Sedona, with its breathtaking red rock formations and spiritual energy, is the perfect destination for anyone seeking both adventure and tranquility. When my good friend Rachel moved to Sedona after a year on the road in her RV (you can read more about her journey in my blog series Life on Wheels), I knew it was finally time to visit. Joined by my friend Jenna, we road-tripped along Highway 40, escaping the city in search of some peace and relaxation in Arizona’s red rock country.
During the week, we balanced exploring Sedona’s best outdoor activities and spiritual experiences. From hiking Bell Rock to off-roading through the rugged terrain, we also took time to participate in a shamanic breathwork ceremony, making the trip as reflective as it was adventurous.
If you’re looking to reconnect with nature, explore mystical landscapes, or just enjoy a peaceful getaway, this week-long itinerary in Sedona will help you experience the best of what this magical place has to offer.
To Stay
The Enchantment Resort in Sedona is a luxurious, serene getaway nestled among red rock formations, offering world-class spa services, outdoor activities, and stunning views of Boynton Canyon.
L’Auberge De Sedona is a luxurious resort located along the banks of Oak Creek, featuring charming cottages and hillside accommodations, fine dining, a full-service spa, and a tranquil atmosphere that showcases the stunning natural beauty of Sedona’s red rock landscape.
Day 1: Arrival in Sedona
Arrive in Sedona and check into your accommodation.
Shop, Dine, or Wine Taste in Uptown Sedona
Uptown Sedona is filled with shops, tour companies, restaurants, and wine tasting spots. While I recommend spending most of your time immersed in Sedona’s natural beauty, an afternoon here can be a fun introduction. Explore the local shops for Southwest-inspired items, indulge in wine tasting at Oak Creek Marketplace, or enjoy lunch at a restaurant with a view. Jenna and I spent some time shopping at Earthbound Trading, enjoyed prickly pear margaritas at 89 Agave at sunset, and I even picked up a pair of Minnetonka moccasins.
Relax & Unwind
Relax and unwind after your travels.
Day 2: Outdoor Adventures
Hike Bell Rock
Bell Rock is one of the standout landmarks in Red Rock State Park, offering an iconic hiking experience for anyone visiting Sedona. Starting from the village of Oak Creek, this 3.6-mile hike provides stunning vistas of burnt umber mountains and lush green trees below. If you’re heading out in the afternoon like we did, be prepared for the heat—but don’t worry, the temperature cools off as you climb. As you get closer to Bell Rock, the views become more breathtaking.
When we reached the top, we took a moment to meditate, surrounded by the silence and a gentle breeze. It was incredibly peaceful and re-energizing—truly one of the highlights of our trip. If you’re looking for a place to reconnect with nature, this hike offers an unforgettable experience with its serene beauty and sweeping views.
- Wear shoes with good grip, there isn’t a marked trail climbing to the top
- Bring plenty of water, it’s dry heat
Alternatively you book a Vortex Yoga Hiking: Half-Day in Sedona through Get your Guide
Enjoy a packed lunch or head to a nearby café
Hike Airport Loop Trail
Hike the Airport Loop Trail for panoramic views of the red rocks and surrounding area. It’s hard to believe, but there’s a beautiful 3-mile loop trail right next to Sedona’s airport, offering a unique vantage point of the Red Rocks from the north, opposite the views you’ll get from Bell Rock.
We arrived in the evening, just as the sun was setting, and the soft light bathed the mountains in a golden glow. Cactus needles shimmered in the fading sunlight, creating a stunning contrast against the red rocks. If you’re chasing the sunset like we were, be prepared to pause often—this trail is too gorgeous not to take it all in. The large patches of green cactus juxtaposed with the deep red rocks are a perfect display of nature’s harmonious color palette.
Dine at Elote Café
A local favorite, Elote Café combines traditional Mexican and Southwestern dishes with bold flavors. Their elote (Mexican street corn) is legendary, and the house-made margaritas are the perfect pairing for the rich, flavorful dishes.
Day 3: Jerome Day Trip
A day trip to Jerome, Arizona, offers a glimpse into a fascinating ghost town with a rich history. Once the 5th largest city in Arizona, Jerome thrived on copper mining. Today, it’s a quaint town with around 500 residents, attracting visitors to its charming strip of locally owned bars and restaurants.
When you visit, make sure to explore its quirky shops and grab a bite at one of the local spots. We had the pleasure of meeting some locals the night before, including yoga instructor Amber, who invited us to join her and her boyfriend, Dave, for dinner and live music at the Spirit Room. We arrived at sunset and headed to Grapes, a cozy restaurant with a fantastic wine selection. I highly recommend the burger—it was served on sourdough bread, and it didn’t disappoint!
As we enjoyed dinner, a sudden thunderstorm rolled in, turning the sky into a vibrant display of purples and pinks. The lightning lit up the town, creating a dramatic backdrop for our evening. We grabbed some trash bags from the restaurant to cover ourselves and dashed across the road in the pouring rain, adding a memorable adventure to our visit.
Jerome may be a small town, but it’s full of charm, history, and unexpected moments that make it a graet day trip on your Sedona trip.
Day 4: Relaxation and Spiritual Experience
Breakfast at Indian Gardens
Indian Gardens is a charming café nestled near Oak Creek Canyon, just north of Uptown Sedona. It has a relaxed Southwest vibe and a spacious back patio surrounded by beautiful trees and towering mountains. The breakfast burritos are a must-try, the iced chai lattes are fantastic, and their house-made hot sauce is so good that I couldn’t resist bringing three bottles home to L.A.!
Experience an Anahata Shamangelical Ceremony
Participate in the ceremony to connect with your spiritual side and the beautiful surroundings.
Rachel invited Jenna and me to a Anahata breathwork workshop before our arrival in Sedona, and we both signed up, curious yet unsure of what to expect. I envisioned a serene, spiritual experience—a relaxing meditation focused on the breath. What we experienced, however, was much more profound. The workshop turned out to be an intense and healing practice, utilizing breathwork to oxygenate the body and guide us into deeper thought processes.
I won’t spoil it for you because each person’s experience is unique and incredibly powerful. If you’re in Sedona, I highly recommend signing up for one of Anahata’s workshops. She is a wonderful shaman, relatable and down-to-earth, making it easy for even a skeptical L.A. girl like me to connect with the experience. It’s an opportunity for personal growth and self-discovery that you won’t want to miss.
Explore nearby art galleries
Stop by Bohemian Dreamer and grab a drink at The Chai Spot.
Dine in and rest
Consider an early dinner and rest for the next day’s adventures.
Day 5: Off-Roading Tour
Go on a Colorado Plateau Hummer Tour
For an unforgettable adventure, book a guided off-roading tour to explore the rugged terrain and discover the unique geology and ecology of the Colorado Plateau. We took the Hummer tour with Sedona Jeep Tours, which felt like an exhilarating Indiana Jones ride! While I was hoping for a smoother journey with less bumpiness and more fast-paced thrills, it was still a blast to soak in the stunning views and learn about Sedona’s rich history while riding in a kickass vehicle. It’s a fantastic way to experience the wild beauty of the area!
A couple of other options with Get your Guide are:
- Private Red Rock West Jeep Tour: Tour the red sandstone rocks of the Sonoran Desert on a scenic 2-hour Jeep tour from Sedona. Get close-up views of the flora and geology, as well as panoramic views of the cinematic scenery.
- PRIVATE 2-Hour Jeep Tour Lil’ Rattler Trail: Moderate jeep ride in the heart of the historic Dry Creek Basin surrounded by the majestic seven canyons area.
- PRIVATE 1.5 Hour Soldiers Pass Jeep Tour (Exclusive): Tour of the sacred Sedona region and drive through Arizona’s stunning red rocks.
Hike Bootlegger Canyon Trail
This 3-mile trail trail takes you through the heart of Bootlegger Canyon, showcasing stunning views of the surrounding red rocks and diverse plant life. The path offers a mix of shaded areas and open vistas, making it a great hike for photography.
Dine at Mariposa Latin Inspired Grill
Set on a hill with sweeping views of the red rocks, Mariposa offers upscale Latin-inspired cuisine with a focus on fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The outdoor patio is perfect for sunset dining, and their empanadas and grilled meats are a must-try.
Day 6: Explore Mystical Native American Lands
Hike Boynton Canyon
Boynton Canyon is known for its energy vortexes, attracting visitors seeking spiritual and healing experiences. Many hikers find the area to be a place of serenity and reflection. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can rock scramble off-trail high into the mountains. We wandered on cliffs edges and up steep slippery paths. I only recommend doing this if you have good balance and are an experienced hiker or climber.
Pack a picnic for lunch
Relax at Oak Creek Canyon
Oak Creek Canyon is a beautiful place to relax and unwind on a hot day. The water and cold and refreshing.
Dine at Cress on Oak Creek
Along the banks of Oak Creek, Cress offers a refined farm-to-table dining experience. The creekside ambiance is unbeatable, and the seasonal menu features locally sourced ingredients.
Day 7: Leisure and Exploration
Go Off-roading
On our last full day in Sedona, we decided to rent a buggy from Sedona ATV, and it turned out to be one of the best decisions of our trip. Riding together made navigating the rugged terrain much easier than managing our own ATVs. The friendly staff provided us with a detailed turn-by-turn map, complete with images of trail markers, guiding us on our adventure.
Our first stop was Palatki, a fascinating site featuring ancient Indian ruins and pictographs etched into the stunning red rock walls. The trails in this area are truly spectacular and surprisingly uncrowded, allowing us to enjoy the scenery without feeling rushed. We zoomed through open trails, but took it slower through some of the more technical sections. If you’re new to off-roading, it can be a bit intimidating—trust me, even I found it challenging at times despite my experience! But facing those challenges only added to the excitement of the adventure.
Next, we headed to Boynton Pass, where we raced through vibrant canyons, past striking red rock pinnacles, and up into the heights of the mountains.
Depart from Sedona
What a journey! Do you have some cool great recommendations for Sedona? If so, leave them in the comments below!