A perfect day in Sedona

While you could easily spend a long weekend in Sedona hiking the trails, meandering through the galleries, and gazing up at the starry skies, it’s not always in the cards. I live in Phoenix—a mere two hours away—and I can rarely get away for more than a day. My out-of-state visitors often budget a single day in Sedona, and that’s OK. I let them know that they can easily experience the best of Sedona in 24 hours.

To minimize your trekking time, I’ve organized this one-day itinerary by location. I’ve also built in stops along the way to rest (most patios offer spectacular red-rock views) and refuel (fresh and healthy options are a norm here) so that you have enough stamina for a busy day and fun night. Even better, my picks are based on Tripadvisor ratings and reviews to make sure you see and taste the very best of Red Rock Country.

Don’t get me wrong—I’d jump at the chance to spend three or four days recharging in Sedona. But unless you’re a hardcore hiker bent on conquering multiple trails during your stay, one full day is enough to hit the highlights.

Sedona is all about the great outdoors, so start your day by lacing up your hiking boots or piling into a four-wheel-drive vehicle. If you’re planning to hike, grab an avocado toast or a smoothie at Local Juicery on the way to any of Sedona’s more than 100 trails. The most popular ones include Cathedral Rock and—one of my personal favorites—Devil’s Bridge, but they can be too crowded for a good selfie. When I want serenity, I head to Red Rock State Park. The trails form a series of interconnecting loops that begin at the visitor center. For elevated views of the red rocks, I strike out on the 2.5-mile Eagle’s Nest Trail, but the short, family-friendly Kisva Trail dips into the Oak Creek area. Taking this route increases your chances of seeing birds like the Gila woodpecker, canyon wren, and common blackhawk.

Alternatively, you can kick off the day with breakfast at the Coffee Pot Restaurant, known for its 101 different types of omelets. (You read the menu right—you can order a peanut butter and jelly omelet here.) After, climb into a 4x4 for a guided tour of Red Rock Country. Back in the 1960s, Don Pratt painted his jeep bright pink and took visitors for a rollercoaster ride up over boulders and down steep inclines. Pink Jeep Tours still offers his original route, the Broken Arrow, but other companies have followed suit, offering 4x4 trips to 700-year-old cliff dwellings, backcountry wagon trails, and mysterious vortexes (places with spiritual energy according to many).

A morning of crisscrossing the backcountry will work up an appetite. Reward yourself with lunch—and red rock views—on the patio of the whimsical Hideaway House. The sunflower-centric restaurant—the atmosphere gets high marks from Tripadvisor reviewers—serves the usual mix of soups, salads, and sandwiches, along with Italian favorites like lasagna and chicken parmesan.

Then it’s time for a little shopping. Across Highway 179, Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village resembles a Mexican village with ornate fountains, iron-wrought balconies, and ivy-covered walls. Because of the architecture and ambiance, it’s where I bring out-of-state visitors to browse Sedona’s art galleries and boutiques.

I like to end the afternoon with a visit to the Chapel of the Holy Cross. Originally intended to be built in Budapest, the chapel overlooks the valley from its rocky perch just off Highway 179, less than 15 minutes from Tlaquepaque. It’s an architectural wonder inside and out and has a small gift shop on the premises. Don’t stress if parking seems impossible—people rarely stay long, so spots turnover quickly.

Time your reservation at the upscale Mariposa Latin Inspired Grill so that you can watch the sun setting over the red rocks from the breezy patio or from a table beside the dining room’s floor-to-ceiling windows. The menu includes Latin American favorites such as handmade empanadas and fresh ceviches, along with steaks served with house-made chimichurri sauce. My recommendation? Pair your meal with a pour from one of the more than 600 bottles in the restaurant’s two glass-enclosed wine vaults. If you can’t snag a reservation here, chef Lisa Dahl has several other eateries, including Cucina Rustica and Pisa Lisa.

Before you end dinner, consider a cup or two of coffee to make sure you’re wide awake for stargazing. Sedona is an International Dark Sky Community, meaning it puts strict limits on light pollution. If your hotel doesn’t provide telescopes for guests, you can look at the heavens with professional astronomers on a Sedona Stargazing Tour. If you’d rather search for extraterrestrial life, opt for the Original UFO Tour, which incorporates comfy lounge chairs and military–grade night vision goggles.

SEDONA TOUR OPTIONS

Uptown: Stretching northeast along Highway 89A, Uptown puts you within walking distance of restaurants, galleries, and tour operators. The Amara Resort and Spa is my first choice here, and not just because it features beautifully decorated rooms (some with balconies). I love to grab a craft cocktail from the onsite restaurant, SaltRock, to sip in the courtyard while enjoying views of Snoopy Rock.

West Sedona: A gateway to some of Sedona’s best hiking trails, West Sedona puts you close to destinations like Devil’s Bridge. Several good hotels line Highway 89A, but if you’ve come for an adrenaline rush—including mountain biking or rock climbing—you’ll want to book a room at the 70-acre Enchantment Resort. This upscale lodging also has a yoga studio and an award-winning spa that’s a great way to soothe any sore muscles.

Village of Oak Creek: About five minutes from Uptown, this community is a quieter and cheaper alternative. Another plus: if you stay at a hotel with a complimentary shuttle, you can park your car for the duration of your stay. Las Posadas of Sedona gives you that option with a shuttle that drops you at the most popular trailheads. The property has other perks too, like kitchenettes (or even full kitchens) in all rooms.