Curator’s statement
My husband and I have been to Sedona, Arizona, many times hiking and relaxing in summer and fall. It is a stunning destination with its red rock formations and beautiful landscapes. But a January visit this year with snow cover was truly stunning! With fewer visitors in winter, we had hiking trails to ourselves, no trouble getting last minute dinner reservations or spa appointments.
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Our favorite way to travel includes plenty of hiking and outdoor activity, with luxury accommodations and exquisite cuisine. You can't get enough in Sedona!
The Red Rock Formations are what make Sedona such an impressive place to visit; popular hikes and climbs like Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock, Snoopy Rock offer great photo opportunities. For Winter Season, Muddy Wagon Trail, Doe Mountain, Fay Canyon Arch, West Fork Trail, Devil's Bridge and Boynton Canyon are gorgeous and offer stunning views.
If you're not up for a hike, you can take in the beauty with a Jeep Tour over the rugged terrain or take scenic drives along routes like Red Rock Scenic Byway (SR 179) and Oak Creek Canyon (SR 89A). These drives offer breathtaking views.
We spent our long weekend at L' Auberge de Sedona, a 2023 Conde Nast Reader's choice hotel, we had dreamt of visiting. We chose a romantic Creekside Cabin with a wood burning fireplace, nestled on the banks of Oak Creek -- cozy and luxurious! Activities offered by the resort include feeding the resident ducks of Oak Creek, yoga, art classes, and stargazing. We had an amazing meal at Cress on Oak Creek, named in Food and Wine's Global Tastemakers list. The menu incorporates French techniques, local ingredients and European influences, with a spectacular wine list and views of the bubbling Oak Creek.
Of course, no trip to Sedona is complete without a spa visit! Known for its spiritual energy, Sedona has many spas, retreats and sites for meditation or spiritual experiences. Our 90-minute deep tissue massage at L' Apothecary Spa at L' Auberge was fantastic; it's a must-do after hiking! The spa offers a variety of relaxing, invigorating, or healing treatments.
Sedona is Dark Sky Community, offering fantastic stargazing opportunities, especially on clear winter nights. Bring your blanket, bundle up and head out to one of the trailhead parking lots (we always use Bell Rock's parking) after dark for a cosmic show.
Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village or Uptown Sedona is a great way to explore local art and culture. On the way back to the Phoenix airport, consider a stop by Arcosanti, an artist and architectural colony, to see their beautiful bronze bells and take a tour.
Need to know
I recommend L' Auberge on Oak Creek for a romantic weekend, a multi-couple retreat, a girl's trip or honeymoon in Sedona. You can see as much of Sedona as you desire, be as active as you want, or stay in and be pampered!
This trip report is part of our ongoing series on travel to Sedona. In need of further inspiration? Check out Christina Olivetti’s guide, An Active Getaway in Sedona.
Travel Advisor
Audra Thomas
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