Things to Do in Sedona, Arizona

Cathedral Rock

Cathedral Rock rises above Oak Creek and Red Rock Crossing on federal land managed by the Coconino National Forest. It’s one of Sedona’s most photographed scenes, often framed by tall sycamores and reflective creek pools.

The usual route is short but strenuous: the trail becomes a steep slickrock scramble with rock steps and exposed sections requiring careful footing.

Hikers climb to a series of saddle points that reward visitors with panoramic views across the Verde Valley, Oak Creek, and nearby red‑rock landmarks. Nearby Crescent Moon Picnic Area and Red Rock Crossing provide gentler viewpoints.

Parking is limited at the trailhead and a Red Rock Pass is commonly required, so bring water, sturdy shoes, and check Forest Service notices before visiting.

Official Cathedral Rock website →

Bell Rock

Bell Rock is a compact, bell‑shaped butte south of Highway 179 that functions as an accessible landmark and day‑hike destination. Visitors commonly use the well‑graded Bell Rock Pathway, which skirts the formation and links to the Courthouse Butte Loop.

The route offers gentle climbs, a few short steep sections, and observation areas with good views of the lower slopes and the valley beyond.

Adventurous hikers sometimes scramble up short slickrock ledges toward a saddle for closer perspectives, while others enjoy the longer loop that circles both Bell Rock and Courthouse Butte. Expect sunny, exposed walking with limited shade and a Red Rock Pass for parking at many access points.

Consult the Coconino National Forest for current trail conditions.

Official Bell Rock website →

Chapel of the Holy Cross

Built into a red‑rock spur above Sedona, the Chapel of the Holy Cross is notable for its bold midcentury modern architecture and dramatic siting.

Visitors approach via a short road and paved path that opens onto a compact plaza beneath sheer cliffs; the chapel’s vertical form and integrated cross frame sweeping views of Oak Creek and distant mesas.

The interior is intentionally restrained so the landscape becomes part of the sanctuary. The chapel sits on Coconino National Forest land and remains an active place of worship and contemplation.

Plan a short, respectful visit for photography and quiet pause, and check the chapel’s visitor guidance for access and any seasonal notices.

Official Chapel of the Holy Cross website →

Slide Rock State Park (Oak Creek Canyon)

Slide Rock State Park preserves a narrow Oak Creek flume carved through red sandstone where visitors can ride natural slickrock, wade, or picnic beside shaded cottonwood and sycamore trees. The park occupies the historic Pendley Homestead, once an apple orchard, and interpretive signage explains the site’s farming history alongside recreational features.

Trails run along roughly a half‑mile of creek, connecting wading pools, fishing holes, and viewpoints above the slide. Algae make the flume slick, producing the sliding effect but requiring caution and good footwear.

Creek conditions vary with runoff and season; bring water shoes, sun protection, and check Arizona State Parks guidance for access, parking, and safety notices.

Official Slide Rock State Park (Oak Creek Canyon) website →

Red Rock State Park

Red Rock State Park is a conservation‑focused preserve set against Sedona’s red sandstone that centers on a wooded riparian corridor crossed by Oak Creek. A small visitor center provides interpretive exhibits about local geology, plants, and wildlife and orients families and first‑time visitors with maps and suggested routes.

From the center, a network of well‑maintained trails leads through mixed habitats—riparian willows and cottonwoods, slickrock outcrops, and valley benches—bringing visitors close to birdlife and creekside riffles. The park emphasizes education and habitat protection with ranger programs, guided walks, and interpretive signage, making it ideal for short, accessible hikes, birding, and natural‑history learning.

Oak Creek Canyon Scenic Drive (Sedona–Oak Creek Canyon Scenic Road)

The Oak Creek Canyon Scenic Drive follows State Route 89A north from Sedona through a narrow, forested gorge. The route alternates tight switchbacks on the rim and lower stretches that run beside a live creek and dense riparian vegetation, making the drive a sequence of short stops and natural contrasts rather than a single destination.

Popular pullouts and trailheads along the way provide access to creekside hikes, swimming holes, and viewpoints. Vegetation changes rapidly with elevation—from cottonwoods and willows along the creek to oak and ponderosa pine higher up—creating strong seasonal visual variety, especially in fall and spring.

The highway is paved but narrow and winding, so allow extra time and use caution while driving.

Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village

Tlaquepaque is a Spanish‑style arts and shopping village beside Oak Creek, arranged around shaded cobblestone lanes, courtyards, fountains, and sculpted ironwork. The architecture echoes traditional Mexican colonial towns and frames galleries, artisan shops, and restaurant patios for relaxed browsing and photography.

Many businesses focus on handcrafted work, fine art, jewelry, and regional crafts rather than mass‑market souvenirs, and the village includes public art installations and a wind‑sculpture garden. Tlaquepaque favors slow exploration; bring comfortable shoes for uneven paving, expect limited peak parking, and confirm gallery and restaurant hours before visiting.

Official Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village website →

Boynton Canyon (trail and vortex site)

Boynton Canyon opens into a classic Sedona box canyon of red sandstone and cliffs. The main Boynton Canyon Trail climbs gently, then narrows into a canyon lined with juniper and pinyon; hikers encounter exposed slickrock, packed dirt tread, and shaded stretches that vary with elevation and season.

The trail is commonly used for single‑day hikes and scenic photography.

A short side path leads to Boynton Vista, the most visited viewpoint tied to the canyon’s reputed vortex energy; visitors often pause there for quiet reflection. Further in, features such as small caves and alcoves reward careful exploration.

A Red Rock Pass may be required at trailheads and parking fills on busy days, so check Forest Service notices before visiting.

Airport Mesa Scenic Overlook / Airport Loop (Airport Vortex)

Airport Mesa crowns a flat mesa above West Sedona with paved viewpoints adjacent to the Sedona Airport that frame wide, 360‑degree views of red‑rock landmarks. From a small parking area visitors can step onto short paths and overlooks ideal for sunset photography; light aircraft passing nearby occasionally add a lively, open character to the site.

A signed Airport Loop of roughly three miles circles the mesa for walkers and runners, while shorter connectors link the overlook to lower trailheads. Airport Mesa is noted locally as a vortex site and welcomes quiet reflection as well as active recreation.

Expect exposed sun, wind, and occasional aircraft noise; carry water, stay on marked trails, and follow posted guidance.