Sedona Favorites

I've been to Sedona 11 times in the last several years. To say it's my favorite place is an understatement. Pretty much anyone that knows me, knows my love for Sedona & how special of a place it is for me. So after sending out countless emails with my favorite hikes & recommendations, I decided to compile the list below. What I love most, is everything listed can be enjoyed solo, with a partner or as a group!

Getting there:

You'll want to fly into Phoenix & rent a car. You'll need a car for this trip. Ubers are hard to come by & not reliable in town.

The drive is an easy 2 hour ride. If you can, get there before the sun sets. It's a pretty epic drive in. I recommend coming in off exit 298 for some of the best welcoming views.

Favorite Hikes:

All of these hikes I have done alone, as well as with others. I always feel safe on these trails. Some are highly populated & others you'll always see a few people along the way.

Broken arrow trail -My all time favorite hike. This is an easy trail but the views are amazing. The trail starts off of Morgan Rd. At the end of the paved road there will be a dirt road with a small lot for parking. I recommend getting there early - a. parking is easier, and b. the trail will likely still be very quiet.

For best views follow the trail markers - Take broken arrow > twin buttes > high in the hog > chicken point. Stop at high in the hog to enjoy solitude & incredible views. At chicken point you will likely see some jeep tours. You can either stop here and turn around where you came from or follow the trail to Chapel of the Holy Cross - get pic. At this point you will end up on a dirt road. Broken arrow begins again and you can follow the loop around.

view from high in the hog!

Doe mountain - 360 views! Fun hike. Love this one. Really pretty at sunset or sunrise. Not as touristy which makes it a nice hike.

Fay canyon - Just across the street from Doe. This is a super easy hike/ walk but when you get to the end of the trail there is an option to scale up to the top. Do this! The view from the top is AMAZING!  PIC

Airport Saddle at Sunrise - Short walk up to the top to amazing views. (you can get there by heading towards airport mesa. You'll see the saddle on the left hand side. Theres only a few parking shots so get there early and walk up to the top. its the trail on the left.)

Devil's bridge - Another super populated hike. The lot is typically full. Either go first thing in the morning or at sunset - There's always people up at the top to take your picture. So even if you're alone you can get a good shot. Fun if you want to do the tourist thing, highly populated if you prefer to hike in solitude.

Cathedral Rock - There's reason why this is the most popular hike in Sedona. It is worth it but depending on the season... lottery? Go early! At sunrise. Less people and the views are so worth it. The hike itself is short. There's a bit of an incline and a part in the middle --

If you're feeling up for it take a picture on the edge :)

Where to eat:

Mariposa is a must! Book a reservation at sunset - well in advance! This is the #1 restaurant in Sedona (for good reason) and it books out months in advance! The food & drinks are delicious!! And the views just amazing.

https://www.mariposasedona.com/

Pisa Lisa has wicked good pizza and food if you want to keep it low key. Take it to go or grab a table. https://www.pisalisa.com/west-sedona

No visit to Sedona is complete without stopping at Local juicery. The perfect post hike fuel.

https://www.localjuicery.com/

Other restaurants:

The Hudson - great food, great happy hour, awesome views on the deck

Places Worth noting:

Stupa

Tlaquepaque is worth a visit! So much beauty --

Uptown is fun to check out the shops. But more touristy. Think Sedona t-shirts & trinkets.

Best crystal shop - Crystal Magic - In west sedona near local juicery. 

Pink Jeep Tour

Where to stay:

If your looking for romance:

A Sunset Chateau is an incredible family owned & run bed and breakfast! so much charm & southwestern flare... plus amazing rooms, views, breakfast and staff and in a perfect central location.

https://asunsetchateau.com/

Affordable stays:

Sedona Real - perfect if you’re just looking for a decent hotel to sleep. Nothing fancy but nice, clean and includes breakfast.

Residence inn or courtyard both Marriott’s in west Sedona are great options as well. 

If looking for hotel option with spa The Wilde is new, nice and reasonably priced and in a great location. Personally I have yet to stay here but I hear good things.

Or there's some awesome air bnbs if you prefer that. Look for options in West Sedona as it's less touristy but near most of the best hikes and local stuff to do. 

Spirital Work:

As far an energy stuff /auras /readings/retreats --- you can research any of that online before hand. If you want to do any sort of guided or spiritual work then definitely look up some stuff before you go. Sedona is MAGICAL and the magic is always working and directing you towards your highest good. So go to whatever/whoever you feel calls you because it's likely exactly what you need :) You honestly can't go wrong with whatever you choose. If you have questions about this stuff let me know. For sure take advantage while you are there. It's a very beautiful spiritual place and just being there will do something to you and for you!