family reunions, girl getaways or family vacations. Many couples choose to have their wedding in Sedona.  And, if you have an interest in finding an organization that will assist you in your travel services, click here.

Sedona's eco-friendly environment is a perfect base to visit Arizona tourist attractions, such as the Grand Canyon, Page, Lake Powell, Flagstaff and Verde Valley attractions, including Jerome.

 

Sedona Attractions & Sedona Entertainment

Sedona is justly famous for its natural beauty, but there are plenty of other things to see. Sedona attractions range from area museums, state parks and national monuments to local wineries and world-class art galleries. Sedona entertainment options include art, music and film festivals throughout the year and other world-class performances - from chamber and symphonic music to theater. There are many seasonal community events. Be sure to check the calendar of events for what to do and what to see in Sedona while you are in town.


Sedona Recreation: Hiking

Each of the amazing hikes in Sedona has its own individual character. Special attractions on Sedona's extensive network of trails are as varied as their degree of difficulty, unique location and historical significance. Some hikes lead to high elevations, some hug winding creeks, some afford awesome views of distant vistas, some offer intimate beauty. It's hard to pick a favorite hike, but you can't go wrong no matter what choice you make. Just remember hiking safety rules and that litter defaces. Please take out everything you bring in to the national forest.


Sedona Recreation: Mountain Biking

Sedona has an extensive network of bike trails, some of which do double duty as Sedona's hiking trails. New bike paths are being added all the time; the latest additions border the very scenic Red Rock Scenic Byway (State Route 179). However, bikes are off limits in specially designated wilderness areas. Biking enthusiasts in Sedona enjoy the annual Sedona Century bicycle event.  Click here for bicycle information in the area.


Sedona Recreation: Camping, Fishing & Picnicking

Popular day-use sites provided by the U.S. Forest Service are located at Call of the Canyon, near the trailhead at West Fork; Crescent Moon Ranch, with its world-famous view of Cathedral Rock; and Grasshopper Point, a creekside location near Midgley Bridge. Fishing the waters of Oak Creek Canyon is another popular pastime. The AZ Fish and Game Department can provide more information. Designated picnic areas Encinoso, Banjo Bill and Halfway are creekside getaways in Oak Creek Canyon, as are Bootlegger, Cave Springs, Manzanita and Pine Flat campgrounds.


Sedona Recreation: Horseback Riding

Another wonderful Sedona-recreation option is to see Red Rock Country on horseback just like Western movie icons Gene Autry and Roy Rogers used to do. Some horseback rides have delightful extras, such as creek crossings and outdoor dining. You can always break out in song if you're inspired. (And you will be!)


Arizona State Parks

Slide Rock State Park in the heart of Oak Creek Canyon features a natural water slide eroded into a slick creek bed, which is surrounded by massive red-rock walls. The slide makes this park a family favorite. The 43-acre park also includes a beautiful orchard and historic barn.

Red Rock State Park is a 286-acre nature preserve and environmental education center with stunning scenery, 10 developed trails, meadows, picnic tables and a visitor's center with a classroom, theater and gift shop. The park offers many informational programs and seasonal events.

Dead Horse Ranch State Park, a 423-acre park in nearby Cottonwood is very much alive, despite its foreboding name. The Verde River runs through the park, making it a popular site for camping, hiking, canoeing, picnicking, fishing and wading. More than 300 birds fly through the park each year--from predatory falcons and migrating species to the inquisitive cactus wren, the state bird of Arizona.

Please note: State parks require an admission fee, but an annual pass is available, which covers all three parks plus 28 others throughout the state of Arizona.


Sedona Recreation: Golf & Tennis

If you're a golf buff, tee up at highly rated championship courses open to the public, but don't get more concerned about taking shots with your camera than your clubs. Rather enjoy a short course? Play around on a couple of conveniently located executive courses.

On the other hand, if tennis is your game, you'll love playing in Sedona during any season. The weather is ideal for tennis all year long, and some of this community's finest resorts offer professional instruction and scheduled competition on top-quality courts. The picture on the right captures the beauty of the 10th hole at the Sedona Golf Resort.


Sedona Highlight: Stargazing

When the sun goes down and Sedona's red rocks are blanketed by darkness, it's possible to watch a heavenly light show - one that is rarely seen in cities where bright lights drown out the limpid night sky.


Sedona's Scenic Drives

"Red Rock Country" has spectacular scenery, and driving is one way to take in the splendor. Visitors to Sedona can enjoy a scenic drive that showcases the area's fanciful crimson peaks, buttes and cliffs, verdant vegetation and desert wildlife. Sedona's scenic drives include 89A through Oak Creek Canyon, Red Rock Scenic Byway (State Route 179), Schenbly Hill's scenic drive and Red Rock Loop Road. Other scenic drives near Sedona are Boynton Pass Loop and Page Springs Loop and the drive into Sedona from Cottonwood.

State Route 179, also known as Red Rock Scenic Byway, is one of only 27 roads in the country designated by the U.S. Department of Transportation as "All-American Roads" for their exceptional and unique recreational, natural and scenic qualities. Besides the spectacular golf and hiking and biking (both on and off the road), the Red Rock Scenic Byway/State Route 179 features scenic pullouts for travelers to enjoy the magnificent views.


Exploring Scottsdale and Sedona

Two of Arizona's most popular tourist attractions - Scottsdale and Sedona - are only two hours apart by car. Both cities offer breathtaking natural settings, luxury resorts and plenty to see and do - yet each maintains its own unique personality. Sophisticated Scottsdale is known for its Sonoran-Desert setting and cosmopolitan lifestyle, including a vibrant nightlife; while charming Sedona is famous for its breathtaking red rocks and laid-back atmosphere, where visitors leave behind the stresses of a hectic life. Be sure to include both Sedona and Scottsdale on your travels through Arizona.

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