The iconic Red Rocks of Sedona is a very special place for us.
It was actually our first trip away together.
We came here in January 2017 and that trip ended up being the first of many to come.
In fact, Sedona is a place we visit every year in the winter, and we always seem to
find new trails and places to explore in the area.
Hey, how’s it going everyone?
It’s Ernest from Trip Astute.
In this video, we’re doing a destination review of Sedona in Arizona, one of our favorite
places to visit and explore.
A lot of you know that we are huge fans of the National Parks and exploring the outdoors.
Fiona and I have busy day jobs which means we spend lots of time in offices and glued
to laptop screens.
One of the best things about getting away on these weekend trips is that we’re forced
to fully disconnect from those screens and focus our attention on our present surroundings.
While Sedona isn’t technically a national park it definitely feels like one and the
area offers many interesting hikes and unique travel experiences.
Sedona is in Arizona, about a 2-hour drive north of Phoenix and less than an hour south
of Flagstaff.
It’s also a couple of hours south of the Grand Canyon, which makes it an easy stop
on a larger road trip.
It’s honestly a great place for a weekend getaway or as part of a larger trip to the
Grand Canyon.
We’ve been to Sedona three times.
The first time was in January 2017 before we even launched the channel, and the second
time was January 2018 and the most recent trip was for this past New Years.
You’re probably wondering what keeps us coming back to Sedona, so that’s what we’ll
be exploring in this video.
Before we jump in, if you’re new here, welcome to our channel.
Trip Astute is a travel channel that is focused on sharing ways to make travel easier, affordable,
and more enjoyable.
Traveling can be stressful and expensive, so we’re looking for ways to help you maximize
your experience through travel tips, points and miles, and innovative gear.
If that sounds interesting to you, please consider subscribing.
Sedona is known to be an energy vortex.
People believe that these vortices have swirling energy or magnetic fields.
Many believe that the vortices provide healing energy and mystic powers.
I can’t say that I’ve felt any of the energy, but there are trees in specific spots
that grow in a spiral, which is often cited as proof of the vortex.
It’s one of the signs for those looking to harness the healing energy in the area.
You’ll often hear Sedona associated with red rocks.
The ground has a deep red color due to the hematite or iron oxide.
This is essentially rust, which is caused by the high iron content in the area.
Again, the high iron content might be connected to the magnetism and mystique in the area.
Though even if you’re someone who doesn’t feel it, like me, it makes for a very beautiful
and dramatic landscape.
In this video, I want to review some of our favorite things to do when visiting the area,
as well as some tips in case you are planning a visit.
I’ll also include the difficulty rating for each hike, so you can gauge whether it’s
something you may want to do.
There are a ton of trails and places to explore, so I’ll only focus on three of our favorite
ones.
These are what I consider to be the must-see landmarks in Sedona.
Also, I’ll include a fourth activity for those that might want something other than
hiking.
1.
Cathedral Rock: This is by far my favorite hike in Sedona.
It’s a 1.5 mile roundtrip hike up from the trailhead.
The trail itself is well marked but can be somewhat strenuous, especially for newer or
less agile hikers.
There is a section in the middle of the hike where you have to scramble up rocks.
We’ve definitely seen people struggle through this area, especially since there is traffic
going both up and down the trail through this section.
Once you get to the top, you’ll see some extremely beautiful views of Sedona.
It’s an amazing reward after the short but strenuous hike.
Cathedral Rock is also one of the popular vortex spots where you’ll Juniper trees
growing in a spiral.
I recommend doing this hike either early in the morning or at sunset.
The parking situation at this trailhead is crowded, so you’re better off doing it before
or after the main crowds.
Another option is to use ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft so you don’t have to
worry about finding a parking space.
2.
Devils Bridge: This is a popular hike in Sedona.
It’s the largest natural sandstone arch in the area.
The hiking distance varies depending on where you start it.
The closest trailhead is 1.8 miles roundtrip, though that trailhead gets crowded and parking
is scarce.
When we did the hike, we took the longer route which was about 4.2 miles roundtrip.
The hike does have a 400-foot increase in elevation to get to Devil’s Bridge, so I
would rate it as medium difficulty.
You’ll hike through the Coconino National Forest to get to the arch.
Once at Devil’s Bridge, you’ll get some beautiful views of the surrounding red rocks.
3.
Bell Rock: This is another iconic hike in Sedona, and an area considered to be full
of energy vortices.
Bell Rock is a great place to explore, mostly because it offers trails for all levels.
You can hike the flat trails around Bell Rock and the nearby Courthouse Butte, or can even
scale Bell Rock itself.
This makes it a great landmark to explore with a family.
You’ll even spot the twisted trees in the area caused by the energy vortex.
However, the only thing I would be careful of is climbing to the peak of Bell Rock, which
is 4,919 feet.
While it is possible, I’ve heard that getting down can be treacherous.
I don’t recommend doing it.
Lastly, if hiking isn’t your thing, there are other things to do.
You can take guided jeep tours of the major landmarks.
Also, Sedona is an incredible place to stargaze.
For those of us from major urban cities, it’s truly spectacular.
The first time I went to Sedona, I was starting at the night sky from my hotel, and I saw
a moving object.
At first, I thought it was UFO.
Though it turned out to be a satellite passing overhead.
Being from Los Angeles where there is so much light pollution, it was amazing to see so
many of the stars and other objects in the sky.
About two years ago, we signed up for a stargazing tour.
It was a great way to learn more from a professional and view the stars through a telescope.
The cost for the tour was $60 per person and was about two hours long.
Again, you don’t need to take a full tour to gaze at the stars, but if you’re nerdy
like me, then it’s worth getting the guided session and access to the telescope.
For lodging, it really depends on your budget and travel style.
If you’re looking to use your points, all the major hotel chains also have hotels in
the area.
For example, there’s a category four Hyatt Residence Club.
IHG has a Holiday Inn Express.
Marriott has a Courtyard hotel, and Hilton has a Hampton Inn and Hilton Resort in the
area.
Most of these places have solid reviews too, so you have options if you want to use your
points.
For us, we really love a small boutique bed and breakfast in Sedona called The Inn Above
Oak Creek.
We’ve stayed there on each of our visits, and loved the cozy feel of the rooms which
include a fireplace and jacuzzi bathtub.
Keep in mind that while it may not be the most lucrative redemption option, you can
use Chase Travel Portal to book most independent hotels and inns at a flat rate point redemption.
Oddly enough, The Inn Above Oak Creek doesn’t seem to be available on the Travel Portal,
so check out their website if you want to learn more about the inn.
For getting around, you’ll need to rent a car.
While some might prefer an SUV, you really shouldn’t need one.
Most of the roads are paved and accessible and shouldn’t require an SUV.
The only catch is in the winter.
If you think you might experience icy or snowy weather, it might be worth getting a vehicle
with all-wheel-drive.
Though to be honest, it’s uncommon for Sedona to get a lot of snow.
We happened to be there for a major snowstorm on New Year’s Eve last year, but that is
not the norm.
For dining, there are plenty of options in the area.
However, most restaurants close by 9 PM, so just be aware in case you’re used to eating
late.
We made the mistake of trying to find a restaurant after 8 PM on our last trip and were told
by multiple restaurants that they couldn’t seat us and that they would be closing the
kitchen soon.
We ended up getting dinner at Chipotle, which wasn’t ideal, but it saved the day.
If you’re going to be in the area, I highly suggest making reservations in advance or
planning to get an early meal.
For example, one restaurant that seems to be extremely popular is the Elote Cafe.
We’ve not had the chance to eat there since it’s always busy.
They don’t take reservations either, so it’s first come first served starting at
5 pm.
As always, if you’re planning a trip to Sedona, here are a few things to keep in mind.
1.
Fly into Phoenix: While Flagstaff is the nearest airport to Sedona, there aren’t many flights
and airlines that land there.
This means that flights to Flagstaff can be pricey.
We recommend flying into Phoenix, then driving north to Sedona.
It’s about a two-hour drive but is very scenic.
2.
Stop at the Hike House: The Hike House, located in central Sedona, is a great place to get
additional information about hikes and weather conditions.
They also have a great selection of hiking supplies and a coffee shop to grab last-minute
refreshments before hitting the trails.
3.
Get equipped with the right gear: Having a comfortable pack, durable hiking shoes with
a lot of grip, and the right clothing materials like wool and stretch fabrics always makes
hiking a more enjoyable experience.
Also, I recommend using insulated reusable water bottles that will keep water cold even
in extreme temperatures.
If you’re planning a trip in the winter, it also doesn’t hurt to pack some ice and
snow cleats.
These are a lifesaver when having to walk through slippery areas, or if you happen to
get stuck in a snowstorm.
4.
Pack hand sanitizer and hand wipes: This is another tip that we often share when traveling,
especially to more remote locations.
Most of the bathrooms do not have running water, so bringing hand wipes and sanitizer
can help you feel clean and comfortable.
5.
Use Google Maps to find trailheads and attractions: Some of the trailheads can be tricky to locate.
We tried several navigation apps, but found Google Maps to have the most comprehensive
and up-to-date information.
Also, you can download maps offline before your trip in case you have spotty coverage
when in the area.
6.
Bring a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and lots of water: There isn’t much overhead vegetation
or shade on a lot of the hikes, so you’ll want to be extra careful with your sun exposure.
Pack plenty of water when hiking on the trails too.
The general rule for how much water to consume is one liter, or 32 ounces, of water every
two hours of hiking.
Also, if you’re wearing sunglasses with brown lenses, you may find it a bit disorienting.
Since the soil is red, and brown lenses can often add more contrast to your vision, it
can make the environment glow red.
If you have a pair of grey or more neutral colored lenses, I recommend using them instead.
7.
Consider visiting during the off-season: Sedona tends to get very busy in the summer months.
However, I think it’s a great place to visit during late Fall or winter.
You’ll not only skip the hot weather but also all the crowded parking lots and trails.
8.
Don’t take unnecessary risks: You’ll see a lot of people taking selfies along the edges
of cliffs.
While I’m not opposed to taking pictures, I don’t recommend dangling your feet along
the edges or letting yourself get distracted.
The wind at higher elevations is unpredictable, and it’s easy to get distracted or startled
when on the trails.
Devils bridge offers some amazing photo opportunities but this is a good example of an area where
you’ll need to be extra cautious.
9.
Stop by Whole Foods for supplies or a quick meal: While I encourage you to visit the local
restaurants and cafes for meals, there are times when you just need a quick bite to eat
or some supplies for the trails.
If that’s the case, I highly recommend the Whole Foods in the area.
Like most other Whole Foods, they have a hot food bar.
However, this one also has a bar.
It’s a great place to get a cheap and quick meal in between hikes or activities.
10.
Leave no trace: You want to make sure you that protect yourself and the trails when
exploring.
This means not damaging or altering the environment, following safety precautions, avoid feeding
any wildlife, and always disposing of any trash or waste.
Also, a big pet peeve is seeing people hiking while playing loud music.
It’s not only inconsiderate to other hikers, but the sounds can often echo through the
area affecting the wildlife.
Don’t be that person!
We obviously went through the hikes very quickly, so if you’re planning to do any of these
hikes, make sure to take the time to research each trail.
As I mentioned earlier, the Hike House is a great place to start and we’ve always
had fantastic service and suggestions when looking for new hikes to try in the area.
I’ll include some links in the video description and our website.
Have you been to Sedona?
If so, what is your favorite hike or activity?
Let us know in the comment section below.
And if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask.
If you enjoyed this video or found it useful, please give us a thumbs up and consider sharing
our video with others.
It helps with growing our channel and our community.
Until next time, travel safe and travel smart.