3-Day Sedona Weekend Itinerary
Covering the best and most iconic hikes in Sedona, this 3-day sample itinerary is for those who love adventure and want to make the most of their time. If you want to spend your weekend outdoors exploring the beautiful red rocks, followed by eating at some of the best restaurants Sedona has to offer, this itinerary is for you!
Helpful Information
Many of the hikes I've listed in this guide require a Red Rocks pass for parking. I suggest purchasing ahead of time at this link. The cost ranges from $5-$20 depending on the duration you purchase.
If you don't have a car or prefer to avoid driving, you can utilize the Sedona Shuttle which provides transportation to some of the most popular hikes in the area from two park and rides. You can see the schedule and map of where the shuttle goes here.
Day 1
Devil's Bridge Hike
The largest natural sandstone arch in the Sedona area.
Start your morning off by visiting one of Sedona's most iconic hikes -- the Devil's Bridge which is Sedona's largest natural sandstone arch. This is a great hike that offers breathtaking views of Red Rock country, but it is extremely popular, so I recommend doing it first thing in the morning, especially if you want to park at the trailhead (which has very limited spaces). I recommend arriving no later than 6:45am. Plus if you arrive early, you likely won't have to wait in a long line to get a photo on the actual bridge.
This 3.9 mile out-and-back hike is rated moderate. There is very limited parking at the Dry Creek Vista trailhead, so if you’re unable to get a spot there you can park on the side of the street which adds about an extra 1 mile to this hike.
And if you're worried about going out onto the actual bridge for a photo, don't be! It is extremely wide and not nearly as narrow as photos on Instagram make it look.
Breakfast at
Coffee Pot Restaurant
A popular breakfast and lunch spot.
After hiking Devil's Bridge, drive just a few minutes back into town and get breakfast at the Coffee Pot Restaurant. They have over 100 omelettes and a cute little patio to enjoy your breakfast on. This place is popular so there may be a little bit of a wait, but it is worth it. I also highly recommend purchasing one of their mugs from the gift shop. I purchased one several years ago and it is still my favorite mug.
The parking lot is tight here. Be patient as you wait for others to back out of their spot, or simply park in the Safeway parking lot nearby.
Slide Rock State Park
Home of the world-famous 80-foot long natural rock slide
Slide Rock State Park is a state park where you can, quite literally, slide down rocks! It has consistently been rated one of America's "Top Swimming Holes" and is famous for the 80-foot long rock slide formed into the red sandstone that plummets into a giant pool of water. It is a great place to cool down on a hot Arizona day!
Depending on what time of year you go, the park usually opens at 8 or 9 AM. Cost to enter Monday-Friday: $20/per vehicle; Saturday-Sunday: $30/per vehicle. The parking lot does fill up early so if you are visiting in the summer, I recommend heading here either right after breakfast or early afternoon to guarantee entrance. It is a great place to pack a picnic and spend a few hours. It is also family friendly!
Sunset at Airport Mesa Vortex
One of the most popular vortex sites in Sedona.
This is the BEST place in Sedona to watch the sunset and one of my absolute must go to places every time I visit Sedona. As you're driving up Airport Road from W Arizona 89a, there will be an extremely tiny parking lot on your left (it comes up fast so drive slow as you approach). There's only about 8 parking spots and no street parking. Sometimes I've had to drive past multiple times waiting for someone to leave to get a spot, but trust me, it is very much worth the effort. Because of this, I recommend arriving 90-minutes prior to sunset.
From the parking lot, head up and to the left, following the "Summit Trail" signs that lead you along a wire handrail. You'll only need to hike for about 10-minutes to reach the top of the mesa where the vortex is. At the top, you'll have sweeping 360 degree views of all of Sedona, the only location in all of Sedona where you can see the entire city as once.
Sedona is known for being able to experience energy by visiting a vortex site -- energy is either entering or leaving the earth in these areas. There are several vortex sites in Sedona. And while I will say I am not really someone who believes in being able to experience those types of feelings, I do very much feel the energy of the vortex at Airport Mesa. Every time I've come here, I always feel extremely peaceful and relaxed.
Enjoy the scenery and soak in all the feelings while you wait for the sun to go down. But don't leave right after the sunset! In my experience, the views get even better once the sun is completely down. One time, we sat patiently for a little while after the sunset and then saw the moon rise over the red rocks. It was absolutely incredible and something I will never forget. Bring a headlamp and hike back to your car in the dark so you can fully take in the experience.
Day 2
Cathedral Rock
One of the most photographed spots in all of Arizona.
Add stats (mileage, difficulty, etc.)
Hopefully you went to bed early the night before because on Day 2, you're going to want to wake up before sunrise so you can catch it at one of the most beautiful summits in Sedona -- Cathedral Rock. Depending on how far away you are from the trailhead, I recommend waking up 2 hours prior to sunrise to ensure you catch it. There are two trailhead parking lots off of Back'O'Beyond Road, however, since I have last visited Sedona they have changed access to this trailhead to be by shuttle only Thursday-Sunday.
To hike to Cathedral Rock, you'll have two options:
#1: Arrive early enough to access the parking lot by your private vehicle. The trailhead is in a neighborhood where there are many homes and cars, so if you get there early enough you should be able to access. I've never had a problem driving to the trailhead parking lot and paying the $5 fee to park there (you pay via machine).
#2: Catch the first Sedona Shuttle at 7AM and do this hike post sunrise. Or you could always do this at sunset instead. It is just as beautiful in the evening as it is during the early morning hours.
Cathedral Rock in Sedona is a short but challenging hike that offers great views of the naturally occurring rock formations in the heart of red rock country.
It is about 1.5 miles roundtrip but has nearly 800-feet of elevation gain, so definitely bring water! To reach the top, you will need to scramble up a variety of rocks. These rocks are heavily traveled and are slippery, so wear shoes with some grip to them. You'll need to use your hands as well so make sure they are free of any items.
Once you get to the top, you'll have sweeping views of the Sedona valley.
If you want to get to the Cathedral Rock vortex (AKA the pillar which is where my photo is taken), then at the very top you'll want to take a left and climb up the rocky trail until to reach a hidden pillar. This is the vortex!
Red Rock Cafe
Home of the 3-pound cinnamon roll.
Not far from Cathedral Rock is the Red Rock Cafe, where you can enjoy breakfast and, if you're up for it, a 3-pound cinnamon roll! I did not get the cinnamon roll when I visited but it did look amazing and a ton of people sitting around us ordered it.
The Birthing Cave
A popular hike leading to a large cave
If you're exhausted after waking up for sunrise, either head back to your accommodations to rest up, or head to the Long Canyon trailhead to hike to the Birthing Cave. This hike is about 2 miles roundtrip and and can be done in a little over an hour. The challenge = adjusting your camera just right to capture a photograph of the entire cave!
You can reference the map I included below, but park at the Long Canyon Trailhead, which is located on Long Canyon Road. This parking lot is very small, with enough room for just several cars. Overflow parking is located along the shoulder of Long Canyon Road but this is also very limited.
From the Long Canyon Trailhead, walk on the Long Canyon Trail for 0.6 miles. At this point, there will be a wooden fence in front of you. Just before you reach this fence, turn left onto an unmarked narrower trail. You will now be walking towards the red cliffs.
Follow this narrow trail for 0.3 miles. As you get closer to the cliffs, look for a trail to the right that leads up into the cliffs.
This trail to the Birthing Cave is very obvious and almost impossible to miss. What you are looking for is a heart-shaped depression in the cliffs, which is the Birthing Cave. At this point, it is a short, moderate climb to get up to the cave.
Wildflower Cafe
Sandwiches, salads and baked goods.
Wildflower Bread Company is a great lunch option where they have soups, salads, and sandwiches. Plus, they have a giant outdoor patio so you can overlook the beautiful red rocks while you eat.
Elote Cafe
An award-winning Mexican restaurant.
Elote Cafe is award-winning and one of my favorite Mexican restaurants ever! They have the BEST margaritas so I highly recommend you get one -- or two! In the past, I've waited three hours just to eat dinner here because it is that good, but they now have a reservation system which makes it much easier. They allow reservations 60-days in advanced so definitely book as soon as you can because they fill up fast.
My favorite must-order items: Margarita, Elote, Grilled Halibut.
Day 3
Bear Mountain
A difficult hike with stunning views at the summit.
On your last day, hike one of the more challenging hikes in Sedona — Bear Mountain. This 5-mile-out-and-back hike is a great workout and one of the less 'touristy' hikes.
The top of Bear Mountain awards you with 360-degree views of Sedona's red rocks. Be aware that there are several deceptive false summits before you reach the actual summit. Keep an eye out for the white diamond trail markers to find your way, and bring plenty of water! Because you'll ascend a little over 2,000 feet of elevation, I recommend starting this hike early, ideally by 7:30am, to avoid the heat. Bring a packed lunch so you can enjoy it at the summit while you take in all the views.
A Red Rocks Pass is needed for this hike. You can purchase a pass at the kiosk at the parking lot, or beforehand here.
SaltRock Kitchen
Serving Mexican food and margaritas on a stunning patio.
SaltRock Kitchen has some of the best margaritas I've ever had (even though I just said above Elote had the best margaritas — they’re both amazing!). The restaurant is located within the Amara Resort and Spa, and overlooks the Snoopy Rock -- a red rock formation that looks like snoopy! I recommend making a reservation for their patio, which is their most popular seating area, well in advanced. Plus, if you have a reservation, the hotel will valet your car for free. My favorite things to order there: a margarita, grilled corn, and the cauliflower tacos.
