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- English
- English
Explore the red rock landscape of Sedona on this self-guided tour through one of America's most breathtaking natural settings. From the towering spires of Cathedral Rock to the mystical energy vortexes, discover sixty stops across crimson canyons, ancient Sinagua ruins, and the scenic Oak Creek corridor. Learn how iron oxide painted these sandstone formations red over two hundred and eighty million years. Visit the Chapel of the Holy Cross rising from the cliffs, walk the artisan lanes of Tlaquepaque Village, and explore trails to Devil's Bridge and the Seven Sacred Pools. Your guide covers the history from the Sinagua cliff dwellers to the Schnebly family who gave this town its name, plus the New Age movement that made Sedona a global spiritual destination. Includes nearby Jerome ghost town, Montezuma Castle, Verde Valley wine country, and dark sky stargazing tips. Perfect for hikers, photographers, and anyone seeking wonder in the Arizona desert.
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
Visitors are encouraged to personalize their experience by choosing their own starting point and the order in which they wish to explore.
Itinerary
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1
Begin at the Uptown Visitor Center to orient yourself with maps of Sedona's trail system, learn about the ancient Sinagua people who shaped this landscape, and pick up a Red Rock Pass — required for most trailhead parking throughout the day. The free Sedona Shuttle also departs from here, offering a smart alternative to driving during peak season.
1 hour • Admission ticket free -
2Cathedral Rock
Two of Sedona's most iconic red sandstone formations and the most visited energy vortex sites in Red Rock Country. Your audio guide covers the geology behind these towering monuments — formed from ancient inland seas — and the spiritual traditions that draw thousands of seekers here every year. Cathedral Rock is one of the most photographed landscapes in all of Arizona.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free -
3Sedona Airport Scenic Overlook
Climb to Sedona's most accessible 360-degree panorama and one of its four recognized vortex sites, where the electromagnetic energy is said to be uplifting and invigorating. Arrive at sunrise or sunset for spectacular light on the red rock formations spread out in every direction below you.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free -
4Chapel of the Holy Cross
Built directly into the red rock cliffs in 1956, this striking modernist chapel was designed by sculptor Marguerite Staude as a "spiritual skyscraper," with a 90-foot iron cross rising against the crimson canyon walls. The chapel welcomes visitors of all faiths and is open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM — donations are welcome, and candles may be purchased inside.
1 hour • Admission ticket free -
5Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village
Modeled after a traditional Mexican colonial village, Tlaquepaque features over 40 galleries and artisan boutiques shaded by ancient sycamore trees along Oak Creek. It's one of the finest fine art shopping destinations in the American Southwest, with hand-blown glass, Native jewelry, and sculpture at every turn. No pass or fee required — just stroll and explore.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free -
6Oak Creek Canyon
Designated one of America's most scenic byways by the US Forest Service, this 12-mile drive north from Sedona winds through dramatic canyon walls, towering red formations, and a lush riparian corridor of cottonwoods and willows along Oak Creek. Pull over at multiple overlooks along the way — your audio guide narrates the geology and ecology as you drive.
1 hour • Admission ticket free -
7Slide Rock State Park
Arizona's most beloved natural water park features Oak Creek cascading over smooth, slick sandstone chutes into cool swimming holes, surrounded by towering canyon walls and historic apple orchards dating to the 1910s. No walk-ins — vehicle entry only, and the park fills up fast in summer, so arrive early. Cash users must bring exact change.
1 hour • Admission ticket not included -
8Devil's Bridge Trail
Hike to Sedona's largest natural sandstone arch — a dramatic fin of red rock you can actually walk across, with a sheer drop on both sides and panoramic views over the Dry Creek Basin. No permit is needed for the hike itself, but a Red Rock Pass must be displayed at the trailhead parking area. Start before 7:00 AM to secure parking; the 4WD access road shortens the hike to just 2 miles round trip.
1 hour • Admission ticket free -
9Soldier Pass Trail
Follow the trail to a chain of natural rock pools sculpted by centuries of rainfall into the red sandstone, then peer into the dramatic Devil's Kitchen sinkhole — a 100-foot-wide collapsed cave that suddenly appeared in 1880. Note: a motorized-use permit is required only if driving the off-road section of Soldier Pass Road; hikers access the trailhead freely with a standard Red Rock Pass.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free -
10Boynton Canyon Trail
Hike into a magnificent box canyon flanked by 1,000-foot red walls, home to both an ancient Sinagua village site and one of Sedona's most powerful vortexes — where masculine and feminine energies are said to meet in perfect balance. If the main lot is full, free roadside parking is available on Boynton Pass Road to the left of the stop sign.
1 hour • Admission ticket free
Additional info
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Tags
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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