Sedona is an AMAZING city full of epic hikes, adventures, and countless things to do. The flocks of other tourists prove this to be true. BUT even with the busy streets and parking lots, Sedona should definitely be on your list. Here’s a list of the best adventurous things to do in Sedona, AZ.
PS. I also added a section of non-adventurous things to do in Sedona for when you need a break 🙂
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Table of Contents
Adventurous Hikes to take in Sedona
Hike to Devils Bridge
Perhaps the most popular trail in Sedona, BUT for good reason. We arrived shortly after 7 am, and the parking lot was already full (we grabbed the last spot). On our way out, we saw overflow parking on the road for at least a mile!
The 4-mile trail is easy to follow and pretty flat. We saw hot air balloons ascending over the red rocks as we were beginning the trail! There is a bit of elevation gain as you get closer to the bridge. Once at the bridge, you will likely be met with a long line waiting for pictures. We looked at this as the perfect opportunity for a snack.
Hint: On your way down, make sure to check out the bridge from underneath (take a right at the fork for a quick detour).
Find the hidden cave along Boyton Canyon Trail
Another must-hike in Sedona is the Boyton Canyon Trail to search for the hidden Subway Cave. The trail starts off very easy, but in order to find the hidden caves, you have to go off the main trail. After about 2.5 miles, you will have to cross the dried riverbed to find the hidden trail. It is well-worn, but not well-marked.
Once you find the hidden caves, you will have to climb up. It was a bit scary, but nothing too dangerous (I’m very risk-averse and I was able to do so). There is room to sit and eat a snack inside of the cave. Before leaving, make sure to look to the opposite side to see old ruins!
Tip: If you look at the reviews on Alltrails, you will be able to find a recording of the path others took. I forgot to turn our recording on 🙁 🙁 🙁
Marvel at the 7 Sacred Pools
Another bucket list hike… Soldiers Pass is a 4.7-mile trek with an 830 ft. elevation gain. Right away, you will pass the Devil’s Kitchen and the 7 Sacred Pools. If you keep hiking, you will come across a fork in the trail. If you stay right, you will come across some amazing hidden caves. They are easy to find but take a bit of a rock scramble to reach them.
Watch the sunset from Cathedral Rock
The 1.2-mile trail starts off easy but gets steep quickly. Be sure to wear shoes with great traction! I would not recommend this trail if you are afraid of heights or after rainfall. Make sure to give yourself enough time to make it to the top before the sun sets! (We made that mistake).
If you are up for a road trip, you may also like… Adventurous Things to Do in Tucson
Vortex Hiking and Yoga Tour
If you are looking for a more guided experience, check out this Vortex hiking and yoga tour! Your guide will lead you along the trail and then your group will stop (on the trail) for a 1-hour yoga class. Each tour is customized for the group so no need to worry if you are a beginner!
Adventurous Things to do in Sedona besides hiking
Stargaze
Sedona is one of the very best places in the United States for Stargazing. You can choose to explore the dark skies on your own or join a UFO and Stargazing Tour (how cool!). During this tour, your guide will lead you to the best spot and share mysterious stories about the Sedona night sky. You will also be given night goggles for a unique viewing experience.
Take a Jeep Tour
I’m sure you have seen the famous pink jeep tours plastered all over Instagram, but they are famous for a reason! During these adventurous (and stylish) tours, you’ll go off-roading and become immersed in Sedona’s red rocks. You are able to choose between 1.5-hour tours to full-day trips. Check out the prices and details here!
Swim at Slide Rock State Park
How cool is a natural waterslide?! This state park is the perfect place to cool off after spending the day in the Sedona sun. The park is open most days from 9am to 6pm with the last entry allowed one hour before closing (swim area does close one hour before closing as well). It costs between 20-30 dollars per carload (1-4 people). In addition to swimming, you can also check out one of the three trails, have a picnic, or go fishing further upstream.
Horseback Ride
It would be a true adventurous things to do in Sedona list without including a horseback ride among the red rocks. Horsin Around Adventures offers several different tour choices from a 1.5 hour group ride, to a completely customized private group experience. During their classic trail ride, you will ride through the ride rocks and wine country terrain.
Have a picnic at Grasshopper Point (and cliff jump)
Cliff jumping is NOT my thing. (Again I’m very risk-averse, I like to think of myself as a safe adventurer…someone who is in complete control…oops). BUT, if cliff jumping is your thing, you will find some other adventurers takign the risk at Grasshopper Point. If not, you can still swim, picnic, and explore the area.
View the city from above in a hot air balloon
I think a hot air balloon ride is the epitome of adventure. And how cool is it to be soaring above the epic red rocks of Sedona?! It’ll feel like you are soaring above Mars. There are several different Hot Air Balloon companies to choose but most depart at sunrise with a price range of around 300 dollars per person. Some even include a champagne toast and breakfast after landing!
Take a winery tour along Verde Valley
Hey…everyone has a different definition of adventure right?! A winery tour is definitely apart of my adventure definition.
Anywhooooo, did you know Sedona has its own “wine country”. Surrounding the outskirts of the city you will find over 25 different wineries. Visit Verde Valley Wine Trail’s webiste to download your own Winery Passport and Map. You can then upload your completed passport to be entered in to a giveaway!
If you are hoping for a more guided wine experience, you can check out the jeep + winery combo.
Rent your own Jeep
Did you love the guided jeep tour, but want even more adventure?! Try renting your own with Red Rock Rubicon offers half, full, and multi-day rentals and all the jeep trail reccommodations. As long as you are at least 25 years old and have full-coverage insurance, you can rent your jeep and hit the trails!
See the city via electric bike
The hype for electric bikes is realllll right now. You get a bit of exercise and get cover some serious ground. Sedona EZRider offers 2-4 hour rentals +reccommodations of where to take your E-bike.
Ride a Segway among the Red Rocks
If you are looking for a step up the adventure scale from an electric bike, check out a segway tour. During this 1.5 hour tour, you’ll cover over 4 miles of Sedona. Your tour incluedstraining, a helmet, and an earpiece so you can hear your guide the entire ride.
Mountain Biking
Okay…I’m going to be honest here and confess that I have only tried mountain biking once in Colorado and I absolutely hated it. I was so scared the entire time and my knuckles kept hitting the trees on both sides (I’m really outing myself as a non-adventurous person LOL). BUT, someday I hope to try it out again amongst Sedona’s red rocks.
If its your thing, you’ll find countless mountain biking rentals, trails, and tours throughout the city.
West Sedona ATV
During this 30-mile tour, you will explore the West Sedona Valley. In addition to the adventure of riding an ATV, you will also pass by over 40 spots where movies have been filmed! Be sure to wear closed-toe shoes and long pants and get ready for the ultimate Sedona adventure!
Kayak along the Verde River
Kayaking is one of my absolute favorite adventures when visiting new places. After spending all that time on land hiking, jeeping, and biking you’ll be ready to head for the water. Verde Adventures offer several different guided kayaking trips to choose from (some even include stops at the wineries!!)
If you are interested in going out and exploring on your own, OAC Tours offer kayak, stand-up paddleboard, and tube rentals.
Extend your Arizona Vacay with a road trip to Tucson!
Non-adventurous Things to do in Sedona, AZ
For when you need a lil break from all the adventures…
Blow your own Glass Souvenir at The Melting Point
The Melting Point offers unique classes for first-timers to leave with their own masterpiece. During this beginner class, they will work with your interests and budget to create the perfect souvenier. You can chose between flowers, paperweights, cacti, vases, and more. The classes range between 90-210 dollars per person.
Chuckwagon Dinner and Western Stage Show
This fun experience will take you back in time to the Wild West days. You will get to explore a authentically replicated western town, eat a delicious dinner, and watch a western stage show. There are other unique experiences such as axe throwing, old-time photos, and a shooting range available at an additional cost.
Sip on a beer at Oak Creek Brewery
After a long day of adventuring outdoors, head to Sedona’s only craft brewery for a delicious bite to eat and of course a craft beer!
Visit the Chapel of the Holy Cross
You can visit and tour this unique church built into the rocks daily between normal business hours. Or, you can experience a mass, adoration, or confession during select times throughout the week. There’s limited parking on site, and golf carts that help people get to the church. There are limited bathroom facilites (&porta-potties), and a gift shop on-site!
Self-guided Audio Tour
I didn’t personally try this tour, but I used GypsyGuides along the Road To Hana and absolutely loved it. It’s a VERY affordable way to see the best spots in the city and learn fun facts about Sedona.
In short, you buy the tour and play it right through your car radio (no service needed once it’s playing). Your in-car tour guide will then take you passed the best sights! You can start and stop the tour when needed so be sure to get out and explore during it!
Where to Stay near Sedona
Booking.comThere are countless options to choose from when looking for a place to stay in Sedona. I do suggest booking early as they do sell out and get extremely expensive during peak times.
- Budget-friendly Option: The Views Inn: A no frills (but clean) hotel located in the midst of the Sedona adventures.
- Luxury Option: Courtyard by Mariott Sedona: Complete with an outdoor pool with epic views, a rooftop terrace, an on-site restaurant, and close to all the Sedona action.
- Dog-friendly Option: Sedona Real Inn Suites: Budget and dog-friendly, this gem also has epic red rock views!
- Unique Option: We stayed outside of Sedona at the Diamond Gal Inn…a uniquely designed and decorated to include all the Arizona Wild West vibes with authentic 1800’s Victorian Touches
Be sure to follow me on Instagram for more itineraries, USA road trip stops, and to ask any questions you may have! What else would you add to this adventurous things to do in Sedona list?
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