Dream Sedona Arizona vacation guide

Sedona Arizona Travel & Vacation Guide

Plan your Sedona, Arizona vacation with information about the area's famous red rocks, hiking trails, Oak Creek Canyon, campgrounds, attractions, tours, lodging, restaurants and scenic drives. Dream Sedona brings together practical trip-planning resources and ideas for exploring one of Arizona's most distinctive outdoor destinations.

Red rock scenery in Sedona ArizonaPhoto of Sedona. © Mike Koopsen

Things To Do In Sedona, Arizona

Sedona is surrounded by dramatic red sandstone formations, canyons and high-desert scenery that make outdoor recreation one of the area's biggest attractions. Popular activities include hiking, sightseeing, Jeep tours, photography, mountain biking, visiting galleries and exploring landmarks such as Bell Rock, Cathedral Rock, Oak Creek Canyon and the Chapel of the Holy Cross.

At an elevation of about 4,500 feet, Sedona has a four-season climate that differs noticeably from the lower deserts around Phoenix. Oak Creek Canyon extends north toward Flagstaff along scenic State Route 89A, with hiking, picnicking, camping and creek access along the way. The West Fork of Oak Creek is one of the canyon's best-known hiking destinations.

Sedona also attracts visitors interested in art, wellness, Native American history and the area's well-known vortex sites. Whether your plans center on hiking the red rocks, relaxing at a resort, exploring scenic drives or taking a day trip through northern Arizona, there is enough to see and do to make Sedona a destination for anything from a day trip to a longer vacation.


Experience Sedona's Red Rock Country

Get a preview of Sedona's dramatic red-rock landscape, outdoor scenery and northern Arizona setting in this video.

Plan Your Sedona Visit

A little advance planning can make a Sedona trip much easier, especially during popular travel periods when trailhead parking, accommodations and recreation areas can be busy. Check seasonal weather, choose the attractions and trails you most want to visit, and review transportation and parking options before you arrive.

Where To Stay In Sedona

Sedona offers accommodations ranging from full-service resorts and spas to hotels, bed and breakfasts, vacation rentals and cabins. Visitors who prefer a more outdoor-focused stay can also explore campgrounds in and around Oak Creek Canyon and the surrounding red-rock country.

Getting To Sedona, Arizona

Sedona is in north-central Arizona between Phoenix and Flagstaff. Most visitors arriving from the Phoenix area travel north on Interstate 17 and continue toward Sedona on State Route 179. From Flagstaff, State Route 89A provides a scenic route through Oak Creek Canyon. Check current road and traffic conditions before traveling, particularly during busy weekends, holidays and winter weather.

Map showing Sedona and the surrounding Verde Valley in ArizonaMap of Verde Valley Area

Sedona Arizona Travel FAQ

What is Sedona, Arizona best known for?

Sedona is best known for its dramatic red-rock formations, extensive hiking and mountain biking trails, Oak Creek Canyon, scenic drives, Jeep tours, art galleries and locations that many visitors associate with spiritual vortex experiences.

What is the best time of year to visit Sedona?

Sedona can be visited year-round. Spring and fall are especially popular because of their generally comfortable daytime temperatures, while summer offers early-morning outdoor activities and access to Oak Creek. Winter is typically quieter and can bring occasional snow to the red rocks.

How high is Sedona, Arizona?

Sedona is approximately 4,500 feet above sea level. Its higher elevation gives it a different climate from lower-elevation desert communities such as Phoenix.

How far is Sedona from Phoenix?

Sedona is approximately 113 miles from Phoenix. Driving time varies with traffic, construction, weather and the specific starting point in the Phoenix metropolitan area.

What are some of the most popular things to do in Sedona?

Popular activities include hiking, sightseeing among the red rocks, visiting Oak Creek Canyon, taking Jeep and sightseeing tours, exploring art galleries, visiting local restaurants and enjoying scenic landmarks such as Bell Rock and Cathedral Rock.

Can Sedona be visited as a day trip?

Yes. Sedona can be visited as a day trip from other parts of Arizona, but staying overnight allows more time for hiking, sightseeing, dining and exploring the surrounding red-rock country without trying to fit everything into a single day.


See All Sedona Has To Offer