Reconnecting in Red Rock Country, Arizona

When planning trips, I always strive to find the best accommodations and restaurants with the best views. The good news about Sedona? Good views are everywhere. Sedona is an outdoor lover’s playground. Whether you love to hike, fish, golf, or just relax while admiring gorgeous red rock formations, it’s the perfect place to reconnect with nature, loved ones, and yourself.

My husband and I were looking for an April escape with friends, and Sedona had been on our list for a while. With average daytime temperatures in the mid-70s and abundant sunshine, it was the perfect respite from Vermont mud season. And even better that you don’t need a passport to experience this kind of otherwordly beauty! Read on to learn how to plan the best Sedona itinerary.

A Few Things to Note

We spent three nights in Sedona and it didn’t feel like enough! There are so many amazing hikes, restaurants, and sights to see that I could have easily spent seven days here. If you can’t afford to take a full week off, I’d recommend giving yourself at least 4-5 days so you can fit in two good hikes, a round of golf, and some relaxation time.
You’ll need a rental car to take advantage of all the area has to offer. More on this in the How to Get to Sedona section!
Many people choose to couple Sedona with a visit to the Grand Canyon since the South Rim entrance is just a little over two hours away. I wish we had more time and had done this, but we only had so much PTO to spare!

Best Time to Visit Sedona

Sedona is best visited in the spring (March-May) or the fall (September-November) when it’s warm (but not too hot) and there’s minimal rain. We went in April and found that to be the perfect time weather-wise, but did experience some crowds since spring tends to be the most popular time to visit. As long as you book accommodations and restaurant reservations well in advance and plan to start your hikes early, you won’t have any problems. The one thing we did notice was that roundabouts get pretty backed up as you near the main drag. If you’re staying a little outside of Uptown (like we were) and heading in that direction, give yourself more time than you think and be prepared for some traffic. If you’re renting an Airbnb or a VRBO, stock up on groceries at the start of your trip to avoid making multiple grocery runs as the stores are located off a roundabout near the main strip.

As I mentioned above, April daytime temperatures in Sedona are in the mid-70s and there’s plenty of sunshine. Be sure to pack layers for nighttime as it can drop to the low-50s. And don’t forget to pack or buy sunscreen! Even though the spring isn’t oppressively hot, the sun is strong. We ran out of sunscreen on one of our hikes and we all got pretty fried! The added bonus of visiting Sedona in the spring? So many beautiful desert flowers are in full bloom!

Best Time to Visit Sedona | Travel Bug — Hedgehog cactus in full bloom

How to Get to Sedona

The closest commercial airport to Sedona is the Flagstaff Pulliam Airport (FLG), which is about a 45-minute drive from Uptown Sedona (the main drag). American Airlines is the only commercial carrier that flies into FLG, and you can only fly nonstop from Phoenix, Dallas, or Los Angeles (meaning you’ll need to connect if you’re coming from somewhere else). If you’d prefer to fly a different airline and you don’t want a connection, there are plenty of nonstop flights into Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX), which is about a 2-hour drive to Sedona. We flew into Phoenix on the way to Sedona and out of Flagstaff on the way home. Both drives are beautiful; from Phoenix, you’ll drive through an incredible saguaro cactus dessert, and from Flagstaff, you’ll drive through a gorgeous canyon with hairpin turns.

You absolutely need a rental car for exploring all that Sedona has to offer. You can rent a car at both airports, but note that Flagstaff is much smaller and rental cars here book up further in advance. Play it safe and reserve your rental car as soon as you book your flights!

Where to Stay in Sedona

Airbnb/VRBO - If you’re traveling with a group, rent a private vacation home! There are so many incredible properties in Sedona, and the place I booked is one of my favorite Airbnbs I’ve stayed in to date. Casa La Courta is located along Oak Creek (our husbands could see fish so pack your rods!) and is walking distance to Cathedral Rock. During the busy season, the road to Cathedral Rock trailhead is closed to resident traffic and can only be reached by the public via shuttle. That means you have direct access to one of the best hikes in Sedona! And, the property itself is stunning. You have magnificent red rock views from the kitchen, fire pit, patio, and hot tub. One morning while cooking breakfast, I spotted a bobcat slinking across the patio! The interior is well-decorated, comfortable, and perfect for two couples. The house is in a great location; it’s away from all of the touristy action on the main drag, but is a 10-15 minute-drive to most attractions and restaurants. We were even able to order an Uber one night to take us to and from dinner.

Enchantment Resort ($$$$) - If (when) my husband and I return to Sedona just the two of us, I’m dying to stay at the Enchantment Resort. The grounds are stunning and you’re surrounded by red rock views of Boynton Canyon. You can choose from 218 Southwestern-style guest rooms and suites. All feature a private deck or patio overlooking the canyon, and some even have private pools.
- Book with me to enjoy exclusive perks like daily breakfast credit for two, $100 food & beverage credit, upgrade on arrival (subject to availability), and more!
L’Auberge de Sedona ($$$) - This beautiful hotel is ranked as one of the top resorts in the Southwest by Condé Nast Traveler. Situated on the banks of Oak Creek in the heart of town, L’Auberge de Sedona features a spa and a fine dining restaurant.
- Book with me to enjoy exclusive perks like daily breakfast credit for two, $100 resort credit, upgrade on arrival (subject to availability), and more!
Amara Resort & Spa ($$$) - Self-described as a sanctuary just steps from buzzing Uptown Sedona, Amara Resort & Spa features a pool, spa, and a great restaurant with an outdoor patio and amazing red rock views. We had lunch here one day and the grounds are beautiful.

Where to Eat & Drink in Sedona

Mariposa ($$$$) - This Latin-inspired restaurant is delicious, gorgeous, and one of the best places to catch sunset in Sedona. It’s also really popular, so we were only able to snag a table after the sun went down. Still, we had an amazing meal and especially loved the yuca fries, empanadas, steaks, and cocktails. Reservations required.
Elote Cafe ($$-$$$) - If you’re craving Mexican food, this is another super popular spot (reservations fill up 60 days in advance!). Since we ended up cooking a decent amount at our Airbnb/didn’t have a ton of time in Sedona, we never made it here but we heard great things from locals. Reservations required.
SaltRock Southwest Kitchen ($$$) - Be sure to check out this restaurant for lunch or drinks and apps while it’s still light out to enjoy the beautiful red rock views. SaltRock is located at the Amara Resort & Spa in the heart of Uptown, and has a beautiful patio and amazing spicy margaritas. We were able to get a table for lunch without an advance reservation.

Best Restaurants Sedona | Travel Bug — SaltRock Kitchen, Amara Resort & Spa, Sedona

Indian Gardens Cafe & Market ($$) - Looking for a breakfast spot? Look no further than Indian Gardens, located near Oak Creek Canyon. They have a beautiful back patio and it was the perfect spot for an Easter brunch on our way out of town. The breakfast burrito and avocado toast are delicious, and they also have amazing pastries. It’s a popular spot, so don’t be surprised if there’s a line, and note that breakfast is served until 11:30 AM.

Things to Do in Sedona

Hike - Sedona has over 200 trails to choose from and something for every experience level. It’s really important to note that some of the most famous trails get really crowded during high season (especially the spring). I’m talking parking lots full by (or before) 8 AM, and having to wait almost an hour to get your picture taken at iconic locations! This definitely influenced which hikes we decided to do, and we ended up leaving a couple of the most famous ones off our list (Boynton Canyon/Subway Cave and Devil’s Bridge). If hiking these trails is really important to you, make sure you get an early start (by or before 7 AM) to ensure a parking spot and fewer crowds. While I’m definitely bummed I didn’t get to see some of the most famous sights, I still loved the hikes we did (and it just means I’ll have to go back to Sedona!)

Cathedral Rock Trail - Okay, so this is one of the most famous hikes in Sedona, but as I mentioned above, our Airbnb had direct access to it. During the busy season, the road to the trailhead is closed to resident traffic only and can only be accessed by the public via shuttle. We also did the hike later in the day after golf, and saw very few people on the trail. Though short (1.2 miles roundtrip), the trail is very steep at parts, the rock can be slick, and scrambling is required. But it’s all worth it for the view at the top! Cathedral Rock is also said to be Sedona’s most powerful vortex. A vortex is a swirling center of energy and can enhance meditation, healing, and self-discovery. I will admit that I felt an incredible sense of peace and happiness being at the top of this trail with dear friends, taking in all of the beauty.

Best Hikes Sedona | Travel Bug — Cathedral Rock, Sedona

The Crack at Wet Beaver Creak (Bell Trail) - If you’re looking to cool off while hiking on a hot day, then add this trail to your list (and brownie points for having one of the funniest names). This swimming hole is accessed via the Bell Trail, which is a 7-mile roundtrip hike. Although there isn’t a ton of elevation gain (less than 600 ft), a lot of the hike will be spent in the sun, which can be brutal on a hot day. We welcomed the challenge to sweat out a margarita or two. Just make sure you pack plenty of water, sunscreen, and a bathing suit if you don’t want to get your hiking clothes wet!
Boynton Canyon Trail - This is a super popular hike in Sedona because it takes you to the iconic Subway Cave. I had high hopes of adding it to our itinerary, but we didn’t have a ton of time and some locals informed us that wait times to get your picture taken inside the famous cave were over 45 minutes! If you’re visiting in the spring and this is a must do, then start your hike early!
Devil’s Bridge via Mescal Trail - If you’ve been doing Sedona research, you’ve probably seen the iconic picture of excited hikers nervously posing on the Devil’s Bridge. Unfortunately, this was another one where we heard wait times to snap the same pic were ridiculously long and we weren’t interested in battling the crowds. Another one to add to the list when we go back!

Golf at Sedona Golf Resort - Alright, I’ll admit I’m not a golfer. I’ve never taken lessons and honestly don’t have an interest in them, and I whiff the ball more often than I hit a decent drive. However, one of my favorite things to do on vacation—especially when we’re traveling with another couple—is to ride around in the golf cart, take a few swings here and there, and enjoy beautiful courses (and I pay of course!) And Sedona Golf Resort is easily one of the most beautiful golf courses I’ve “played.” It’s a semi-private course located just past the Village of Oak Creek (about 15 minutes from Uptown Sedona), and has immaculate greens/landscaping and red rock views at every turn. They also have delicious cocktails (special shoutout to the Bloody Mary’s, transfusions, and margaritas) and a beautiful clubhouse.

Watch a red rock sunset - We were pretty spoiled because we were able to enjoy the most gorgeous sunset right from our Airbnb. But if you don’t have the same luxury or want to go to a different spot to see the red rocks glow, then check out the below recommendations. Important note: it gets dark fast after sunset, so if you’re hiking, come prepared with a headlamp and warm gear!

Mariposa Latin-Inspired Grill
Airport Vortex (shorter and longer trail options)
Cathedral Rock

Helpful Sedona Tips

I’ve mentioned most of these already, but compiling them into one section for easier access!

If you’re flying in and out of Flagstaff, book your rental car well in advance. It’s a tiny airport with smaller inventory.
Start your hikes early (7 AM or earlier during busy season) to guarantee a parking spot and to experience fewer crowds on the trails. Otherwise, you could end up waiting 45 minutes to an hour to take your picture at iconic sights!
Make dinner reservations well in advance. The most popular restaurants will start accepting reservations 60 days in advance or more, so act fast to guarantee a table.
Bring sunscreen and plenty of water on your hikes. Even in the spring/fall when temperatures are in the 60s and 70s, the sun is deceivingly strong.
Pack layers! While the days are warm with abundant sunshine, the nights can get chilly. You especially might need a light jacket and pants if you’re getting an early start on a hike.

Sedona is an incredibly sacred and powerful place. People travel from all over the world to Sedona to reconnect with nature and themselves. I loved our time here and cannot wait to go back someday. Here are some other favorite pictures from our trip:

Best Hike Sedona | Travel Bug — Cathedral Rock Trail, Sedona, Arizona

Sedona Travel Guide

Reconnecting in Red Rock Country, Arizona

Costa Rica Travel Guide

Woodstock Travel Guide