Some places have a tendency to sneak up on you. Having spent a delightful number of days basking in the hot dryness Los Angelans have come to expect from Phoenix, I was surprised by just how different landscape would be merely about 100 miles north following an eastwardly two-hour drive leaving behind Arizona’s largest city.
Outdoor enthusiasts will never get bored in Sedona, where the wilderness reaches outward as if to touch infinity. This is a place for nature lovers, and they might find themselves not ready to leave after just one day. The region has so much open countryside that you could trek in a different location for an entire seven days and have hundreds of options still left.
However, if you are pressed for time or simply passing through Sedona on your way to Las Vegas, then a day trip from Phoenix or Scottsdale will give you an great taste of this colorful town. We bet that you are eager to come back until the next time.
Organizing Your Sedona Day Trip
With limited public transportation options between Phoenix and Sedona, your primary choices for getting there are either driving yourself or joining a guided tour.
By Car
If you are thinking about going on the Sedona Day Trip and want to make most of your time in that area then start early as possible!
On the I-17, you can expect a 20-hour drive time from Phoenix to Sedona. Most of the popular hikes will get very crowded quite quickly so it pays to make an early start and see a few things before everyone else.
If you want to travel worry-free on accommodation and are road-tripping long-term, consider renting an RV or motorhome (there is a wide selection in Arizona!).
For stays of two days or more, you can do what suits your rest in the morning. You can also choose to go through El Dorado and head towards 87 for a more scenic drive as the route is much nicer than the main highway.
An interesting stop on this route — and one of the highlights for me as well, our feet ached a lot more after climbing to view it! You may also skip any one of the longer hikes to view the bridge from a lookout if your Sedona itinerary is quite full.
Montezuma Castle, Chapel of the Holy Cross and Agua Fria National Monument are among notable stops to consider.
Exploring Sedona by Guided Tour
If you like to just do nothing and go with the flow, there are so many guided Sedona Tours that will help make sense of this magical world.
In general, this happens to be the perfect Phoenix based large tour for travelers set on spending most of their day in adorable Sedona town. Sedona Red Rock Tour – This is ideal for those who want a bit more slack time to noodle-around on their own and maybe also see some Native American ruins.
Some tours combine Sedona with other closeby attractions for a varied experience. For example, a tour that combines Sedona with the historic mining town of Jerome. Or combine a Sedona tour with visits to Verde Valley wineries for an experience of natural beauty and local flavor.
A combination tour of Sedona and the Grand Canyon would be a good option if your American Southwest itinerary is confined. And while the experience might not allow time for a deep dive at each stop, it does provide a worthy introduction to two incredible locales.
Making the Most of One Day in Sedona
One of the requests was for a Day Trip from Sedona — worries were that one day would not be enough time to take in all that is available. No need to fret! Less than a day — That is all you need to visit the main Sedona sites.
I mean, if you are lucky enough to spend 2 or 3 days in Sedona then can explore the surrounding areas and drive up for a day trip. Landscape dreams like the Grand Canyon, Antelope Slot Canyons and Horseshoe Bend are a quick road trip away.
Morning: Embark on a Hike
Once you arrive in Sedona from Scottdale or Phoenix do not pass go, just make a bee line for the trail.
Arguably the number one must visit spot for Sedona day trippers, Devil’s Bridge Trail offers easy access to some stunning vistas. The trail is about 2.1 miles long one way, so the round trip from parking at the trailhead would be a little over four total miles.
Flat for about the first two-thirds, it begins to rise very deliberately as you near the prime outlook. The difficulty of the trail is moderate, some loose rocks but it’s clear mark all along.
As one of the most popular trails in Kauai, this trail becomes very crowded as the day goes by; therefore consider doing it first thing while still early in the morning.
Though the main parking lot can get crowded, there is available overflow parking along the main road. This is another great way to experience the red rocks of Sedona without having to pay an entrance fee for a really difficult hike.
Opt for a different hiking experience on the West Fork Trail. The trail is moderate in difficulty with only a modest 500 feet of elevation gain over its entire distance.
But the 13 creek crossings along the route offer an interesting variation! The bottom-line: ice is probable on the steep, narrow banks of glaciers near trailheads higher up and represent a challenge that does not exist during summer months for experienced trekkers.
Hiking by towering canyon walls and through the serene woods is truly tranquil, but i recommend using treking poles (especially in the slippery winter months) as to add an extra level of safety when navigating over loose soil. The entrance fee at the trailhead is $12 per vehicle, up to five persons.
Assuming you did not pack lunch for your hike u0013 by the time you return, hungry will be an understatement in central Sedona.
However, there are plenty of cheap Mexican places that will fill you right up after a long day!I
If you can only choose one, I would definitely say get Tortas de Fuego. Especially with two locations all around Sedona, it is a taco shop that serves traditional Mexican dishes made from scratch and plenty of vegetarian options for your non-meat-eating companions.
Afternoon: Explore and Shop in Central Sedona
In addition to the amazing hiking and scenery in Sedona, there is also a famous new age/spiritual culture that fascinates people as well as provides interesting shopping options which adds character to town. When traveling through Sedona, you will see many stores provided by people who perform services such as past life regression readings, crystal healers and other spiritual practices.
Even if you are not into spirituality one bit, as I confess that we could never be convinced to attend a sedition of meditation music and chanting (no offense my spiritual friend), the craft shops will absolutely ensure your visit is worthwhile given our huge spendings on all kinds of gifts for others.
Find some of the best in one convenient spot with a trip to Tlaquepaque Arts and Crafts Village. It is much like it sounds, with a slew of art galleries and jewelry stores and artisan shops to poke around.
A must do is Spirits & Spice, where you can taste over a dozen spices and oils as well as spirits and vinegars till your heart finds it’s home.
Just follow your nose to The Chai Spot, right in the middle of those artisan shops indulge in some warm and delicious masala chai (that might transport you straight back to New Delhi). Their coffees and teas are quite extensive, too, with an outdoor balcony for you to ascend as heaven while sippin’ on them.
Evening: Catch the Sunset at Airport Mesa Viewpoint
End your day as you began, with more nature from the breathtaking landscapes of Sedona!
Airport Mesa Viewpoint is the place you need to be for the ultimate sunset. You just need to make a short five-minute walk from the parking area and find yourself on top of Sedona looking all around you at 360 degrees.
While it is not exactly the sun that you are looking forward, unlike many other places perfect to witness sunset; but how these rocks took on a different color as light fades.
There is minimal parking at the viewpoint, so it would be best to come earlier—perhaps 30–45 minutes before sunset. Those with no choice and unable to find a parking spot make-shift along the road; however, ‘No Parking’ signs are visible for everyone so park at your own risk.
Also down the road is another sunset spot called Sedona Airport Overlook. Best of all The view there is not as good at airport Mesa but the parking lot is slightly larger, however you have to pay for Parking.
For those with a bit more time in the evening and looking to go full force on doing something different while visiting Sedona, why not try something very unique such as nighttime stargazing / UFO tours!
Have Extra Time?
Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast or simply able to enjoy a more relaxed pace, there are plenty of options for those spending a few days in Sedona.
Explore Additional Hikes
Additionally, there are so many hiking trails in Sedona that you will never struggle to fill a few extra days of outdoor adventures into your vacation!
If this will be your first walk, the AllTrails website is a good place to start. It gives complete run-downs of a ton of Sedona’s favorite hikes including difficulty levels and recent reviews from other hikers.
Anyone looking to tap into Sedona’s spiritual side should walk the paths at Cathedral Rock or Bell Rock. The vortexes in Sedona are known as power points, claiming to be the focal areas of spiritual energy. Visitors often meditate or do yoga at these sites.
So even if spirituality is not your thing, the views from these hikes still make them well worth their effort!
Take a Jeep Tour
Discover Sedona a different way if the muscles need resting in between hikes.
Jeep tours offer an exciting way to chill while traveling off-road across the breathraking landscape and then reaching fantastic viewpoints into a couple of hours. Your guide imparts insights about the history and geography of the area while you go.
While Jeep tours are not for the budget minded, they can be a fun and different experience especially if you want to get off your feet or have children who could use a bit of rest from hiking.
Recommendations: Enjoy a family-friendly Jeep tour to Mogollon Rim with friendly knowledgeable local guides, duration is about 2-3 hours.
Go Wine Tasting
If you are feeling a bit red rocked out on day one, another great option is to wake up and head over to the nearby Verde Valley for some wine tasting on your second morning.
A sedona-based tour that goes to 4 of the best wineries in verde valley and wine tasting there plus light lunch.
Go on a Day Trip
Some of the best Sedona day trips that can enhance your itinerary are: One of the most popular options, and my personal favorite is a visit to Grand Canyon.
Driving to the Grand Canyon and back from Sedona will take you about 2 hours each way, so this excusion allows for enough time to walk along a bit of the rim, lunch at one of its lodges or viewing points without too much pressure being that as soon as everything starts closing up I’d recommend heading out again.
You could also drive back to Sedona after, or stop in Flagstaff for dinner — it’s a college town and has few decent diversions — meaning you wouldn’t have to come all the way home that night.
Otherwise, you can take one of several available day tours to the Grand Canyon instead. This day trip, as well as this full-day tour includes transport with stops at several South Rim viewpoints and lunch.
Consider visiting Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend, two other natural gems found in not too far from the Grand Canyon; Specialized tour with transfers, lunch and guide.
Otherwise, there are a bunch of other state parks you could go check out- Slide Rock State Park to slide down their all natural water slide or Tonto Natural Bridge on your return trip back to Phoenix.
Where to Stay in Sedona
Sedone Village Lodge – a simple, no-frills room for those in need of little more than the bare essentials while visiting Sedona. Very close to the city centre and also easily accessible as it is located on several hiking tracks.
Private Vacation Rental – Sedona has a couple of vacation rental alternatives including this relaxing cottage close to the preferred attractions inside town.
Sky Ranch Lodge – Another great value, perfect if you are travelling with your love. You can also choose from different types of rooms that best fits your requirement since the lodge is strategically located (3 minutes walk) into Hapahan street.
Casa Sedona Inn – A luxury option with space, rustic rooms updated to modern comforts. Dining options offer on-site dining and a hot tub.
Many would certainly spend at least one day in Sedona and it makes for a great stop on any tour of Scottsdale or Phoenix.
A Perfect Day in Sedona: An Ideal Day Trip from Scottsdale or Phoenix
Spending a day in Sedona is an excellent choice if you’re seeking a day trip from Scottsdale or Phoenix. This short visit provides travelers with an ideal way to experience the charm and beauty of this remarkable town.
