Sedona Itinerary
Looking for the ultimate Sedona itinerary? In this article we will prepare you with a comprehensive guide for all things Sedona: where to stay, what to wear, where to hike, best restaurants, and a 3 day itinerary so that you can make the most of your time.
Why Sedona? Sedona is a desert town in Arizona with a landscape made up of red-rock buttes, canyon walls and pine forests. This unique topography makes for stunning views and top-notch hiking. It is for this very reason that people travel from all over the globe to see Sedona with their own eyes. Not only does Sedona have some of the best recreating options, but it also is a very lively town to visit. If you’re planning a trip to Sedona, this article will provide everything you need to know to ensure your trip is one for the books!
Where to Stay:
Camping -
If you’re looking for a more outdoorsy experience that cuts travel costs as well, you may consider camping! There are several beautiful campgrounds situated in the red rocks and forests of Sedona. Here are our top choices:
-Chavez Crossing Group Campground
Hotels -
If you’re looking for a more conventional and comfortable stay close to the action, the following hotels will be suited well for you:
-The Ridge at Sedona Golf Resort
-Hilton Sedona Resort at Bell Rock
What to Pack:
Packing depends on seasonality and weather patterns. Before you go, check the NPS site for average temperatures and forecasts. Below is a guide for Winter / Spring / Summer / Fall. We suggest avoiding the heat of summer, as that increases risk of overheating. You will notice that there is a wide range between lows and highs of the average temperatures. When the sun goes down you can expect temperatures to drastically drop, so it’s best to come prepared with layers.
Winter Packing List-
Low of 46 degrees, high of 64 degrees
Clothing
- Hiking Pants: Quick-dry, lightweight, durable - we recommend this pair!
- Hiking Boots: Good Traction and Tread is essential
- Technical Tanks/Tees: Lightweight, quick dry, tank tops or t-shirts
- Hat: Beanie or baseball cap depending on temperatures
- Socks: Specifically hiking socks, that are padded to protect your feet from blistering
- Jacket: Lightweight, water-resistant, such as an ultralite puffer or windbreaker
- Sports Bras
- Base layer for warmth on early morning or sunset hikes
- Mid layer to go over base layer - zip-up or pullover
Spring Packing List-
Low of 40 degrees, high of 80 degrees (in May)
Clothing
- Hiking Pants: Quick-dry, lightweight, durable - we recommend this pair!
- Hiking Shorts: Stretchy, durable with secured pockets - such as this pair.
- Hiking Boots: Good Traction and Tread is essential
- Technical Tanks/Tees: Lightweight, quick dry, tank tops or t-shirts
- Hat: Either baseball cap or hiking hat with strap
- Sun Shirt: sun shirt to keep skin protected in the summer months - we recommend a shirt like this one.
- Socks: Specifically hiking socks, that are padded to protect your feet from blistering
- Jacket: Lightweight, water-resistant
- Sports Bras
- Base layer for warmth on early morning or sunset hikes
Summer Packing List
Low of 61 degrees, high of 100 degrees
Clothing
- Hiking Pants: Quick-dry, lightweight, durable - we recommend this pair!
- Hiking Shorts: Stretchy, durable with secured pockets - such as this pair.
- Technical Tanks/Tees: Lightweight, quick dry, tank tops or t-shirts
- Sun Shirt: sun shirt to keep skin protected in the summer months - we recommend a shirt like this one.
- Jacket: Lightweight, water-resistant, such as an ultralite puffer or windbreaker
- Hiking Boots: Good Traction and Tread is essential
- Hat: Either baseball cap or hiking hat with strap
- Socks: Specifically hiking socks, that are padded to protect your feet from blistering
- Swimsuit (summer months if you are staying somewhere with a pool)
- Sports Bras
Fall Packing List -
Low of 41 degrees, high of 91 degrees
Clothing
- Hiking Pants: Quick-dry, lightweight, durable - we recommend this pair!
- Hiking Boots: Good Traction and Tread is essential
- Sun Shirt: sun shirt to keep skin protected in the summer months - we recommend a shirt like this one.
- Technical Tanks/Tees: Lightweight, quick dry, tank tops or t-shirts
- Hat: Beanie or baseball cap depending on temperatures
- Socks: Specifically hiking socks, that are padded to protect your feet from blistering
- Jacket: Lightweight, water-resistant, such as an ultralite puffer or windbreaker
- Sports Bras
- Base layer for warmth on early morning or sunset hikes
For all Seasons-
For Hiking
- Snacks
- Phone Protector Case: durable phone case to prevent breakage if it falls
- Backpack with water storage
- Map of the area or other navigation device
Miscellaneous
- Camping supplies if you plan to camp
- A picnic blanket
- Chargers + cables
- Phone and/or camera
- Sunglasses
- Compact first aid kit
Toiletries
- Cleanser, moisturizer, and any other regular skincare products
- Travel-sized shampoo, body wash and conditioner
- Deodorant
- SPF
- Dry Shampoo
- Any makeup products you plan to wear
- Hair dryer and/or curling/straightening tools
- Toothbrush + toothpaste
- Ponytail holders/scrunchies
- Body/facial wipes
- Feminine products if needed
- Brush
- Chapstick
Where to Hike:
- Rating: Easy to moderate
- Elevation gain: 750 feet
- Distance: 1.2 miles out-and-back
- Estimated time to hike: 2 hours
- Rating: Moderate
- Elevation gain: 500 feet
- Distance: 4 miles out-and-back
- Estimated time to hike: 2-3 hours
- Rating: Moderate
- Elevation gain: 1,200 feet
- Distance: 7.3 miles out-and-back
- Estimated time to hike: 4-5 hours
- Rating: Easy to moderate
- Elevation Gain: 500 feet
- Distance: 1.5 mile loop
- Estimated time to hike: 1-2 hours
- Rating: Easy to moderate
- Elevation gain: 415 feet
- Distance: 3.2 miles loop
- Estimated time to hike: 2 hours
- Rating:Moderate
- Elevation gain: 840 feet
- Distance: 4.5 miles loop
- Estimated time to hike: 3-4 hours
- Rating: Difficult
- Elevation gain: 2000 feet
- Distance: 5 miles out + back
- Estimated time to hike: 4 hours
Getting Around
The best way to get around Sedona is by car, as there is currently no shuttle service to transport people to trails. You will want to keep this in mind when planning the times of your hikes/activities, because parking is limited at trailheads. If you plan to hike some of the more popular trails, such as Cathedral Rock and Devil’s Bridge, we recommend arriving at the trailhead before sunrise. Parking can become quite the battle any later than that.
Cell phone service is fairly good in most areas of Sedona, however it’s still recommended to download trail maps or bring physical maps wherever you plan to hike just in case.
Where to Eat/Drink:
Breakfast Spots:
-Mesa Grill Sedona
-The Secret Garden Cafe
-Wildflower
-Coffee Pot Restaurant
-Cafe Sedona Restaurant
-Pump House Station Urban Eatery
-Cafe Jose Restaurant
-Layla/s Bakery + Cafe
Lunch Spots:
-The Hudson
-Creekside American Bistro
-Tamalize
-Wildflower
-Blazin’ M Ranch
-The Golden Goose American Grill
-Javelina Cantina
-ChocolaTree Organic Eatery
Dinner Spots:
-Mariposa Latin Inspired Grill
-The Hudson
-Mesa Grill Sedona
-Blazin’ M Ranch
-Momos Kitchen
-Hideaway House
-Cowboy Club Grille + Spirits
-Elote Cafe
3-Days in Sedona Itinerary
Day One:
- Early morning hike to Devil’s Bridge (arrive at trailhead 30 min before sunrise)
- Post-hike brunch at one of above mentioned breakfast spots
- Guided ATV or Jeep off-roading tour - look for rentals HERE
- Down time + snacks before dinner
- Dinner at one of above mentioned dinner spots
- Optional sunset at Sunset Mesa (doesn’t require a hike)
Day Two:
- Early morning hike to Cathedral Rock (arrive as early as possible to get parking spot)
- Post-hike brunch at one of above mentioned breakfast spots
- Rent bikes HERE and explore by bike for the afternoon!
- Stop for lunch/drinks along the way!
- Dinner at one of above mentioned dinner spots
- Optional stargazing at Beaverhead Flat Scenic Overlook
Day Three:
- Relaxing morning - grab breakfast/coffee at bakery
- Later morning hike at Boynton Canyon for a big challenge, or Doe Mountain Trail for an easier trail
- Take the afternoon to do something that’s on your vacation bucket list! A hot air balloon ride, a spa day, shop for souvenirs, take a geology tour, go on a picnic or horseback ride!
- FInal dinner at one of above mentioned spots
- Optional sunset at Bell Rock - a very short 1-1.5 mile hike
FAQs:
What will the total cost be?: This is very dependent on lodging. If you book campsites, you can expect a fairly cheap trip. The main expense will be transportation to and from Sedona, dining and any add-on activities. If you plan to glamp or stay at a lodge/hotel, expect a 3-day trip to cost around $800-$1000 not including transportation (dependant on size of your group, the type of hotel, and how often you dine out).
Do I need permits?: There are no current permitted trails in Sedona.
Are there easy to find restrooms?: Yes, you will find bathroom facilities at most main trailheads.
When is the best time of year to go?: For optimal weather, plan to visit in the spring or fall. Mid-week visits are also advised to avoid the crowds as much as possible.
Have you traveled to Sedona yet? If not, definitely add it to your bucket list and use this guide to make your travels as smooth as possible! Happy Trails.