Sedona Travel Guidebook — Hikes, Restaurants, Vortexes & More
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SedonaEpicStays.com · Local Guidebook

Sedona Travel Guidebook 2026.

Everything we tell our guests about Sedona — the hikes, restaurants, vortex sites, tours, day trips, and small details that make a trip feel local instead of touristy.

The Guidebook

Deep-Dive Topic Guides

Four deep-dive guides covering the parts of Sedona most worth knowing — built from 13 years of hosting and the questions our guests ask most. Browse by topic, or scroll down for everything else (shuttle, groceries, wellness, day trips, insider tips) we keep on this page.

🥾

Best Hikes in Sedona

Six trails our team recommends to every guest — Devil's Bridge, Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock, Airport Mesa, West Fork, and one hidden gem. With parking tips and timing advice.

Read the full guide →
🍽

Best Restaurants in Sedona

Twelve dinner picks plus three breakfast favorites — Elote, Mariposa, Hideaway House, Coffee Pot, and where locals actually eat. With reservation timing for the spots that book out.

Read the full guide →
✨

Sedona Vortex Guide

All four Sedona vortex sites explained — Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock, Airport Mesa, Boynton Canyon. What each is associated with, how to access it, and what to expect.

Read the full guide →
🚙

Things to Do in Sedona

Pink Jeep tours, hot air balloons, the Chapel, Slide Rock, the Verde Canyon Railroad — and the underrated stops (Amitabha Stupa, Palatki) most travel blogs miss.

Read the full guide →

Getting Around

Sedona Shuttle

Parking at Sedona's most popular trailheads fills up fast — especially on weekends. The Sedona Shuttle is the smart way around it. Cheap, easy, and it runs directly to the trailheads everyone wants to reach.

Sedona Shuttle Connect route map showing service area, Park & Ride lots, and trailhead shuttle stops
Sedona Shuttle Connect · Official Route Map Full Schedule →

Three Trailhead Routes

Routes & How To Ride

11
Dry Creek Vista / Mescal Trailhead
Access to Devil's Bridge and surrounding West Sedona trails. Take this one for Devil's Bridge — parking there is nearly impossible on weekends.
14
Soldier Pass Trailhead
Serves Soldier Pass Trail and the Seven Sacred Pools area in North Sedona.
15
Cathedral Rock / Little Horse
Direct service to Cathedral Rock trailhead — eliminates the parking scramble on busy mornings.
Flat Fare Per Ride
Regular fare$2.00
Discounted (seniors 60+, veterans, disability)$1.00
Children 5 & under with adultFree
Two Ways to Request a Ride
📱 Download the TransLoc app — request rides & track in real time
📞 Call 928-203-5152
Three Park & Ride lots: Posse Grounds (20 Carruth Dr), North SR-179 (1294 SR 179), and West SR-89A (905 Upper Red Rock Loop Rd). Trailhead shuttles run Thu–Sun and daily during Spring Break (Feb 26–Apr 26) and select holidays.
Full Schedule & Real-Time Info at SedonaShuttle.com →

For the Family

Kids & Family Fun

Sedona is a wonderful destination for families. Between the parks, wildlife experiences, and outdoor adventures, the kids will have just as much to talk about as the adults.

Playground · Free · Open Daily
Posse Grounds Park📍
Sedona's best playground — brand new play structures set against a red rock backdrop. Spacious, well-maintained, and a genuine hit with kids of all ages. Great for burning off energy before or after a hike.
→525 Posse Ground Rd, West Sedona · free · 40 locals recommend · shaded seating for adults
Team Pick · Great New Park
Splash Pad · Summer · Free
Sunset Park📍
A great children's park with a splash pad that runs in the summer — perfect for cooling off after a morning of sightseeing. Full playground equipment and open green space in a relaxed neighborhood setting.
→West Sedona · free · splash pad Memorial Day through Labor Day · bring towels and sunscreen
Splash Pad in Summer
Adventure Course · Flagstaff · 45 min
Flagstaff Extreme↗
Aerial adventure course through the pines above Flagstaff — ziplines, rope bridges, and treetop challenges for all ages. One of the top family activity experiences in Northern Arizona.
→Fort Tuthill County Park, Flagstaff · flagstaffextreme.com · 45 min north · book in advance
252 locals recommend
Natural Waterslide · Summer
Slide Rock State Park↗
Natural rock waterslides carved by Oak Creek — kids absolutely love the 80-foot smooth rock chute into the swimming hole. An experience they'll remember for years.
→N Hwy 89A · arrive before 9am in summer — parking fills fast. Water shoes and sunscreen.
437 locals recommend
Wildlife · Drive-Through
Bearizona Wildlife Park↗
Drive-through and walk-through North American wildlife park in Williams — black bears, wolves, bison roaming free. Combine with the Grand Canyon for an epic two-attraction day trip heading north.
→Williams, AZ · 45 min north · bearizona.com · 600 locals recommend · allow 2–3 hours
600 locals recommend
Cinema · Cottonwood · 20 min
Harkins Theatres↗
The nearest movie theatre to Sedona in Cottonwood. A great option for a rainy day, late-night outing, or when the group wants a change of pace from outdoor activities.
→Cottonwood, AZ · 20 min southwest · harkins.com · 114 locals recommend

Rest & Recharge

Wellness & Relaxation

After a few days of hiking and exploring, your body will thank you for some recovery time. Sedona has a strong wellness culture — these are our team's recommendations.

Mobile Massage · Comes to the Property
Massages by Lydia📍
One of our most unique team recommendations — Lydia is a skilled mobile massage therapist who sets up directly at the property. No driving, no spa parking, no hassle. She brings her table, bolsters, hot towels, and spa treatments right to you.
→60 min — $150 · 90 min — $180
→Sessions can be tailored to your needs. Discounted packages available for multiple massages in the same group — perfect for a spa party or group recovery day.
→Ask us for Lydia's contact info at check-in and we'll connect you directly. Book early — she fills up quickly.
Team Recommended · Comes to You
Sedona Spas · Various Locations
Spa Day in Sedona📍
Sedona has a strong spa culture to match its wellness vibe. Top options include Mii amo at Enchantment Resort (world-class destination spa in Boynton Canyon), Amara Spa in Uptown (convenient location), and Hilton Sedona Spa (great day pass option). All offer massage, facials, and body treatments.
→Book 1–2 weeks ahead during peak season · many offer day packages including pool and sauna use.
→Our personal pick: sauna + cold plunge at the property, then a Lydia massage — the perfect post-hike recovery day.

Stock Up

Grocery & Essentials

All the properties have fully equipped kitchens — here's where to stock up when you arrive. Our team recommends stopping at the grocery store before checking in so you're settled from the start.

Organic · Full Service
Whole Foods Market
Full organic and conventional selection, great prepared foods, deli, and bakery. Best all-around grocery option in Sedona.
→West Sedona, Hwy 89A · 266 locals recommend · great prepared food section for night one
Our #1 Pick
Full Service · Best Prices
Safeway
Full-service supermarket with the widest everyday selection and the best prices in Sedona. Best for big grocery runs and stocking up for a group.
→West Sedona · 169 locals recommend · best for large group grocery runs
Local · Deli Sandwiches
Bashas'
Arizona-based local grocery with a neighborhood feel. Good deli counter and fresh-made specialty sandwiches — great for a quick grab-and-go lunch or trail snacks.
→Sedona · 24 locals recommend · deli sandwiches are a solid quick lunch
Health · Organic Focused
Natural Grocers
Focused on organic, non-GMO, and natural products at competitive prices. Great for specialty dietary needs — gluten-free, vegan, or organic-only households.
→Sedona · 24 locals recommend · best for specialty households
💊
Need a pharmacy or sundries? CVS is conveniently located in Sedona for medications, sunscreen, first aid, or anything you may have forgotten. Open late most days. 26 locals recommend it.

Beyond Sedona

Day Trips

Sedona's location in Northern Arizona puts some of the most spectacular places in the American Southwest within easy reach.

2 hours north · Full day
Grand Canyon South Rim↗
One of the seven natural wonders of the world is two hours from your front door. The drive via Oak Creek Canyon and through Flagstaff is spectacular. Arrive early — parking fills by 9am in summer. Mather Point and Bright Angel Trail are the classic starting points. Combine with Bearizona in Williams on the way back.
2.5 hours northwest · Full day
Horseshoe Bend & Skywalk📍
Two of the most dramatic geological views in America in one trip. Horseshoe Bend near Page, AZ — the iconic Colorado River meander — is a 1.5 mile round trip with an unforgettable payoff. The Grand Canyon West Skywalk (glass-floored bridge over the canyon) is nearby. 282 and 131 locals recommend these respectively.
45 minutes southwest · Half day
Jerome Ghost Town📍
A former copper mining boomtown clinging to Mingus Mountain — now a quirky artsy ghost town with galleries, wine bars, and remarkable architecture. The views of the Verde Valley from Jerome are extraordinary. Combine with Verde Valley wine tasting on the way back.
30 minutes south · Half day
Verde Valley Wine Trail↗
Arizona's most acclaimed wine region is right next door. Page Springs Cellars and D.A. Ranch are the standouts — both have beautiful outdoor tasting areas surrounded by vineyards and red rock views. Plan for 2–3 wineries max and designate a driver.
45 minutes north · Half–Full day
Flagstaff📍
A charming college town at 7,000ft elevation — noticeably cooler than Sedona. Historic downtown Route 66 strip with excellent restaurants, breweries, and boutiques. Flagstaff Extreme Adventure Course is here. Gateway to the Grand Canyon and San Francisco Peaks skiing in winter.
3 hours north · Full day
Antelope Canyon📍
The famous slot canyons near Page, AZ — narrow sandstone passages with dramatically beautiful light beams. Upper Antelope Canyon requires a Navajo Nation guided tour (book weeks ahead). Combine with Horseshoe Bend for one of the most legendary road trips in the Southwest.

Before You Go

Our Team's Insider Tips

🌅
Hike Early, Always
Trailheads fill by 8–9am on weekends. Set your alarm, hike at sunrise, and have the trails nearly to yourself with the best photography light.
🚌
Use the Free Shuttle
The Sedona Shuttle runs free from the Uptown Park and Ride to Devil's Bridge and several trailheads. Parking at Devil's Bridge is nearly impossible on weekends — the shuttle solves it.
🎟️
Red Rock Pass
$5/day or $20 annual — required at most major trailheads. Get the annual pass if hiking multiple days. Available at trailhead dispensers or recreation.gov.
🍽️
Reserve Restaurants
Elote, Mariposa, and Hideaway House can be fully booked 3–5 days out on weekends. Book as soon as you know your dates.
🛒
Grocery on Arrival Day
Stop at Whole Foods or Safeway before checking in. Fully equipped kitchens mean stocking up on day one saves time and money — especially for breakfast before morning hikes.
💧
Hydrate & Sun-Protect
The desert sun at 4,500 feet is intense. Carry at least 2 liters of water per person per hike. Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses are essential.
💆
Book Lydia Early
Our recommended mobile massage therapist Lydia books quickly. Reach out to us when you check in and we'll connect you right away for an in-property massage.
📱
Download Offline Maps
Cell service disappears on several trails. Download AllTrails or Google Maps offline for your hikes before leaving the property.
🌡️
Best Seasons
Spring (March–May) and Fall (September–November) are ideal — comfortable temps, lower crowds, dramatic skies. Summer is manageable with early hikes. Winter is beautiful and uncrowded.
🎆
Stargazing is World-Class
Sedona's dark skies and high elevation make for extraordinary stargazing from your property's deck. The Milky Way is clearly visible on clear nights June–September. No equipment needed.
🚗
You'll Need a Car
Sedona is not walkable beyond Uptown. A rental car or your own vehicle is essential for trailheads, restaurants, grocery stores, and day trips.
👨‍👩‍👧
Sedona is Great for Kids
Posse Grounds Park, Sunset Park splash pad, Slide Rock, Bearizona, and Out of Africa are all fantastic. Sedona is one of the best family destinations in the Southwest.

Where To Stay

Where to Stay in Sedona

Our luxury homes, hosted by your 13-year Superhost team. Three of our most-booked picks below — or browse them all at the link.

Uptown · 5BR · Heated Pool

Sedona Dream

Walk to Uptown · Heated pool · Barrel sauna · Sleeps 11

View Property →
West Sedona · 5BR · IR Sauna + Cold Plunge

Sedona Shangri-La

Steps from Mystic Trail · 180° views · Sleeps 11

View Property →
West Sedona · 5BR · Rooftop Pool

Sedona Epic Dream

Rooftop pool · Panoramic views · Sleeps 13

View Property →
View All Properties

Trip Planning

Sedona Travel FAQs

When is the best time to visit Sedona?

March through May and September through November are the best months — mild temperatures (60s–80s°F), clear skies, and ideal hiking conditions. Summer is hot (95°F+ in June/July) but the higher Oak Creek Canyon stays cooler. December through February brings occasional snow on the red rocks (genuinely magical) and the lowest crowds. Avoid the few days around the Sedona Marathon in February if you want quiet trails.

Do you need a car in Sedona?

Yes for most visits. Sedona is spread out, and most trailheads, restaurants, and attractions require a vehicle. The free Sedona Shuttle covers some popular trailheads (Devil's Bridge, Cathedral Rock, Soldier Pass) but not general exploring. AWD is helpful for forest-road destinations like Palatki, but a regular sedan handles 90% of Sedona attractions just fine.

Where should I stay in Sedona — Uptown or West Sedona?

Uptown is walkable to restaurants, shops, and the Tlaquepaque Arts Village — best if you want to leave the car parked at night. West Sedona is closer to Boynton Canyon, Mystic Trail, Airport Mesa, and the Amitabha Stupa, with quicker trail access. Our portfolio covers both: Sedona Dream, Uptown Sparks!, Uptown Splash!, SkyLine, and Uptown EPIC are in Uptown; Sedona Shangri-La, Sedona Epic Dream, and Starview Sedona are in West Sedona.

Is Sedona expensive to visit?

Lodging is the biggest variable — luxury rentals like ours run $500–$1,200/night depending on season; chain hotels run $200–$400. Food is moderate ($15–$45/person depending on the spot). Most hikes are free with a $5 daily Red Rock Pass. Tours add up: Pink Jeep is $100–$150/person, balloons are $250+/person. A 4-day trip for two staying mid-range, eating out twice a day, and doing one big tour runs $2,000–$3,500 all-in. Renting a 5BR home and cooking dinner most nights brings the per-person cost down dramatically for groups.

Can you book a Sedona vacation rental directly without Airbnb fees?

Yes — SedonaEpicStays.com is our direct booking site. Booking direct saves the Airbnb guest service fee (up to 14% of your booking total) on the same property with the same Superhost team. Direct bookings also give you faster communication, more flexibility on early check-in / late checkout, and easier customization on add-ons like pool heating and mid-stay cleaning.

Keep Exploring

More Sedona Guides

🥾
Best Hikes
Trail-by-trail guide
 🍽
Best Restaurants
Where locals eat
 ✨
Vortex Guide
The four energy sites
 🚙
Things To Do
Tours & attractions

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