What Not to Do in Sedona

One of the most beautiful places in America, Sedona, Arizona is often the first choice to visit for a vacation or for fulfilling the dream of relocating or purchasing a second home. Contrary to popular belief, Sedona is not Sedona National Park. Sedona is a city and it contains two state parks: Red Rock State Park and Slide Rock State Park. That's why there are so many homes and privately owned businesses situated among and in between the beautiful red rocks. It seems that every Sedona visitor comes armed with a list from friends or family that recites the things you must do if you ever visit Sedona. Like beauty, Sedona "must do's" are in the eye of the beholder, and the DO'S are numerous and have been well covered. As much as we love this destination (and we really do!) we thought we'd offer some DON'TS to keep in mind:

Don't bother to pack dressy clothes unless you are attending a Sedona wedding. There is almost no place you can go in Sedona that requires attire any fancier than your "nice jeans" and a shirt with sleeves. If you feel you must get a bit gussied up, perhaps for dinner at L'Auberge, ladies might want to don a top and skirt, and gentlemen will be properly attired in a sport coat with an open-collared shirt (no neckties!)

Don't book your hotel or bed and breakfast based solely on the views from the accommodations. There are views everywhere you go in Sedona, and we promise your vacation album will include dozens of picturesque photo-ops beyond the boundaries of your guest room balcony.

Don't think that you must stay longer than 5 nights per trip to Sedona; even a 4-night stay is a stretch. The average length of stay in Sedona is about 2.5 nights, and most visitors come back a second, third, or twentieth time. Learn from all the visitors who have come before you: there are over a hundred things to do in Sedona and the Verde Valley, but you need not do them all in one trip.

Don't be afraid to “bookend” your Sedona visit; book a stay in Sedona for 1 or 2 nights on either side of a driving tour of the Grand Canyon / Grand Circle vacation. Spend a couple nights at the South Rim, and even up to the national parks of southern Utah, but return to Sedona for a restorative stay before heading home. Some lodging owners even offer discounts for this kind of bookend itinerary.

Don't try to take a regular rental car onto back country roads and Jeep tour trails. They’ll probably be challenged to make the Sedona hills or they may become damaged; damage to these rental vehicles can be pricey and are the sole responsibility of the renter. If your plan is to take a car off road, speak to a Jeep or vehicle rental company that specializes in this kind of rental. Talk to your hotel’s concierge or innkeeper to find a reputable company, look the vehicle over carefully before you rent to make certain the vehicle is in good repair and able to handle the trek, and listen to the rental company’s advice on how to drive on steeply graded, loose gravel trails.

Don't wait until the last day of your stay to take the Sedona Trolley or a Sedona Jeep tour. These two classic Sedona tours are available from excellent, reputable and knowledgeable providers and will instantly help you understand the lay of the land in Sedona. The trolley tours allow you to hop-on, hop-off along the trolley route, taking in the area’s shopping, dining and photography opportunities at your own pace. Jeep tours will get you to some of the best photography spots, many on the sides of mountains not accessible by any other means, and you're also likely to get an excellent education on the area’s ancient people, sites, mythology, geography, animals and plant life.

One final thing to absolutely avoid: Do not illegally park in a handicap parking space in Sedona! Not even for a quick trip to a store or to the bank and never at a hotel. The Sedona Police must issue a ticket for this violation of state and federal law and they most certainly will. A total waste of money and act of disrespect for those who have a legal right to the spots; just don’t do it.


RECOMMENDED THINGS TO DO IN SEDONA

Arizona Private Tours

Arizona Private Tours is the leading private tour agency in Northern Arizona. We specialize in safe & sanitary custom tours. We pick up guests in Flagstaff and spend our day exploring scenic Arizona in an intimate setting with an expert guide in comfort. Our luxury SUV's will take you and
Arizona Private Tours is the leading private tour agency in Northern Arizona. We specialize in safe & sanitary custom tours. We pick up guests in Flagstaff and spend our day exploring scenic Arizona in an intimate setting with an expert guide in comfort. Our luxury SUV's will take you and up to 6 guests on a completely customizable tour of Northern Arizona. For majestic private Grand Canyon tours to Verde Valley Wine tours & ghost towns in the Sedona area, we cover it all. Let us create the custom tour of your dreams and know that we want to make this a day that you will remember for the rest of your life.

Pink Jeep Adventures

Hang on tight for a fun-filled adventure that leads you on and over the red rocks in a cutting edge Jeep Wrangler, while the magnificent canyon walls surround you. You'll be awestruck by the natural splendor and thrilled as your guide expertly navigates you down iconic red rock trails. Cho
Hang on tight for a fun-filled adventure that leads you on and over the red rocks in a cutting edge Jeep Wrangler, while the magnificent canyon walls surround you. You'll be awestruck by the natural splendor and thrilled as your guide expertly navigates you down iconic red rock trails. Choose from over 15 adventure tours or go with Sedona's most popular tour for nearly 60 years, The Broken Arrow Tour, exclusively offered by Pink Jeep Tours.

Antelope Canyon & Horseshoe Bend

Spend a day visiting two of the most iconic landscapes in the American Southwest- Antelope Canyon & Horseshoe Bend! Our Lower Antelope Canyon Tours take you into the heart of one of the most spectacular slot canyons in the world. Afterwards, we visit the famous Horseshoe Bend, where y

Spend a day visiting two of the most iconic landscapes in the American Southwest- Antelope Canyon & Horseshoe Bend! Our Lower Antelope Canyon Tours take you into the heart of one of the most spectacular slot canyons in the world. Afterwards, we visit the famous Horseshoe Bend, where you can peer off the edge at the mighty Colorado River! Tours leaves from Flagstaff.


Best Grand Canyon Day Tours

Voted on Trip Advisor as the most popular Grand Canyon day tour. This is the best way to enjoy the Grand Canyon without doing any strenuous hiking. Nearly five millions people come to see the Canyon each year and many spend much of their time trying to figure out what to do. Our profess

Voted on Trip Advisor as the most popular Grand Canyon day tour. This is the best way to enjoy the Grand Canyon without doing any strenuous hiking. Nearly five millions people come to see the Canyon each year and many spend much of their time trying to figure out what to do. Our professional guides will make sure you get the most out of your trip. While touring in comfort you will learn about the geology and history of one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. The day tour includes short walks to some incredible "less-used" outlooks, a looking into some of the areas most impressive historic buildings, and time to browse resident art galleries and gift shops.


Grand Canyon Railway

Visit the official website for Grand Canyon Railway. Book your reservation online for a train tour on one of five classes of service on our vintage train to the Grand Canyon. Or,select a vacation package that includes lodging at our own Grand Canyon Railway Hotel and in Grand Canyon Nation
Visit the official website for Grand Canyon Railway. Book your reservation online for a train tour on one of five classes of service on our vintage train to the Grand Canyon. Or,select a vacation package that includes lodging at our own Grand Canyon Railway Hotel and in Grand Canyon National Park.

A Day In The West

Sedona's oldest continually owned family tour business (since 1949) offers a wide variety of tours, including: Jeep tours, horseback rides with BBQ cookouts, winery/jeep combination tours, and much more. In Sedona we are known as the fun and friendly tour company, and we've got a reputatio
Sedona's oldest continually owned family tour business (since 1949) offers a wide variety of tours, including: Jeep tours, horseback rides with BBQ cookouts, winery/jeep combination tours, and much more. In Sedona we are known as the fun and friendly tour company, and we've got a reputation to back that up. Let our Cowboy and Indian guides show you what's special about Sedona's high desert. Check out our website for savings on online bookings.

Sedona UFO Tour Guided By Contacted Scientist

At sundown, all participants caravan 3 miles to a parking area with a dark sky. 3rd gen night vision goggles are distributed to see what can't be seen with the naked eye. Satellites, airplanes and UFOs are seen every night.

Personal UFO Tour: With 3 or more in a

At sundown, all participants caravan 3 miles to a parking area with a dark sky. 3rd gen night vision goggles are distributed to see what can't be seen with the naked eye. Satellites, airplanes and UFOs are seen every night.

Personal UFO Tour: With 3 or more in a party, the Sedona UFO Tour Guide comes to you with the gear and the information that has made Michael THE guide to hire for a UFO Tour.

Conversations with a Contactee: Michael will buy lunch and spend an hour sharing his ET contact story, and answering the attendees' questions.


Flagstaff Extreme Adventure Course

Flagstaff Extreme Adventure Course is an elevated obstacle course set in the tall Ponderosa Pines. It is securely suspended between the trees at 15 to 60 feet off the ground. At Flagstaff Extreme, we believe the best family memories are usually ones that take place outdoors, so bring th

Flagstaff Extreme Adventure Course is an elevated obstacle course set in the tall Ponderosa Pines. It is securely suspended between the trees at 15 to 60 feet off the ground. At Flagstaff Extreme, we believe the best family memories are usually ones that take place outdoors, so bring the entire family! There are 5 adult courses and 1 junior course with obstacles ranging from tarzan ropes, to wobbly bridges, swinging logs, cargo nets, ziplines, and even an aerial surf board!

Come Play in the Trees and explore the outdoors like you never have before!

To see our availability or book a reservation, check out www.flagstaffextreme.com or give us a call at 888-259-0125!

(See our website for age and height restrictions)


One Tribe Tours

Experience Sedona's healing power by tapping into her potent vortex energy. Let us take you deeper into the present moment where you can safely release, heal, and recharge your batteries. Our tours and retreats are private, personalized and customizable to meet your spiritual and physical
Experience Sedona's healing power by tapping into her potent vortex energy. Let us take you deeper into the present moment where you can safely release, heal, and recharge your batteries. Our tours and retreats are private, personalized and customizable to meet your spiritual and physical needs. Your tour can include a smudging ceremony, rose petal ceremony, guided meditation, hiking, yoga in a vortex site, a healing session, and spectacular views. We will show you how to connect to Mother Earth in a sacred way. Plus enjoy our delicious organic homemade cookies, chocolates, and tea!

Healing with Nature - Vortex Healing Tours

VOTED Best of the Best 2024
Reader’s Choice Awards by Verde Valley
Independent Reader’s Best Vortex Tour!

Authentic Experience with Reiki Master Healer & Local Guide.
Learn how to use Vortex and Reiki Energy: Energy to Heal, Ground and Reconnec

VOTED Best of the Best 2024
Reader’s Choice Awards by Verde Valley
Independent Reader’s Best Vortex Tour!

Authentic Experience with Reiki Master Healer & Local Guide.
Learn how to use Vortex and Reiki Energy: Energy to Heal, Ground and Reconnect to Yourself .

Sacred Medicine Wheel Ceremony, Personalized Spiritual Healing Experience.

  • All Tours Include Reiki Energy Healing
  • Private Vortex Tours for Solo Travelers & Groups
  • Visit Locally Known, Less Traveled Vortex Locations
  • Pick Up &Drop Off from Place of Lodging Available. (Sedona & Village of Oak Creek)
  • Includes All Entrance Fees

Grand Canyon South Rim Tour from Phoenix & Scottsdale with Sedona

Take in unforgettable views of classic southwestern landscapes. Explore the Grand Canyon South Rim in this incredible tour from Phoenix & Scottsdale that covers the deepest and widest parts of the Grand Canyon. This day tour of the South Rim spends approximately three hours in Grand Canyon
Take in unforgettable views of classic southwestern landscapes. Explore the Grand Canyon South Rim in this incredible tour from Phoenix & Scottsdale that covers the deepest and widest parts of the Grand Canyon. This day tour of the South Rim spends approximately three hours in Grand Canyon National Park and some time in Sedona.

Private Sedona Red Rock Tours

Experience the extraordinary beauty and power of Sedona with a first-hand experience of a private Sedona tour, where you'll immerse yourself in this powerful gift of nature and learn how to harness the energy for real transformation in your life, you've come to the right place.

Experience the extraordinary beauty and power of Sedona with a first-hand experience of a private Sedona tour, where you'll immerse yourself in this powerful gift of nature and learn how to harness the energy for real transformation in your life, you've come to the right place.

Our tours are private and tailored to your personal and spiritual needs by highly intuitive guides. Once they meet you, they'll tune into which vortex site to visit first and, from there, you'll follow Spirit and go where you are called. Every experience is unique and one of a kind-just as you are.

Choose from the Original Vortex Tour or any of our spiritual tours (medicine wheel tour, yoga tour, chakra tour, psychic tour and more). You'll visit the most powerful energy centers in Sedona and learn how to tune into and work with the energy right out on the red rocks and in Sedona's breathtaking countryside.

We also do photography tours for individuals who want to be taken out to the best locations for photo ops and hiking tours.


Private Spiritual Vortex Healing Tours

Private Vortex Tour! Each tour is customized and personalized for your spiritual well-being. Our vortex tours are deeply transformational healing experiences.

We draw upon our deep connection to Sedona's healing Vortex energies to help you achieve a state of grounded inner peace

Private Vortex Tour! Each tour is customized and personalized for your spiritual well-being. Our vortex tours are deeply transformational healing experiences.

We draw upon our deep connection to Sedona's healing Vortex energies to help you achieve a state of grounded inner peace. You will let go of mental and emotional blockages that prevent you from being fully alive and happy!
Each Vortex Tour is a deeply transformational, healing experience, guided by one of Sedona's first Vortex tour guides.

Our Shamanic Medicine Wheel ceremony takes you further into your personal spiritual guidance about your life path.


Maverick Helicopter Tours

Maverick Helicopters offers tours of the Grand Canyon West Rim and South Rim. Maverick brings VIP service to the canyon with climate-controlled helicopters and unobstructed views perfect for sightseeing. They give you an adventure of a lifetime and not just another tour of the Grand Canyon
Maverick Helicopters offers tours of the Grand Canyon West Rim and South Rim. Maverick brings VIP service to the canyon with climate-controlled helicopters and unobstructed views perfect for sightseeing. They give you an adventure of a lifetime and not just another tour of the Grand Canyon.

Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village

Your unforgettable Sedona experience must include spending time at internationally renowned Tlaquepaque (pronounced Tla-keh-pah-keh), Sedona Arizona's Arts & Crafts Village. Tlaquapaque treats visitors to an exceptional collection of Sedona art galleries and shops bordered by four outstand
Your unforgettable Sedona experience must include spending time at internationally renowned Tlaquepaque (pronounced Tla-keh-pah-keh), Sedona Arizona's Arts & Crafts Village. Tlaquapaque treats visitors to an exceptional collection of Sedona art galleries and shops bordered by four outstanding restaurants including a micro-brewery. You'll want to return to this epicenter of Sedona shopping and activities again and again - to look and wander, to sample and buy, to eat, drink and refresh body and soul. We also serve as an intimate and beautiful wedding venue.

Out Of Africa Wildlife Park

Come see Tiger Splash show at 1:15 every day. Watch Bengal tigers in natural play as they hunt their caretakers. Open Daily 9:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Just 40 minutes from Sedona.

The Blazin’ M Ranch - A Western Themed Frontier Town, Dinner, and A Show

Join us at the Blazin’ M Ranch for an evening of western activities, dinner, and an unforgettable show! The Blazin’ M Ranch features an authentic Western Themed Town located in Cottonwood, Arizona. You’ll find fun family activities and the best chicken and ribs in Arizona, along with

Join us at the Blazin’ M Ranch for an evening of western activities, dinner, and an unforgettable show! The Blazin’ M Ranch features an authentic Western Themed Town located in Cottonwood, Arizona. You’ll find fun family activities and the best chicken and ribs in Arizona, along with foil-wrapped potato, cowboy beans, our prickly pear coleslaw, flying biscuits and a delicious homemade dessert.

After dinner the Blazin’ M Cowboys entertain ya’ with their award-winning musical talents mixed with cowboy poetry and humor with a 1 hour show from 7:30pm - 8:30pm!


Sedona Tour from Phoenix & Scottsdale

Tour the magical red rocks of Sedona and visit Native American ruins during this Sedona Tour from Phoenix & Scottsdale. Highlights include spending the day surrounded by the stunning red rock landscapes of Sedona, see ancient Sinagua cliff dwellings at Montezuma Castle National Monument

Tour the magical red rocks of Sedona and visit Native American ruins during this Sedona Tour from Phoenix & Scottsdale. Highlights include spending the day surrounded by the stunning red rock landscapes of Sedona, see ancient Sinagua cliff dwellings at Montezuma Castle National Monument. Visit Bell Rock, Airport Mesa and Chapel of the Holy Cross. Options available for shopping, galleries, restaurants in Uptown or T'laquapaque and off-road Jeep tours or guided hike add-ons.


Sedona Hiking App

Take a Hike! The Sedona Hiking App currently has over 110 trails, over four hundred miles of trail documented and available in the App. You can follow your location in real time and always know where you are on the trail. Visit and explore www.SedonaHikingApp.com for trail listings and

Take a Hike! The Sedona Hiking App currently has over 110 trails, over four hundred miles of trail documented and available in the App. You can follow your location in real time and always know where you are on the trail. Visit and explore www.SedonaHikingApp.com for trail listings and hike highlights with pictures from the trails.

Here's how it works: After you decide on the trails you'd like to experience, download the trails onto your device (with a network connection) and 'select' them as you do the hike. Click 'Take a Hike' to see the map. Everything you need is in each hike package, including driving directions This really is hiking for everyone. Easy, moderate, and hard day hikes to enjoy the grandeur of Sedona!

Check out our new Discovering Sedona Landmarks app!


Granite Mountain Guides - Prescott

Granite Mountain Guides was established on the foundations of providing exceptional instruction to climbers that are just learning the craft. From there it expanded into how we can best serve the local community even more by promoting wonderful areas for all to experience on our guided tri
Granite Mountain Guides was established on the foundations of providing exceptional instruction to climbers that are just learning the craft. From there it expanded into how we can best serve the local community even more by promoting wonderful areas for all to experience on our guided trips. All of our Instructors are well-qualified American Mountain Guides Association certified in their specific terrain. Granite Mountain Guides can fulfill your needs and help you achieve your goals.

Wildland Trekking

Go on an epic journey in Sedona or to the Grand Canyon! Services include 1 to 8 day hiking adventures, tasty backcountry cuisine, and quality gear served up by America's most experienced and knowledgeable Grand Canyon guides. 25+ years experience in adventure travel.

Papillon Grand Canyon Helicopters

World's Largest and Most Experienced Helicopter Sightseeing Company! Daily multilingual tours of Grand Canyon departing from Sedona, Scottsdale, Phoenix, Grand Canyon, Grand Canyon West and Las Vegas. Choose from a variety of Air Tours, River Rafting, Weddings venus, IMAX attractions, or e
World's Largest and Most Experienced Helicopter Sightseeing Company! Daily multilingual tours of Grand Canyon departing from Sedona, Scottsdale, Phoenix, Grand Canyon, Grand Canyon West and Las Vegas. Choose from a variety of Air Tours, River Rafting, Weddings venus, IMAX attractions, or even fly the Vegas strip by night.

Sacred Vortex Holistic Therapies

Sacred Vortex Holistic Therapies offers a kaleidoscope of Holistic modalities in the Village of Oak Creek area including the following services:
Access Bars, Reiki, Acupressure with Essential Oils, Ear Seeds, Naturopathy, Chakra Balancing, HeartMath, Sound Baths f

Sacred Vortex Holistic Therapies offers a kaleidoscope of Holistic modalities in the Village of Oak Creek area including the following services:
Access Bars, Reiki, Acupressure with Essential Oils, Ear Seeds, Naturopathy, Chakra Balancing, HeartMath, Sound Baths for individuals and groups, Sound Therapy, Light Therapy, Classes, Workshops, Clubs, and Couple’s Packages for before or after their wedding.


Wine Tour from Sedona to the Verde Valley Vineyards in Luxury Transportation

Our tour to four wineries will be either in a luxury tour coach or in a luxury SUV depending on the size of the group going out that day. You may choose to enjoy tastings or bottles of award-winning wines. You will receive discounts for tastings and bottles of wine, at some of the winer

Our tour to four wineries will be either in a luxury tour coach or in a luxury SUV depending on the size of the group going out that day. You may choose to enjoy tastings or bottles of award-winning wines. You will receive discounts for tastings and bottles of wine, at some of the wineries. Also, we are the only tour company that allows you to bring your own alcoholic (or nonalcoholic) beverages with you on the bus. At one of the wineries, we will have a picnic, outside next to the grapevines or inside depending on the weather. The picnic is served on linens, includes a personal charcuterie board. This includes French bread, gourmet cheeses, hard salami, olive oil with balsamic vinegar, grapes, nuts, and chocolates, for each individual person on the tour. At one of the award-winning wineries, we will be touring the production facility and barrel room. There we will discuss the wine-making process and what it takes to make a cluster of grapes into an award-winning bottle of wine.


Private Sedona Vortex Retreats

When you're ready to transform your life with Sedona's vortex energy while experiencing the best vacation of your life, you're ready for a Sedona Vortex Retreat. Sedona's vortex energy has been used for centuries by experienced shamans and other intuitive people for personal and planeta

When you're ready to transform your life with Sedona's vortex energy while experiencing the best vacation of your life, you're ready for a Sedona Vortex Retreat. Sedona's vortex energy has been used for centuries by experienced shamans and other intuitive people for personal and planetary healing, refreshment and rejuvenation, spiritual ceremony and life acceleration, inspiration, enlightenment and getting answers to life's most pressing questions. Whatever your reason for retreat, our highly experienced, heart-centered guides will lead you through the vortex mystery to experience for yourself the life-changing transformation this energy is designed to provide to all who truly seek it.

This was absolutely one of the best experiences of my Life. The knowledge, clarity and deeper understanding of myself were truly priceless. This is not entertainment, this is the REAL DEAL and in my opinion no one could have assisted me with my journey better than the Sedona Vortex Retreats Team.
--Sonya Friday

We customize our retreats just for you or your small group and orient your retreat to your specific interests (couples retreats, yoga, healing, girlfriend's getaway and more).

Visit our website through the links below and get a copy of our free 26-page special report on the secrets of using vortex energy for powerful spiritual transformation.


Bliss Wine Tours - The Most Luxurious Vineyard Tour in Sedona

We are the most luxurious, customer-focused, wine tour company in Sedona! With extravagant limousines for larger groups and plush SUV’s for smaller groups. This tour helps you maximize on time while up in Northern Arizona, with a duration of 5+ hours. We spend an average of a little ove

We are the most luxurious, customer-focused, wine tour company in Sedona! With extravagant limousines for larger groups and plush SUV’s for smaller groups. This tour helps you maximize on time while up in Northern Arizona, with a duration of 5+ hours. We spend an average of a little over an hour at each vineyard. Here’s one of many tips we will give you, after booking: You are able to imbibe on alcoholic beverages while traveling to and from the wineries and Sedona, with Bliss! This is a true day of pampering! This includes Excellent wine, Amazing food, Luxurious vehicles, Guides that want nothing more, than to make your heart Blissfully happy - Cheers!


MORE THINGS TO DO IN SEDONA