Unforgettable Weekend in Sedona, Arizona!

My fiance and I booked a weekend trip to the breathtaking Sedona, Arizona to escape the cold Wisconsin weather. Nestled amidst the Coconino National Forest, this vibrant desert town offers an array of outdoor activities. I have put together our TOP list of restaurants, hikes, and activities that are musts on your vacation to Sedona, Arizona.

HIKES

Cathedral Rock Trail: This trail offers panoramic views of Sedona and the surrounding red rock formation. Moderately Difficult.

Devil’s Bridge Trail: This popular trail leads to a natural sandstone arch known as Devil’s Bridge. GO EARLY, if you don’t want to wait in line for your photo. We arrived by 7am and it was still slightly busy.

Bell Rock and Courthouse Butte Loop: This moderate loop trails takes you around two iconic rock formations, offering great views of the area.

Airport Mesa Loop: This easy loop trail offers panoramic views of Sedona and is especially popular for sunrise or sunset hikes. We hiked the whole loop but if we did it again, would only hike the first half of the loop and skip out on the backside of the hike.

FOOD

Food:As the sun began its descent, I ventured to the famous Cathedral Rock. With my adrenaline pumping, I decided to try my hand at rock climbing. The challenging ascent was both thrilling and rewarding, as I stood triumphantly atop the rock, taking in the panoramic views of Sedona's majestic landscape bathed in the golden hour glow.

ACTIVITIES:

Outside of hiking, we did not take a ton of time to do other activities. We love to hike and did not even get through all of the hikes we wanted to. One of our favorite non-hiking activities was the Tlaquepaque Arts and Crafts Village. This gem was filled with cobblestone paths, charming courtyards, and an array of art galleries showcasing diverse styles and mediums. We meandered through the colorful shops, admiring jewelry, ceramics, and paintings by local artists. Below is a list of activities we saw many visitors participate in but did not choose or get the chance to do them during our visit:

Jeep Tours: You can take guided Pink Jeep tours to explore the rugged backcountry of Sedona. These tours provide an exciting way to experience the red rock landscapes and access viewpoints that are not easily reachable by foot.

Hot Air Balloon Rides: Get a bird’s-eye view of Sedona’s red rock formations.

Wine Tasting: Sedona is located near the Verde Valley Wine Region, which is known for its vineyards and wineries.

Spa and Wellness: Sedona is known as a place of rejuvenation and wellness and offers an array of spas and yoga facilities.