Four seasons transform the visitor experience in Sedona, where Jeep tours and hiking trails take visitors deep into red-rock country. Visit in autumn to see Oak Creek Canyon’s canopy of trees transform into canvases painted in yellow, orange and red. Visit in winter and catch the tops of red-rock formations dusted in snow. In spring and summer, outdoor recreation peaks at popular swimming holes and destination hiking trails. Take the Sedona Cares Pledge before visiting to learn how to leave no trace during your visit.

See the Rocks Up Close

Many trips to Sedona are planned around outdoor activities. Visitors can spot their hiking destinations on the drive in: Bell Rock, Coffee Pot Rock and Snoopy Rock are immediately recognizable. Hiking trails range in difficulty from family-friendly walks to more challenging climbs in and out of canyons. Mountain bikers find some astonishing routes to kick up some red dust. Whichever trails visitors take, their socks are sure to turn pink after a few hours traipsing along the trails. Other outdoor adventures in the area include the natural water chutes at Slide Rock State Park and the pristine hiking trails at Red Rock State Park. Get started early as parking areas at trailheads fill up quickly.

Explore the Gallery Scene

While West Sedona has its share of art galleries and gift shops, visitors who come to shop head to Uptown Sedona and Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village. At Uptown, park the car and stroll both sides of Highway 89A to find a huge concentration of gift shops, art galleries and local restaurants and breweries. Set along the banks of Oak Creek, Tlaquepaque presents an artisan treasure trove of paintings, sculpture and locally made jewelry and home decor. Take Highway 179 to stroll the shaded courtyards and meet many artists working on-site in their studios. The shops at Hillside Sedona, Tlaquepaque’s neighbor, add more creativity to Gallery Row.

Save Time for a Spa Treatment

Sedona is known for its luxurious resorts tucked into canyons along Oak Creek. As a city known for its healing vortexes, area resorts lean into wellness. Be sure to reserve time for a visit to a spa for treatments using desert plants and crystals. In Sedona, body, mind and spirit unite in an unforgettable setting. Get a massage to get the kinks out after exploring the area’s astonishing natural landscapes.