Sedona Ancient Ruins & Archaeology Tours
Reviewed and updated by AZ Leisure Staff Writers on
Sedona and the surrounding Verde Valley contain some of Northern Arizona’s most impressive archaeological sites, including ancient cliff dwellings, pueblos, petroglyphs and pictographs. Guided archaeology and Jeep tours allow visitors to explore these cultural landscapes while learning about the Indigenous peoples who lived in the region centuries ago. Popular destinations include Honanki Heritage Site near Sedona, while additional archaeological attractions such as Montezuma Castle, Montezuma Well, Palatki and other Verde Valley sites can be visited independently or as part of selected regional tours.
- Ancient Ruins Tours
- Pink Jeep Ancient Ruin Tour
- Arizona Safari Archaeology Tour
- Regional Archaeology Tours
- Ruins You Can Visit Independently
- Tour Planning Tips
- FAQ
Ancient Ruins & Archaeology Tours From Sedona
Several Sedona tour operators offer guided experiences focused on archaeology, cliff dwellings and rock art. Tour styles range from mild off-road Jeep trips to guided hikes on private land and longer regional excursions. Because routes, access and tour schedules can change, confirm current availability directly with the operator before making plans.
Pink Jeep Tours Ancient Ruin Tour
Pink Jeep Tours offers a dedicated Ancient Ruin tour from Sedona to Honanki Heritage Site. The approximately three-hour tour combines a mild backcountry Jeep ride with a guided walk to centuries-old cliff dwellings and extensive petroglyph and pictograph panels. Guides discuss archaeology, farming, trade and the people who lived in the region centuries ago.
The tour includes a walk of roughly three-quarters of a mile on an uneven trail, so comfortable walking shoes are recommended. Tour schedules, prices and availability can change, so check directly with Pink Jeep Tours before booking.
Arizona Safari Jeep Tours Archaeology Tour
Arizona Safari Jeep Tours offers an Archaeology Jeep & Hiking Tour that explores ancient archaeological features on private land near Sedona. The experience includes ruins, pit houses, dwellings and petroglyphs, with a guided hike through terrain not available on standard sightseeing tours.
The tour requires moderate walking and is better suited to visitors comfortable hiking on uneven terrain. Arizona Safari Jeep Tours is located at 335 Jordan Road in Uptown Sedona. Check directly with the company for current schedules, age requirements and availability.
Regional Archaeology & Native Cultural Tours
Blue Feather Tours
Blue Feather Tours offers longer cultural and archaeology-oriented excursions departing from Sedona and Flagstaff. Its Grand Canyon With Ruins tour includes a visit to Wupatki National Monument before continuing to the Grand Canyon, while seasonal Hopi Lands tours explore Hopi communities and cultural traditions with local guidance.
928-203-1123
Honanki Heritage Site Near Sedona
Honanki Heritage Site is one of the largest cliff-dwelling sites in Red Rock Country and was inhabited between approximately A.D. 1150 and 1350. Visitors can see cliff dwellings along with extensive petroglyphs and pictographs. The site lies west of Sedona along an unpaved forest road, and road conditions can vary considerably after storms. A high-clearance vehicle is recommended for many visitors who drive there independently.
Archaeological Sites You Can Visit Independently
A guided tour can provide valuable historical interpretation, but several important archaeological sites near Sedona can also be visited independently.
- Sedona Area Archaeological Sites — overview of ruins and heritage sites in the Sedona and Verde Valley area.
- Montezuma Castle National Monument — preserved cliff dwellings near Camp Verde with a paved visitor trail.
- Montezuma Well — a separate unit of Montezuma Castle National Monument with cliff dwellings, pueblo remains and an ancient irrigation system.
- Palatki Heritage Site — cliff dwellings and rock art west of Sedona; timed reservations are currently required.
- Honanki Heritage Site — cliff dwellings and rock art reached by an unpaved road west of Sedona.
- V-Bar-V Heritage Site — one of the Verde Valley’s best-known collections of preserved petroglyphs.
Protecting Sedona’s Archaeological Sites
Archaeological sites are fragile and culturally significant. Stay on designated trails, never climb on walls, do not touch or mark rock art and leave pottery fragments, stone tools and other objects exactly where you find them. Removing artifacts from public lands is prohibited, and even moving an object can destroy valuable archaeological context. Follow all posted rules and instructions from guides, rangers and site volunteers.
Tips For Taking An Ancient Ruins Tour From Sedona
- Book popular archaeology and Jeep tours in advance during busy travel periods.
- Confirm how much walking or hiking is required before selecting a tour.
- Wear sturdy closed-toe shoes for trails around cliff dwellings and archaeological sites.
- Carry water, sunscreen and a hat, especially during warmer months.
- Expect unpaved and sometimes rough roads on tours into Sedona’s western canyons.
- Ask the operator about mobility requirements if anyone in your group has difficulty walking on uneven terrain.
- Never touch rock art, climb archaeological walls or remove artifacts.
- Check current weather, road conditions and site closures before traveling independently.
Sedona Ancient Ruins Tours FAQ
Are there ancient ruins near Sedona?
Yes. Sedona and the Verde Valley contain numerous archaeological sites, including Honanki, Palatki, Montezuma Castle, Montezuma Well, V-Bar-V and other pueblos, cliff dwellings and rock-art locations.
Can you take a guided ruins tour from Sedona?
Yes. Several Sedona operators offer guided archaeology experiences, including Jeep tours and guided hikes to ancient ruins, cliff dwellings and petroglyph sites.
What is the best-known ancient ruins tour in Sedona?
Pink Jeep Tours offers a dedicated Ancient Ruin tour from Sedona to Honanki Heritage Site, combining an off-road Jeep ride with a guided walk through the archaeological site.
What is Honanki Heritage Site?
Honanki is a large cliff-dwelling and rock-art site west of Sedona that was occupied centuries ago and contains extensive pictographs and petroglyphs.
Can I visit Honanki without taking a tour?
Yes. Honanki can be visited independently when the site and access road are open, although the unpaved road can be rough and road conditions should be checked before visiting.
Do I need reservations for Palatki Heritage Site?
Yes. Palatki currently uses a timed-ticket reservation system, and a Red Rock Pass or qualifying federal recreation pass is also required for each vehicle.
Can visitors enter the cliff dwellings at Montezuma Castle?
No. Visitors view the cliff dwellings from the designated trail. Entry into Montezuma Castle has been prohibited for decades to protect the fragile archaeological structures and for visitor safety.
Are Sedona archaeology tours suitable for children?
Some are family-friendly, but age limits and hiking requirements vary by operator. Check the specific tour before booking.
What should I wear on an archaeology tour?
Wear sturdy closed-toe walking shoes and comfortable outdoor clothing. A hat, sunscreen and drinking water are also recommended.
Can visitors collect pottery or artifacts at archaeological sites?
No. Artifacts, pottery fragments and other archaeological materials should always be left where they are found. Removing or disturbing artifacts can damage cultural resources and may violate federal law.
For more places to explore on your own, see our guide to archaeological sites and ancient ruins near Sedona and our page about the V-Bar-V Heritage Site. For other guided experiences, see our Sedona tour companies guide.
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