How To Spend One Amazing Day in Sedona, Arizona – Full Guide And Itinerary
This post will give you a full one-day itinerary plus other bonus ideas for how to spend one epic day in Sedona, Arizona, for hikers and non-hikers!
Sedona is one of those enchanting destinations that, if it’s not already, definitely needs to be added to your US bucket list! With its breathtaking red rock scenery, rich culture, alluring spirituality, and an endless supply of outdoor activities, it’s a no-brainer for the perfect mini-getaway or road trip destination!
However, if you find yourself with only one day in Sedona, you can still make the trip an epic one!
Of course, ‘one day’ can mean different things, from ‘just passing through’ to spending the night and having sunrise to sunset to spend in Sedona. This post will cover what you can do for either of those options!
In this post, I provide you with a full one-day itinerary, so if you don’t have time to plan, feel free to follow that guide as is! I also provide a broader list of some other options that you can spend your time doing, including some non-hiking options if that’s not your cup of tea!
Sedona Suggested Itinerary
Sunrise at Bell Rock via Cathedral Rock TH
If you’re able to spend sunrise in Sedona then you’ll be in for a real treat! The rising sun will make the red rocks glow a bright hue as you watch the whole town wake up.
My recommendation is to watch the Sunrise from Bell Rock, starting at Courthouse Butte. It’s the easiest path to navigate in the dark, especially if you’ve never been there before, and offers wonderful views of the surrounding famous buttes and vistas. You can walk up to the base ( 5-10 minute walk) or scramble your way to the top of Bell Rock for a stunning view (about 20 minutes from TH). Alternatively, you can also sit at the picnic table in the Courthouse Butte parking lot if hiking isn’t your thing!
Hike Templeton Trail
I thought long and hard about what the perfect hike in Sedona would be if you could only squeeze in one, and I landed on Templeton trail! This hike has a little bit of everything… you’ll get views of all the main red rocks in Sedona plus a visit to one of the biggest vortex sites without having to worry about crowded trails or filled-up parking lots!
The full length of the trail is 7.5 miles (out & back), is considered a moderately route, and generally takes an average of 3 hours. However, there are multiple ways to do this trail and tailor it to your preferences. The official start is at the Bell Rock Pathway towards the northern side of Bell Rock. It then passes through a tunnel under Route 179 to meet up with the H.T. trail before heading northwest toward Cathedral Rock. The trail officially ends at the Baldwin trail intersection. From here you can either continue on this trail or turn back around.
For a better chance at a parking spot and to make your hike a little shorter, do this instead: Park at the Yavapai Vista trailhead. Start your hike on the Yavapai trail, and connect with the Slim Shady trail heading northwest (take a right when you get to the fork), which then connects you to the Templeton trail. From here hike the remaining 1.5-ish miles to Cathedral Rock.
You can stop at Cathredal Rock for a snack and continue on the Templeton trail, or you can scramble up the first portion of Cathredal Rock to get a good view of Sedona and then head back around the way you came. This is a great way to see Cathedral Rock without having to deal with the crowds, parking, and shuttles.
Alt. Hike Option: Brins Mesa
If you’re looking for something a little longer or were hoping to see some of the classic Sedona sites like Seven Sacred Pools or Soldiers Cave, then I would instead recommend hiking the Brins Mesa trail! This was another favorite of mine, probably in my top 3 hikes in Sedona. It’s got beautiful views the entire length of the trip. You’ll see the Seven Sacred Pools & can go on a detour to see Soldiers Cave before heading back on the Brins Mesa Loop.
The article linked above was what convinced me to do this hike, and I can’t re-iterate what they said any better than they did, so go read the post for all the tips and tricks for doing the Brins Mesa loop!
This trail is a bit more difficult than Templeton Trail, with some steep grades and very little shade. But the views are well worth the trip!
A red rocks pass is required to park at both trailheads mentioned and can be purchased at the trailheads.
What to bring on your hike:
Bring plenty of sun protection for your hike, as these trails don’t have a lot of shade. A good sun hat and some sunscreen are a must! As always, pack plenty of water and some snacks! For a detailed guide on what to pack for a day hike, check out this post!
Head to Local Juicery
Head to Local Juicery for a wide array of wonderful smoothies, juices, and healthy (but delicious) breakfasts & snacks. They’ve got GF chocolate waffles, GF avocado toast, paleo banana muffins & so much more. Local Juicery provides options that are vegan, gluten-free, soy-free, grain-free & more. Local Juicery’s mantra is all about providing wellness for the mind, body, and soul!
I seriously stopped by this place more times than I can count, it was my favorite place to go after a long, hot hike or for some morning fuel to get me through my day!
Explore Tlaquepaque
Explore the traditional Mexican village of Tlaquepaque, Sedona’s arts & crafts village located on the bank of the Oak River, nestled under the Sycamore trees. It’s an absolute must when visiting Sedona! It’s got lots of cute shops, bookstores, art shops, drinks & restaurants. While the village has only been around since the 1970s, its vine-covered stucco walls, cobblestone paths, ornate & colorful decorations, and statues that line the walkways will make you feel like you’re taking a trip back through history!
It can get a bit pricier here but it’s worth the visit to just walk around & explore! Keep in mind the village doesn’t open till 10 am, which makes it the perfect post-hike stop.
Dinner
The Hudson – This eatery is right near Tlaquepaque and boasts beautiful views of the red rocks all around you! Consider making a reservation for the outdoor terrace, as this is a popular spot!
Picazzos Healthy Italian Kitchen – This Italian eatery boasts a mostly gluten-free menu and takes on an Asian, Mediterranean, and Mexican fusion!
Elote Cafe – Elote’s Chef has created an award-winning menu that is inspired by his Arizonian roots and his decades of travel across Mexico. This cafe offers vibrant and bold flavors in its menu, filled with locally sourced ingredients!
Sunset at Sugarloaf Mountain
If you’re able to stay for the sunset in Sedona, it’s just as magical (if not more so IMO) as sunrise, with glowing red rocks and light catching on the cactuses as the sun sinks below the horizon, leaving streaks of color in the sky behind it. My recommendation for sunset in Sedona is to head to Sugarloaf Mountain and hike to the top. It’s a quick 20-minute walk for a 360-degree view of the sunset. This spot is far less crowded than most sunset locations in Sedona, and is my personal favorite!
Other day activities to do
These are some other ideas for fun ways to spend your time in Sedona. These are especially good if you don’t want to do any hiking, as there are options for sunrise/sunset viewing, and seeing all the major natural sites in Sedona without having to hike to them.
Pink Jeep Tours
The Pink Jeep Tours are well-known in Sedona, and you’ll probably spot a few as soon as you enter the town. Pink Jeep Tours are an excellent option for families or for those not wanting or unable to do lots of hiking. They’re a great way to pack a lot into a small amount of time. With your personal tour guide, you’ll spend a few hours off-roading in a custom-built pink jeep, exploring Sedona’s stunning red rocks and learning about Sedona’s history, Native American culture, and geology.
Book your Jeep tour here
See the wildflowers in Spring
If you’re visiting Sedona in the springtime, mainly late April through May, then you’ll be coming during peak wildflower season! This was honestly the main reason I chose to visit Sedona when I did. I spent the majority of my time hunting down the best spots to see wildflowers. Check out my article on where to see wildflowers in Sedona for the best tips and tricks!
Visit the Chapel of the Holy Cross
This is a pretty iconic spot in Sedona and one of the most photographed locations in Arizona! While it can be spotted from the highway and far off from several hikes, if you have the time, it’s definitely worth a visit up close.
Scenic Drives
Head out on the Red Rock Loop Road for beautiful views of Cathedral Rock, Lover’s Knoll, and more! Stop at Crescent Moon Picnic Site along the way to enjoy the views of Cathedral Rock & take a splash in the river! (entrance costs $12).
Or drive the Red Rock Scenic Byway for a different, and just as beautiful, view of Cathedral Rock, as well as Bell Rock, the Twin Buttes, and more.
Drive to Airport Mesa Overlook
If you’re looking for a good place to view the sunrise/sunset without having to hike, then head to Airport Mesa Overlook! It offers some amazing views of the red rocks and the setting sun over the valley. Parking costs $3 and can fill up quickly. It gets pretty crowded here, which is why I didn’t love it. It felt hard to truly enjoy the sunset and was just a little too touristy for me. However, there was live music playing, and I met a gal from New York who brought a bottle of wine and some paper cups to share with her, so I can’t complain too much!
This is also a good place to drive up to in the middle of the day (when you’ll have it all to yourself) to get some good mid-day views of Sedona without having to hike.
Immerse yourself in the spirituality
To get a feel for the spirituality in Sedona, spend some time visiting all the vortex sites, take a yoga & meditation class, and stroll through the many crystal shops located around town.
The four major Sedona vortex sites are Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock, Boynton Canyon, and Airport Mesa. Here’s a link to a map of the Vortexes. Most require at least a short hike to get close to them. But all of them can be viewed from various scenic drives from afar.
There are various yoga & meditation classes at studios around Sedona. Some popular ones are Aumbase Sedona, 7 Centers Yoga Arts, and the Sedona Meditation Center.
I hope this one-day guide has been helpful! There’s so much to do in Sedona that trying to figure out what to do with just one day can certainly feel overwhelming. Just know that you can’t go wrong no matter what you choose to do, you’ll have a wonderful & beautiful time no matter what!
Let me know below what you’re most looking forward to seeing/doing in Sedona, or if you have other questions for me!
