by Alissa Janey - best-selling author, life coach, and the creator of ElevateRadiate.com
"Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better." Albert Einstein
I visited Sedona, Arizona, for the first time this year and am already planning a trip back. In this post, I will be sharing my 3-day itinerary, favorite spots, tips for your trip, and why I believe it lives up to its magical reputation.
Many people are drawn to Sedona for its unique combination of breathtaking natural beauty, positive healing energy, and diverse recreational opportunities, making it a popular destination for travelers seeking relaxation, adventure, and inspiration.
My intuition had been calling me to Sedona for the past year, and it was impossible to ignore the call. Once we took the scenic route to Sedona on Highway 89A from Flagstaff and began driving through the Oak Creek Canyon, I knew why I had been feeling drawn to go. The journey truly captivated me, filling my body with wonder and awe. This route is renowned as one of the most breathtaking roads in the United States. The enchantment was merely the beginning and would intensify as the week unfolded.
So, how about you? Have you ever felt an irresistible pull toward a certain place? The longing to go there was so strong that it was impossible to ignore. Sometimes, we must listen closely to the whispers of our heart and soul, for they will guide us to what truly feeds our spirit.
The trip to Sedona
To get to Sedona, you can fly to Phoenix or Flagstaff and drive to Sedona within a few hours. We flew in from the Minneapolis, MN, airport to Phoenix on Friday morning and stayed in Scottsdale for the afternoon.
The short trip to the Grand Canyon before heading to Sedona
Since our rental in Sedona was not ready until Saturday, we drove to Flagstaff on Friday afternoon and stayed the night so we could see the Grand Canyon on Saturday morning.
On Saturday morning, we drove to the Grand Canyon, and despite the chilly, windy conditions, we still enjoyed a short tour. Although we refrained from delving into the canyon itself, we did take the time to pause and soak in the views. They were spectacular, leaving us all eager to return for a hiking adventure in the future.
Following our visit to the Grand Canyon, our family was eager to unwind at our Sedona accommodation. We arrived in Sedona late Saturday afternoon and settled into our rental, called the Prickly Pear; it was charming, clean, and inviting.
Sedona Itinerary, Day 1
On Sunday morning, we had breakfast at our accommodation. This not only saved money but also freed up more time to hike, shop, and explore. We had a big breakfast every morning, which consisted of a range of filling foods such as smoothies, pancakes, sausage, bacon, and toast. There were two markets nearby, so we bought groceries, water, and snacks for the week.
After breakfast, we made our way to Bell Rock, which, let me tell you, was my favorite hike, right up there with Cathedral Rock.
Bell Rock, and this specific spot where I’m sitting in the picture above, drew me in to sit and explore the beautiful energy and wonder it offered. I spent more than thirty minutes meditating here, completely mesmerized and unable to leave. My heart was overflowing with peace, wonder, and gratitude.
Bell Rock, along with other locations in Sedona, is believed to possess energy vortexes—places where the Earth's energy is thought to be intensified and in exceptionally strong health. Vortex sites attract visitors seeking spiritual renewal, mediation, and healing. From my experience visiting Bell Rock, I can say this all rings true to me.
Afterward, I felt drawn to visit a store in Sedona called Shine. It quickly became my absolute favorite store. The atmosphere and the collection of items were unlike anything I'd seen before, and the positive energy poured throughout my body. I made not one but two trips back during our trip.
After exchanging stories with the woman who worked there, she guided me into a sacred event space in the back with a breathtaking hand-painted mural of angel wings. I stood there in awe as the artwork and incredible energy of the room washed over me.
That evening, we treated ourselves to dinner at Mariposa, and, wow, it instantly became my all-time favorite restaurant destination. It’s one of the most recommended restaurants in Sedona for its combination of breathtaking views, exceptional cuisine, and outstanding service. It’s a splurge to dine there, but, in my opinion, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime restaurant that’s worth visiting.
Sedona Itinerary, Day 2
On the second day of our trip, we’d intended to hike Cathedral Rock in the morning, only to find it closed for maintenance. So, instead, we embraced the opportunity to hike Devil’s Bridge.
Devil's Bridge is a natural sandstone arch that spans across a scenic canyon. It's one of the largest natural arches in Sedona and is visually stunning.
Accessing Devil's Bridge requires a hike, so it's crucial to allocate sufficient time for the journey. I suggest avoiding late afternoon or evening starts, as the trail is rugged, and daylight is essential for navigating the trail and rock formations. If you want to save time, consider renting ATVs to shuttle you from the parking area to the rock formation.
Crossing Devil's Bridge itself can be quite adventurous for some visitors. The natural arch allows people to walk across it, providing a thrilling and memorable experience. It is wider than it looks. But it's important to exercise caution and follow safety guidelines.
While there is a chance to snap some photos, it's worth noting that there's usually a queue for the iconic bridge shot, particularly during peak times. So, come prepared for a wait—we spent roughly forty-five minutes waiting for our turn.
After the hike to Devil's Bridge, we were all pretty tired, so we returned to our rental and rested our feet. After a brief recharge, my husband and I were eager to take advantage of Cathedral Rock reopening after four p.m. Seeing how tired our kids were, our fourteen-year-old volunteered to babysit our eleven- and seven-year-old so we could go on the hike.
Cathedral Rock is known for its stunning and unique views of Sedona. The hike up Cathedral Rock is challenging terrain, which includes steep ascents, narrow passages, and several sections that require scrambling up and over rocks. For some hikers, including us, the physical challenge adds to the appeal of conquering the trail. Even though Cathedral Rock is known to be family-friendly, I think it's quite complex toward the top of the formation. If you have small children, you likely won’t want to head toward the peak, for safety purposes.
The view on Cathedral Rock was like nothing else we’d seen—something you could only get from its peak. My husband and I took our time up there, soaking it all in. The experience of hiking Cathedral Rock and witnessing its unique rock formations was unforgettable and worth the hike.
Sedona Itinerary, Day 3
On our last day in Sedona, we took a more relaxing approach to the day. At around nine a.m. we were off to the Airport Mesa and Vortex. Airport Mesa is a short and easy drive that leads to 360° views of Sedona. It’s known for breathtaking views overlooking amazing rock formations such as Cathedral Rock, Courthouse Bette, and Bell Rock and has unbeatable sunrise and sunset views.
This hike stands out as one of the shorter ones on our journey since you can hit the trail almost as soon as you park. Although our time at Airport Mesa was brief—just an hour—due to the onset of rain and concerns about slippery rocks, this spot is worth the visit.
Keep in mind that parking is very minimal at Airport Mesa and many of the hikes. We arrived around nine a.m. and were lucky enough to snag one of the parking spots off Airport Road. If you aren’t able to grab a spot in the first parking lot, you can keep going up until you see the massive parking lot.
Afterward, we returned to our rental for a break and to have lunch. After recharging, we were ready to do some more exploring. It was still misting outside, so we took a scenic drive around the city and mountains. By mid-afternoon the sun had broken the clouds, drying the rocks. This unexpected turn of the weather encouraged us to make an impromptu stop for a hike at Doe Rock. While this hike wasn't originally planned, it ended up being our fourteen-year-old’s favorite.
Doe Rock is a two-mile hike known to be moderately challenging. You don’t have to do a lot of walking from the general parking area to get to it, so it can be a shorter stop. It took us about an hour to hike up and down, including stopping to take pictures.
The main attraction of Doe Mountain is the hiking trail that leads to its summit. The trail offers a moderately challenging hike with switchbacks and some steep sections, but is generally accessible to hikers of various skill levels. Many visitors enjoy the hike for its scenic beauty and the rewarding views from the top.
Afterward, we went shopping at the Tlaquepaque Arts and Shopping Village, located on the banks of the beautiful Oak Creek.
Tlaquepaque is renowned for its collection of art galleries featuring various original creations, including paintings, jewelry, and more. The village is designed in the style of a traditional Mexican village, with cobblestone streets, arched entryways, and vibrant landscaping. Although we didn’t stay long, it’s worth the stop. After, we continued to downtown Sedona and browsed the stores along the strip.
This life-size amethyst crystal pictured below was outside one of the shops.
That evening, we ordered pizza from Pizzos. After dinner, we had a bonfire and did some stargazing. Due to Sedona’s low city lights, pollution, and clear skies, it offers excellent opportunities for stargazing. Our family was stunned to see so many constellations and the vibrance of the stars above.
Now, I am going to share some tips to help you get prepared for your trip.
Tips to prepare for your trip to Sedona:
Make dinner reservations at least a month in advance. There are a limited number of restaurants with a view, so secure your reservations.
Eat at scenic restaurants during daylight. The views are spectacular, so you will want to see them.
Be flexible! The weather can change, so have a brief list of things you might want to do as a backup.
When hiking, wear hiking shoes or shoes with a grip. I would not recommend wearing crocks, sandals, or going barefoot.
Bring a backpack on your hike, supplied with water, snacks, sunscreen, and a small first-aid kit.
Pace yourself when hiking up high rock formations so you can adjust to the elevation change. Altitude sickness is real and affects some people more than others.
Research transportation options. We rented a car for the week so we could explore on our own, but there are several ways to get around, including tour buses and pink jeep tours.
Find a good map and keep it in your backpack. There are signs for the main hiking destinations, so the paths are pretty intuitive. But you will use your map, especially if you plan multiple hikes in one day and want to allocate your time wisely.
Start hiking early because parking and the trails can get busy and it can get hot.
Wear layers when hiking. The temperature can vary quite a bit from morning to afternoon, and it does get colder the higher you go.
Sedona has so much to see, and I could have stayed longer. If we had more time, I would have attended a wellness retreat between days of hiking. When we come back, I would love to visit Grasshopper Swimming Hole, Slide Rock State Park, and the Chapel of the Holy Cross and explore other restaurants such as the Tii Gavo at the Enchantment Resort.
Have you been to Sedona? What was your favorite destination?
Visit ElevateRadiate.com for more posts and free tools to help you tune in to your inner compass, live a more purposeful life, and realize your dreams and goals.
Follow me on social media at Elevate Radiate by Alissa for ongoing inspiration and support!
Commentaires