I have a habit of picking my travel destinations based on Instagram photos I see. As millennial as that sounds, it’s a luxury having millions of photos at your fingertips. While Sedona is not an unknown destination by any means, it’s a city I would have likely overlooked if I wasn’t exposed to the canyons and red rocks while mindlessly scrolling my feed. It’s been over a year since I visited Sedona and it’s one of the most magical places I’ve ever been. I dream of retiring there every single day.
Day 1: Lower Antelope Canyon & Horseshoe Bend
Our first full day we drove a few hours North to check out Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend. Mind you this was a little ambitious after a few hours of traveling, followed by a couple hour drive from Phoenix to Sedona the night before. While ambitious for some, this is exactly how I like to travel. I am constantly trying to fit as many things into a jam packed weekend as possible. It’s one of the ways I justify the cost of traveling. Though we were initially dreading another long drive so early on in the trip, it ended up being one of the most beautiful drives we’ve been on. The beauty of different terrains throughout Arizona still resonates with me today.
We opted for Lower Antelope Canyon with Dixie’s Tours and it ended up being the best hundred bucks we’ve ever spent. The crisp January weather kept the tour small and we had the pleasure of being in the canyons with just a few others. I cannot recommend this tour company more. I am not one to be a strong proponent of guided tours–I like doing things on my own schedule; however, this is a tour you should not miss if you have the opportunity to visit Northern Arizona!
The photos that we took in the Canyon are still some of my favorite photos to date. After our tour, we drove up the road to see Horseshoe Bend. As this is a free attraction, I recommend going in the early morning to beat the crowds, or later in the evening before sunset. The view is a short walk from the parking lot, making this enjoyable for all!
Day 2: Hiking Devil’s Bridge & Cathedral Rock
Our second full day was devoted to hiking. One of the main reasons I chose Sedona was for its trails. Prior to arriving, I had a list of five hikes I wanted to do. After realizing I would only have two full days in Sedona, I narrowed it down to two: Devil’s Bridge and Cathedral Rock. Being as time was limited, I wanted to choose hikes that I’d get the most bang for my buck, aka the best view in the shortest allotted time.
Devil’s Bridge was a no brainer–it was the reason I knew I needed to visit Sedona. Devil’s Bridge was a four mile trek that rewarded us with off and on fog. If you have time for only one hike while in Sedona, I recommend this one. Walking across the bridge at the end was a great way to conclude the hike, but if you’re scare of hikes, you can admire the view from the side!
Late that day we did Cathedral Rock. I underestimated the difficulty of the this hike. I remember looking it up and thinking, “1.2 miles?! We can run up the mountain”. HA, I was wrong..very wrong. The incline of this was pretty tough, but luckily it was short lived. I was so thankful it was breezy out because I cannot imagine hiking up this rock in the midst of a Sedona Summer heat wave. Most people stop halfway because you are rewarded with amazing views nearly the entire time, but I promise the best view isn’t until you’re at the top! Once you arrive at the top, take your time exploring. Every turn there was a different view, each more incredible than the last.
Day 3: Shopping and Eating All the Foods
For a relaxed day in Sedona filled with good shops and good bites, I recommend these spots:
• Dinner at Hideaway House and Mariposa–you’ll thank me later!
• Shopping at Tlaquepaque Village
• Sip on chai at “The Chai Spot”–they have the cutest patio setup
• Drive to the “Chapel of the Holy Cross”. The views surrounding the church are incredible
What to Pack:
- Sunblock–No matter the time of year you’re visiting this is an essential! <<Check out Supergoop>>
- Hiking Boots–I recommend investing in a good pair of boots that’ll last you. I LOVE my danners. <<Shop Here>>
- If I’m not doing much of a hike and more so walking, I love these nikes. I’ve walked quite a bit of miles in them. <<Check out walking shoes here>>
- Merino Wool Base Layers–Winter months in Sedona are a bit chillier–I loved having a base layer to keep me warm during the day. <<Check out Merino Wool here>>
- Jacket–Bringing a jacket is essential, even if it’s just for evenings when the temperatures drop. <<Shop my jacket here>>
- Day Pack–Even if you’re not hiking, its convenient to have everything located in a day pack. I love the osprey brand. <<Check out my day pack>>
- First Aid Kit–I always have this in my hiking bag in case of emergency. It’s always good to carry one. <<Check out first aid kit here>>
- Camera— This place is so easy to capture because of how beautiful it is. <<Shop my camera here>>
- Lens–Great lens for landscape photography. <<Shop Tamron Lens Here>>
- Water Bottle–Highly recommend bringing a water bottle to avoid plastic waste. Hydro Flasks are worth the price. <<Shop hydro flasks here>>
- Snacks–Hear me out, yes these may be eaten primarily by children, BUT I love these. I always throw a couple of these in my backpack because they’re perfect when you need a quick snack. <<Check out smoothie packs here>>
Thanks for reading! Hope this helps you plan the perfect weekend in Sedona
XOX,
Jess
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