Sedona: Where Relaxation Meets Adventure

There are many hiking trails in Sedona that lead to vortex sites, where you can meditate, practice yoga or simply take in the breathtaking views. Some popular sites like Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock and Airport Mesa are said to have strong energy that can help balance your chakras and connect you with the natural world.

West Sedona:

Devil’s Bridge: The most popular hike in all of Sedona, this easy to moderate hike (3.9 miles) will be jam packed with tourists waiting to take their picture on the bridge. Get there early and you may not have to wait that long. Please note that in high season parking is VERY limited.

Boynton Canyon: One of the seven vortexes, this longer hike (7.2 miles) is a less traveled out and back trail with more shade than other hikes in the area. The best part of this hike will be finding The Subway Cave, if you can!

The Birthing Cave: This easy 2 mile out and back trail is part of the Long Canyon Trail. If you park at the trailhead, about a mile in, you will veer to the left and find what I believe to be the eighth vortex. A bit of rock scrambling to get up to the cave and a short boulder inside and you will be blessed with a breathtaking view of Sedona.

Uptown Sedona:

Airport Mesa (Loop Trail): The most popular vortex to visit, this 3.3 mile loop hike on Table Top Mountain offers a small elevation and a bit of challenging terrain. I recommend this hike for later in the day because not only are you taking in breathtaking red rock views and the vortex energy, but this is also the best hike to do at sunset. Not in the mood for a hike, you can still capture the sunset at the scenic overlook.

Soldier’s Pass (and add Jorden Loop): One of the most popular hikes in town, Soldier’s Pass has a little bit to offer for everyone. One note in planning is that the trailhead is only accessible by shuttle Thursday–Sunday. If you are hiking on the off days, add an extra 1/2 mile to the trailhead. This hike can either be an out and back hike to the cave (about three miles) or you can continue and connect to the Jorden Loop (which is what I did) and make it more of a five mile hike. All hikers will pass the Devil’s Kitchen first and then make their way up to the Seven Sacred Pools. This is where the hike starts to thin out, as more adventurous souls continue to the caves. If you make it that far, climb into the cave and above for amazing views. After a snack, you can choose to continue the loop to the Brins Mesa Trail/Cibola Pass/Jorden Trail or return back the same way you came in.

South Sedona:

Cathedral Rock: One of my favorite vortex hikes in Sedona. Please note parking is very limited during high season and often people park in town and take the shuttle, as the parking lot is closed Thursday through Sunday. This hike is short, steep and very exposed, but another one that you can stop and return back when you want. However, I would accept the challenge, push through and get to the top. Once you arrive, you will have a view of both the front (Chapel and Bell Rock) and the backside (West Sedona). Looking for a sunset hike? This is the one.

Bell Rock: This hike is very similar to Cathedral, but a bit shorter and less elevation gain. Bell Rock is another vortex site, and again with limited trailhead parking. If you are looking for a more casual trail, I recommend the loop. It is just under two miles, flat and easy. I paired this with Cathedral since they are very close to each other.

Courthouse Butte: Looking for a longer trail to add on to Bell Rock and also another vortex? The Courthouse Butte trail wraps with the Bell Rock loop trail to give you TWO vortexes for the price of 3.6 miles. This is an excellent trail if you are arriving into town before you can check in to your hotel as it is on the north side of the highway. There is a fee to park, unless you have an America the Beautiful Pass.

Day trips

Looking to add a water activity to your itinerary? Slide Rock State Park is a very popular stop north of Sedona. It is a great place to cool down, swim and hang out if you have the time.

Another favorite spot of mine is The Crack, which is located off Interstate 17. A five mile hike will lead you to cliff jumping and deep water swimming holes, the perfect mix of adventure, exercise and relaxation.

Elote Cafe: The most popular restaurant in town and YES get a reservation, is the Elote Cafe. A mix of Mexican and South Western cuisine, this is a must stop. I had the famous elote app, goat cheese balls and the smoked brisket enchiladas.

The Vault: A great stop in town, especially after your sunset jeep tour. I had the wonton tacos and a few of their shuga and spice cocktails.

Sound Bites Grill: Located in uptown, right in the center of it all is this popular restaurant that I have not had the pleasure of visiting, however, been recommended it by a few people.

Asylum Restaurant in Jerome: If you are willing to drive to Jerome, I highly recommend this restaurant both for the history and for the bacon wrapped filet. Located in the Grand Hotel Jerome, the mile drive up into town is worth the adventure. With a view overlooking the Verde Valley, the Grand Hotel was once The Untied Verde Hospital, and is rumored to be haunted with the spirits of those who passed within its walls.

Cream and Cake Couture: So yes, I eat very healthy 80% of the time, but when on vacation, an indulgence or two is well worth it. Just south of uptown, people flock here for their AMAZING homemade ice creams and sorbets. After a long day of hiking, this is the perfect treat. In fact, I went here all three days in a row in one trip.

The Juicery: My favorite stop, either pre or post hike in West Sedona. Located on the corner of Dry Creek Road, this healthy vegan restaurant offers more than just juice. I love their smoothies, but it you are looking for something more substantial, their avocado toast is excellent as well as their salads.