Things to Do in Sedona

Activities, Adventures & Experiences

Sedona offers an incredible variety of activities for every interest and energy level. From world-class hiking and spiritual experiences to art galleries, fine dining, and adventure sports, there's something for everyone in this magical desert town.

Wellness & Spiritual Activities

Vortex Meditation & Hiking

Experience Sedona's four major energy vortexes through guided or self-guided meditation hikes. Each vortex offers unique energy for healing and transformation.

  • Duration: Half-day to full-day experiences
  • Difficulty: Varies by vortex (easy to moderate)
  • Best For: Spiritual seekers, meditation practitioners, energy work
  • Book: Private guided vortex tours available

Yoga Classes & Workshops

Sedona has numerous yoga studios offering classes for all levels, from gentle restorative to power vinyasa. Many studios incorporate the red rock views into their practice spaces.

  • Options: Drop-in classes, workshops, teacher trainings
  • Styles: Hatha, Vinyasa, Yin, Restorative, Kundalini, Aerial
  • At Our Retreat: Daily classes included in all retreat packages
  • Studios: 7 Centers Yoga Arts, Sedona Yoga Festival (annual event)

Spa & Healing Services

Indulge in world-class spa treatments incorporating local red clay, crystals, and native botanicals. Sedona's spas range from luxury resort facilities to intimate healing centers.

  • Treatments: Massage, facials, body wraps, energy healing
  • Specialty: Red rock clay treatments, crystal healing, sound therapy
  • Top Spas: Mii amo Spa, L'Auberge Spa, Spa at Sedona Rouge
  • Our Offerings: Private healing sessions with certified practitioners

Sacred Ceremonies & Rituals

Participate in seasonal ceremonies, full moon gatherings, cacao ceremonies, and sacred fire circles led by experienced facilitators and indigenous wisdom keepers.

  • Types: Full/new moon ceremonies, solstice/equinox celebrations, sweat lodges
  • Frequency: Monthly full moon gatherings, seasonal ceremonies
  • Authenticity: Led by trained ceremonialists and indigenous practitioners
  • Reservation: Contact us for upcoming ceremony dates

Hiking & Outdoor Adventures

Red Rock Hiking Trails

Sedona boasts over 200 trails ranging from easy walks to challenging climbs, all with stunning red rock views.

Easy Trails (Great for Beginners)

  • Airport Loop Trail - 3.3 miles, panoramic views
  • Bell Rock Pathway - 1-3 miles, accessible vortex experience
  • Red Rock Crossing - 1 mile, Cathedral Rock views
  • Fay Canyon - 2.4 miles, shaded canyon hike

Moderate Trails

  • Cathedral Rock Trail - 1.2 miles, steep but rewarding
  • Devil's Bridge - 4.2 miles, iconic arch
  • Boynton Canyon - 6 miles, vortex site
  • Soldier Pass - 4.4 miles, sinkholes and arches

Challenging Trails

  • Bear Mountain - 5.2 miles, steep elevation gain
  • Wilson Mountain - 10 miles, highest trail in Sedona
  • Secret Canyon - 9 miles, remote wilderness

Hiking Tips: Start early to avoid heat and crowds, bring plenty of water (1 liter per 2 hours), wear sturdy shoes, and always check weather conditions. A Red Rock Pass ($5 daily or $15 weekly) is required for most trailheads.

Mountain Biking

Sedona is a world-renowned mountain biking destination with trails for all skill levels. The slickrock terrain and red rock scenery create unforgettable riding experiences.

  • Popular Routes: Bell Rock Pathway, Broken Arrow Trail, Hangover Trail
  • Rentals: Available from multiple shops in town
  • Guided Tours: Half-day and full-day options
  • Skill Levels: Beginner-friendly to advanced technical trails

Jeep Tours

Experience Sedona's backcountry and hidden gems on a 4x4 off-road adventure. Knowledgeable guides share geology, history, and local lore.

  • Types: Scenic tours, vortex tours, sunset tours, combination tours
  • Duration: 2-4 hours
  • Operators: Pink Jeep Tours, Red Rock Western Jeep Tours, A Day in the West
  • Special: Some tours include vortex stops and meditation time

Hot Air Balloon Rides

Float above Sedona's red rocks at sunrise for an unforgettable perspective. Balloon rides offer serene, bird's-eye views of the entire region.

  • Duration: 3-4 hours total (1 hour flight)
  • Best Season: Year-round, weather permitting
  • Price Range: $200-300 per person
  • Includes: Champagne toast and light breakfast

Arts, Culture & Shopping

Art Galleries

Sedona has over 80 art galleries featuring everything from Native American art to contemporary sculptures, paintings, and photography.

  • Gallery Districts: Uptown Sedona, Tlaquepaque Arts Village, Hillside Sedona
  • Special Events: First Friday Art Walk (monthly), Sedona Arts Festival (October)
  • Notable Galleries: Exposures International Gallery, Rowe Gallery, Lanning Gallery
  • Price Range: Affordable prints to investment-grade fine art

Shopping

Browse unique boutiques, crystal shops, metaphysical stores, Native American jewelry, and southwestern art.

  • Tlaquepaque: 40+ specialty shops in a charming village setting
  • Uptown Sedona: Main shopping district with variety of stores
  • Crystal Shops: Crystal Magic, Crystal Castle, Eye of the Vortex
  • Native Art: Garland's Navajo Rugs, Kachina House, Hoel's Indian Shop

Live Music & Entertainment

Sedona offers live music venues, theater performances, and cultural events throughout the year.

  • Venues: Sound Bites Grill, Oak Creek Brewery, Vino Di Sedona
  • Genres: Jazz, folk, rock, classical, world music
  • Theater: Mary D. Fisher Theatre (independent films), Sedona Performing Arts Center
  • Events: Sedona International Film Festival (February), Jazz on the Rocks (September)

Dining & Food Experiences

Fine Dining

Sedona's culinary scene rivals major cities, with award-winning restaurants offering innovative cuisine and spectacular red rock views.

  • Upscale: Mariposa Latin Inspired Grill, Cress on Oak Creek, René at Tlaquepaque
  • Signature Dishes: Southwestern-inspired cuisine, farm-to-table concepts
  • Views: Many restaurants offer patio dining with red rock vistas
  • Reservations: Highly recommended for dinner, especially weekends

Casual & Quick Bites

Plenty of options for casual dining, from food trucks to cafes and bistros.

  • Popular Spots: Elote Cafe (Mexican), ChocolaTree (vegan), Indian Gardens Cafe
  • Quick Options: Picazzo's Organic Pizza, Nick's on the West Side, The Hudson
  • Breakfast: Coffee Pot Restaurant, Butterfly Burger, Red Planet Diner
  • Healthy Options: Many restaurants offer vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free menus

Wine Tasting

Arizona's wine country is nearby in Verde Valley, and Sedona has several tasting rooms featuring local wines.

  • Local Wineries: Page Springs Cellars, Oak Creek Vineyards, Javelina Leap
  • Tasting Rooms: Sedona Wine Tours, Vino Di Sedona, Sound Bites Grill
  • Wine Tours: Half-day and full-day tours to Verde Valley wineries
  • Pairing: Many wineries offer food pairings and live music

Seasonal Activities & Events

Spring (March-May)

  • Perfect hiking weather (60s-70s°F)
  • Wildflower blooms
  • Sedona International Film Festival (February/March)
  • Equinox ceremonies at vortex sites

Summer (June-August)

  • Creek swimming at Slide Rock
  • Early morning hiking to beat the heat
  • Monsoon season (dramatic afternoon storms)
  • Extended daylight hours for longer adventures

Fall (September-November)

  • Comfortable temperatures return
  • Fall foliage in Oak Creek Canyon
  • Sedona Arts Festival (October)
  • Jazz on the Rocks Festival (September)

Winter (December-February)

  • Snow-dusted red rocks (magical!)
  • Fewer crowds, easier parking
  • Holiday lights and celebrations
  • Indoor spa and healing activities

Plan Your Visit

Best Time to Visit

Spring (March-May) and Fall (September-November) offer ideal weather and manageable crowds. Summer is hot but less crowded. Winter brings occasional snow and is the quietest season.

How Many Days

Minimum 3 days to see major attractions. 5-7 days allows for deeper exploration, multiple hikes, and wellness activities. Consider 10-14 days for an immersive retreat experience.

Getting Around

A car is essential. Sedona is spread out and public transportation is limited. Consider renting a high-clearance vehicle if planning to explore unpaved roads.

What to Pack

Layers (temperature varies greatly), sturdy hiking shoes, sun protection, reusable water bottle, camera, and an open heart for spiritual experiences.

Join Us for a Comprehensive Sedona Experience

Let Sedona Spirit Retreat be your guide to the best of Sedona. Our retreats include vortex experiences, wellness activities, and insider knowledge of this sacred land.

Book Your Retreat