The places, most named first
From the 9 guides that rank for "best places to visit in sedona"
Named by 5 of 91. Chapel of the Holy CrossA modern chapel built into a red rock formation, open daily for tours.It was completed in 1956 and looks out over the Verde Valley.
Named by 4 of 92. Cathedral RockIt is among the most popular and most photographed landmarks in Arizona.A shorter but steep climb via the Baldwin Trail ends in views at the top.
Named by 3 of 93. Oak Creek Canyon and West Fork TrailThe West Fork Trail is mostly flat and easy, with several creek crossings, and suits fall colors.Oak Creek Canyon is a nearly 12-mile river gorge just north of Sedona, with a scenic drive.
Named by 3 of 94. Red Rock State ParkThe park covers 286 acres along Oak Creek, with trails, wildlife viewing and views of the red rock landscape.It suits quieter walks and nature or geology interests more than strenuous backcountry hiking.
Named by 3 of 95. Boynton CanyonA box canyon with a popular 3-mile trail known for views and native plants.The area is widely linked with Sedona's vortex tradition.
Named by 3 of 96. Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts VillageAn arts and crafts village with cobblestone walkways, galleries and boutiques.It was built in the 1970s by Mexican artisans, with arches, fountains and plazas.
Named by 3 of 97. Grand Canyon (day trip)The South Rim is about 2 hours north of Sedona.Staying longer makes a day trip to the South Rim possible.
Named by 2 of 98. Slide Rock State ParkKnown for a natural water slide in the sandstone bed of Oak Creek, plus swimming areas and short trails.It sits in a canyon of red rock in Oak Creek Canyon.
Named by 2 of 99. Palatki Heritage SiteIt preserves one of the largest cliff dwellings in Red Rock Country, with pictographs and petroglyphs.Timed reservations manage visits, and a Red Rock Pass is needed for vehicles.
Named by 2 of 910. Montezuma Castle National MonumentA well-preserved prehistoric cliff dwelling near Camp Verde, an easy side trip from Sedona.It was the home of the Sinagua people and is one of the largest and oldest cliff dwellings in the Southwest.
Named by 2 of 911. JeromeA former copper-mining town on Cleopatra Hill with galleries, museums and views across the Verde Valley.It works as a half-day or full-day side trip.
Named by 2 of 912. Courthouse VistaA quick spot for a classic Sedona photo without a long hike, best at golden hour.Courthouse Butte sits near Bell Rock, just south of town.
Named by 2 of 913. Devils BridgeAn iconic natural bridge reached by a trail, with advice to start early to avoid crowds.
Named by 2 of 914. Doe MountainAbout 10 miles northwest of town, with a flat mesa summit and panoramic views of the Sedona region.
Named by 2 of 915. FlagstaffAbout 30 miles north of Sedona.
16. Bell RockJust south of Sedona along the Red Rock Scenic Byway, consistently one of the most popular spots for visitors.
17. Red Rock Scenic BywayState Route 179 runs about 15 miles through red rock country.
18. Honanki RuinsRemains of Sinagua cliff dwellings believed to date to the 12th or 13th century.
19. Airport MesaThe views are especially good around sunset.
20. Verde Canyon RailroadA scenic train ride from Clarkdale through remote canyon country along the Verde River.
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When to go
Travel guides most often name March to May and September to November as the best time to visit Sedona.
Questions people ask
- Is downtown Sedona walkable?
- Not answered directly. One guide says Sedona lacks the infrastructure for weekend crowds and cars, and advises avoiding downtown at midday and dinner.
- What is special in Sedona?
- Red rock formations that define the town, surrounded by national forest, with over 400 miles of trails.
- What is the most magical place in Sedona?
- One guide names Red Rock State Park and its changing rock colors at sunset as the place where the magic happens.
