Sedona, Arizona, is home to nearly 10,000 people, and a spiritual haven for many more. The red rock buttes here are said to house mysterious cosmic forces that are conducive to healing and self-exploration. For that reason, Sedona has long been regarded as a sacred place — one that is rich in natural beauty.
Brett Briseno, director of sales and marketing for Enchantment Resort and Mii Amo, a Sedona hotel and spa, respectively, told Travel + Leisure by email, “There’s something special here. Whether it’s the energy of the land, the genuine hospitality of its people, the cultures that coexist in harmony, or the world-class businesses, there’s no denying this place feels ‘different’ than anywhere else. I would use the word majestic, but others might simply say there’s a positivity and peacefulness here that’s rare in the world.”
That sense of peace and spirituality has made the Arizona community a spa destination. (The Enchantment Resort’s Mii Amo spa is a T+L reader favorite.) Briseno noted, “Sedona is one of the few locations where you return home feeling better and more energized.” The destination is also surrounded by red rock formations, steep canyons, and pine forests with hiking and biking trails.
Without further ado, here’s what Sedona locals recommend a first-time visitor should add to their itinerary.
Hike Cathedral Rock Trail.
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According to Chrys Theriault, an expert bell captain at Ambiente, A Landscape Hotel (one of the most anticipated resort openings in the U.S. in 2023), “Sedona is known as a day hiking capital, with some 200 trails and 400 miles of well-marked red rock [paths] that offer any hiker the skill level and views they are seeking.”
A good place to start is on Cathedral Rock Trail, a moderately challenging, 1.2-mile round-trip trek. It’s a great introduction to Sedona hiking and boasts stunning views of Cathedral Rock, a natural sandstone butte that’s one of the area’s most-photographed attractions.
Visit Chapel of the Holy Cross.
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The Chapel of the Holy Cross draws pilgrims and tourists who come to worship in this one-of-a-kind building that was built on top of a natural rock formation in the Coconino National Forest.
Theriault calls the chapel a personal favorite, while Christian Davies, the general manager of Mii Amo, said, “The Chapel of the Holy Cross is a must-see. The stunning building seamlessly flows with the surrounding area, rising out of the red rocks just like a prominent peak, offering stunning views of the iconic red rock formations that Sedona is famous for.”
Eat Mexican and Southwestern food at Elote Cafe.
With a menu that’s “inspired by the markets of Mexico,” Elote Cafe is based on chef Jeff Smedstad’s 20-plus years of travel across Mexico and the southwestern U.S. Don’t miss their namesake elote, fire-roasted corn served with spicy mayo, lime, and cotija cheese.
Swim in Oak Creek at Slide Rock State Park.
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At the bottom of Oak Creek Canyon lies a swimming hole that has continually been recognized for its spectacular hidden locale. It’s situated below an apple orchard and surrounded by Sedona’s iconic red rocks. There’s even an 80-foot-long “slide” that has been worn into the sandstone and is covered in algae, making for a slippery ride.
“When you think of Arizona, you don’t think of water,” said Theriault, adding that a visit to the canyon is “a perfect trip any time of year.”
Shop at Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village.
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Called “the art and soul of Sedona,” this outdoor shopping village is fashioned after a traditional Mexican village, with stucco walls, cobble pathways, and decorative arches. The Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village has some of the city’s best galleries, restaurants, and shops. And if you’re wondering, the word Tlaquepaque is part of the ancient language of the Aztecs, meaning the “best of everything.”
Davies calls the market “one of the most distinctive shopping experiences in the Southwest,” noting that it “has been a favorite Sedona landmark for many years.”
Hike Airport Loop Trail.
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The Airport Loop Trail, which curves around Sedona Airport, is a great spot to watch the sun rise and set. If an airport-adjacent hiking path sounds anything but pleasant, then you haven’t been to Sedona Airport, which is set 500 feet above the city on a flat mesa.
Visit Amitabha Stupa and Peace Park.
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The 14 acres that make up the Amitabha Stupa and Peace Park were deemed holy by Natives long ago and continue to be seen as a spiritual oasis.
“Sedona is the spiritual mecca of the Southwest,” explained Theriault. “Historically known for its ceremonies, birthing spaces, and peace treaties, it now has a New Age vibe with holistic healing rituals, modern churches, and psychics.” Davies added, “Amitabha Stupa is a spiritual destination for people of all faiths, where local residents, visitors, and groups come for prayer, meditation, and an experience of peace in a sacred place.”
Bike the Aerie to Cockscomb Trail.
Together, the Aerie and Cockscomb trails create a 6.1-mile loop that’s suitable for both beginner and intermediate mountain bikers. This trail is great because it offers fun descents on rolling hills and beautiful scenery, plus it can be accessed from many locations.
“Sedona is renowned for being one of the top mountain biking destinations in the United States,” said Davies, adding that Enchantment Resort and Mii Amo guests can also take advantage of the Trail House, which offers guided bike rides and rentals.
Book a hot-air balloon ride.
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Both Davies and Theriault recommend that first-time visitors to Sedona book a hot-air balloon ride. “Sedona is known for the unique beauty of its red rocks and high desert foliage. A helicopter tour or balloon ride will allow any traveler a one-time, take-it-all-in view of Sedona. You’ll even see the highest peak in the state, Mt. Humphrey’s, as a bonus,” said Theriault.
Two reliable tour operators are Red Rock Balloon Adventures and Northern Light Balloon Expeditions.
Visit Red Rock State Park.
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If you want to see a high concentration of Sedona’s famous red rocks and canyons, head to Red Rock State Park, located southwest of the city. The nature preserve has tons of treks that loop around red rock formations, including Eagle’s Nest and Apache Fire trails.
Hike Devil’s Bridge Trail.
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This nearly four-mile round-trip hike leads to Devil’s Bridge, the largest natural sandstone arch in the area. The route can be busy, and parking is limited on weekends, so your best bet is to hop on one of the free shuttles to the Dry Creek Vista trailhead. The highlight of the hike is reaching the bridge and walking out along the top of the arch.
Book a Jeep tour or rent an off-road vehicle.
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If hiking and biking aren’t your style, but you still want to explore the landscape, Theriault recommends booking a Jeep trip with one of Sedona’s many tour operators.
If you’re feeling up to it, you can also rent your own Jeep or ATV and cruise one of Sedona’s many scenic roads. According to Theriault, Oak Creek Canyon, Red Rock Loop Road, and Scenic Byway SR 179 are “perfect for a day trip.”
Shop at Exposures International Gallery of Fine Art.
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The art scene is one of the many reasons people travel from all over the world to visit Sedona. One of the city’s best art galleries, Exposures International Gallery of Fine Art, is a great place to start your tour of the destination’s art offerings. Exposures represents the work of almost 100 living artists and includes both classical and modern paintings, sculptures, and jewelry.
Try to spot a UFO.
In addition to the occasional energy vortex, Sedona has “thousands of reported UFO sightings a year,” according to Theriault, who recommends first-time visitors join “a UFO tour with military-grade night vision, or take advantage of the designated Dark Sky Community by looking toward the stars at night.”