SEDONA WEATHER

Sedona, Arizona
“The Red Rock City”

Few places in the American Southwest make a first impression quite like Sedona, Arizona. Towering sandstone formations glow orange and crimson in the afternoon sun, green ribbons of trees trace the course of Oak Creek, and winding roads reveal one extraordinary view after another. Set amid the Coconino National Forest in northern Arizona, Sedona is a destination for scenic drives, outdoor adventures, memorable meals, art, relaxation, and a little discovery around every corner.

Whether you’re planning a quick stop on a road trip, a weekend getaway, or a longer vacation exploring the Verde Valley, there are plenty of things to do in Sedona. You can hike beneath famous red rock landmarks, visit a chapel built into the cliffs, browse galleries and shops, cool off along Oak Creek, or simply enjoy the scenery from a patio. The beauty of Sedona is that a rewarding visit doesn’t require an ambitious itinerary: even a leisurely afternoon here can be unforgettable.

Explore Sedona: Your Visitor Guides

Planning a visit to Sedona? Use our local guides to find memorable experiences, places to eat, distinctive shops, and accommodations that suit your trip.

• Sedona Attractions & Things to Do – Discover red-rock landmarks, hiking trails, scenic drives, parks, and cultural attractions.
• Sedona Dining & Restaurants – Explore local cafés, casual meals, and special-occasion restaurants with beautiful views.
• Sedona Shops & Shopping – Browse art galleries, Southwestern gifts, boutiques, and unique shopping districts.
• Sedona Lodging & Places to Stay – Compare resorts, boutique hotels, inns, and convenient bases for exploring the red rocks.

Why Visit Sedona?

Sedona offers an unusual combination of dramatic scenery and small-city comforts. Miles of trails lead through a landscape of sculpted rock towers and desert vegetation, while the town itself is filled with art galleries, locally inspired shopping, restaurants, spas, and places to stay. Outdoor enthusiasts can spend their days hiking, mountain biking, or joining a guided off-road tour. Visitors seeking a slower pace can explore scenic overlooks, admire local artwork, or take a drive through Oak Creek Canyon.

Many people also visit Sedona for its reputation as a place of reflection and spiritual exploration. Local tour operators offer experiences focused on the area’s so-called vortex sites—places some visitors believe have special spiritual energy. These beliefs are part of Sedona’s modern cultural identity, although the claimed energy effects are not established scientific facts.

A Brief History of Sedona, Arizona

Long before Sedona became a vacation destination, Indigenous peoples lived in and traveled through the surrounding canyons and valleys. The region preserves evidence of centuries of human history, including archaeological sites and rock art associated with ancestral communities. These places deserve respect: visitors should stay on permitted routes and never touch or damage cultural features.

In the late 1800s, Euro-American settlers established farms and ranches along Oak Creek, where reliable water supported orchards and livestock. John James Thompson is commonly identified as one of the first permanent settlers in Oak Creek Canyon, arriving in 1876. When a post office was established in 1902, the community was named Sedona after Sedona Schnebly, wife of early settler and postmaster Theodore Carlton Schnebly. The area became known for its fruit orchards, especially apples and peaches.

During the twentieth century, improved roads brought more visitors to the red rocks. Sedona also attracted filmmakers: its scenery appeared in numerous Western movies. Artists followed, drawn by the colors, light, and unusual rock formations. Surrealist painter Max Ernst and artist Dorothea Tanning lived in the area during the 1940s and 1950s, helping reinforce Sedona’s creative reputation. The city incorporated in 1988, but the surrounding landscape remains the star of the show.

Top Things to See and Do in Sedona

Explore Bell Rock and Courthouse Butte

Just south of central Sedona, Bell Rock rises above the desert like a giant sandstone bell, with the imposing Courthouse Butte nearby. The area is a favorite for photography and hiking, with trails ranging from relatively gentle walks to more strenuous outings. You don’t have to reach a summit to appreciate the scenery—many of the finest views can be enjoyed from the lower trails and designated viewpoints.

See Cathedral Rock

Cathedral Rock is one of Sedona’s most recognizable landmarks, its steep red spires rising above the surrounding landscape. Experienced hikers can tackle the steep, rocky Cathedral Rock Trail, while other visitors may prefer to photograph the formation from viewpoints around the valley. The famous red rock reflections near Oak Creek make this area especially appealing to photographers. Check trail conditions and shuttle access before visiting.

Visit the Chapel of the Holy Cross

Built into the red rocks above Sedona, the Chapel of the Holy Cross is an architectural landmark and one of the city’s most visited attractions. Completed in 1956, the chapel is notable for its dramatic setting and tall cross framed by the building itself. Visitors come for quiet reflection, architecture, and panoramic views. Parking can be limited during busy periods, so check current visiting hours and access information.

Drive Through Oak Creek Canyon

Heading north from Sedona on State Route 89A takes you into Oak Creek Canyon, one of Arizona’s most beautiful scenic drives. Red rock walls, forested slopes, and stretches of creek make the drive especially appealing in autumn, when leaves add gold and yellow to the landscape. The road climbs through a series of switchbacks toward the high country south of Flagstaff. Use designated pullouts for photographs, and expect slow traffic on popular weekends.

Beautiful Parks and Outdoor Recreation

Slide Rock State Park

One of the area’s best-known family destinations, Slide Rock State Park protects a historic orchard property along Oak Creek. Its main attraction is a natural water slide formed by smooth rock in the creek bed. In warmer weather, visitors come to wade, swim, picnic, and enjoy the canyon scenery. Water can be cold and slippery, and currents and conditions change, so follow posted safety guidance. The park charges an entrance fee and can reach capacity on busy days. Find more ideas in our Sedona attractions guide.

Red Rock State Park

Red Rock State Park is a nature preserve centered on Oak Creek and the surrounding red rock landscape. It’s a wonderful choice for travelers interested in nature walks, birdwatching, interpretive programs, and scenic photography. The park’s trail system offers opportunities to experience Sedona’s landscape at a more relaxed pace. Unlike Slide Rock, Red Rock State Park is focused on environmental education and habitat protection rather than swimming.

Crescent Moon Picnic Site and Red Rock Crossing

For a classic view of Cathedral Rock above Oak Creek, consider the Crescent Moon Picnic Site, often associated with Red Rock Crossing. Grassy areas, creekside trees, and striking rock scenery make this a favorite for picnics and photography. This is a day-use recreation area, and fees or access restrictions may apply. Wear shoes suitable for uneven ground and respect the creekside environment.

Hiking, Mountain Biking, and Guided Adventures

Sedona is known for its extensive network of trails, including routes near Boynton Canyon, Airport Mesa, Soldier Pass, and the Bell Rock area. Some are suitable for casual walkers, while others involve steep climbs, exposed rock, or difficult terrain. Mountain bikers also travel here for the area’s renowned singletrack trails. Prefer to let someone else handle the navigation? Guided Jeep tours, sightseeing tours, and other excursions offer different ways to see the landscape.

Before heading out, consult the Coconino National Forest for trail guidance, recreation fees, closures, and safety alerts. Carry plenty of water, protect yourself from the sun, and avoid exposed trails during thunderstorms or extreme heat.

Art Galleries, Shopping, and Local Culture

Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village

Inspired by the architecture of a traditional Mexican village, Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village is a memorable place to stroll, shop, and dine. Shaded courtyards, fountains, stone walkways, galleries, and specialty boutiques give the complex an atmosphere all its own. Even if you’re not shopping, the architecture and gardens make it a pleasant stop.

Uptown Sedona and Local Galleries

Uptown Sedona is a lively district with souvenir shops, art galleries, restaurants, and sightseeing tour departures. You’ll find everything from locally made gifts and Southwestern artwork to casual places to stop for coffee or lunch. Elsewhere in town, galleries feature painting, sculpture, jewelry, photography, ceramics, and other work inspired by the Southwest. Sedona’s artistic character remains one of its biggest draws. For more places to browse, visit our Sedona shopping guide.

Sedona Heritage Museum

To learn more about the people behind Sedona’s early orchards, ranches, movies, and community life, visit the Sedona Heritage Museum in the historic Jordan farmstead area. Its exhibits provide a valuable counterpoint to the area’s natural attractions and help visitors understand how the town developed over time.

Where to Eat and Stay in Sedona

After a morning on the trails, Sedona offers plenty of ways to recharge. Restaurants range from casual cafés and Southwestern favorites to special-occasion dining with red rock views. Many travelers plan at least one meal outdoors, where the scenery becomes part of the experience. The area also has coffee shops, bakeries, and places to sample food and wine from the surrounding Verde Valley. Browse our Sedona dining guide for restaurant ideas.

Accommodations include resorts, spas, boutique inns, hotels, vacation rentals, and campgrounds in the wider area. Staying overnight gives you time to enjoy Sedona after the busiest day-trip hours and experience the changing colors of the rocks at sunrise and sunset. Reserve early for popular spring and fall travel periods, and check local rules before booking a vacation rental or campsite. Explore our Sedona lodging guide to help choose where to stay.

Helpful Tips for Planning Your Sedona Trip

• Choose your season: Spring and fall are especially popular for outdoor activities. Summer can be hot, and winter may bring chilly weather or occasional snow.
• Start early: Popular trailheads and parking areas can fill quickly, particularly on weekends and holidays.
• Use the shuttle: The Sedona Shuttle provides free trailhead service on scheduled operating days to selected popular hiking areas. Check current routes and hours before setting out.
• Check recreation fees: Some National Forest sites require a pass or fee; state parks have separate admission charges.
• Be prepared outdoors: Bring water, sun protection, and appropriate footwear. Check weather forecasts, trail closures, and flash-flood risks.
• Protect the landscape: Stay on designated trails, pack out trash, and leave rocks, plants, and archaeological sites undisturbed.

Make Sedona Part of Your Arizona Adventure

From the towering formations of Cathedral Rock and Bell Rock to the cool waters of Oak Creek Canyon, Sedona offers a remarkable variety of experiences in one beautiful destination. Spend a morning hiking, an afternoon exploring galleries, and an evening enjoying dinner with a view. Or simply follow the scenic roads and see where the day takes you. However you choose to explore, Sedona’s red rock country is likely to stay with you long after your visit.

Explore the Communities Near Sedona

There’s even more to discover beyond Sedona’s red rocks. The surrounding Verde Valley and central Arizona communities make excellent day trips or stops on a longer road trip.

• Jerome – Discover a former copper-mining boomtown perched on Cleopatra Hill, with historic buildings, art galleries, quirky shops, and sweeping Verde Valley views.
• Cottonwood – Explore charming Old Town Cottonwood, local restaurants, boutique shops, and the heart of Verde Valley wine country.
• Clarkdale – Visit a historic company town known for its small-town atmosphere and access to the scenic Verde Canyon Railroad.
• Camp Verde – Enjoy a gateway to the Verde Valley’s heritage and outdoor attractions, including nearby Montezuma Castle National Monument.
• Prescott – Wander around historic Courthouse Plaza, discover Whiskey Row, and enjoy lakes and pine-covered mountain scenery.
• Prescott Valley – Discover parks, recreation, and wide-open views of the surrounding central Arizona mountains.
• Chino Valley – Take in quieter high-desert landscapes, rural scenery, and a relaxed pace just north of Prescott.

Whether Sedona is your main destination or one stop along the way, the region rewards travelers who leave time for a few unexpected discoveries. Plan your trip with our guides to attractions, dining, shopping, and lodging.