Explore Sedona Activities

About 90 minutes north, Arizona Snowbowl outside Flagstaff offers real-deal skiing and snowboarding. Ski the morning, then come back down to warmer red rock country for dinner. Check road conditions on I-17 and 89A before you go.

Cool, clear days and thinner crowds make winter one of the best times to tackle the big-name trails like Cathedral Rock, Devil's Bridge and Soldier Pass. Start mid-morning once the sun warms things up.

Sedona is a certified International Dark Sky Community, and long winter nights mean more time under the stars. Look for Orion, the Pleiades and crisp, steady skies. Book a guided astronomy tour or bundle up and stargaze right from the property.

Ride the historic train out of Clarkdale through a canyon you can't reach by car. In winter, bald eagles migrate into the Verde Valley, so keep your eyes on the cliffs and cottonwoods.

Every December, thousands of luminarias glow throughout Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village, with holiday music and plenty of seasonal cheer. Arrive early; it's one of Sedona's most-loved traditions.

Catch the tree lighting and Santa visit at Tlaquepaque North, the menorah lighting at Tlaquepaque, and festive shopping evenings throughout December.

Each year in late winter, filmmakers and film lovers gather in Sedona for more than a week of independent features, documentaries and shorts, plus filmmaker Q&As and workshops.

Drive about 45 minutes to Jerome, a former copper mining town clinging to Cleopatra Hill. Wander galleries and tasting rooms, and warm up with a bite and a big view of the Verde Valley.

Winter is a great time to work your way through the Verde Valley Wine Trail, with tasting rooms in Cottonwood, Jerome, Cornville and Page Springs. Designate a driver or book a wine tour.

Lift off at dawn and float over red rock spires as the first light hits. Winter flights launch a little later in the morning, so there's no need for a crack-of-dawn alarm. Dress in layers.

Explore Sinagua history at Palatki and Honanki heritage sites or Montezuma Castle National Monument. Cooler weather makes winter the perfect season for slow, curious exploring.

Sedona has been an artists' town for decades. Spend a chilly afternoon browsing the galleries of Uptown, Tlaquepaque and West Sedona, or catch First Friday gallery openings.

Spring rains wake up the desert. Look for globemallow, paintbrush, lupine and blooming cacti along trails like Brins Mesa, Little Horse and the Bell Rock Pathway. Peak bloom typically runs March through April.

Every spring, riders from around the world come for three days of demo bikes, shuttle rides, clinics, vendors and live music. Even if you don't ride, it's a fun scene.

Spring is prime time for mountain biking in Sedona, with mild temps and tacky dirt. Rent a bike in town and try classics like Bell Rock Pathway, Slim Shady or the Western Loops, or hire a guide for the technical stuff.

With comfortable temps, spring is the season to go big: the climb up Cathedral Rock, the long ridge of Bear Mountain or the classic loop around Courthouse Butte. Start early and pack plenty of water.

Pack a picnic and head to Crescent Moon Picnic Site, home of the iconic Cathedral Rock reflection in Oak Creek. Spring runoff keeps the creek flowing and the cottonwoods freshly green.

Bounce up rugged backcountry roads like Broken Arrow and Schnebly Hill on a guided jeep tour, or rent your own off-road vehicle. A fun way to see big terrain in a short amount of time.

The South Rim is about two hours north. Spring is a sweet spot, with snow mostly gone from the rim and summer crowds not yet arrived. Leave early and stay for sunset at the rim.

Go behind the scenes on a free, self-guided tour of artists' private studios across Sedona and the Verde Valley. Meet painters, sculptors and makers where they actually work.

Paddle a calm stretch of the Verde River near Cottonwood or Camp Verde, where spring flows are typically at their best. Guided trips and rentals are available nearby.

Spring migration brings warblers, tanagers and raptors through the Verde Valley's riparian corridors. Try Red Rock State Park, Dead Horse Ranch State Park or the Page Springs area.

One of Sedona's most popular sunset spots, with a 360-degree view across the valley. Hike the short trail to the overlook or grab a spot at the scenic viewpoint, and get there early.

Page Springs Road is lined with creekside wineries and patios. Spring afternoons are made for a glass of Arizona-grown wine in the shade of the sycamores.

Slide down a natural, algae-slick rock chute into the cool waters of Oak Creek at Slide Rock State Park. It's a summer classic, so arrive early to beat the crowds and the heat. Water shoes are a must.

Drive the winding road north through Oak Creek Canyon, one of the most scenic drives in Arizona. Find shady swimming holes like Grasshopper Point and picnic under tall pines and sycamores.

Summer hiking in Sedona means starting early, ideally at sunrise, and wrapping up by late morning. Try shaded routes like Fay Canyon, Boynton Canyon or the cool, creekside West Fork Trail. Carry more water than you think you'll need.

Summer is peak season for seeing the core of the Milky Way stretch across Sedona's dark skies. Find a dark spot away from town lights, give your eyes 20 minutes to adjust and take it all in.

The observatory where Pluto was discovered sits just above downtown Flagstaff. Visit for evening telescope viewing and planetarium shows on clear summer nights.

The City of Sedona hosts outdoor movie nights in the summer. Bring a blanket and enjoy a film under the open sky.

Each summer during peak hummingbird season, this festival brings talks, garden tours, banding demonstrations and birding trips. Fascinating for nature lovers of any level.

When the afternoon sun is at its hottest, duck into galleries, boutiques and cafés. Tlaquepaque's shaded courtyards and fountains make for an easy, unhurried stroll.

Float a mellow stretch of the Verde River with a guide or rental outfitter in Camp Verde or Cottonwood. A relaxed way to beat the heat.

Sedona's trails are ride-able in summer if you go early. Hit the trail at first light, ride before the heat builds and be back in time for a long breakfast.

Typically from late October into early November, the maples, oaks and sycamores of Oak Creek Canyon turn gold, orange and red against the red rock. It's one of the most beautiful sights in Arizona.

The West Fork of Oak Creek is the go-to fall color hike in Sedona, with blazing maples framed by canyon walls. It's very popular in peak season, so go early on a weekday and expect the parking lot to fill.

Mild days and cool nights make fall one of the best times of year to hit the trails. Go for the views at Cathedral Rock, Devil's Bridge, Soldier Pass or the Bell Rock and Courthouse Butte loop.

Each October, this juried show brings 100+ artists together with live music, food and raffle prizes. A great place to find something one-of-a-kind to take home.

For a week in October, master landscape painters set up easels across Sedona and paint outdoors. Watch them work, catch a demo and see the results at the gallery show.

Taste wines from across Arizona at this late September festival, with food, music and vendors under the red rocks.

Steins up. This October beer festival brings food, music and German-style fun, and raises money for local youth programs.

Cottonwoods along the Verde River turn bright gold in the fall. Take in the show from the open-air cars of the historic Verde Canyon Railroad out of Clarkdale.

With cool temps and dry dirt, fall is a great time to ride. Rent a mountain bike or e-bike in town and explore Sedona's world-renowned singletrack.

Fall sunsets set the red rocks on fire. Climb Doe Mountain for a quiet, wide-open mesa view or head to Airport Mesa for a 360-degree panorama.

About 90 minutes north, Arizona Snowbowl outside Flagstaff offers real-deal skiing and snowboarding. Ski the morning, then come back down to warmer red rock country for dinner. Check road conditions on I-17 and 89A before you go.

Cool, clear days and thinner crowds make winter one of the best times to tackle the big-name trails like Cathedral Rock, Devil's Bridge and Soldier Pass. Start mid-morning once the sun warms things up.

Sedona is a certified International Dark Sky Community, and long winter nights mean more time under the stars. Look for Orion, the Pleiades and crisp, steady skies. Book a guided astronomy tour or bundle up and stargaze right from the property.

Ride the historic train out of Clarkdale through a canyon you can't reach by car. In winter, bald eagles migrate into the Verde Valley, so keep your eyes on the cliffs and cottonwoods.

Every December, thousands of luminarias glow throughout Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village, with holiday music and plenty of seasonal cheer. Arrive early; it's one of Sedona's most-loved traditions.

Catch the tree lighting and Santa visit at Tlaquepaque North, the menorah lighting at Tlaquepaque, and festive shopping evenings throughout December.

Each year in late winter, filmmakers and film lovers gather in Sedona for more than a week of independent features, documentaries and shorts, plus filmmaker Q&As and workshops.

Drive about 45 minutes to Jerome, a former copper mining town clinging to Cleopatra Hill. Wander galleries and tasting rooms, and warm up with a bite and a big view of the Verde Valley.

Winter is a great time to work your way through the Verde Valley Wine Trail, with tasting rooms in Cottonwood, Jerome, Cornville and Page Springs. Designate a driver or book a wine tour.

Lift off at dawn and float over red rock spires as the first light hits. Winter flights launch a little later in the morning, so there's no need for a crack-of-dawn alarm. Dress in layers.

Explore Sinagua history at Palatki and Honanki heritage sites or Montezuma Castle National Monument. Cooler weather makes winter the perfect season for slow, curious exploring.

Sedona has been an artists' town for decades. Spend a chilly afternoon browsing the galleries of Uptown, Tlaquepaque and West Sedona, or catch First Friday gallery openings.

Spring rains wake up the desert. Look for globemallow, paintbrush, lupine and blooming cacti along trails like Brins Mesa, Little Horse and the Bell Rock Pathway. Peak bloom typically runs March through April.

Every spring, riders from around the world come for three days of demo bikes, shuttle rides, clinics, vendors and live music. Even if you don't ride, it's a fun scene.

Spring is prime time for mountain biking in Sedona, with mild temps and tacky dirt. Rent a bike in town and try classics like Bell Rock Pathway, Slim Shady or the Western Loops, or hire a guide for the technical stuff.

With comfortable temps, spring is the season to go big: the climb up Cathedral Rock, the long ridge of Bear Mountain or the classic loop around Courthouse Butte. Start early and pack plenty of water.

Pack a picnic and head to Crescent Moon Picnic Site, home of the iconic Cathedral Rock reflection in Oak Creek. Spring runoff keeps the creek flowing and the cottonwoods freshly green.

Bounce up rugged backcountry roads like Broken Arrow and Schnebly Hill on a guided jeep tour, or rent your own off-road vehicle. A fun way to see big terrain in a short amount of time.

The South Rim is about two hours north. Spring is a sweet spot, with snow mostly gone from the rim and summer crowds not yet arrived. Leave early and stay for sunset at the rim.

Go behind the scenes on a free, self-guided tour of artists' private studios across Sedona and the Verde Valley. Meet painters, sculptors and makers where they actually work.

Paddle a calm stretch of the Verde River near Cottonwood or Camp Verde, where spring flows are typically at their best. Guided trips and rentals are available nearby.

Spring migration brings warblers, tanagers and raptors through the Verde Valley's riparian corridors. Try Red Rock State Park, Dead Horse Ranch State Park or the Page Springs area.

One of Sedona's most popular sunset spots, with a 360-degree view across the valley. Hike the short trail to the overlook or grab a spot at the scenic viewpoint, and get there early.

Page Springs Road is lined with creekside wineries and patios. Spring afternoons are made for a glass of Arizona-grown wine in the shade of the sycamores.

Slide down a natural, algae-slick rock chute into the cool waters of Oak Creek at Slide Rock State Park. It's a summer classic, so arrive early to beat the crowds and the heat. Water shoes are a must.

Summer hiking in Sedona means starting early, ideally at sunrise, and wrapping up by late morning. Try shaded routes like Fay Canyon, Boynton Canyon or the cool, creekside West Fork Trail. Carry more water than you think you'll need.

Summer is peak season for seeing the core of the Milky Way stretch across Sedona's dark skies. Find a dark spot away from town lights, give your eyes 20 minutes to adjust and take it all in.

The observatory where Pluto was discovered sits just above downtown Flagstaff. Visit for evening telescope viewing and planetarium shows on clear summer nights.

The City of Sedona hosts outdoor movie nights in the summer. Bring a blanket and enjoy a film under the open sky.

Float a mellow stretch of the Verde River with a guide or rental outfitter in Camp Verde or Cottonwood. A relaxed way to beat the heat.

Sedona's trails are ride-able in summer if you go early. Hit the trail at first light, ride before the heat builds and be back in time for a long breakfast.

Each October, this juried show brings 100+ artists together with live music, food and raffle prizes. A great place to find something one-of-a-kind to take home.

Drive the winding road north through Oak Creek Canyon, one of the most scenic drives in Arizona. Find shady swimming holes like Grasshopper Point and picnic under tall pines and sycamores.

Each summer during peak hummingbird season, this festival brings talks, garden tours, banding demonstrations and birding trips. Fascinating for nature lovers of any level.

When the afternoon sun is at its hottest, duck into galleries, boutiques and cafés. Tlaquepaque's shaded courtyards and fountains make for an easy, unhurried stroll.

Typically from late October into early November, the maples, oaks and sycamores of Oak Creek Canyon turn gold, orange and red against the red rock. It's one of the most beautiful sights in Arizona.

The West Fork of Oak Creek is the go-to fall color hike in Sedona, with blazing maples framed by canyon walls. It's very popular in peak season, so go early on a weekday and expect the parking lot to fill.

Mild days and cool nights make fall one of the best times of year to hit the trails. Go for the views at Cathedral Rock, Devil's Bridge, Soldier Pass or the Bell Rock and Courthouse Butte loop.

Each October, this juried show brings 100+ artists together with live music, food and raffle prizes. A great place to find something one-of-a-kind to take home.

For a week in October, master landscape painters set up easels across Sedona and paint outdoors. Watch them work, catch a demo and see the results at the gallery show.

Taste wines from across Arizona at this late September festival, with food, music and vendors under the red rocks.

Steins up. This October beer festival brings food, music and German-style fun, and raises money for local youth programs.

Cottonwoods along the Verde River turn bright gold in the fall. Take in the show from the open-air cars of the historic Verde Canyon Railroad out of Clarkdale.

With cool temps and dry dirt, fall is a great time to ride. Rent a mountain bike or e-bike in town and explore Sedona's world-renowned singletrack.

Fall sunsets set the red rocks on fire. Climb Doe Mountain for a quiet, wide-open mesa view or head to Airport Mesa for a 360-degree panorama.