Explore a scenic drive from Phoenix to Sedona and discover the best of the things to do in Sedona for couples
About a two hours’ drive north from Phoenix, lies the picturesque desert town of Sedona in Arizona. If you’re in America and looking for an outdoor paradise, then head straight to the Rock Country of Sedona. In this guide, I’ll cover all the amazing things & experiences you could have during your trip to Sedona, plus one uniquely curated itinerary to help you plan a perfect journey.
From desert rock formations to barren lands and stunning scenery – Sedona is a favorite destination amongst travelers. If you love the outdoors, and if you enjoy exploring open landscapes – Sedona has to be on your bucket-list places. Ideally, one day in Sedona would sound like blasphemy – because there’s so much to explore, which can easily enable you to add a week’s worth of hikes & tours.
Sedona is a small town, with less than 11,000 of the population that grew in popularity for its excellent hiking and vibrant arts community. Apart from all the stunning setup you see around, Uptown Sedona is packed with trendy cafes, boutiques, spas, and art cultural galleries.
On the outskirts of the town, you will access many of the Red Rock State Park trails, which gives you access to discover the best of Sedona.
Since the town is located just in-between Phoenix and Grand Canyon South Rim – day trips to other popular places like Flagship, Tusayan and Grand Canyon become much easier. Moreover, all the trips you take to reach Sedona are worthwhile!
WHY VISIT SEDONA?
Visitors often figure out why to visit Sedona, especially when you have so many rock formations and famous American canyons to explore.
Honestly, Sedona is a special place – that is well worth a visit! The town does stand out from the crowd, with its gorgeous landscapes as far as the eye can see. Especially, for couples. Sedona is one of the romantic places to visit in Arizona. Here are a few reasons I want to shed some light – on why you need to visit Sedona in 2022.
Experiences – Sedona is a perfectly serene place to indulge in transformative experiences. Combine the stunning outskirts with a breadth of amenities within the town – you’ll find a whole new affair with its tourism.
Outdoor Adventures – Popularly, known for sporty activities, hiking trails, and bike rides – the desert town becomes a paradise for all outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you’re hiking down a trail to enjoy the sunset or take a jeep ride to endure rough terrain – Sedona won’t disappoint you!
Spiritual Healing – Apart from all the experiences you have in Sedona – the town is well-known for its spiritual healing and personal enrichment. Relax, unwind and nourish at some of the renowned centers in the town.
Native American Culture – An ideal way to discover Sedona’s rich history is to take guided tours across the red rock landscape. With the help of knowledgeable guides, you’ll hear unique Native American stories and their ancestral cultures.
THINGS TO DO IN SEDONA FOR COUPLES
Along with the vibrant scenes of downtown Sedona, the main touristic exploration lies in its red sandstone formations. As you drive across from Phoenix to Sedona, you’d already be in awe to see towering peaks that stretch across the deep horizons. Probably you’d wonder – where do these mountains get their golden red-orange layers from?
To watch these spectacular scenes, millions of tourists travel to Sedona every year – and participate in numerous activities like biking, hiking, rock climbing, meditating, and visiting the famous Sedona vortex.
To discover amazing sights & activities, check my tips for the top things to do in Sedona.
BELL ROCK SEDONA
Bell Rock is one of the first recognizable landmarks you’ll see on your drive to Sedona. As the name suggests, the rock is in the form of a giant bell that can be seen from one of the viewpoints. If you pull off your car on State Rock 179 – then you get to witness the Bell Rock up close.
Many of the hiking routes at Bell Rock leads you to shorter & easy trails of Bell Rock Pathway and Courthouse Butte Loop. It’s perfect for visitors to want to experience the rocky formations via different hiking viewpoints.
For those looking for a strenuous hike – head to Bell Rock Trailhead. It starts moderately at the base but eventually gets challenging as you start climbing up the face of the rock.
CATHEDRAL ROCK SEDONA
One of the most photographed sights in Arizona – the Cathedral Rock in Sedona is an epic cluster of red rocks butte on the skylines. You can again catch the sights of this towering peak on a pull-off along Highway 179, or experience up close via biking, hiking, or horseback trails.
Cathedral Rock in Sedona is a complex trail, and not to be taken lightly with its straight pathways. But still, due to its natural rock formational aura – it’s quite famous amongst tourists, who anyway take up the challenge to hike up.
The trail is open to all groups and can be accessed off on Back’O’Beyond Road. Alternatively, you can reach the Cathedral Rock Trailhead via Baldwin and Templeton too.
To reach the top, you’ll have to traverse through a variety of slippery rocks. I recommend you wear proper hiking shoes to be able to climb up/down easily.
Although the distance to hike up the peak is just under 1.5 miles, but being situated atop 740+ feet high – the scenic views of Arizona will impress you with its striking beauty! Especially, if you reach around sunset, the effortful hike will sound very rewarding.
| PRO TIP – Trails to Bell Rock and Cathedral Rock in Sedona are open year-round. For tourists visiting the trails more than 15 minutes, will require to obtain a Red Rock Pass. The same can be purchased at Red Rock Ranger District or Kiosk at $5. |
GO HIKING
One of the best things to do in Sedona for couples is to go hiking. Home to over 100 hiking trails – Sedona offers a diverse experience for all adventure-enthusiasts to witness jaw-dropping vistas. The red rocky mountains of Arizona with their crimson spires and blaze-orange cliffs offer visitors perfectly led hiking trails to indulge in. Apart from the ones I covered (Bell Rock and Cathedral Rock) – there are plenty of other hiking trails you should explore – if you plan to stay in Sedona for more than a day.
Doe Mountain Trail – This 1.2-mile out-and-back trail leads visitors to spectacular scenes of the Arizona red mountains. Being a popular hiking trail amongst tourists, you can be sure of finding your little piece of solitude to gaze across the landscape. Viewpoints along the trail – extend out to scenic areas of Mescal Mountain, Courthouse Butte, Fay Canyon, and Bear Mountain.
Boynton Canyon – This trail is rather long (6.1 miles) compared to others, taking travelers through several lush green forests of Arizona. The highlight of taking up this trail – is experiencing an energy vortex near the start of the trail. If you continue along the path, to reach the top – you can expect stunning views of Deadman’s Pass, Mescal Mountain, and Courthouse Butte.
Devil’s Bridge Trail – For beginners looking to take on a simple challenge, should visit the Devil’s Bridge. It’s frequently visited by travelers, leading you to a beautiful sandstone arch. If you want to avoid large crowds during your hike – start at Chuckwagon Trailhead for a shorter trip to reach the steeper arch.
EXPERIENCE SEDONA VORTEX
While there are beautiful landscapes and natural attractions in Sedona to see, there’s one such thing that cannot be seen with the naked eye. It’s a vortex. Deemed as one of the romantic & blissful experiences, feeling a vortex is the best thing to do in Sedona for couples.
A vortex is a place where enhanced levels of energy get gathered and swirled around the earth. In Sedona, there are specific locations where the earth’s energy moves and draws everything to its center like a tornado. To experience this ever-natural liveliness, over 4 million tourists travel to Sedona. It is said there 4 main vortex sites, radiating their particular energy around the rocky lands of the town. This can of course be visited and experienced in person during your trip to Sedona.
Airport Mesa Vortex – Based on proximity and accessibility, Airport Mesa is one of the famous Sedona vortexes. It is located near the intersection routes of 89A and 179 (the “Y”). To reach the top, you need to take the Airport Loop Trail (3.2 miles). You do require some fitness level, as the stretch is uphill and strenuous. Airport Mesa Vortex is known to produce masculine energy, nourishing the self-confidence and motivation of a person.
Bell Rock Vortex – Bell Rock is pumped with power and full of vortex energy. That said, it is known to give out positive vibes of masculinity, femininity, and balance.
| Travel Tip – There are different ways to reach Bell Rock Vortex, however, I recommend you to park your car in the North Bell Rock parking area. The South lot is far away from the vortex area, and it will require you to hike a 1-mile uphill path. |
Boynton Canyon Vortex – Located over half a mile from the Boynton Parking lot, visitors enjoy the Boynton vortex the most. It is believed that there are two vortexes here, forming powerful energy between the red rock formations. That said, it offers a perfect balance between ‘masculine and feminine energies.
Cathedral Rock Vortex – To free the true power of the Cathedral Rock Vortex, you need to visit the Saddle of Cathedral Rock. The path is extremely difficult and should only be taken considering your fitness level. But even for those, who don’t want to hike up to the Saddle – take the Templeton Trail to Oak Creek. This path is much easier, with a plain surface to walk upon. Here, the vortex is believed to spread out a harmony between goodness, patience, and compassion.
| How to recognize a Sedona Vortex? Although you can’t see an actual vortex, definitely you can feel it. One of the obvious signs to look for – is a tingling sensation around the skin. Some visitors have often experienced a palpable sensation around the nape of their neck and shoulder blades. Also if you’re closer to vortex energy, you might feel the vibration in the ground you’re walking over. |
VISIT THE CHAPEL OF THE HOLY CROSS
One of the ‘must-visit’ places in Sedona, the Chapel of the Holy Cross, is a Roman Catholic chapel perched on a small plateau directly into the red rocks.
Constructed in 1956, the magnificent architecture of the chapel is something that drives crazy tourism every year. Both the inside and the outside views of the place are phenomenal – with a giant 90-foot cross contoured. There’s no entry fee to visit the chapel, however, you need to be mindful of the tourists that gather here to visit. It’s usually super-crowded, and the parking is tight.
Make sure you reach early in the morning to at least visit the chapel conveniently.
EXPLORE TLAQUEPAQUE
Interested in a unique shopping experience? Head to Sedona’s most diverse arts and crafts village of Tlaquepaque. Pronounced as T-la-Keh-pah-Keh, the place was originally a Mexican-style market, which now houses more than 40 specialty shops, quirky galleries, and stylish restaurants.
It’s a perfect paradise for all shopping lovers, to explore markets selling different types of jewelry, fine art, collectibles, and gift merchandise.
HAVE FUN IN UPTOWN SEDONA
Away from the rocky landscapes of Sedona, lies the old part of the city – where most of the restaurants, boutiques, and lovely-looking galleries can be found. Uptown Sedona has always been a modern-looking region that drives Sedona’s major tourist economy. Thanks to the quaint little shops that add to the charm of a small-town environment.
If you were to visit Uptown Sedona during weekends, then parking is hard to come by. It’s most crowded, and you’ll unlikely find spots to park. I recommend you to travel early during the day to explore this beautiful town.
TAKE SEDONA JEEP TOURS
Sedona has a plethora of activities for you to try! Let that be adventurous, cultural, or spiritual – the region boasts an excellent amount of experiences. But, if you’re visiting Sedona for the first time and just have a day trip to explore major activities – I highly recommend you to take popular Sedona jeep tours.
In particular, the Pink Jeep Tours in Sedona are the most famous ones that take you on an off-beat journey. With plenty of options to select from jeep categories, duration, and length of times – choose and book your ideal package and seek exciting adventure along your way.
Their iconic open-air pink jeeps provide the ultimate experience to the rocky terrain of Sedona. It’s even more fun and memorable if you’re with family.
Tip – Pink Jeep Tours in Sedona are extremely popular, and hence they often get sold out pretty fast. It’s better to book the activity well in advance. You can find a range of classic jeep tours here. If you’re unable to decide, my recommendation would be – Sedona: Red Rock Range Pink Jeep Tour.
VISIT AIRPORT MESA
Airport Mesa provides gorgeous unobstructed views of Sedona. It’s relatively easy to reach the top, with a 5 minutes uphill drive.
Not only does Airport Mesa offer 360-degree views of the region, but also a great spot for popular roadside hikes, vortex energy points, and sunset views.
TAKE A SPA IN SEDONA
Popular for wellness experiences – Sedona boasts excellent spa retreats. I highly recommend exploring some of the spas in Sedona, after you’ve had a long day touring and hiking the region’s rough terrain.
Here’s a list of top-rated spa resorts in Sedona –
- Enchantment Resort
- Amara Resort & Spa
- The Wilde Resort & Spa
- Poco Diablo Resort
Check more spa resorts and fantastic deals on them here.
VISIT DEVIL’S ROCK BRIDGE
Devil’s Bridge Rock is a marvelous, natural sandstone bridge that swanks 45 feet drop. To reach the top, you need to hike the Devil’s Bridge Trail, which is 3.9 miles long. It’s a moderate path, with some dirt trail towards the end portion.
The best part about the hike is that it takes you through some of Sedona’s most quaint sections of dramatic scenery. Along with that, a few sections of the Coconino National Forest even makes your hike worth every effort.
| Experience: Interested in discovering a new Sedona? Take a stargazing & UFO sighting tour in Sedona to witness the star-filled night sky & hidden secrets. |
PHOENIX TO SEDONA ROAD TRIP STOPS
It’s not only Sedona that makes your trip memorable, but its the road trip from Phoenix to Sedona that makes your entire trip worthwhile. There is a lot to see and do along the way, and honestly, it will make you pull over at several stops to praise the Arizonian beauty.
Here are some of the best Phoenix to Sedona road trip stops –
BLACK CANYON CITY
As you depart from Phoenix, the first region you’ll come across is Black Canyon City. Located 46 miles north on Interstate 17, this region makes a perfect stop-over point for you to explore picturesque scenes and understand fascinating history. In the territorial days, the region was used as a military zone point. If you’d like to explore the region in its entirety, then consider taking a hike on the historic Black Canyon Trail.
Additionally, visit the tourist exhibits and learn more about Black Canyon’s interesting stories at Black Canyon City Visitor’s Center.
Agua Fria National Monument
Continue down the road via Interstate 17, and you’ll come across one of the most beautiful places – the Agua Fria National Monument. Interestingly, this was my favourite stop point before reaching Sedona. What I liked the most – is the expansive area, which is spread across 71,000-acre. That’s vast!
Agua Fria National Monument houses more than 450 distinct Native American structures, along with numerous petroglyphs and significant systems of the prehistoric era. The monument is even home to amazing hiking trails, two mesas, and open grasslands. Deep as you go towards your exploration, you’ll spot the canyon of the Agua Fria River.
Along with historic ruins, you’ll find Native American wildlife like – coyotes, bobcats, antelope, mule deer, and various species of birds. Wildlife-viewing, bird-watching, 4×4 driving are some of the activities you could indulge in during your detour to Agua Fira.
| Tip – Agua Fria National Monument is not the most accessible pit stop, however it’s ideal if you want to spend half a day here. If you enjoy learning history or want to understand more about American roots, Agua Fria is the place for you. |
Montezuma Castle National Monument
Quite famous amongst visitors, Montezuma Castle National Monument becomes a ‘must-see’ spot during your road trip from Phoenix to Sedona.
The National Monument is divided into two main areas – the Montezuma Castle area and the Montezuma well area. Both are worth the visit, especially the castle that showcases large cliff dwellings. The main structure of the cliff dwelling is a five-story building, with around 20 spacious rooms. It makes you feel more like an apartment than a castle, with intricate work done inside.
The castle has been beautifully preserved, making it the go-to spot for all age groups. It’s even a fun experience to hike the 0.3-mile paved trail leading to limestone cliffs.
You can book your tickets to the Montezuma Castle from the park’s Visitor Center. The cost of an adult is $10, which gives you access for 7 days. It’s free for children aged 15 and under. For more details on pricing and operational hours, visit the website.
SEDONA ONE DAY ITINERARY
It’s time to compile most of the above-listed attractions & experiences into a perfect Sedona itinerary. This is just a sample travel plan I’ve curated – to give readers a gist of which places you can cover, and what else you can do. Although one day is enough to explore Sedona in its entirety, the below suggestion will help you if you are short on time.
7.00 A.M – Early Departure
Depart from your hotel early in the morning to drive across from Phoenix to Sedona. Spend some time exploring the viewpoints along the road. If you want to save your energy more for Sedona’s activities, then you can skip Black Canyon City and Agua Fria National Monument. Stop directly at Montezuma Castle and spare some time to explore the castle’s diverse landscape.
9.00 A.M. – Arrive in Sedona
Try to reach Sedona by 9 am, and re-energize yourself with a nice, delicious breakfast at either Layla’s Bakery-Café or Wildflower.
9.15 A.M. – 9.40 A.M. – Red Rock Ranger Station and Visitor Center
Before you start your adventurous journey in Sedona, spend some time at the Red Rock Ranger Station to learn about the area’s many scenic wonders and exciting tourism opportunities. Understand Sedona’s rich history, geological importance, human timeline, and much more in detail via their educational services.
9.50 A.M. – 10.15 A.M. – Bell Rock, Cathedral Rock & Pathways
Enjoy a scenic photo stop at each of the stunning beauties of Sedona. Since, you have limited time in hand – hiking on multiple trails is not feasible. However, you could choose any one trail to hike upon, and spend some time exploring. Alternatively, you choose to visit Bell Rock Vortex to feel the earth’s raw energy.
10.50 A.M – 1.00 P.M. –Discover activities in Uptown Sedona
Experience multiple activities during your exploration to Uptown Sedona, or take one of the guided excursions to discover more opportunities.
Enjoy a trolley ride – Ride through Sedona’s stunning landscape on a quaint open-air trolley and spectate some exciting views of the town’s rocky terrain. You even get to visit the Chapel of the Holy Cross and Boynton Canyon if you take the trolley ride. With live commentary and knowledgeable guides, you’ll fascinatingly discover the best of Sedona.
Off-road adventure – If leisure travel is not your cup of tea, then tour Sedona and its Red Rock Country on an adventurous off-beat path. Enjoy the ride to the backcountry, and rugged landscapes to have an unforgettable experience. You can book these guided excursions, for an off-road adventure.
Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village – Situated on the banks of Oak Creek, is a popular art and crafts village of Tlaquepaque. Explore shops, galleries, and unique restaurants here.
1.00 P.M. – 2.00 P.M. – Lunch
Lunch at one of Sedona’s amazing restaurants. From American, Italian and Chinese cuisine to vegan, gluten-free dishes – you would never run out of options. My recommendation would be – Creekside American Bistro, The Hudson, and Café Jose Restaurant.
2.15 P.M. – 3.00 P.M. – Visit Airport Mesa Overlook
Find yourself amidst a great vantage point of Sedona’s famous location – Airport Mesa. Spend some time here, relax and take plenty of photos. You can stretch an extra time here to experience the Airport Mesa vortex.
3.15 P.M. – 4.15 P.M. – Sedona Pink Jeep Tour
Book a guided pink jeep tour to explore the rocky mountains of Sedona.
4.30 P.M. – Depart Sedona
Drive back to Phoenix (2-hour drive).
WHERE TO STAY IN SEDONA
If you’re visiting from Phoenix to Sedona as a day trip, then you can find the best deals on accommodation here.
For travelers staying in Sedona itself, it’s worth checking out these deals on the best hotels/stays. You can filter out your preference by style, budget, and duration to stay in Sedona.
GUIDED TOURS AND EXCURSIONS
If you don’t want to get into the hassle of planning a trip to Sedona, then my recommendation would be to book an organized tour. As mentioned above in the guide, Sedona is home to many such experiences that are distinct. Through guided excursions, experienced tour guides will take care of you & your entire travel trip.
It’s an easy way to travel, and you can save more time by avoiding trip hassles.
Do check some of my personal favorites below that are worth booking! For more such tours, check the catalog here.
Popular day-trip: Sedona’s Main Sight-seeing tour
Experiential Tour: Hiking & Wine-tasting Tour of Sedona
Wellness tour: Sedona Spiritual Vortex Tour
Hope you found this post useful! If you have any more experiences/ suggestions to share, please feel free to comment down below. If this article helped you – then do bookmark it, share it amongst your family and friends and spread the word.
