Sedona, Arizona sits in Yavapai County at the southern end of Oak Creek Canyon, approximately 190 kilometers north of Phoenix — a two-hour drive north on I-17 and then AZ-179. The town is enclosed by sandstone buttes and mesas that glow amber and deep red in early morning and late afternoon light, making it among the most photographed desert landscapes in the American Southwest. A car rental is effectively required for independent visitors; Groome Transportation operates a shared shuttle service from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport to Sedona with advance booking, though travel time is around three hours including stops. The primary draw for day-trippers is the network of marked hiking and jeep trails radiating from the town. Cathedral Rock, accessed from the Back O' Beyond trailhead off AZ-179, is among the most photographed formations in Arizona and involves a short but steep 1.5-kilometer scramble with some exposed sections. Bell Rock, further south along the Bell Rock Pathway, is a gentler walk with wide views across the valley. Both trailheads require a Red Rock Pass for parking, available at automated kiosks for $5 per day. A practical day arc begins with an early departure from Phoenix to arrive by 8:00 AM before heat and parking pressure build. Morning is ideal for Cathedral Rock or the West Fork Trail in Oak Creek Canyon — a flat, shaded 9-kilometer out-and-back walk through cottonwood groves alongside a creek. The Chapel of the Holy Cross, a modernist chapel embedded in a red-rock spine off Chapel Road, opens at 9:00 AM and has free admission; it is a low-exertion stop suitable between hikes. The Uptown Sedona district on AZ-89A holds the highest concentration of restaurants and galleries for lunch and midday browsing. Jeep off-road tours departing from multiple operators on AZ-89A access terrain not reachable in standard vehicles; tours run 90 minutes to two hours and average $90 to $130 per adult. The Tlaquepaque Arts and Shopping Village, modeled on a traditional Mexican market town, opens at 10:00 AM and provides a lower-exertion afternoon option.
How to get there
- Car rental (recommended)
- Groome Transportation shuttle from Phoenix
Highlights
- Red Rock Scenic Byway
- Cathedral Rock trail
- Chapel of the Holy Cross
- Tlaquepaque Arts and Shopping Village
- Jeep off-road tours
Tips for visiting
- Purchase a Red Rock Pass ($5/day) before reaching the trailhead; kiosks accept credit cards but can be slow during peak morning hours.
- Book jeep tours at least two days in advance during spring and autumn — capacity fills quickly at peak season operators.
- Arrive in Sedona before 8:00 AM to secure trailhead parking; the Cathedral Rock lot fills by 9:00 AM on weekends.
- Carry at least 2 liters of water per person for any hike; the high-desert elevation around 1,300 meters intensifies sun exposure significantly.
- Cell signal is unreliable on many trails; download offline maps via AllTrails or the US Forest Service app before leaving Phoenix.
When to visit
March through May and September through November provide the most comfortable hiking conditions, with temperatures between 15 and 25 degrees Celsius. Midsummer temperatures regularly exceed 38 degrees on exposed trails; if visiting in July or August, plan all outdoor activity before 9:00 AM.
Frequently asked questions
Is hiking in Sedona suitable for beginners?
Bell Rock and the Airport Mesa loop are easy, mostly flat walks suitable for beginners. Cathedral Rock involves short sections of hand-and-foot scrambling with some exposure, placing it at a moderate level. West Fork Trail in Oak Creek Canyon is a flat, shaded walk appropriate for all fitness levels.
What is a Red Rock Pass and where can visitors buy one?
The Red Rock Pass is a parking permit required at most marked trailheads in the Coconino National Forest around Sedona. It costs $5 per day or $15 for a seven-day pass and is available at automated kiosks at major trailheads and at the Sedona Visitor Center.
Is Sedona reachable without a car?
Groome Transportation operates a shuttle from Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport to Sedona; advance booking is required and travel time is around three hours. Once in Sedona, the Roadrunner transit service covers limited local routes, but most trailheads are not reachable without a private vehicle or tour.
What should visitors wear during summer visits?
Light moisture-wicking clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, and high-SPF sunscreen are essential. Closed-toe hiking shoes are recommended for rocky trails. Temperatures exceed 38 degrees Celsius on exposed valley trails in July and August; completing any hike before 9:00 AM is strongly advised.