Sedona: My Go-To Destination for Hiking, Food & Relaxation
- Carissa Dunaway
- Jul 20, 2025
- 4 min read
Sedona has quickly become one of my favorite travel destinations—where red rock adventures meet culinary indulgence, and the vibe is equal parts grounding and luxurious. Whether you’re here for vortex energy or vortex empanadas, I’ve rounded up my must-do hikes, favorite restaurants, and places to stay to help you plan the perfect trip.
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Top Hikes in Sedona (No One Will Hate You For)
Sedona is packed with stunning trails, but some are more beginner-friendly (and less vertigo-inducing) than others. These five are scenic, popular, and well worth the effort. Pro tip: Hike early in the morning to avoid crowds and summer heat, and download the AllTrails app to navigate with ease. Most trailheads have a parking pass kiosk on-site.
📍Cathedral Rock (ok they may hate you for this one)
Distance: 1.2 miles out-and-back
Vibe: Short but steep, with jaw-dropping views at the top
Warning: If you’re afraid of heights or scrambling up slick rock, this one might push your comfort zone—but it’s worth it if you’re up for the challenge.
📍Bell Rock
Distance: 0.8 miles
Vibe: Easy, family-friendly, and a great intro to Sedona’s red rock magic
Bonus: Bell Rock is one of Sedona’s famous energy vortexes, so it’s a peaceful place to soak in the scenery (and maybe a little energy boost too).
📍Boynton Canyon Subway Trail
Distance: 5.1 miles out-and-back
Vibe: A rewarding moderate hike through red rock canyons that ends in a unique, subway-like rock formation.
Tip: This one is a little longer, but still very doable if you pace yourself—it’s one of my all-time favorites.
📍Devils Bridge Trailhead
Distance: 3.9 miles out and back (can be shortened with a 4x4 vehicle)
Vibe: Iconic, Insta-worthy, moderately challenging with a short rock scramble at the end
Tip: Go early to beat the crowds, and if you have a high-clearance vehicle or rent a Jeep, you can park closer to the trailhead and skip the dusty road walk. Be prepared to wait hours for a picture!
📍Palatki Heritage Site Trail
Distance: 1.2 miles out and back
Vibe: Peaceful, historic, and educational — ancient cliff dwellings and petroglyphs with red rock views
Tip: Reservations are required for tours, and the gravel road can be rough — best to go with a car that has a little clearance.
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Sedona Restaurants Worth Planning Around
Sedona isn’t just for hiking boots and yoga mats—it’s also home to some truly unforgettable dining. Here are my go-to spots that hit all the right notes for atmosphere, views, and flavor:
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If I could fly anywhere for dinner, this would be the place. Perched on a hilltop with breathtaking sunset views, Mariposa delivers both ambiance and flavor.
Must-know: Book reservations months in advance, and choose an early seating to watch the sun dip below the red rocks.
Pro Tip: Ask for a window or patio table if weather permits.
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This is Sedona’s most sought-after dining experience—and for good reason. The elevated Mexican dishes are unforgettable, and the vibe is cozy and vibrant.
Must-know: It’s nearly impossible to walk in without a reservation, so book early (as in, as soon as you know your travel dates).
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Perfect for pre or post-hike breakfast, this laid-back diner-style spot is a local legend.
Claim to fame: They have over 100 omelet options, but their pancakes, coffee, and classic breakfast combos are just as good.
Bonus: No reservations needed—just good vibes and great fuel after the trails.
🚂 Morning on the Verde Canyon Railroad
One morning, we traded hiking boots for a seat aboard the Verde Canyon Railroad, and it quickly became one of my favorite Sedona memories. Picture sipping on freshly poured mimosas or a signature Bloody Mary as the train glides through breathtaking red-rock canyons and over historic bridges. The ride kicks off around 10:30 a.m. and features champagne‐style appetizers and a complimentary toast—perfectly paired with small breakfast treats on board . It’s the ideal relaxing start to the day: stunning scenery, cozy vintage-style cars (with open-air options), and a slow-paced chance to soak in the desert’s beauty. Definitely add this to your Sedona must-do list!
🛻 Off-Roading Adventures to Devil’s Bridge
We rented a Jeep and hit the Sedona ATV trails—one of the most heart-pounding parts of our trip. We followed rugged, red-dirt roads that led us right to the base of the Devil’s Bridge trailhead, saving us the long walk from the traditional parking area. Along the way, we tackled a few intense rock scrambles that made the Jeep feel more like a mountain goat than a vehicle. The trail tested our nerves at times—especially as we navigated steep inclines and narrow passes—but it was all worth it for the access and jaw-dropping views. If you’re up for the thrill, off-roading is a must in Sedona. Just make sure you’re in a high-clearance 4x4and ready for a wild ride!
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Where to Stay in Sedona
There are tons of great accommodation options in Sedona—from upscale resorts to charming Airbnbs. Here are a few of my favorites, depending on your style and travel needs:
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If you’re looking to fully unwind and stay put, Enchantment is tucked inside Boynton Canyon with unbeatable red rock views and on-site everything—spas, pools, dining, hiking, you name it. You’ll be tempted not to leave.
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Airbnb Favorites
If you’re like me and prefer a local feel with space to spread out (and maybe do some stargazing from the patio), here are a few Airbnb gems worth checking out:
Sedona Cathedral Oasis – View Cathedral Rock from this peaceful outdoor space in the pool
Bell Rock Views – Cozy spot close to trails and restaurants
Wild Flower Getaway – A charming retreat with great views of Bell Rock
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Final Thoughts
Sedona has a special kind of magic—whether you’re chasing sunrises, swirling energy vortexes, or just really great tacos. With easy-to-access hikes, world-class dining, and plenty of places to unwind, it’s the kind of destination that’s both energizing and restorative.
Save this post for your next adventure—and trust me, once you visit Sedona, you’ll want to come back again and again.
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