Sedona & Grand Canyon - A Hiking Adventure
Curated By
Kathleen Tamburino
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Active Travel
Adventure Travel
Arts & Culture
Group Travel
Nature Escapes
Off-the-Beaten-Path Travel
Wellness Travel
Sedona
The Grand Canyon
Local Culture
Local Food
Entertainment
Curator’s statement
Sedona is a fantastic destination to explore the natural beauty and outdoor adventures. You have a wealth of hiking, dining and relaxation experiences. With this historic desert town surrounded by red-rock cliffs, Sedona is renowned for its movie-making history that dates to the heyday of the western genre. Embarking on a getaway to Sedona and the Grand Canyon is like stepping into a vivid canvas painted by nature herself. As the crimson sun dips behind Sedona’s iconic red rock formations, the vibrant hues of the desert landscape come alive, casting an enchanting spell on visitors. Each morning, awaken to the gentle rustle of juniper trees and the scent of sagebrush carried on the breeze, signaling the start of another day of exploration in this breathtaking region. Sedona to Grand Canyon is just a two-hour drive. You will traverse some of the most beautiful landscapes in the U.S. Hiking, swimming holes, spas, wine tasting and shopping await.
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Insider knowledge
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Where to stay
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Day 1: Arrive in Sedona
GO TO TOWN
You're likely to arrive in Sedona late afternoon. Check into your hotel room and finish your day with shopping at Tlaquepaque Arts and Crafts Village, which stays open until 6:00pm. Tlaquepaque, known as the Art and Soul of Sedona, is an epicenter of the art and culture scene.
DINNER
Next, grab dinner at a local restaurant. I recommend Casa Sedona Restaurant. It is vegetarian friendly and has gluten free options.
I also recommend Gerardo's Pizzeria, where they are known for their high quality ingredients and their wood-burning pizza oven is the center piece. They make fresh pasta, bread and pizza dough daily.
Day 2: Breakfast and Hike
HEAD TO DEVIL'S BRIDGE
Start day two with breakfast at one of my favorite spots, Wildflower! From here, head out to what I think is the best hike in Sedona, Devil's Bridge. This is without a doubt one of the most iconic spots in town and can't be missed. The hike is 4 miles roundtrip from the main parking area. If you have a 4x4 vehicle you can cut that time in half by parking at the trailhead. Just be warned, the road is incredibly rough. The hike is fairly moderate but does have a steep climb at the end. Trust me, it's well worth it for the view at the top!
HEAD TO CHAPEL OF THE HOLY CROSS
Take a shuttle to Cathedral Rock Trailhead to Chapel of The Holy Cross (1.2 miles). The chapel is about 4 miles from downtown Sedona. Take Highway 179 South to Chapel Road. It’s a short hike.
After your hikes, I'd recommend lunch at one of the many spots in town. A couple of favorites I love are Creekside American Bistro and 89Agave Cantina!
Spend the afternoon at Slide Rock State Park. This is a Sedona must see especially if traveling with kids! Bring your swimsuit to enjoy a dip in the crystal clear (but cold!) water and try sliding down the natural water slide.
Finish your day with an early dinner at one of my favorite spots in town, Hideaway House. Ask for a table on the patio and enjoy the view and the delicious pizza.
You can also head out to Doe Mountain Trail or Red Rock Crossing off the Red Rock Loop Road to watch the sunset. At sunset, it's very accessible and beautiful. The magnificence of red rock country with its crimson spires and blaze-orange cliffs at sunset is a photographer’s paradise. There are places to sit at the picnic grounds, restrooms and wide accessible paths to the creek.
Day 3: Head to The Grand Canyon
A DAY TO EXPLORE THE GRAND CANYON
On your third day, have an early breakfast and take your private shuttle to the Grand Canyon to do a guided group tour. This will take most of the day, when you return to the hotel, have dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 4: Head Back to the Airport
SAY GOODBYE TO SEDONA
On your fourth day, have an early breakfast and do a spa, yoga or hike before you head back to the airport.
Need to Know
WHAT TO BRING
🥾 Proper footwear
👚 Moisture wicking clothing
🧢 Hat to shield the sun
🕶️ Glasses to protect the eyes
🧴Sunscreen to protect your skin
💦Adequate water for your hike
🥗Food to keep you fueled
📲 Let someone know where you are & when you’ll be back
♻️ Pick up after yourself, leave no trace
If you are looking for high adventure, then check out the hot-air ballooning companies, helicopter, bi-plane tours and white water rafting outfitters. If you want to stay earth-bound and experience water in the high desert, check out tubing on the mostly placid Verde River. Fly fishing in beautiful Oak Creek Canyon and camping along the creek is a year-round activity for those who love to get out and experience raw nature. And don’t forget a high-adventure jeep ride in the Sedona outback or a gentler way to see the countryside on horseback.
This itinerary is part of our ongoing series on travel to Sedona & The Grand Canyon.
Travel Advisor
Kathleen Tamburino
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