Stunning Sedona

Sedona is a treasure. Nestled in Arizona’s high desert near the center of the state, visitors are drawn to its red rock formations, vibrant art scene and the area’s historical and cultural significance. An easy drive from Phoenix, as well as the Grand Canyon, here’s what makes Sedona a must-see destination.
Image of a woman mountain biking uphill.
Image of a woman mountain biking uphill.

Woman bike riding in Sedona

Natural Beauty
Sedona’s landscape is nothing short of awe-inspiring. Towering sandstone buttes, like Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock and Courthouse Butte, create a dramatic backdrop against the clear blue sky. Hiking trails at Red Rock State Park, like the Eagle’s Nest Trail, as well as the iconic Chapel of the Holy Cross, boast breathtaking vistas for quiet reflection in the expansive desert. From Thursday to Sunday, the Sedona Shuttle takes visitors to popular trailheads, like Little Horse and Soldier Pass, in the Coconino National Forest.
More than 200 miles of trails for hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding crisscross Sedona. At Oak Creek Canyon, a gorgeous clear stream is popular among locals and visitors eager to hike, fish or swim. Don’t leave Sedona without soaking up a seriously sublime sunset. Locals like to watch the sun dip below the horizon at Airport Mesa, Sugarloaf and Red Rock Crossing. Stick around after sunset because Sedona is an International Dark Sky Community, offering amazing stargazing opportunities.
Image of a water fountain and trees in town.
Image of a water fountain and trees in town.

Explore local art and shops in The Tlaquepaque Arts and Shopping Village.

Artistic Haven
Home to more than 80 eclectic art galleries and shops, Sedona’s artists and artisans proudly display fine art, weavings, sculptures, stained glass and ceramics, as well as Western and Native American art. The Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village is a cultural and artistic hub where visitors can wander galleries, watch artists at work and purchase unique pieces of art.

At Kachina House, you’ll find a vast collection of Native American pottery, including Navajo ceramics, as well as authentic, handmade Katsina and Kachina dolls. The annual Sedona Arts Festival and Sedona International Film Festival further underscore Sedona’s dedication to the arts.
Image of geological rock layers.
Image of geological rock layers.

Visit the Palatki Heritage Site and explore structures built by the Sinagua people.

Historical and Cultural Importance
For history buffs, the Sedona Heritage Museum features exhibits and themed programs on early settlers, Native American history and the town’s growth and development. Outside, several historic buildings are on display, including a telegraph office, fruit packing shed and a tent house.

Learn about the ancient civilizations that once inhabited the area in cliff dwellings and pueblos - settlements of the Sinagua people - by way of ranger-led and self-guided tours at the Montezuma Castle and Tuzigoot national monuments, just outside Sedona. Both monuments feature short, wheelchair- and stroller-friendly trails that guide visitors past cliff dwellings, ancient ruins and valley views. 
Sedona’s Honanki and Palatki Heritage Sites were once the largest cliff dwellings in North-Central Arizona (aka Red Rock Country). These archaeological treasures are lauded for their ancient cliff dwellings and rock art, like petroglyphs and pictographs. Reservations are required for docent-led tours of the grotto and dwelling areas at the Palatki Heritage Site.
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About the Author: Erin Gifford is a travel writer with credits that include The Wall Street Journal, Thrillist and Via. She has visited Arizona several times, and has hiked area trails with her family.