Sedona’s Best Visitor’s Guide: Your Ultimate Fall Bucket List

Sedona, AZ — Ahhh, fall in Sedona! The moment when the red rocks turn golden in the sunset and the crisp autumn air fills your lungs with magic. If you’re heading our way, Sedona’s Best Visitor’s Guide has crafted the ultimate fall bucket list to help you experience the most enchanting spots and must-do adventures that will make your visit unforgettable. Get ready for cool hikes, cozy cafes, jaw-dropping views, and maybe even a sprinkle of Sedona’s famous energy vortex magic! Let’s dive in.

1. Hike Devil’s Bridge for Sunrise

Start your day with a bit of adrenaline and a whole lot of wow. Devil’s Bridge is the largest natural sandstone arch in Sedona and hiking to it at sunrise is like entering a scene straight out of a nature documentary. The golden light reflecting off the arch? Total Instagram gold. Pro tip: The earlier you go, the fewer crowds you’ll run into. And don’t forget your camera—the views are next-level!

2.  Get Spirited at Tlaquepaque’s Día de los Muertos Celebration

If you’re here in late October or early November, you can’t miss Sedona’s Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village, where colorful altars and vibrant art fill the streets during the annual Día de los Muertos celebration. It’s a true feast for the senses with live music, incredible food, and more photo ops than you’ll know what to do with. Paint your face, join the fun, and learn about this beautiful tradition.

3. Sip Pumpkin Spice Lattes at a Cozy Coffee House

What’s fall without a pumpkin spice latte, right? Sedona has some of the coziest cafes to curl up in after a day of exploring. Try The Pump House Urban Eatery or Free Form Coffee Roasters for your seasonal fix. Whether you’re a PSL fan or prefer a spiced chai, these local favorites will keep you warm and in the autumn spirit. Plus both spots have outdoor patios, so you can soak up the scenery while sipping.

4. Visit Oak Creek Canyon for Leaf Peeping

Oak Creek Canyon in the fall is basically Sedona’s version of a fairytale. Think gold, orange, and red leaves sprinkled across towering trees that hug a babbling creek. Pack a picnic, grab a blanket, and relax under the canopy of autumn colors. This is THE spot for leaf peeping, so be sure to make time to wander down the West Fork Trail or simply enjoy the view from the roadside stops.

5. Verde Valley Wine Festival (October 2024)

Wine enthusiasts, mark your calendars for the Verde Valley Wine Festival in nearby Clarkdale this October. It’s a weekend of tastings, food pairings, and mingling with local winemakers who will walk you through the unique characteristics of Arizona’s burgeoning wine scene. With live music and food trucks, it’s a laid-back but vibrant way to experience the best of Verde Valley’s wine country during the most beautiful season of the year.

6. Take a Vortex Jeep Tour

Okay, you can’t come to Sedona without hearing about our world-famous vortex energy spots. Whether you’re a believer or just curious, taking a Jeep tour to experience one is a must. Companies like Red Rock Jeep Tours and A Day in the West offer exciting rides through the rugged landscape, with stops at vortex sites for a sprinkle of mystical vibes. And hey, even if the energy boost isn’t your thing, the scenery alone is worth it.

7. Sunset at Airport Mesa

If there’s one thing that Sedona does best, it’s sunsets. And the best seat in the house? Airport Mesa. This panoramic viewpoint offers 360-degree views of the red rock formations that light up as the sun dips below the horizon. Bring a blanket, a cup of cocoa, and maybe even a loved one—Sedona Airport is the perfect spot for that classic Sedona sunset moment. Complete your evening with dinner at the Mesa Airport Grill.

   8.   Explore Sedona’s Art Scene

Sedona in the fall isn’t just about outdoor adventures. Dive into the local art scene by visiting the many galleries dotted around town. Places like the Sedona Arts Center and the Gallery of Modern Masters offer stunning pieces that reflect Sedona’s beauty. Or tour the magnificent sculpture garden at Goldenstein Art at L’Auberge de Sedona. Pick up a one-of-a-kind piece to take home as a keepsake or simply wander and appreciate the talent.

9. Indulge in Farm-to-Table Dining

Fall is the perfect time to taste Sedona’s rich culinary offerings. With the harvest season in full swing, the farm-to-table dining experience here is at its peak . Forty 1 at the Ambiente Landscape Hotel, Cucina Rustica and Cress on Oak Creek are just three local spots where you can enjoy fresh, seasonal ingredients with a view that will take your breath away. Oh, and don’t forget to try a local Arizona wine—it’s practically mandatory.

10. Star Gazing in the Cool Desert Air

There’s something magical about Sedona’s night sky, especially in the cooler fall months. With less light pollution, the stars shine bright, and the Milky Way puts on a dazzling show. Grab a blanket, drive to a dark spot, and gaze up at the stars. Or, for an even more immersive experience, join one of Sedona’s guided star tours for a fun night of astronomy under the heavens. Sedona Jeep Tours has several Night Tours including: Outer Dimensions Night Tour, Stargazing Jeep Tour and the Full Moon Jeep Tour.

Whether it’s your first time in Sedona or your tenth, fall is one of the best seasons to dive into all the beauty, adventure, and charm that this red rock wonderland has to offer. So, pack your bags, bring your sense of wonder, and don’t forget to cross these gems off your bucket list—Sedona is calling, and trust me, you don’t want to miss out on this magical time of year!

11. Sedona Arts Festival (October 12-13, 2024)

Art lovers, rejoice! This October, the Sedona Arts Festival takes over Sedona Red Rock High School with over 100 artists showcasing a variety of stunning work, from paintings and jewelry to ceramics and sculpture. It’s the perfect place to find a one-of-a-kind piece to take home or just wander through the colorful booths while enjoying live music and food from local vendors.

12.  Fall Scenic Drive

You can also take in the beauty of Sedona in the fall from the comfort of your car! A drive through Highway 89A offers incredible views of towering red cliffs, lush fall foliage, and the winding Oak Creek below. It’s the perfect way to soak up Sedona’s autumn charm without even leaving your seat.