Things to do in Sedona, Arizona: 2-Day Sedona Itinerary
When it comes to breathtaking views, tranquil hikes with stunning payoffs, and spiritual wellness, there’s no better place I can think of than Sedona, Arizona. With awe-inspiring rock formations of vibrant red and orange colors to beautiful, lush greenery, you’ll feel like you’re stepping into nature’s dream.
I recently took a two-day trip to Sedona and had an incredible time exploring the unique landscapes and participating in the wellness activities that make this place so special.
Whether you’re looking to take an adventurous hike or simply relax in the sun, there’s something for everyone here.
If you want to make the most of your time here, I’ve compiled a list of the best things to do while in Sedona and how to make the most of your two days in this city!
Summary
What’s so Special About Sedona?
There are many charms about Sedona that make this picturesque city so special. It’s known for its vibrant red rocks, but many don’t realize that these massive formations offer something even deeper than stunning views.
The energy of the red rocks is said to be incredibly calming and restorative. During your visit, you may find yourself drawn to the peace and serenity that’s palpable in the air.
Sedona is famously known for its spiritual vortexes scattered throughout the area. A vortex is believed to be a special spot on the earth where energy is either entering or projecting out of the earth’s plane. It acts as a hub for energy and can be felt by the human body.
During one of my group sunrise yoga sessions, the instructor shared her knowledge about the energy vortexes of Sedona. She said that with each vortex, you might feel or experience something different. While one may make you feel energized and talkative, another may make you feel content and reflective.
There are four main energy vortexes located in Sedona, the most powerful one located at Cathedral Rock.
Trip Planning:
How many days do you need in Sedona?
The answer greatly depends on how much you like hiking. But no matter how you like to spend your time, Sedona promises something for everyone.
During my southwest U.S. Road trip, I allotted two days to explore Sedona. While I did feel that was adequate, I only scratched the surface when it came to hiking the trails.
Sedona is one of the best places to visit in the USA for hiking lovers. You could spend an entire week here, hiking one or two trails a day, and still not even put a dent in the list of hikes available.
I love hiking, so I would have loved an extra day in Sedona. But two days is sufficient if you only have a weekend to dedicate to this area, just like I did. And if you’re not a hiker, then you can easily see the best of Sedona in a day or two with its restaurants, shopping, scenic drives, and hotel activities.
see also:
Best Time to Visit:
If you’re looking for a real escape from reality, winter may be your best option.
I visited Sedona in January; the days were perfect hiking weather (the mid-60s), while the nights did drop dramatically in temperature. I bundled up in layers so I could watch the sunsets, and stargazing from the hot tub of my hotel was magical!
Winter certainly brings an entirely different feel to Sedona. Of course, if you don’t mind bundling up and braving the cold weather, there are plenty of trails open year-round—so you can still get your fill of outdoor adventure even when it’s chilly.
Pro Tip: Visit in winter if you want to escape the crowds.
If you’re looking for the best weather, springtime in Sedona is going to be your best bet. The temperatures are warm enough to spend hours outdoors without getting too hot, and with the surrounding desert in full bloom, hikes are extra beautiful. The spring season is Sedona’s peak season, so make sure to book your activities and lodging well in advance!
Summer is a great time to visit Sedona because the weather is warm but not nearly as hot as the infamous triple-digit days typical for Phoenix. Many Arizona residents will escape to Sedona to escape the summer heat, making summer another busy season for visiting.
For those who love spending time outdoors but want something a bit more comfortable while camping or hiking, fall is the ideal season. As temperatures start to cool down, days become milder and more enjoyable for activities like hiking and exploring town. Plus, the changing leaves make everything look even more stunning!
Places to Stay in Sedona:
No matter what kind of vacation experience you’re looking for in Sedona, Arizona, there’s sure to be an option that fits your needs perfectly! From luxury resorts with breathtaking views to rustic cabins tucked away in nature, there’s something for everyone.
The hotel I stayed at was Sky Rocket Sedona. This hotel is a beautiful boutique hotel tucked away in the red-rock Sedona landscape, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the city.
The hotel also offers an event calendar, with each day offering a new activity like painting, stargazing, and vortex hunting. There’s also guided meditation, and sunrise yoga offered every morning in the tranquility room.
My Favorite Spot:
Sky Rocket Sedona. I felt I received the most bang for my buck here, with incredible views from my hotel room balcony, lounge areas with fire pits, a heated pool and hot tub, and daily morning yoga and meditation sessions.
Check Hotel Prices Here.
Budget Option:
Los Abrigados Resort. An older yet classic hotel in Sedona with a modern touch. The location is excellent for shopping in uptown Sedona, with many amenities offered in the hotel itself, including a fitness center, pool and spa, and even new pickleball courts.
Check Hotel Prices Here.
Mid-Range Option:
Adobe Grand Villas. This 4-star property is packed with in-house facilities to improve the quality and joy of your stay. Some of these include a hot tub, massages and spa packages, and even a game room.
Check Hotel Prices Here.
Luxury Option:
Enchantment Resort & Mii amo Spa. This five-star hotel is a luxurious resort surrounded by amazing views over the red rock walls of Northern Arizona and Boynton Canyon.
Check Hotel Prices Here.
What to Pack for a Short Trip to Sedona:
When planning a hiking trip to Sedona, you’ll want to bring comfortable clothes that can be layered. In addition, here is a list of items I deemed essential while hiking through this area:
Where to Eat:
There are plenty of places to eat here, whether you’re looking for something casual or upscale with a nice view. My favorite places I highly recommend trying are Creekside American Bistro and, if you like Indian food, Mradaa Cuisine of India.
Creekside American Bistro had delicious food with an amazing panoramic view of the Sedona landscape. There are many options to choose from, including vegan dishes! I especially loved this place because it was dog friendly and even had a dog menu, including a venison stew, steak tartar, and chicken jerky cookies!
Things to do in Sedona:
Hike to the Seven Sacred Pools
The Seven Sacred Pools are in the Red Rock-Secret Mountain Wilderness and may be reached by the Soldier Pass Trailhead.
The hike itself takes about two hours, but it’s worth every second! As you climb up the mountain, you will be surrounded by lush greenery and dramatic red rocks that give this area its distinct beauty.
Hike to Devil’s Bridge
Hiking to Devil’s Bridge is a must-do while in Sedona. Getting to the bridge is easily doable for hikers, as it can be accessed via a moderate trail that takes you through stunning red rock formations and offers plenty of photographic opportunities along the way.
There are several different trails to get to the bridge, so plan accordingly. I hiked it via the Chuck Wagon Trail, which is a 5.7-mile out-and-back route.
The first part of the trail is fairly easy and only has a few steeper sections and one small creek to cross. As you make your way up about two miles in, the trail starts to get more challenging as it begins to climb up steep rocks toward the bridge.
Once you get to the bridge, you’ll be rewarded with stunning views and even be able to stand on top of this majestic natural wonder made of sandstone. The bridge is especially beautiful during sunrise or sunset when its vivid colors come alive against a backdrop of bright blue sky or starry night skies.
Visit a Day Spa
Looking for some rejuvenation? Sedona offers plenty of Day Spas and Wellness Centers to choose from.
see also:
Go See a Psychic
Sedona is known for its spiritual power and mysterious forces. Many people come here in search of answers, looking for insight into their lives and future directions.
The combination of natural beauty and spiritual energy makes it an ideal destination for those seeking enlightenment or simply looking for some guidance. The area is home to many psychics offering Tarot readings, crystal healing sessions, astrology readings, and more.
Even for skeptics, visiting a psychic in Sedona can be an incredible experience!
Visit One of the Four Vortex Sites in Sedona
Whether or not there is truth behind their mystical reputation, exploring Sedona’s vortex sites can still be a powerful experience, no matter what your beliefs may be. Indigenous tribes have for centuries regarded these areas as sacred and held them of great spiritual significance.
When planning your visit, it may be worth adding one of the four (or all!) of the energy vortexes to get a feel for what it’s all about! The four main vortexes are:
- Bell Rock Vortex Site
- Cathedral Rock Vortex Site
- Airport Mesa Vortex Site
- Boynton Canyon Vortex Site (the Yavapai-Apache Nation believes this is the site where the Great Spirit Mother gave birth to the human race!)
Go Stargazing
Sedona offers some of the best stargazing experiences in the world! On a clear night in Sedona, you can see up to 15 million stars! If you plan on being outside at night (which I highly recommend you do!) be sure to bring layers are temperatures drop quickly.
Watch the Sunset
Sedona is known for having colorful sunsets that give way to beautiful starlit skies at night. So not only will you get to see stunning celestial bodies but also gorgeous sunsets that are sure to take your breath away.
Participate in a Spiritual Retreat
Sedona is home to many different spiritual practices, including Native American spirituality, shamanism, and energy healing. During a spiritual retreat, you can explore these different practices to find which ones are best suited to your personal needs. You may even find a new favorite practice that will become invaluable on your journey of self-discovery and growth.
Sunrise Yoga
One of the highlights of my trip was partaking in guided meditation and yoga sessions offered at my hotel. It was held right as the sun was rising, offering beautiful landscape views, the warm sun, and a crisp cool breeze. The morning is considered a “divine time” when a person’s spiritual energy is at its peak. Clarity, creativity, and peace of mind and body are just a few of the benefits of sunrise yoga.
Visit the Wineries on the Verde Valley Wine Trail
The Verde Valley Wine Trail is home to five fantastic wineries, each with its own distinct character. You’ll find family-run operations as well as larger, more established operations. Here’s a highly-rated two-hour jeep and wine-tasting tour, here!
ATVing and Jeep Tours
Drive the Red Rock Scenic Byway
If you’re driving in from Phoenix, the Red Rock Scenic Byway is a great scenic route as you’re driving into Sedona. It’s a great place to pull over and check out some epic views.
The Red Rock Scenic Byway starts at the intersection of Route 179 and I-17 and ends as you enter Sedona, where it dead ends on Highway 89A. The Scenic part is from the Village of Oak Creek to the end in Sedona.
Recommended 2-Day Sedona Itinerary:
Here’s a breakdown of how I spent my two days in Sedona. While I wish I had time to do more hiking, I feel I was able to see the best of what Sedona has to offer while leaving it wanting more! This is what I recommend:
Day 1: Check into your hotel room, hike to one of the four energy vortexes and have dinner at Creekside American Bistro. In the evening, do some stargazing in your hotel’s hot tub or jacuzzi before turning in for the night.
Day 2: Sunrise yoga and meditation, breakfast at the hotel, and day hike to Devil’s Bridge. In the afternoon, do some shopping in the city’s downtown area before grabbing a bite to eat. While in town, visit a psychic or spiritual healer to see what it’s all about! Visit a winery or two on the Verde Valley Wine Trail (you’ll have to call the wineries you want to visit to confirm availability).
Pro Tip: Hiking in Sedona eats up big chunks of your day, so you’ll need to be well-organized to create an efficient itinerary filled with hikes and other attractions.
Sedona, Arizona, is a fantastic destination that has something to offer to every visitor. An oasis of red rock formations and easy trails, there is much to take in and remember. From wineries and stargazing to shopping and spiritual tours, the possibilities are almost endless!
Reina Conboy
I am a full-time traveling registered nurse, fitness enthusiast, and plant-based nutrition expert. Every morning I wake up intending to bring awareness of the importance of health and spiritual wellness, especially to the traveling community. This blog is designed to bring you travel and health advice while sprinkling in some fun life stories.
