Highlights:
Arizona's second most popular destination; peaceful town with all necessary visitor facilities, surrounded by beautiful red rock hills and ravines, centered on the deep canyon of Oak Creek
Management:
Most of the surroundings are national forest land, administered by the USFS
Seasons:
All year. Some trails may be affected by snow in winter, while summer temperatures often exceed 100°F
Featured Hotel
Hampton Inn Sedona
Part of the main commercial area in Sedona, along US 89, close to many shops and restaurants. Guest rooms have views of the outdoor pool, or the red slopes of Capitol Butte
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The two main routes south of Flagstaff are interstate 17 to Phoenix and the slower, much more scenic AZ 89A, which passes through thick pine forests for 10 miles before descending suddenly and spectacularly into
Oak Creek Canyon, a steep, narrow and very colorful gorge that is at the center of the second most visited area in Arizona, after the Grand Canyon. The town of
Sedona is situated at the southern end of the canyon where the cliffs open out, and provides a base for exploring the surrounding lands, which include many other canyons and an extensive, scenic red-rock wilderness in all directions.
Sedona was established in 1902 but did not become a popular destination until the 1960s, since when it has become a well known center for various kinds of artistry, and a magnet for wealthy retirees, for followers of new age religions and for people just wanting to escape the pressures of city life.
Introduction
Sedona has a pretty location surrounded by large red and white sandstone cliffs and buttes, with contrasting greenery provided by a mixture of trees, bushes and cacti. A small steepish zone with no building development separates the town into two parts; the downtown area is centered around the AZ 89A - AZ 179 road junction, where most of the art galleries, restaurants and tourist facilities are found. The larger second section (West Sedona) is two miles to the southwest, along Highway 89A, and contains the main residential area, with more conventional shops and amenities. See the
map of Sedona for other points of interest in the vicinity.
The popularity of this area has led to rather expensive prices, and much development, sometimes at cost to the surrounding landscape, but for many people it is not the town but the scenery that provides the main reason for a visit. There are upwards of 100 maintained backcountry trails, mostly quite easy, and endless opportunities for exploring, camping, fishing, horse riding and mountain biking. The
trails index describes all the main paths, while featured routes are detailed below.
- Sedona Information - general description of the town, hiking and wilderness areas
- Sedona Map, showing the location of all major trails, mountains and canyons
- Sedona Trails - route descriptions for all maintained trails near Sedona
- Sedona Weather - weather and climate information