Best Things to Do in Sedona, Arizona

09/21/2025

09/15/2025

Palatki Heritage Site

Around 45 minutes’ drive to the northwest of the city is the Palatki Heritage Site, one of the most astonishing archaeological sites in the area. Besides boasting prehistoric pictographs and petroglyphs, it is also home to some incredible ancient dwellings set in the side of a sandstone cliff.

Very well-preserved, these captivating cliff dwellings were inhabited between 1150 and 1350 AD by the Sinagua; an Ancestral Puebloan people. Visitors to the heritage site can hike three trails to see the picturesque pueblos up close, with some rock art also to be spied here and there.

Just as impressive as the site itself is its striking setting with the red rock formations making for fantastic photos.

04/21/2023

Devil’s Bridge Trail

So named due to its spectacular sandstone arch, the delightful Devil’s Bridge Trail lies just 20 minutes’ drive to the northwest of the city. While the arresting arch alone makes for a superb sight, the kilometer-long trail also takes you through magnificent scenery, with a gorgeous view to be enjoyed at the end of it.

As it is quite short and not too steep, the trail is relatively easy to hike with the scorching sun overhead being the main challenge. Once you arrive at the 15 meter-high Devil’s Bridge, the largest natural arch in the area, you can snap some fantastic photos and even cross its slender sliver of sandstone to get to a phenomenal viewpoint.

04/21/2023

Slide Rock State Park

In the north of the city is Slide Rock State Park which is a popular place to head in the sun-scorched summer months. You can go swimming in the cool waters of Oak Creek, lounge in its natural pools and slip and slide along the wet rock bed that gives the park its name.

Before being protected in 1985, the attractive area was an apple farm with its historic homestead still on show for visitors to explore. Most people, however, head straight to the shimmering stream which is surrounded by the red rocks of Oak Creek Canyon. While it can get crowded, Slide Rock State Park is worth visiting for its laid back ambience and, of course, it’s sensational swimming.

04/19/2023

Red Rock State Park

Home to outstanding outdoor activities, Red Rock State Park lies to the southwest of Sedona. In total it has 10 trails to hike, mountain bike or horseback ride which offer breathtaking views over the area’s famous formations.

Protected since 1986, highlights include native fauna and flora, the scenic stretch of Oak Creek and the aptly named Eagle’s Nest. From this prominent point you can gaze out over Sedona and its surroundings, with Cathedral Rock spied far off in the distance. You can also learn about the history and wildlife of the park at its excellent visitors center.

04/17/2023

Boynton Canyon Trail

Winding its way through the landscape, the beautiful Boynton Canyon Trail is one of the most popular paths to hike near Sedona. Stretching almost 10 kilometers, the colorful canyon and its scenic confines lie just 20 minutes’ drive to the northwest of town.

Starting at the exclusive Enchantment Resort, the trail takes you through desolate desert and patches of pine trees before you arrive at an epic viewpoint overlooking the box canyon. While its rugged reaches certainly warrant exploring, many people are drawn to Boynton Canyon for its powerful vortex. Set in between two sandstone spires, it radiates a balance of masculine and feminine energies which believers find to be refreshing and restorative.