The Ideal Sedona Day Trip Itinerary + The Best Highlights

Sedona Day Trip Itinerary Suggestions

I’ve put together TWO amazing Sedona Day Trip Itineraries for you – one designed for hikers and another for those who don’t hike. Whether you’re hitting the trails or taking it easy, these Sedona day trip itineraries ensure you make the most of your visit!

Ideal Sedona Day Trip Itinerary for Hikers

Arrival/Early Morning Hike

Get an early start!

Grab a to-go coffee and some snacks. Because we are hitting the trails before sunrise, you will have to suffice with goodies from the convenience of a gas station.

Make sure you stock up your backpack because we have an action-packed day ahead!

Tip: Sedona’s a hot spot for hiking, and the parking lots at the trailheads get pretty packed by 7 am. So, plan to arrive early to snag a spot!

Sedona Trails I recommend for Sunrise:

Cathedral Rock: Cathedral Rock is the superstar of Sedona, and everyone wants to snap a pic of it.

It’s not just famous; it’s also one of the funest trails in town. The hike is only 1.2 miles round-trip, but be ready for a bit of a climb and some scrambling over rocks. Trust me, though, the views from the top make it all worth it.

It’s a journey that should take about 2 hours, from start to finish. You’ll see the amazing red rocks that Sedona is famous for.

Bonus – It’s also one of Sedona’s Vortex sites!

So, whether you’re a pro hiker or just starting out, Cathedral Rock is a spot you’ll want to check off your list.

The views are so good; you’ll be talking about them long after you’ve made it back down.

Soldier Pass Trail: Soldier Pass Trail is another gem in Sedona’s hiking crown, offering a different kind of adventure.

Along this 4.5-mile out-and-back hike, you’ll find the famous seven sacred pools and a ginormous sinkhole called Devil’s Kitchen. But the real bonus and my favorite reason for hiking this trail is the Secret Cave!

This trail isn’t as steep as some, making it a good pick for those who want a bit of challenge without going all-out.

Tip: To make things easier, I recommend parking at the Jim Thompson trailhead parking lot. Sure, it might add a bit more walking, but trust me, it’s way less stressful than trying to find a spot at the Soldier Pass Trailhead Parking lot.

Mid Morning Brunch and Shopping

Recharge with a delicious brunch at one of Sedona’s local eateries.

I recommend Creekside American Bistro!

Explore Uptown Sedona and the Tlaquepaque Arts and Crafts Village for some souvenir shopping and pick up unique treasures to remember your adventure.

Refreshing Afternoon Swim

By now, things are really starting to heat up! Here are my two favorite swimming options to cool off from Sedona’s scorching heat:

Side Rock State Park: Slide Rock State Park is like nature’s own water slide, and it’s the perfect place to cool off on a hot day in Sedona. The middle of the day, when the sun and heat are at their peak, is actually the best time to take a dip.

Slide Rock State Park is a short 7-mile drive up Oak Creek Canyon, making it easily accessible for a spontaneous afternoon swim. The slide area is just a short, leisurely 10-minute walk from the parking area.

Red Rock Crossing Trail: This easy 0.8-mile stroll along Oak Creek offers a peaceful walk. While not a traditional hike, the Red Rock Crossing Trail is quite beautiful and one of my favorites.

Take a refreshing swim or just dip your toes in while enjoying the stunning views of Cathedral Rock. It’s an ideal way to beat the heat and is less crowded than Slide Rock State Park.

Tip: Park at the Crescent Moon Picnic site/Ranch parking lot. You’ll find the Red Rock Crossing Trail starts on the south end of the parking lot.

Late Afternoon Hike

The hues of Sedona’s red rocks become even more enchanting during sunset, providing a magical end to your day. As the day draws to a close, select from these two sunset hikes:

Devils Bridge: It’s safe to say that Devil’s Bridge is the most popular hike in all of Sedona. And because of that, you can expect the trail to be very busy all day. But don’t let the crowds deter you from seeing this famous sandstone bridge. It’s practically a right of passage and a must for first-timers to Sedona!

Here’s a Tip: By about 3:30 pm, most of the people will be heading back down the trail, making the late afternoon the perfect time to hike to Devil’s Bridge.

With fewer people around, you won’t have to wait in a lengthy line for that Instagram-worthy photo on the bridge, and the views are simply breathtaking.

There are four different trails that’ll take you to the bridge. Whichever one you pick, the hike is mostly easy, with clear paths and a gentle slope. However, the final stretch to the arch becomes a bit steep and challenging.

The effort will definitely be worth it!

Birthing Cave:

The Birthing Cave faces towards the southeast, offering shade in the afternoon, and during the late afternoon, the sun brilliantly illuminates the red rocks seen from the cave. For an exceptionally breathtaking experience, consider visiting during sunset.

Keep in mind that the hike is a 2-mile round trip, typically taking about 1.5 hours to complete. Plan accordingly if you wish to stay for the sunset view.

Tip: Head to the Long Canyon Trailhead. You’ll have to park your car on the side of the road before heading out onto a dirt path that leads to the Birthing Cave.

Evening Dinner

After watching a beautiful Sedona sunset, treat yourself to a fabulous dinner. I really like eating at Mariposa, Saltrock Southwest Kitchen, and Elote Café for dinner.

Be sure to book a table reservation at one of these places as soon as possible!

Night Stargazing/ UFO Tour

Wrap up your day with a mesmerizing night tour, either stargazing or embarking on a UFO tour to add a touch of extraterrestrial intrigue to your Sedona experience.

Sedona’s minimal light pollution and clear skies create a perfect setting for observing the cosmos.

And that’s a wrap on your Sedona Day Trip Itinerary!