29 Must-Do’s in Beautiful Sedona, Arizona
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6. Explore an incredible chapel built into the rock formations*
The most incredible red rock overlook can be accessed via a short drive up to the Chapel of the Holy Cross. This amazing Roman Catholic cathedral is unlike any you have ever seen before. It was built in between 2 massive red rock formations which is something you don’t see everyday.
While it is not open for services, anyone can come in to pray, meditate, light a candle in honor of a love one, or simply admire the amazing architecture which includes lovely stained glass windows held together by a giant cross. What an inspiring place to visit!
The views are stunning both inside and out and one cannot help but appreciate this natural paradise even more in such a gorgeous spiritual building. The Chapel is by far the most stunning man-made creation in this area of the country. In this rare case, the man-made wonder rivals the natural landscapes! On a side note, there are some fabulous viewpoints here and it’s a fabulous alternative for anyone uninterested or unable to hike.
Check out this view!
7. Take a leisurely cruise along Oak Creek Canyon*
Oak Creek Canyon Drive is a very scenic 14 mile stretch of land located in between Flagstaff and Sedona. It’s so gorgeous in fact that it is second only to the Grand Canyon in terms of tourist traffic. Along the way, you will get to witness the scenery change from green ponderosa pine forests near Flagstaff to towering red rock formations near the Sedona. In between, leafy deciduous trees and peaceful flowing views of the creek provide a serene backdrop unlike any other in Arizona – at times, I felt transported out of the desert. This dramatic change of scenery is a result of the altitude increasing from 4000 to 7000 feet.
Views aside, there’s lots of great stops including Native American craft markets, scenic overlooks, the West Fork (a creekside hike amongst deciduous trees) and Cookstove (a steep climb to a very enchanting overlook of the canyon) scenic picnicking areas, and secret swimming holes. Slide Rock State Park has been featured on numerous TV specials for its’ unique “waterslides” carved out of the red rocks. Indian Gardens is the place to eat. Everything is amazing here from the coffee, to the breakfast entrees, to the pastries, to the shady garden patio.
The best time to plan your drive is during the beautiful summer season. The experience of driving through a mountainous pine area into a red rock desert within just 20 minutes is truly breathtaking! There are few things I like doing more in this area then driving this road. My perfect day out is breakfast at the wonderful Indian Gardens, a scenic cruise down Oak Creek, and a beautiful hike in Sedona.
My full guide to exploring Oak Creek Canyon
8. Try some homemade Prickly Pear ice cream
Uptown, the touristy downtown section of the city, is loaded with all sorts of indulgences including comfort style restaurants, fudge shops, ice cream shops, frozen yogurt, etc. My favorite stop for sweets is the Black Cow Cafe, a small local shop which features homemade ice cream, apple pie, baked goods, and specialty coffee drinks.
Although there are about a dozen flavors available, I recommend the Prickly Pear, a southwestern specialty that is simply divine. Be sure to get it in a homemade waffle cone for the true ice cream experience! What a treat on a hot 100 degree summer afternoon, even more so after a hike that knocks your socks off! They make all their desserts in house, so at least you can feel a little less guilty that you are indulging in a “healthier” treat! I don’t have the biggest sweet tooth but I don’t mind a great scoop of ice cream when temps soar above 90!
9. Hike to the summit of Doe Mountain*
Doe Mountain is one of the region’s most underrated hikes. I’ve barely seen more than a handful of hikers out this way. It’s really a shame that so many tourists miss out on this spectacular gem which features some of the most outstanding views of them all.
A moderate 400 foot climb over a 0.7 mile hike leads you to a mesa where you will be able to explore diverse plant life, search for wildlife tracks, and enjoy bird’s eye views of the stunning red rock landscapes. From Doe’s Summit, you really feel as if you are on top of the world. It’s crazy how little traffic this trail receives and even moreso how little effort is required to access such world-class views! I have to say that this one is a bit scary for those afraid of heights with many very high drop offs.
My guide to hiking Doe Mountain
10. Challenge yourself to 13 creek crossings via the West Fork
The West Fork trail is one of the most used trails within the Coconino National Forest. During fall foliage and the summer season, it’s almost impossible to find a parking spot after 10am or so. With 13 fun & challenging creek crossings, plenty of leafy trees, and even some fall foliage, I am not surprised so many Phoenix locals com up in droves. It’s also a lot cooler so it makes sense.
Being located in Oak Creek Canyon, West Fork is home to a diverse variety of plant life which you will not see anywhere else which is part of its’ immense appeal. I’ve also done some incredible leaf peeping here (you get to see a range of colors in comparison to just golden aspens elsewhere in the region).
To ensure parking, you must get here really early. Therefore, I recommend stopping for a fantastic breakfast and coffee at Indian Gardens, which not only opens early, but is also conveniently located just down the road. The hike is longish at 3.5 miles each way, however, very flat, relaxing, and beautiful the entire way. Plus, it’s very shady, making it a nice “escape the summer heat” option.
