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Sedona Road Trip Itinerary

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Sedona has been on our wish-list for a long time. Known for its signature red rocks, abundant hiking trails, and breathtaking desert scenery, this Arizona town is a place every traveler will appreciate. It’s proximity to other destinations like Phoenix and the Grand Canyon makes it an easy addition to your Sedona Day Trip itinerary.          

So grab your hats and hiking shoes to join me on the ride as I take you on an incredible adventure through this desert wonderland

Sedona Road Trip itinerary

We flew into Phoenix from San Jose and it was a two-hour drive to our hotel in Sedona. Throughout the drive, we were delighted with a view that shifted from cityscapes to saguaro-lined hills, to miles and miles of desert brush. And then all of a sudden, seemingly out of nowhere, appeared a cascade of red rocks – each one bigger than the next and emerging from the landscape like recumbent giants. We have reached Sedona! As soon as I spotted Red Rock land, I fell in love with its beauty

Sedona Road Trip

After quickly grabbing breakfast at Coffee pot Restaurant, we decided to head to the nearby Sedona Airport Overlook for an absolutely stunning view of Sedona and its surroundings. Airport Mesa is considered as one of Sedona’s vortexes –   swirling centers of energy that are conducive to healing, meditation, and self-exploration. Careful not to disturb people recharging and meditating here!

Sedona Road Trip Itinerary

We headed to Devils Bridge next, which is one of the most sought-after places to hike and photograph in the area, and no trip to Sedona would be complete without at least one visit to this magnificent geological formation. The trail was not too hard and the view from atop was absolutely incredible. Worth every step!

Sedona Road Trip Itinerary

Our next stop was the Chapel of the Holy Cross. The building stands at 250 feet tall, and sitting atop a rock wall that is over a thousand feet tall, this is a picturesque yet insurmountably impressive structure set atop Sedona’s already-photogenic red rocks. The main stained-glass window of the chapel is held together by a giant cross. Parking was hard to find, but I’m glad we did not skip this Sedona gem.

Sedona Road Trip Itinerary

Cathedral Rock was the one we did next. It’s about an hour’s hike to the top and the trail takes you through a steep but manageable ascent. At the top we were greeted with a stunning view of the towering red rock columns all around. 

 Sedona Road Trip Itinerary

Bell Rock is another popular hiking spot with equally stunning views, but we were content with a view of the landscape from the fairly spacious trailhead as our feet begged for a little rest.

Sedona is also a great destination for stargazing. The absence of ambient light pollution allows you to catch some truly breath-taking views of the star-lit night sky. This together with the surreal backdrop of Sedona’s red rocks transport you outside this world… you’d be forgiven to mistake it for the Martian landscape 😉

Sedona Road Trip Itinerary

The next day, we drove to  Slide Rock State Park and hiked Soldier’s Pass – It was a relatively easy hike but thoroughly enjoyable as there was something interesting to look at around every corner! Along the trail, you will find a giant sinkhole, the seven sacred pools, and the Soldier’s Pass cave. The sinkhole initially collapsed in 1989 and again in 1995 and continues to grow due to rain dissolving the limestone under the surface and creating a network of caves underneath it. Holy cow!

Sedona Road Trip Itinerary

Slide Rock State Park is a  beautiful, naturally formed water park. With its wide pools and natural rock slides, this was the perfect place to cool off and beat the heat – a perfect finale for a trip through the desert.

Sedona Road Trip Itinerary

Have you guys ever been to Sedona? How did you guys enjoy Sedona and  What was your favorite hike?

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10 COMMENTS

  • Chris

    Stunning pictures as always!

    • Navina Rajendran
      AUTHOR

      Thanks 🙂

  • Adi

    Well written & wonderful pics !!!

    • Navina Rajendran
      AUTHOR

      Thanks 🙂

  • Brittany

    This is an amazing travel guide! I am from Phoenix, and I visit Sedona often. Cathedral Rock & Slide Rock are two of my favorite things to do there. Thank you for sharing!

    • Navina Rajendran
      AUTHOR

      Thanks 🙂 Glad you liked it.

  • molly

    The star gazing and red rocks is amazing! My shoes are forever stained with red rock dust!

    • Navina Rajendran
      AUTHOR

      lol. Stargazing is definitely my favorite

  • Amy

    Gorgeous photos! I love hiking rocky terrains so this post is perfect for me!

  • DeeFitz

    I was in Sedona only one time–and that was about 18 years ago. Your post truly makes me want to make my way back there! I think you are one of the most amazing communicators, Navina. You could be a travel guide with those pretty pictures and great words! Sending Love…

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