Cathedral Rock does not ease you in. It does not offer a gentle path through quiet forest or a wide-open vista from a parking lot. It stands across the landscape like a red stone cathedral — spires, buttresses, and all — and if you want what it has, you climb. That is not a metaphor. The Cathedral Rock trail is a hands-and-feet scramble up slickrock that has humbled more than a few confident hikers. But the people who make it to the saddle between the spires, who sit down on that red stone shelf and look out across the Verde…
Author: Brian Wentzel
Looking for dog friendly Sedona adventures? Sedona is one of the most dog-friendly destinations in Arizona, and as dog owners who’ve been hiking these trails with our own pups since the 1990s, we can tell you exactly which trails are genuinely enjoyable with dogs — not just technically allowed. There’s a big difference between “dogs permitted on leash” and “your dog will actually have a great time here,” and this guide covers the distinction in detail, along with the hotels that truly welcome dogs, restaurants with real dog-friendly patios, and the seasonal tips that keep your four-legged hiking partner safe…
The Verde Valley Wine Trail is Sedona’s best-kept secret — and we mean that literally. Most visitors come for the red rocks and vortexes, completely unaware that one of America’s most exciting emerging wine regions sits just 20 minutes down the road. The Verde Valley’s unique combination of elevation (3,200 feet), volcanic soil, and a warm-days-cool-nights climate produces wines that have been winning national recognition and turning skeptics into believers. We’ve been watching this wine region grow from a handful of pioneers to over 25 tasting rooms since the early 2000s, and it’s one of our favorite things to recommend…
Can you really experience Sedona on a budget? Here’s the truth nobody in the tourism industry wants you to know: the best things to do in Sedona are practically free. The hiking is free, the vortex sites are free, the sunsets are free, the scenic drives are free, and the Chapel of the Holy Cross is free. The red rocks don’t charge admission. We’ve been living here since 1992, and some of our favorite Sedona experiences cost nothing more than a $5 parking pass. Here’s your complete guide to experiencing Sedona without emptying your wallet. Sedona on a Budget Free…
Looking for things to do in Sedona with kids? A Sedona family trip isn’t just possible — it’s one of the best family destinations in Arizona, and we’ve been watching families discover that since 1992. The red rocks are a natural playground, the hikes range from stroller-friendly paths to kid-conquerable scrambles, and there’s enough variety (natural waterslides, Jeep tours, wildlife parks, fishing, stargazing) to keep every age group engaged. Here’s our age-by-age guide to making the most of Sedona with your family. Things to do in Sedona With Kids Why Sedona Works for Families: Things to Do in Sedona With…
Romantic Getaway Sedona? The destination doesn’t try to be romantic — it just is. The red rock formations glowing at sunset, the intimate canyon trails, the starlit skies with zero light pollution, the spa treatments that draw on the spiritual energy of the land — romance here isn’t manufactured, it’s woven into the landscape itself. We’ve been watching couples fall deeper in love with each other (and with Sedona) since 1992. Here’s our curated guide to the most romantic experiences in Arizona’s most beautiful destination. The Most Romantic Experiences in Sedona: Romantic Getaway Sedona! Sunrise at Cathedral Rock — Just…
The Sedona vs Scottsdale debate is the most common Arizona vacation dilemma we hear, and we’ve been answering it from the Sedona side since 1992. Both destinations are spectacular, but they’re spectacular in completely different ways. Scottsdale is polished desert luxury — world-class resorts, golf, fine dining, and nightlife. Sedona is raw natural wonder — red rock canyons, spiritual energy, and outdoor adventure that takes your breath away. This guide gives you an honest comparison from locals who know both places intimately, so you can choose the right one for your trip — or plan a trip that includes both.…
A day trip to Sedona from Phoenix is one of the most dramatic landscape transitions in the American West — in just two hours, you’ll climb from the Sonoran Desert floor at 1,100 feet to red rock country at 4,350 feet, watching the saguaro cacti give way to juniper forests and towering crimson formations. We’ve been making this drive since 1992, and we still get that rush of excitement when the first red rocks appear on the horizon. Here’s how to make the most of your day trip, from the best route options to an hour-by-hour itinerary, all from a…
Looking for the perfect Sedona weekend itinerary? Two to three days is the sweet spot — long enough to hike the iconic trails, explore the town, and soak in the red rock energy, but short enough that every moment feels purposeful. We’ve been helping visitors plan their Sedona weekends since 1992, and this itinerary reflects everything we’ve learned about how to sequence your days for maximum impact with minimum wasted time. Whether you have two days or three, we’ve got you covered. Before You Go: Planning Essentials for your Sedona Weekend Itinerary The Parking Strategy This is the single most…