Sedona is a cool respite from the lower desert areas with cool mornings(generally in the high 60s) and pleasant evenings which allow for outside dining and relaxation.
Things we love to do in the summer. Hike or golf in the early part of the day. Visit Page Springs Winery, Eat on the patio of one of our many fine restaurants, Star gazing, Sedona is an amazing "Dark Sky City", picnic next to one of our creeks. Enjoy a "Jeep Tour" or Float down the Verde River.
Hiking: Please bring plenty of water and stay hydrated
Cathedral Rock: This hike is about 1.5 miles total round trip. From the junction of Routes 89A and 179, take 179 south 3.5 miles to Back O' Beyond Road on the right. Go 0.6 miles to the trailhead parking turnout on the left. There is a $5 dollar required day pass. The difficulty of this hike is moderate but some parts of the hike do require a bit of “rock climbing”. Dogs on leashes are allowed.
Jim Thompson Trail: This hike is considered to be an easy trail at about 6 miles round trip. A $5 dollar day pass is required. Dogs on leashes are allowed. From the roundabout intersection of state routes 179 and 89A in Sedona, go north on SR 89A for 0.2 miles to Jordan Road. Turn left onto Jordan Road and continue 0.7 miles to Park Ridge Drive. Turn left onto Park Ridge Drive and continue 0.1 miles to where the pavement ends. From there, continue 0.5 miles on the dirt road that leads to the Jim Thompson Trailhead.
Bell Rock: This loop is about 1.5 miles round trip and considered to be a moderate hike. It is relatively easy until the ascent to the top, ascension to the top requires actual rock climbing and should be done by experienced hikers only. There is a $5 dollar day use fee required. Dogs are allowed only if they are leashed.
Devil’s Bridge: This hike is just under 2 miles round trip. This is one of Sedona’s most famous hikes. At about ¾ of a mile you will reach a fork, the left trail will take you underneath the arch and the right trail will take you on top of the arch. The right trail is a bit more difficult and could potentially be dangerous for children. The hike overall is considered moderate. Do try and hike this trail in the early morning and if possible, on weekdays. The line for pictures on top of the arch can be lengthy and add an additional hour or two to your hike.
Sedona Airport Loop: This loop is just over 3 miles round trip. The hike is rated as moderate. You can hike or mountain bike on this trail. Dogs are allowed on the trail but are required to wear a leash. It is a steep trail and very narrow at some points.
Boynton Canyon: This trail is about 6 miles round trip but is ranked as an easy hike. There is a $5 dollar day use fee that is required. Dogs on leashes are allowed. It is located about 10 minutes from central Sedona on Boynton Canyon Road.
By the water:
Beaver Creek: Drive south from Flagstaff on I-17 to the AZ Highway 179 exit. Leave the freeway here and drive 2 miles east on Forest Road 618 to the campground. FR 618 is graveled and suitable for sedans in most weather. There is a $10 fee for parking. Hike around, enjoy the water, don’t forget your water shoes and sunscreen!
The Crack at Wet Beaver Creek: Most of the trip is spent going north on I-17 until you reach Exit 298 to Forest Service Road 618. Turn right and it’s just a few miles to a small parking lot in front of Bell Trail. The hike into the swimming hole is 3.5 miles long with bathrooms at the beginning of the trail. Cool off after your hike by jumping in and enjoying the creek!
Slide Rock: Prices for Slide Rock vary during certain times of the year but expect to pay anywhere from $10 to $20 dollars. Located at 6871 N. Highway 89A Parking may be reduced. Limited day use will be allowed., Sedona, AZ 86336. I suggest going early as this is one of the most popular spots in Sedona. Fun for the entire family!
Stoneman Lake: Drive 36 miles south of Flagstaff on I-17, and take the Stoneman Lake Exit (Exit 306). Turn east under the highway and follow Forest Road 213 about 6.3 miles. Turn north (left) at the T to stay on FR 213. Follow FR 213 for about 2 miles and then turn left on FR 665 then right immediately on FR 213A and drive 0.5 miles to the day-use area. There is no camping permitted. There is a boat ramp, picnic tables, and vault toilets.
Wine Tasting:
D.A. Ranch: 1901 Dancing Apache Rd, Cornville, AZ 86325. This is one of our favorite wineries. It has a large outdoor space with chairs and cornhole. They typically have live music, picnic snacks, and of course wine! This is also one of the only wineries that allow you to bring your own food and snacks. The property is huge, has plenty of seating, ponds, and animals. They have things to do for the entire family and pets!
Oak Creek Vineyard: Another vineyard that is family and pet friendly. Located at 1555 N Page Springs Rd, Cornville, AZ 86325-6009. They also have snacks for sale as well as their wine. They have plenty of shade and outdoor seating!
Page Spring Cellars: Located at 1500 N Page Springs Rd, Cornville, AZ 86325-6008. They have a bistro with food that pairs beautifully with their wine and also offer massages and yoga. They also sell additional creek passes to go down to the creek which can be purchased in their tasting room.
Alcantara Vineyards and Winery: A beautiful winery tucked right into the hills. They offer a nice open grass area with tables. Dogs allowed on leashes but be mindful that they do have cats on the property. They do offer some finger foods, cheese plates, and fruit to pair along with their wines.
Helicopter Tours:
Sedona Air Tours: Located at 1225 Airport Rd. Sedona, AZ 86336. Offering a number of tours ranging from $99 dollars a person up to $349 dollars a person. This is a perfect way to see Sedona, the Verde Valley, and even the Grand Canyon.
Guidance Air: Located at 1200 Airport Rd. Sedona, AZ 86336. They offer 5 different tours, some include a glass of local wine, and another includes wine and dinner. They have different offers with some flights being per person and others being per couple. Again, this is a wonderful way to take in all of the beauty Sedona has to offer.
Hot Air Balloon Rides:
Northern Light Balloon Expeditions: Located at 190 AZ-89A # 1695, Sedona, AZ 86339. Take a more leisurely ride above the red rocks with this hot air balloon ride. Prices are $250 a person with the flight ending with a champagne breakfast picnic.
Red Rock Balloons: Located at 273 AZ-89A M & N, Sedona, AZ 86336. This tour costs $225 per adult or $195 per child 12 and under. This tour ends with a continental picnic. You will ascend during sunrise for the most spectacular views. Passengers must be at least 48in tall.
Family Friendly Fun:
Red Rock State Park: This beautiful state park is located at 4050 Red Rock Loop Rd Sedona, AZ 86336. $7 dollars for adults 14 and older, $4 dollars for children 7 to 13, and free to children 6 and younger. Here you can hike around, view amazing wildlife, and learn all about the parks history while taking in the beautiful scenery.
Sunset Views from Airport Overlook: Located at 538 Airport Rd, Sedona, AZ 86336. One of the most spectacular viewing points in Sedona and costs about $5 dollars a car. A beautiful spot for pictures and taking in the scenery. There are hiking trails nearby as well as a phenomenal restaurant by the name of The Mesa Grill, reservations are recommended.
Verde Canyon Railroad: The railroad is located in Clarkdale at 300 N. Broadway, Clarkdale AZ 86324. They offer a few different rides and prices vary from ride to cart. Ride through the canyon, see amazing wildlife, and even order a drink from the bar cart.
Out of Africa Wildlife Park: This wildlife park is located in Camp Verde at 3505 W State Route 260, Camp Verde, AZ 86322. Adult tickets start at $38.95 and children tickets start at $23.95 with additional add on options such as Feed-a-Tiger, Supermog Adventure Tour, Zipplines, and more! Fun for the entire family and a great way to learn about our exotic neighbors!
Bearizona: Located at 1500 E. Route 66, Williams, AZ. Learn about bears and other wildlife with either their walking tour or their drive tour. Child tickets start at $15 dollars and Adults at $25.
Sedona’s Rainbow Trout Farm: Located at 3500 N State Rte 89A, Sedona, AZ 86336. A family friendly place to go fishing and have a BBQ! No outside equipment is allowed, you must rent the equipment and any fish caught must be purchased and either grilled or taken home. The farm has a grill kit available for purchase to be able to season and eat any fish you catch! Dogs are allowed but must remain on their leash.
Page Springs Hatchery: Located in Cornville at 1600 N Page Springs Rd, Cornville, AZ 86325. Bring the family here for a self-guided tour of the property. They have a picnic area, a walking trail, and a place to feed the fish. Great educational place!
The Melting Point: Located at 1449 W State Rte 89A, Sedona, AZ 86336. Take a beginner to advanced glass blowing class here. Anywhere between $80 to $200 dollars a person to make a variety a glass blown object. Learn from the instructors and then create your own, pick your own designs and colors. No experience needed at all!
Vortexes:
Boynton Canyon Vortex: Take the Boynton Canyon trail to the Kachina Woman and Knoll which create the vortex. This is considered a balanced vortex because the Kachina Woman puts off feminine energy while the Knoll puts off masculine energy creating a yin and yang type balance. This is a great place to practice meditation and let the energy flow through you.
Airport Mesa Vortex: Airport Mesa Vortex is an Upflow area that helps your spirit soar for a higher perspective and serenity. It is also the one place in Sedona where you can get a spectacular panorama of the whole town.
Bell Rock Vortex: The Bell Rock Vortex is known to have one of the strongest vortex energies. This is also known as an Upflow area great for problem solving and serenity. This is a wonderful spot for meditation and one of the most popular vortexes in all of Sedona.
Red Rock Crossing/Cathedral Rock Vortex: This vortex is also known to be a strong vortex as well as a sacred area in Native American history. This is a very popular vortex as well as one of the most photographed Red Rock formations. Hike here and then relax, meditate and take in the energy!