Sedona Is the Perfect Spot for Outdoor Adventures
Our mild temperatures and frequent sunny days makes Sedona a perfect spot to spend a lot of time outside playing and the opportunities for outdoor recreation abound! Hike the red rocks, kayak along the Verde River, fish, or ride horses; a vacation in Sedona is a veritable smorgasbord of outdoor fun and adventure, and we have compiled a list of some of the activities we think will interest you most. If you can’t find what you’re looking for here, don’t be afraid to ask our great staff at Sedona Vacation Rentals. They always have a few ideas up their sleeves!
Arizona ATV Adventure Tours
There’s something thrilling about riding ATVs through the red rocks of Sedona. Unfortunately, bringing your own ATV may not be in the books; however, Arizona ATV Adventure Tours has you covered! Book an ATV tour, and you get equipment, instruction and a knowledgeable guide to let you and your family as you experience a true Southwest off-road adventure in one of the world’s most beautiful towns! Your tour starts out on the company’s training course, ensuring that you will be safe for your adventure and continues for four hours after through some of Sedona’s most breathtaking landscapes. Check out the website for different ATV tour locations and more information.
Bell Rock
This spot is considered to be one of Sedona’s famous vortexes. This rock formation does resemble a massive bell and is nestled in a valley surrounded by red rock canyon walls. The rock soars 500 feet high and is one of the most recognizable in the area. Nestled next to Courthouse Butte, these two landscape features are perhaps the most photographed area in Sedona. Bell Rock is just south of Sedona to the east of Highway 179, You can enjoy viewing the Rock from the road; however you can also take the Bell Rock Trail that will get you right to the iconic marvel. The trail is easy and is just 3.5 miles round trip making it accessible to all.
Courthouse Butte
The Courthouse Butte in Sedona is one of the many breathtaking red rock formations that can be found throughout this area. It located just north of the Village of Oak Creek, and has a summit elevation of 5,454 feet. You’ll be awed by the iconic landscape feature that is composed of horizontal bed sedimentary rock from the Permian Supai Formation. This massive wall of sedimentary rock rises to just under 1,000 feet in the air, making it one of the most prominent features in the area, and stands among the abundant trees and red rocks of Sedona.
Dead Horse Ranch State Park
This is an absolutely gorgeous State Park that is just a half hour southwest of Sedona. Dead Horse Ranch Sate Park offers lush forests and striking canyons within the glorious desert mountains. The park got its name in 1950 when Minnesotan Calvin “Cap” Ireys, who was looking to purchase a ranch in the area, asked his children which property they liked he most. The answer was “The one with the dead horse in the field,” which lead to Ireys naming his new purchase, “Dead Horse Ranch”. The ranch was later sold to the State of Arizona where it backs a state park in 1977. Dead Horse Ranch is a recreational destination with access to fishing, rivers, horseback riding, campgrounds and more.
Honanki Heritage Site
Honanki, which means “bear house,” is the ancient cliff dwellings located in the Coconino National Forest that were home to the Sinagua people who were the first to settle in the area starting in 1130. These dwellings are spectacular and hold ancient pictographs, some dating back to 2000 BC depicting life during several different eras.
Little Horse Trail
The Little Horse Trail will take you about 2 miles into the Sedona wilderness for a complete round trip of about 3.5 miles. The trail offers a little bit of everything — winding streams, deep canyons, and towering red rock formations. During some parts of the year, you’ll hike by expansive fields of wildflowers tucked among canyons and rocky terrain. This is a fun trail because it offers easy hiking with a couple of stretches where a bit more effort is required. It is also the perfect way to spend a day with your dog, as your furry friends are admitted onto the trail as long as they are on a leash.
Munds Wagon Trail
A long time ago, Munds Wagon Trail was the main highway between Sedona and Flagstaff, where wagons used to traverse the wild landscape. While it has been many years since a wagon has traversed through Munds Wagon Trail, it is now a wonderful place to hike. It’s an eight-mile round trip and you’ll be going through many of the visual sights that make Sedona a favorite. It is a hike of moderate difficulty, with a couple stretches that require a good deal of effort and experience.
Posse Ground Park
Posse Ground Park received its name because it is located on the grounds where the ‘Sheriff’s Posse’ would stage — It is also Sedona’s first park. The park offers wide-open spaces, perfect for events of all kinds. There are 10 individual, shaded ramadas, multiple softball fields, tennis courts, a dog park, basketball courts and a skate park are just a few of the other features. There is even a small amphitheater where you can catch a live performance.
Red Rock Magic Trolley
Red Rock Magic Trolley is a great way to see a whole lot of Sedona. On one of the tours, you’ll be introduced to the beauty, culture, and sights of this breathtaking town. The tours last between 55 to 85 minutes and you’ll be entertained and informed all along the way. The fun tour guides will tell you about Sedona, share stories and point out all the sights. They’ll answer your questions and may even crack a joke or two!
Red Rock Secret Mountain Wilderness
Red Rock Secret Mountain Wilderness is nestled within the Coconino National Forest and spans just over 50,000 acres of some of the southwest United States’ most amazing landscape. For millions of years, water and wind has sculpted these incredible red rock features. Gaze upon deep gorges and riverbeds adjacent to towering peaks and plateaus. Lose yourself in the experience of the depths of the canyons or find incredible panoramic views from the heights of the mesas. You can find countless winding streams and creeks, a seemingly infinite spread of plants and trees, diverse wildlife, and so much more.
Red Rock State Park
Red Rock State Park has its beginnings as an endeavor to preserve the pristine Oak Creek Canyon area. Since its official dedication as a State Park in 1991, it has remained dedicated to preserving the environment. Visitors can enjoy special events that highlight spotting natural animals, full moon hikes, stargazing and nature walks. Take an adventure trail that is a five-mile network of interconnecting loops of trails taking you through the lush forests of Oak Creek and a multitude of red rock vistas.
Sedona Horseback Rides
What’s a trip to the Wild West without a horseback ride? Sedona Horseback Rides offers an authentic Western adventure to ensure you get the most out of your Sedona vacation. Offering trail rides that last anywhere from one to three hours long, you’ll love seeing the stunning views of Sedona atop a horse! It’s a unique and exciting adventure! Don’t forget your cameras, the views are out of this world! Visit their website for more information on this super fun activity in Sedona.
Sycamore Canyon
Sycamore Canyon in Sedona is one of the greatest testaments to the natural beauty in the area. Spending a day in the canyon will provide one of the most relaxing and blissful days possible. Sycamore Canyon is the second largest canyon in the Arizona red rock country, after Oak Creek Canyon. The 21-mile long scenic canyon reaches a maximum width of about 7 miles and is a favorite of visitors and locals alike.
Tuzigoot National Monument
Just 30 minutes southwest of Sedona is Tuzigoot Nation Monument. This three-story cluster of ancient pueblo ruins is situated 120 feet above the Verde River flood plain. Tuzigoot is from the Apache phrase meaning “crooked waters.” First constructed in approximately 1000 AD, you will step back in time when you explore the nearly 100 rooms. It is thought that about 250 residents from the Sinagua culture lived in these pueblos. It is thought that the residents entered and excited the rooms through holes in the ceilings — designed to provide protection from animals or even people.
Verde Valley Kayaks
Water in the desert means it’s time to bring out the kayaks, and Verde Valley Kayaks offers fantastic guided tours down the Verde River (or you can rent a kayak and explore on your own). Experience Sedona and the Verde Valley area in a way most people never will—peacefully floating through some of the most scenic landscape in the country. You can even enjoy a kayak and wine tasting adventure with this exciting company. Imagine a leisurely float trip combined with a wine tasting at an award-winning vineyard! Visit their website for more information.
Vultee Arch Trail
The Vultee Arch in Sedona is one of the most amazing features you can find in the area and it is accessible through the Vultee Arch Trail. The Vultee Arch is a natural bridge stretching about 50 feet above a dry streambed. It is considered one of the most unique attractions in Sedona. You’ll get to the Arch by following the Vultee Arch Trail. The trail follows Sterling Canyon and the dry streambed at the bottom. For about 2 miles, hikers weave through canyons enjoying rich wildlife, plants, and trees. Much of the trail is covered within high canyon walls, but there are stretches that offer panoramic views of some impressive red rock formations in the distance. These are the perfect places for those water breaks. The trailhead is about 12 miles west of Sedona, so you are assured of peace and quiet along your travels. You’ll be experiencing the true beauty of the area.
