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.
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
ft), 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
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!
