Sedona in 3 Days: a guidebook for getting the most out of your visit

Arizona is a popular destination for backpackers, bikers and car travelers, so the destinations that connect the busiest points of the state tend to receive a large influx of tourists as well. Sedona, which is on the way between Phoenix and the Grand Canyon, respects this parameter, so it is common to see many tourists eager to see this place in a few days.

If you have just 3 days to discover Sedona, here I tell you what are the best activities you can do in the city and that involve adventure excursions, stargazing in the desert, tours of emblematic religious temples and travel to other nearby attractions, since Route 66, which is a spectacle in itself, is the backbone of the state and this destination.

Sedona is primarily a destination that offers activities in the surrounding desert. That's why for the first day I suggest an itinerary that includes an ATV adventure tour at Cathedral Rock and a stargazing tour at Red Rock State Park. In addition, you can also visit Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village, one of the most picturesque themed sites in the American Southwest.

Go on an ATV adventure tour at Cathedral Rock

Sedona's best activities are concentrated mainly in the desert surrounding the city and here you can participate in an ATV adventure tour that will take you through Cathedral Rock, one of the most outstanding natural spaces in the rocky region of the southwestern United States.

On these experiences you will ride an ATV through challenging terrain and rugged trails as you enter the heart of Sedona's premier landscape. Cathedral Rock, with its towering rock formations and panoramic views, stands as the perfect destination for those who want to combine motor sports with natural adventure.

From canyons to rolling hills, these tours give you the opportunity to experience the power of an off-road vehicle in the wilderness, with towering peaks and a commanding presence dominating the horizon. These tours usually start early in the morning, with hotel pick-up and drop-off, and last 5 to 6 hours, and can be extended if you visit Sedona during the winter when the weather is colder and windier.

Once you reach the top of Cathedral Rock, you can look out over Sedona's rocky landscape and the breathtaking beauty of the Arizona desert. This ATV adventure tour will not only give you an adrenaline rush, but will also allow you to take some of the best pictures of your trip in an unforgettable setting.

Visit Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village

Once you finish your ATV adventure tour, which is likely to be mid-afternoon, you can continue your tour by visiting the Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village. This bizarre open-air theme park is a unique attraction that offers a shopping and exploration experience in a quaint, artisanal setting.

This art village, inspired by Mexican architecture, is home to a variety of galleries, boutiques and local artists' studios, making it a place where creativity and craftsmanship merge. There you can also find restaurants and cafes, participate in food tours and enjoy seasonal decorations, especially if you plan to visit Sedona for Christmas.

In Tlaquepaque you can also explore a wide range of artwork, crafts and unique products, from handmade jewelry to ceramics, textiles and sculptures. Every corner of this themed town exudes authenticity and originality, with local artists displaying their creations in makeshift studios. You can also meet the artists themselves, who are often present at the stalls.

The relaxed, bohemian atmosphere of the Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village creates a perfect space to enjoy a meal al fresco in one of its charming courtyards surrounded by lush gardens. Because Sedona is not served by public transportation, you can reach this site by car via the AZ-179 N route or by using the city's tour bus, which travels to different tourist spots in the area.

Join a stargazing tour in the desert of Red Rock State Park.

For the closing of the first day in Sedona I propose one of the most popular activities in the region: a stargazing experience that combines astronomy with ufology, since the entire American Southwest is under the influence of Area 51, due to its proximity.

Stargazing tours are among the best overnight activities in Sedona and take place at Red Rock State Park, where you will be transported from your lodging. This remote park, far from light pollution, offers ideal conditions for exploring the mysteries of the night sky and perhaps even spotting unexplained extraterrestrial phenomena. The area, famous for its UFO theories and sightings, adds an intriguing tinge to this experience.

Accompanied by guides who are experts in astronomy and paranormal phenomena, you can use high-powered telescopes to explore the constellations, distant planets and distant galaxies that adorn the nearby universe. The clearest skies, which you can find if you visit Sedona in July, will offer a clear, crisp view of the stars.

Red Rock State Park, with its deep silence and dazzling vastness, creates the perfect setting for an experience that goes beyond conventional stargazing. The blend of desert serenity and fascination with the unknown will give you the opportunity to immerse yourself in a world of cosmic wonder and, perhaps, connect with the unexplained in an adventure that defies the mind's perception.

For the second day I suggest you get away from the city to check out one of the best nearby sites. Antelope Canyon, which is about 3 hours away by car or bus from Sedona, is a rock formation sculpted by the force of wind and water over the millennia that will amaze you with its high red sandstone walls and narrow passageways, which form a unique natural labyrinth.

The best alternative to visit Antelope Canyon from Sedona is to do it in an organized full-day excursion, which will allow you to delegate the organization of every detail and enjoy the scenery surrounding the picturesque Highway 89, which connects both destinations.

In this canyon you will be able to contemplate from the narrow slots to the wide chambers full of natural light that create a play of shadows and colors. The experience will allow you to take unforgettable photographs and appreciate the spiritual connection that many feel when entering this site sacred to the Navajo Nation.

The full-day tour from Sedona will usually also include stops at other iconic sites, such as the Horseshoe Bend, where the Colorado River meanders in a horseshoe shape, offering panoramic views from the top. In addition, you'll have the opportunity to explore the Cameron Trading Post, a historic enclave that has served as a meeting and trading post for Native Americans and travelers since the 1800s.

Here you'll find a variety of native art, crafts and authentic cultural pieces, plus you can sample local cuisine and stop for a rest stop before returning to Sedona.

Details of Interest

• Price of the excursion: approximately 277 euros per person.
• Duration of the excursion: about 12 hours.
• Means of transportation: Round trip bus with hotel pick up.

The third and final day of the tour will have an itinerary centered in and around Sedona, allowing you to take in the panoramic views of Airport Mesa, see the famous Chapel of the Holy Cross, built into a rock on top of a hill, and discover one of the most beautiful sunsets in Arizona, which can be found high above Oak Creek Canyon.

Hike through Airport Mesa and take in the panoramic views

Airport Mesa is a nature trail formed around Table Top Mountain that stands out for its red rock and basalt formations, but also for the panoramic views it offers from its summit. There you will find yourself immersed in a visual spectacle that captures the desert essence of the region and will give you a unique perspective of the canyons and valleys that characterize Sedona.

The views from Airport Mesa are particularly interesting at sunrise, when the sky is illuminated with golden and pink tones. If you plan to visit Sedona in June or during the summer months, when the skies are usually clear and the sunrise time is earlier, you can discover the best side of this natural viewpoint, which is located just outside of town.

At Airport Mesa you will also find hiking trails for all levels of difficulty, making it an ideal option for families or if you plan to visit Sedona with children.

In addition, the area has open spaces to relax and enjoy the serenity of the surroundings. Whether you are looking for a quiet experience for contemplation or want to capture the beauty of the landscape in photographs, touring Airport Mesa is a must-do activity that will immerse you in the natural majesty of Sedona. From downtown, you can get there by car or tour bus via Highway 89.

See the Chapel of the Holy Cross

The Chapel of the Holy Cross in Sedona, built in the 1950s on the red rocks of Mammoth Rock, is one of the main attractions of the city. What is striking about this religious temple is that it rises in perfect harmony with the natural surroundings, offering an unprecedented experience of landscape contemplation and spiritual connection.

The simple yet elegant architecture of the chapel, crowned by the large stained glass windows that allow natural light to flood the space, creates a calm and luminous atmosphere on the hilltop. The panoramic views from the sides of the chapel offer, in turn, an ideal backdrop, where red rocks and sky combine on the horizon.

The Chapel of the Holy Cross, which is often included in the best tours of the city, is a spiritual destination for visitors and locals alike, but it is also a refuge for Catholic religious celebrations that are very common in the region due to the Mexican immigration that characterizes the area. Also, if you plan to visit Sedona during Christmas or in December, you can attend Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve masses there.

From Airport Mesa you can reach the Chapel of the Holy Cross by car via AZ-179 S, the Verde Shuttle or the Sedona tour bus.

Discover Sedona Sunsets from Oak Creek Canyon

Since you can't leave Sedona without discovering the city's sunsets, which are considered the best in Arizona, for the last day I suggest a tour of Oak Creek Canyon to watch the sunset from this scenic overlook. As you meander along its winding paths, you'll be immersed in a landscape of red rock formations that light up with the last glimmers of sunlight as they show their best side in the heart of the Arizonan desert.

From strategically placed observation platforms, you will witness a sunset that creates a spectacle of colors capable of transforming the landscape. The mix of deep red rocks, green vegetation and the flaming sky contributes to a visually stunning palette that is characteristic of Sedona sunsets.

In addition, the tranquility of the canyon during the last hours of the day adds a dimension of serenity to the experience. The sun's rays filter through the rock formations, creating shadows that add depth to the landscape and will allow you to take some of the best photographs of your trip, even if you plan to visit Sedona in winter.

From the Chapel of the Holy Cross you can reach the canyon in a 20-minute drive along Highway 89, which connects most of the city's attractions and also offers panoramic views of the surrounding wilderness.