Sedona was the first trip I took since the Pandemic started. I was really feeling the travel bug so I decided to book a trip that offered the opportunity to adventure outside, and explore a part of the US that I have never visited. Sedona had been on my list for so long and since it has remained pretty open despite Covid I decided this was an ideal trip. My friend Priyanka of @champagneflight and I decided to make this a long weekend reunion trip since it had been about 1.5 years since we last explored together. It ended up being one of my favorite trips to date!
Best Time To Visit Sedona
If you are planning a trip to Sedona I recommend visiting March – May, or September – November so you can enjoy all of the beauty that Sedona has to offer, while avoiding the scorching heat. I personally visited in June and managed by planning my hikes in the very early morning before the sun was at its strongest.
How To Get To Sedona
To get to Sedona you will want to fly into PHX or Flagstaff then drive over to Sedona. I recommend renting a car as it will allow for more flexibility if you plan to hike and also because Sedona isn’t really that walk-able. PHX to Sedona is a 2.5 hour drive while Flagstaff to Sedona is about a 1 hour drive.
Priyanka and I decided to stop at Alacantara Vineyard on the way to Sedona to try some local wine! This Vineyard was absolutely stunning and I would highly recommend stopping in if you are headed to Sedona from PHX.
Where To Stay In Sedona
Arabella Hotel
I stayed at the Arabella during my visit to Sedona. I found the Arabella to be very charming with great amenities for the price point. They had two pools, a great set up to watch the sunset over the red rocks, fire pits, and bikes available for their guests to use. The best part is that the Arabella is very well located. I was within walking distance to great restaurants, the adorable Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village, and within a 15 min drive to some of the Top trails like Cathedral Rock for example!
Amara Resort and Spa
The Amara Resort and Spa is a great splurge option for a long weekend in Sedona. Their stunning infinity pool overlooking the red rocks is and close proximity to some of Sedona’s best trails is why you should book here!
Enchantment Resort
If you are looking for a luxury stay in Sedona Enchantment Resort is the place for you. This 5 star resort is the closest Resort to some of the most visited Red Rock trails like Devils Bridge for example. Enchantment resort also has the most epic pool views because they are situated right near the red rocks!
Top Sedona Hikes With a View
I always look for hikes that are a bit challenging, and that end with an epic view. Sedona had plenty of options that fell within those parameters but below are the top three I would recommend for a long weekend in Sedona.
Devils Bridge Hike
I chose to start my long weekend in Sedona with the Devil’s Bridge Hike Via Mescal Trail to Chuck Wagon Trail. More often visitors will make their way to Devil’s Bridge starting from the Dry Creek Vista trail head and walk until arriving at the Devil’s Bridge trail head. The more traveled option will be 4.6 miles round trip, very flat and very dusty from the research I did prior to my trip. If you end up starting at Mescal trail head you will be setting yourself up for 4.2 miles round trip and a much more scenic and rewarding hike to the Devil’s Bridge trail head. If you end up doing the Mescal Trail to Devil’s Bridge please note that the start is on the same side as the parking! My friend and I accidentally started on the opposite side of the street because we got excited and saw the trail head marker that said Mescal Trail.
The views at Devil’s Bridge were well worth the miles and the slightly challenging moments along the way. Once you get there know that everyone does take turns to get that epic shot on the bridge so there is no need to worry about getting there early to avoid people in your shot. You should mainly want to get there early to avoid the high heat!
Cathedral Rock Hike
Cathedral Rock is easily one of my favorite hikes I’ve done to date! This hike is rated difficult and is not for those with fear of heights. It was certainly more difficult than Devil’s Bridge which we had done the day before. If you consider yourself an athletic person and you can handle the heights I highly recommend adding this one to th e list for your long weekend in Sedona! Cathedral Rock is 2.7 miles out and back and it ends with the most epic views! There are three amazing spots at the top that make for the best photos! All together I think we spent about 3 hours at Cathedral Rock between hiking and enjoying the views.
Birthing Cave Hike
If you are feeling like adding a third hike to your Sedona itinerary, the Birthing Cave is a great option! It is moderate and only 2 miles out and back. You will pass wild flowers along the way until you encounter a cave formation that resembles, well a birthing canal. Once inside you will see stunning views of the red rocks in the distance. If you are bringing your camera a wide lens is recommended and visiting mid day is the best time when it comes to lighting!
Tips For Hiking In Sedona In June
Start Early
I would highly recommend starting your hikes right before sunrise. The temp jumps about 30 degrees by 9 am so the more you are able to do before the sun gets really strong the better!
What to Pack For Your Hike
Make sure to bring plenty water, SPF, a hat, and some snacks!
Download Your Map!
Keep your maps open or download offline just in case you accidentally veer off the trail. This came in handy more than once for us! Remember when I mentioned we got really excited and started the trail on the wrong side of the road? This saved us about 20 min in!
What to Wear Hiking In Sedona in June
I struggled between wearing shorts and pants. In the end I went with pants and I didn’t feel like I was too hot. More importantly, I think you should really make sure that you have proper shoes! If you don’t have hiking shoes make sure that the gym shoes you pack have plenty of traction at the bottom and good ankle support. The trail to Devil’s bridge is very uneven so the ankle support is a must! The Cathedral Rock hike would have been impossible without good traction on my shoes.
Sedona Restaurants With A View
Sound Bites Grill Sedona
Sound bite Grill is a great option for sunset dinner and drinks overlooking the red rocks! I had the best southwest style burger and a refreshing sangria all while enjoying live music!
The Hudson Sedona
The Hudson in Sedona offered great food, great ambiance, and fantastic views of the red rocks from their patio! If you want to splurge on a nice dinner in Sedona I would highly recommend the Hudson!
Creekside Coffee Sedona
I stopped into Creekside Coffee after both of my hikes to pick up a refreshing latte. They offer fun flavored lattes such as rose and lavender. Make sure to pick up one of their sweet treats while there! I tried their lemon cheese cake and it was amazing!
Hideaway House
Hideaway House was a charming little eatery with refreshing menu items such as chicken clubs and creative fruit based bruschetta boards that you would crave in the dessert heat!
The Perfect Sedona Itinerary
Day 1
- Arrive at PHX in the AM
- Head to Alacantara Winery to enjoy some local wine
- Head to Sedona and settle into your hotel
- Grab dinner and drinks at sunset at Sound Bite Grill
Day 2
- Devil’s Bridge Sunrise Hike
- Grab a Coffee/Breakfast at Creekside Coffee
- Head back to hotel for a bit
- Lunch at Tamaliza
- Pool Time
- Sunset Dinner and Drinks at The Hudson
Day 3
- Cathedral Rock Sunrise Hike
- Add on the Birthing Cave Hike if you are feeling it! (Personally I was too exhausted)
- Grab a Coffee/Breakfast at Creekside Coffee
- Head back to hotel for a bit
- Lunch at Hideaway house
- Explore Tlaquepaque Arts and Shopping Village!
- Head back to Phoenix for Dinner
Day 4
Early morning flight home
