Sckylar RayneThe Perfect Day Trip To Sedona— How To Maximize Your Time
Sedona is only two hours north of Phoenix, which makes it the perfect place for a quick getaway. Keep reading to find out the itinerary for the perfect day trip to Sedona.
Sedona is one of the most scenic areas in the world. The bright red rocks of the mountains that surround the town mixed with the deep greens and browns of the desert foliage make you feel like you’ve entered a brand new world as soon as you get off the highway. To be honest, it’s a pretty damn ethereal place to visit.
Mother Nature created a masterpiece when she painted the Sedona landscape, and so it’s no wonder that Sedona is a magnet for hikers, bikers, and outdoor enthusiasts alike. There are more than 200 trails to explore in more than a 400-mile radius, so no matter how many times you visit, you will never run out of new adventures.
Known as a spiritual vortex, Sedona also attracts those who are looking for a deeper connection with their spirituality. A vortex is a swirling center of energy that is thought to conduct healing and self-exploration. Many come to Arizona to meditate and connect with themselves or a higher power. So, naturally, Sedona is also a hot spot for new-age shops and crystal boutiques.
Make sure you get plenty of rest the day before you plan your perfect day trip to Sedona. You’ve got a full day ahead and will need your energy at maximum capacity to enjoy this beautiful, quirky, and creative town.
The best time of year to visit Sedona
Sedona is about two hours north of Phoenix, so it’s a lot cooler than the Valley of the Sun, even in the summer. That said, it’s still Arizona and it’s still going to get hella hot from June through August. I recommend visiting from March to May. By March, the snow should have melted and the weather will be gorgeous for hiking and outdoor exploration. In the springtime, the desert flora begins to bloom, which is absolutely stunning, especially against the red rock. The weather begins to heat up in May, but it won’t be too hot yet for you to enjoy Sedona in all her glory.
Sedona is a popular place to visit, so the traffic can be a little intense on the weekend. I recommend visiting during the week if you can. If you can only visit on the weekend, check your GPS for drive times before you leave and plan for a little more time to get into town.
The perfect day trip to Sedona— how to maximize your time
Note: This perfect day trip to Sedona itinerary was made with the idea that you are coming from Phoenix and returning to Phoenix the same day.
Morning— The perfect day trip to Sedona Itinerary
For the morning part of our itinerary, I have outlined two options for you, depending on your preference. Option A involves exploring my top three favorite hikes in town. If hiking isn’t your thing, Option B has you exploring Sedona’s majestic red rock masterpiece in a different but still very exciting way.
Option A— My three favorite Sedona Hikes
We’ve got a full day ahead of ourselves, so make sure you get plenty of rest the night before. You’re going to want to eat breakfast at your home or hotel or get something to eat on the road. We’re hitting the highway by 7 am. This will have you arriving in Sedona by about 9 am.
Sedona is known for its amazing hiking trails, so we’re going to spend the morning exploring my top three favorite spots in town. Before you leave the home base, pack a lunch to eat on the hike, and always remember to leave no trace!
Bell Rock: 9 am — 10 am
Bell Rock is one of Sedona’s most well-known hikes. It’s a giant bell-shaped rock formation and seeing it is one of the first signs that you’re almost in town. This rock is iconic and you won’t want to miss it on your day trip to Sedona. There are several hikes in varying distances and difficulties that go around the rock, including one that leads you straight up the formation with a few opportunities to even scale the mountain.
This hike is easily customizable and can be considered moderate to challenging, depending on which trail you choose. Generally, it can take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour and a half to complete. This is a dog-friendly hike, but your furry friend must be on a leash.
Devil’s Bridge: 10:30 am — 12:30 pm
About a 30-minute drive down the road from Bell Rock is the base of the Devil’s Bridge hike. You’ve probably seen pictures of this iconic Sedona hike before. A natural arch stretches in front of a backdrop made up of one of the most spectacular mountainscapes you could ever imagine. I remember the first time I hiked this trail. I was about ten years old and I crossed the bridge on my hands and knees because I was so scared I would fall off. In reality, the bridge is about five feet wide, so there is plenty of space to walk across. Still, be careful!
This hike is four miles out and back and is considered moderate difficulty. It usually takes about an hour and forty minutes to complete. Dogs are allowed, but they must be on a leash.
Now is a great time to stop and have that packed lunch you brought. Find a nice spot along the trail for a picnic break and enjoy a quick energy refuel.
Birthing Cave: 2:30 — 3:30
Birthing Cave is about a twenty-minute drive from the Devil’s Bridge trailhead. This hike is pretty easy until you get to the cave, then climbing into the cave can be a little tougher. But man, oh man, is it worth it. In Birthing Cave, you will be able to get some of the best pictures in Sedona.
The cave got its name from the indigenous Hopi people who sent their women to give birth here. The way the cave is shaped also kind of looks like a womb opening up to the world outside.
Birthing Cave is a two-mile hike and is considered moderately difficult. It takes about an hour to complete and dogs on leashes are welcome.
Option B— Sedona Jeep Tours and Lunch in Town
If you decide to go with Option B for your day trip to Sedona, feel free to sleep in a bit since you don’t have to be on the road until 8 am. Enjoy breakfast at home or at your hotel, but no need to pack a lunch because we’ll have that covered in town.
Pink Jeep Tours: 10 am — 12 pm
Hiking isn’t for everyone, but you can’t come to Sedona and not explore the wilderness. Thankfully, Pink Jeep Tours exists. On this backcountry adventure, a guide will take you far out into the desert in one of Sedona’s iconic pink jeeps. Their most popular tour is the Broken Arrow Tour. On this tour, you’ll ride along in a pink Jeep Wrangler and climb over steep red rock mountains as you explore a private area that is untouched by any other explorers.
The tour is two hours of thrilling adventure. Visit Pink Adventure Tours to learn more about booking and pricing. This is not a dog-friendly experience.
Lunch and Shopping in Uptown: 12:30 — 4 pm
After your two-hour adventure in the desert, I’m sure you’re hungry. Uptown Sedona is Sedona’s downtown district. There are a ton of restaurants to choose from for lunch, but here are a few of my favorites:
This delicious restaurant sources all its organic produce almost exclusively locally. And they have plenty of vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options!
Located in the Tlaquepaque shopping area, this restaurant offers delicious, healthy options as well as plenty of vegan and vegetarian dishes.
El Rincon Restaurante Mexicano
You can’t visit Sedona without eating delicious Mexican food. El Rincon Restaurante Mexicano offers classic southwestern cuisine with a few Native American twists.
After lunch, feel free to explore the Uptown area or scroll down to the bottom of this article for a few more ideas of things to do in Sedona.
Afternoon— The perfect day trip to Sedona Itinerary
Explore and Shop in Uptown: 4 pm — 6 pm
If you spent the morning hiking, head into Uptown Sedona to explore the many boutiques, crystal shops, and art galleries sprinkled along Sedona’s Main Street. If you chose option B and have already had time to explore Uptown, either continue to wander around (there is so much here to do and see), or pick one of the options listed at the end of this blog for another excursion in town.
The best strategy for visiting Uptown Sedona is to park on the North end of the district and explore as you walk down the street. If you’re lucky, you might be able to find a parking spot right on Highway 89. But, if you want to save a little time, I recommend finding a parking spot in one of the lots like this one, between Sunset Lane and Mountain View Drive. It will only take you an extra two minutes to walk to the main street. The area stretches for about a mile with plenty to see and do along the way.
Some of my favorite shops in Uptown Sedona include Sedona Fudge Company, Gypsy Jenny’s, and Sedona Crystal Vortex.
At the south end of the main street is Tlaquepaque, an outdoor mall area with even more art galleries and eccentric shops to visit. Across the street from Tlaquepaque is The Center for the New Age. This is Arizona’s leading brick-and-mortar new age store my favorite new age shop anywhere in the world. They have a wide collection of crystals, books, music, and everything new age. The back of the building has a series of sunrooms that lean over the river, creating a magical atmosphere while you shop.
At The Center for the New Age, you can book a reading with one of their many psychics or get your aura photographed.
Sedona is a very dog-friendly town and many of the restaurants and shops will allow your pup inside. However, not all places will, so please be respectful of each shop’s policy.
Evening— The perfect day trip to Sedona Itinerary
Dinner in Uptown: 6 pm — 8 pm
It’s 6 pm and you’ve had a full day of adventures and shopping. I bet you’re starving. Luckily, dinner is just about to be served. Sedona’s downtown district has no shortage of restaurants to choose from. Here are a few of my go-to places for dinner in town:
If you didn’t have Mexican for lunch, you need to try it for dinner before you leave town. Request to be seated on the rooftop patio to enjoy amazing Sedona views while you eat.
This Korean restaurant offers traditional dishes as well as vegetarian and vegan options.
In the mood for a burger? You can find one here at Open Range. This grill and tavern offer a southwestern twist on classic American food. They also have a delicious veggie burger.
After dinner drinks and live music at Mooney’s: 8 pm — 10 pm
After dinner, head over to the local Irish pub, Mooney’s. Not only is this bar well stocked (they have over 300 adult beverages to choose from), but they’re also one of the best places in town for local music. Listen to local artists on Fridays and Saturdays, and on Thursdays, you can take to the stage for Karaoke night! They also serve traditional Irish pub food if you feel a little munchy.
If you decide to stay the night in Sedona, feel free to party it out at Mooney’s. They’re one of the last Sedona bars to close down for the night and they offer a shuttle service to get you back to your hotel safe. If you’re heading back to Phoenix tonight, however, drink responsibly and make sure you’re safe to drive before you take off.
You’ll get back to Phoenix around midnight if you leave Sedona at 10 pm. This day trip to Sedona is one long, but extremely fun getaway trip.
Spending the night in Sedona
Whether you planned to spend a little extra time in town, or you partied too hard at Mooney’s and need a place to rest up, here are a few hotels in town where you can lay your head for the night.
Or, click on this link to search for other hotels in town.
What to pack for your day trip to Sedona
Even if you’re just planning a one-day out and back day trip to Sedona, you still want to make sure you pack all the supplies you need!
Hiking supplies
- Water – this is a non-negotiable. I personally use this hydration backpack on all my hiking adventures. The bladder fills up to 2 liters, which is usually more than enough.
- Electrolytes – Make sure you pack an electrolyte powder to mix with your water to help you avoid heat exhaustion.
- Hiking shoes or boots with good traction – No sandals or Chacos. These shoes leave your feet exposed to sunburn and won’t protect you from getting stuck by a bit of stray cactus! You’ll want shoes that look something like these to protect your feet.
- A doggy bowl or water bottle if you’re hiking with your pup. They need water, too!
- Doggy shoes – Especially if you’re visiting Sedona in the summer. Always place the back of your hand on the ground to test the temperature before you let your dog step outside without shoes. You don’t want them to burn the little pads of their paws!
- Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat.
- Snacks! Nuts and berries are a great source of energy, especially when you’re tackling three hikes in one day!
- Lunch— If you’re doing Option A, lunch is on the road— well, actually on the trail. So make sure you pack something delicious that you love that is easy to carry in a backpack while you hike. I usually pack a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, some tortilla chips, snap peas and hummus, and an orange for dessert.
- Camera— You’re about to visit one of the most beautiful places on the planet. You’re gonna want to take some pics. If you’re a photographer, make sure to pack your wide lenses to capture all the amazing landscape shots you can muster. If you’re not a photographer, make sure to pack your car charger or a battery pack for your phone. It would be a bummer if it died just before you got to the Birthing Cave!
A few more ideas on how to spend your time during the perfect day trip to Sedona
Staying in Sedona for longer than a day? Or want to swap out something from the day trip to Sedona itinerary planned above? Here are a few more ideas on how to spend your time in Sedona, Arizona.
Amitabha Stupa and Peace Park
Amitabha Stupa and Peace Park was built in 2004 to be a beacon of peace and a magnet for healing. This park welcomes all people, no matter what their spiritual beliefs or background is. It’s a beautiful place to spend a few minutes (or as long as you want!) in quiet reflection. You can walk the stupa, the medicine wheel, or explore the 14-acre park in the Sedona desert. The park is dog friendly as long as your pal is on a leash.
Wine Tasting
Who knew that Sedona was a hub for vineyards?! The Verde Valley is actually a perfect spot to grow grapes because it’s just above the heat of the desert and below the chill of Arizona’s high country. The Verde Valley Wine Trail is a self-guided tour of many of the area’s vineyards just outside of Sedona city limits. Or, if you’re a wine enthusiast but don’t want to leave Uptown, check out The Art of Wine on Main Street.
This is not a dog-friendly excursion.
Palatki Heritage Site
The Palatki Heritage Site is one of the largest sites for cliff dwellings in Red Rock Country. They were created between 1150 and 1350 CE. This is a great place to learn about Arizona’s ancient history.
This is not a dog-friendly excursion.
Slide Rock State Park
Cool off while you slip and slide in this natural water slide on Oak Creek. Slide Rock is a great excursion for families with kids or even adults who want to enjoy a cool dip in the water. Dogs are allowed in the park but not near the creek. The park area isn’t that large and the entrance fee is $20 per vehicle, which is totally worth it if you’re swimming, but not so worth it if you’ve got your pup and can’t go near the water. So best not to visit with dogs.
Was this itinerary useful? Check out some of our others here:
Booking a trip to Arizona?
Here are a few helpful services:
Booking.com | Find a comfy place to lay your head after a full day of adventuring.
Vrbo | If you’re looking for a more homey vibe, these rental homes might do the trick.
Expedia | Whether you’re looking for some wheels or a flight, you can find a way to get to your destination here.
Get Your Guide | Find local attractions and tours and book tickets to your excursions.
TSA | If you’re flying, check out the TSA page to make sure that you pack to TSA regulations.
Arizona Travel Guides:
If you’re also visiting Phoenix, here’s my 5-Day Phoenix Travel Guide to help you plan your stay.
Only staying in Pheonix for a day? Check out my 24-hours in Phoenix Itinerary.
Need help figuring out what to pack? Here is my Arizona Packing List Essentials for Every Time Of Year Packing Guide.
If you’re staying in Phoenix but want to spend a little time in the desert, these 9 Little-Known Hikes in Phoenix will help you get that nature connection.
Click Here to see more from the Adventuring Dreamers Resources.
