Welcome to Sedona
Transportation
Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport
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Sedona does have their very own airport right in town, but they are a regional location and do not offer many flight options. If you are flying in, we recommend flying into Phoenix International. The easiest and most convenient way is to rent a car to drive to Sedona. Rental deals from the airport were reasonable and easy to navigate.
Where to Stay
During my stay in Sedona in May, we stayed overnight in the Desert Quail Inn - located nearby the Bell Rock and other similar hikes.
Desert Quail Inn Sedona Bell Rock
@WeekendPostcardsQuaint Inn just south of Sedona. Was perfect for a quick overnight stay. Perfect if you are spending the majority of your day out hiking/exploring. Everything was clean and the pool was refreshing.
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Hiking
To stay prepared out on the trails, download AllTrails. They include maps, recent trail conditions and other hiking guides to help keep you safe. Reception is often very limited in sections of Sedona and the surrounding region. Over prepare to stay safe on the trails.
Recommended Hiking Items:
Items to bring along: small backpack, lots of various high protein snacks, good hiking shoes/boots, a hat, sun protectant, lots of water (way more than you think you should), small first aid kit, sunglasses, thin layers for early morning/evening hikes, hiking poles. This list is not all inclusive but should keep you safe and prepared for short trails. If you are doing anything much longer, pack extra!
Day 1 | Stop 1: Hike Bell Rock & Courthouse Butte Loop Trail
Bell Rock Trailhead
@WeekendPostcardsRelatively easy hike with not a ton of elevation gain. The trail is co-shared by mountain bikers so keep your eyes out for them.
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Courthouse Butte Loop Trail
@WeekendPostcardsA loop trail connected with Bell Rock that loops around the famed courthouse rock. Relatively easy with some minor rock scrambling.
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Day 1 | Stop 2: Chapel of the Holy Cross
Chapel of the Holy Cross
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Day 1 | Stop 3: Hike to Chicken Point Overlook
From the Chapel of the Holy Cross, you can take a 30 minute hike to Chicken Point Overlook. There is some elevation gain here.
Chicken Point Overlook
@WeekendPostcardsTakes about 1 hour round trip to go to the overlook and back to Chapel of the Holy Cross.
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Day 1 | Stop 3: Sedona Airport Scenic Lookout
Sedona Airport Scenic Lookout
@WeekendPostcardsYou have to pay a few dollars to park here but it is easy and worth it. Check out the lookout spot to see a great view of Sedona. There are a few short trails here as well if you want to walk around the area.
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Alternative Hike Option: 1/2 day or whole day experience
If you are looking for a more advanced trail hike nearby, check out Jacks Canyon. This is a huge destination spot for rock climbers as well. This is a 4.5 hour round trip hike. Plan at least a 1/2 day for this hike. If you plan to climb or explore in the canyon, plan a full day for this hike.
Jacks Canyon Trailhead
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Day 2 | Stop 1: Devils Bridge Trail
*parking for this trail is limited. One lot is only accessible by Off Road Vehicles with high clearance.* Do not attempt the ORV lot in a normal vehicle. It will do major damage to you car. Park at the Mescal Car Park and then follow the beginning of the Mescal trail. It will meet up with the Devil's Bridge Trail. It is clearly marked, follow the signs to avoid getting lost.
Devil's Bridge Trailhead
@WeekendPostcardsDepending on where you get to park, your hike may turn into a bit longer. From the parking lot, we hiked 4 miles round trip. We did this hike in early January on a sunny day but the whole trail was covered in snow and ice. Highly would recommend micro spikes and to wear gloves in the winter season for safety.
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Mescal Car Park
@WeekendPostcardsPARK HERE - This is the closest, legal parking for low clearance vehicles.
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Day 2 | Stop 2: Soldiers Pass Trailhead to Seven Sacred Pools
From the Soldier Pass Trailhead, it is a 0.7 out and back hike to the Seven Sacred Pools with a nice look at Devil's Kitchen along the way. This is considered relatively flat with minor elevation gain. Red rock can be slippery and sand. Always wear appropriate hiking shoes. Parking lot can fill up quickly as this is a very popular trail to hike.
Soldier Pass Trailhead
@WeekendPostcardsIf you're an adventurous hiker you can connect the trail from Devil's Bridge and continue on to Soldiers Pass. If shorter hikes are more your jam, you can drive to the Soldiers Pass Trailhead with nearby parking for a much shorter hike.
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Devils Kitchen
@WeekendPostcardsAbout 0.3 miles from the trailhead on your journey to Seven Sacred Pools. Nice scenic spot.
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Seven Sacred Pools
@WeekendPostcardsAbout 0.7 miles from the Soldiers Pass Parking Trailhead. If no rain has been recent, it is possible the "pools" will be dry and empty.
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Day 3 | Spend the day at Slide Rock State Park
Slide Rock State Park
@WeekendPostcardsPart of the Arizona State Park network. Daily weekday entrance fee is $20.00 per car. Weekend entrance fee (Friday-Sunday & Holiday Mondays) is $30.00 per car until Labor Day Weekend. Out of season fees are less. Open until 6pm. Check out their website for the most up to date closures. Swimming and last admittance is 5pm each day.
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Considered on of the top 10 Swimming Holes in the United States, Slide Rock State Park has tons of natural fun to offer. Spend a summer day here to beat the heat. Dry off by taking a short hike along the river.
Alternative Swimming Spot Nearby
Grasshopper Point Swimming & Picnic Area
@WeekendPostcards$12 entrance fee per car (covers up to 5 people). CLIFF JUMPING IS NOT ADVISED - varying water depths. Use caution if recent nearby heavy rain to avoid flash flooding
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Other Nearby Alternative Options:
Red Rock State Park
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Activities Other than Hiking
Known for great hiking, Sedona does boast other activities.
Hillside Sedona Shopping Center
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Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village
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Coffee, Restaurants & More!
Firecreek Coffee - Village of Oak Creek
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Mole
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