Sedona

[PrtLng Lion]

Going to Sedona in Dec for a week with the family. Have an AirBNB right near Thunder Mountain trailhead in west side of town. Making a day trip to Grand Canyon, of course, and planning to hike a bunch right around Sedona.

Any input on other good nearby attractions? Verde Canyon Railway? Cottonwood? Out of Africa? Meteor Crater? Petrified Forest? Good "casual" places to eat (not into fine dining)? Looking to remain within a ~ 3hr radius of town.


Thoughts on best (challenging) hiking trails that don't involve being close to a steep dropoff? (Love strenuous hiking but not a fan of heights, go figure). Was looking.through AllTrails but had a hard time narrowing it down since there are over 250 nearby.

Note I'd love to visit Antelope Canyon and other things around Page but Navajo nation still requires mask wearing and I'm just not doing that "outside". (Not looking to make this a political discussion... I know I'm missing out because of it). Might skip Page altogether- is it worth the 3-hr drive to see Horseshoe Bend and Lake Powell?

 

[Bkmtnittany1]

Will be there in September....heard that The Open Range Saloon has great eats, will check that out. Never been into the Canyon, just started checking out hikes etc....

 

[PSU1969A]

Going to Sedona in Dec for a week with the family. Have an AirBNB right near Thunder Mountain trailhead in west side of town. Making a day trip to Grand Canyon, of course, and planning to hike a bunch right around Sedona.

Any input on other good nearby attractions? Verde Canyon Railway? Cottonwood? Out of Africa? Meteor Crater? Petrified Forest? Good "casual" places to eat (not into fine dining)? Looking to remain within a ~ 3hr radius of town.


Thoughts on best (challenging) hiking trails that don't involve being close to a steep dropoff? (Love strenuous hiking but not a fan of heights, go figure). Was looking.through AllTrails but had a hard time narrowing it down since there are over 250 nearby.

Note I'd love to visit Antelope Canyon and other things around Page but Navajo nation still requires mask wearing and I'm just not doing that "outside". (Not looking to make this a political discussion... I know I'm missing out because of it). Might skip Page altogether- is it worth the 3-hr drive to see Horseshoe Bend and Lake Powell?

"is it worth the 3-hr drive to see Horseshoe Bend and Lake Powell?" If ever going to drive 3 hours to see something, then the drive to see Lake Powell and Antelope Canyon -- you won't regret the trip. If you go make sure to have the Navajo guide setup your phone to maximize the photos you will be taking!

 

[PrtLng Lion]

Will be there in September....heard that The Open Range Saloon has great eats, will check that out. Never been into the Canyon, just started checking out hikes etc....

I'm planning to hike part of the way down Bright Angel trail but coming back same day (so not camping). Next time want to backpack, go down to the Colorado River.

What I REALLY wanted to do was the hike to Havasu Falls, but that's also not in the cards with the family along. Check out the images from that if you get a chance.

 

[PSU1969A]

Check out the "Golden Arches" at McDonald's in Sedona!

 

[Player2BNamedL8r]

It’s been a long time since I’ve been, but truly one of my absolute favorite places in the world. It’s every bit as beautiful and majestic and scenic as anyone has told you. If you’re going to the GC, take a pink Jeep tour from Sedona…very cool experience getting there off the beaten path. Also check out Tlaquepaque…lots of cool local art and great food.

 

[WanderingSpectator]

I have a couple of posts on the sites around the state. It will be cooler than you think at that time of year.

Antelope is one of the very best sites.

Wandering in Northern Arizona!

I’ve lived in Arizona for almost 25 years now. Even so, I have yet to explore every corner of the state. One area that we just knocked off the list was the town of Page and the surround…

wanderingspectator.wordpress.com

The Grand Canyon never disappoints - unless it’s fogged in which is a possibility in December. Plan accordingly.

Wandering around the Grand Canyon!

Since moving to Arizona in 1995, we’ve visited the Grand Canyon countless times – usually when out of state visitors came to town. We even had a chance to visit the 2nd most visited Nat…

wanderingspectator.wordpress.com

Cottonwood and Jerome are a short ride away and offer some great things to do.

Wandering in the Verde Valley!

Arizona is a wonderfully diverse state. Many people who aren’t familiar with our landscape will often think of Phoenix and Scottsdale as just a mirage in middle of a vast, barren desert lands…

wanderingspectator.wordpress.com

We did the Verde Railway on a separate trip and enjoyed it. They offer Wine trains and other specialty trips.

Meteor Crater is a big hole in the ground
Wupatki, Walnut Canyon, and Montezuma are great Native American sites.
Tonto Natural Bridge is a unique land bridge.
Take a Jeep Tour in Sedona early in your vacation. It will help you appreciate the land during your stay.

Plenty to see and do in that area.

 

[WanderingSpectator]

Just so you know, the Reservation was hit VERY hard with Covid so I’m sure they’re worried about further outbreaks.

 

[PrtLng Lion]

I have a couple of posts on the sites around the state. It will be cooler than you think at that time of year.

Antelope is one of the very best sites.

Wandering in Northern Arizona!

I’ve lived in Arizona for almost 25 years now. Even so, I have yet to explore every corner of the state. One area that we just knocked off the list was the town of Page and the surround…

wanderingspectator.wordpress.com

The Grand Canyon never disappoints - unless it’s fogged in which is a possibility in December. Plan accordingly.

Wandering around the Grand Canyon!

Since moving to Arizona in 1995, we’ve visited the Grand Canyon countless times – usually when out of state visitors came to town. We even had a chance to visit the 2nd most visited Nat…

wanderingspectator.wordpress.com

Cottonwood and Jerome are a short ride away and offer some great things to do.

Wandering in the Verde Valley!

Arizona is a wonderfully diverse state. Many people who aren’t familiar with our landscape will often think of Phoenix and Scottsdale as just a mirage in middle of a vast, barren desert lands…

wanderingspectator.wordpress.com

We did the Verde Railway on a separate trip and enjoyed it. They offer Wine trains and other specialty trips.

Meteor Crater is a big hole in the ground
Wupatki, Walnut Canyon, and Montezuma are great Native American sites.
Tonto Natural Bridge is a unique land bridge.
Take a Jeep Tour in Sedona early in your vacation. It will help you appreciate the land during your stay.

Plenty to see and do in that area.

Awesome stuff, thanks! Stunning shots from Antelope Canyon!

Any way to find out in advance of departing for the GC from Sedona what the weather is like (clouds) in the GC? I have flexibility with what day I'm going up there, sure would prefer it to be clear.

 

[WanderingSpectator]

Just check weather apps. It can change up there so flexibility is best. The Rim is about 7,000’ and Sedona is about 4,500’ so it gets cold - especially at night.

 

[IrishHerb]

Just check weather apps. It can change up there so flexibility is best. The Rim is about 7,000’ and Sedona is about 4,500’ so it gets cold - especially at night.

It can get cold any time. Wife and I visited the Grand Canyon in July 1972 and it was snowing!

 

[winks]

Going to Sedona in Dec for a week with the family. Have an AirBNB right near Thunder Mountain trailhead in west side of town. Making a day trip to Grand Canyon, of course, and planning to hike a bunch right around Sedona.

Any input on other good nearby attractions? Verde Canyon Railway? Cottonwood? Out of Africa? Meteor Crater? Petrified Forest? Good "casual" places to eat (not into fine dining)? Looking to remain within a ~ 3hr radius of town.


Thoughts on best (challenging) hiking trails that don't involve being close to a steep dropoff? (Love strenuous hiking but not a fan of heights, go figure). Was looking.through AllTrails but had a hard time narrowing it down since there are over 250 nearby.

Note I'd love to visit Antelope Canyon and other things around Page but Navajo nation still requires mask wearing and I'm just not doing that "outside". (Not looking to make this a political discussion... I know I'm missing out because of it). Might skip Page altogether- is it worth the 3-hr drive to see Horseshoe Bend and Lake Powell?

West Fork Trail
Devils Bridge Trail
Verde Canyon RR is a great ride
South of Sedona, Page Springs, great wine tasting, very scenic
If you go to Page, take the boat ride to Rainbow Bridge.

 

[PSU1993]

Sister lived in Flagstaff for about 15 years so made some trips to Sedona and the area. Some suggestions already mentioned like Wupaki, Meteor Crater, etc. Some other not mentioned:

1. Drive over to Jerome. Cool old town on the side of the mountain. Unique place.
2. If you like hiking, drive up to Flagstaff and you can hike up to top of Mt. Humphreys, highest point in state of AZ. Good, challenging hike.
3. If you go to Grand Canyon South Rim, make a loop of it and come back through the east side and you get a view of the painted desert in the distance.
4. Chapel of the Holy Cross Church in Sedona is worth the time to visit. Spectacular setting.

 

[PrtLng Lion]

Sister lived in Flagstaff for about 15 years so made some trips to Sedona and the area. Some suggestions already mentioned like Wupaki, Meteor Crater, etc. Some other not mentioned:

1. Drive over to Jerome. Cool old town on the side of the mountain. Unique place.
2. If you like hiking, drive up to Flagstaff and you can hike up to top of Mt. Humphreys, highest point in state of AZ. Good, challenging hike.
3. If you go to Grand Canyon South Rim, make a loop of it and come back through the east side and you get a view of the painted desert in the distance.
4. Chapel of the Holy Cross Church in Sedona is worth the time to visit. Spectacular setting.

Good stuff, thanks! Great idea about Mt. Humphreys. Have you done it before? Sounds like it would be quite the challenge in the wintertime. AllTrails reviews say there's still snow on the trail in June, and interestingly says it's closed at the moment due to a fire.

Definitely want to see that Chapel of the Holy Cross. Looks like lots of cool stuff along Red Rock Scenic Byway.

 

[bbrown]

Going to Sedona in Dec for a week with the family. Have an AirBNB right near Thunder Mountain trailhead in west side of town. Making a day trip to Grand Canyon, of course, and planning to hike a bunch right around Sedona.

Any input on other good nearby attractions? Verde Canyon Railway? Cottonwood? Out of Africa? Meteor Crater? Petrified Forest? Good "casual" places to eat (not into fine dining)? Looking to remain within a ~ 3hr radius of town.


Thoughts on best (challenging) hiking trails that don't involve being close to a steep dropoff? (Love strenuous hiking but not a fan of heights, go figure). Was looking.through AllTrails but had a hard time narrowing it down since there are over 250 nearby.

Note I'd love to visit Antelope Canyon and other things around Page but Navajo nation still requires mask wearing and I'm just not doing that "outside". (Not looking to make this a political discussion... I know I'm missing out because of it). Might skip Page altogether- is it worth the 3-hr drive to see Horseshoe Bend and Lake Powell?

For Sedona I would recommend the West Fork trail in Oak Creek Canyon outside of Sedona. The caveat is though that I've only ever been to Sedona in spring and summer so I'm not sure about Dec. I know snow is not out of the question, especially if you head toward Flag Staff.
https://solotripsandtips.com/oak-creek-canyon-hiking/
The Devils Bridge is fairly strenuous and very nice. You don't have to go out on the bridge.

Is Antelope Canyon open? I thought they had closed the upper one?
There are some very nice trails in and around Kanab. Between Kanab and Page is a very nice one called Toadstool Trail.
If you can't do Antelope Canyon I would recommend White Pocket. Its as nice as The Wave and you don't have to try and get a pass. You will need 4wheel drive though and its a tricky road to get to it. I would also recommend a guide. We passed a lot of stuck and stranded cars and SUV's.
Horshoe Bend is nice but I'm not sure its worth a 3 hr drive just for it. If you could do an over night in Kanab or Page it would be worth it cause
you could hit some other nice trails.

 

[bbrown]

Going to Sedona in Dec for a week with the family. Have an AirBNB right near Thunder Mountain trailhead in west side of town. Making a day trip to Grand Canyon, of course, and planning to hike a bunch right around Sedona.

Any input on other good nearby attractions? Verde Canyon Railway? Cottonwood? Out of Africa? Meteor Crater? Petrified Forest? Good "casual" places to eat (not into fine dining)? Looking to remain within a ~ 3hr radius of town.


Thoughts on best (challenging) hiking trails that don't involve being close to a steep dropoff? (Love strenuous hiking but not a fan of heights, go figure). Was looking.through AllTrails but had a hard time narrowing it down since there are over 250 nearby.

Note I'd love to visit Antelope Canyon and other things around Page but Navajo nation still requires mask wearing and I'm just not doing that "outside". (Not looking to make this a political discussion... I know I'm missing out because of it). Might skip Page altogether- is it worth the 3-hr drive to see Horseshoe Bend and Lake Powell?

For Sedona I would recommend the West Fork trail in Oak Creek Canyon outside of Sedona. The caveat is though that I've only ever been to Sedona in spring and summer so I'm not sure about Dec. I know snow is not out of the question, especially if you head toward Flag Staff.
https://solotripsandtips.com/oak-creek-canyon-hiking/
The Devils Bridge is fairly strenuous and very nice. You don't have to go out on the bridge.

Is Antelope Canyon open? I thought they had closed the upper one?
There are some very nice trails in and around Kanab. Between Kanab and Page is a very nice one called Toadstool Trail.
If you can't do Antelope Canyon I would recommend White Pocket. Its as nice as The Wave and you don't have to try and get a pass. You will need 4wheel drive though and its a tricky road to get to it. I would also recommend a guide. We passed a lot of stuck and stranded cars and
Horshoe Bend is nice but I'm not sure its worth a 3 hr drive just for it. If you could do an over night in Kanab or Page it would be worth it cause
you could hit some other nice trails.

Going to Sedona in Dec for a week with the family. Have an AirBNB right near Thunder Mountain trailhead in west side of town. Making a day trip to Grand Canyon, of course, and planning to hike a bunch right around Sedona.

Any input on other good nearby attractions? Verde Canyon Railway? Cottonwood? Out of Africa? Meteor Crater? Petrified Forest? Good "casual" places to eat (not into fine dining)? Looking to remain within a ~ 3hr radius of town.


Thoughts on best (challenging) hiking trails that don't involve being close to a steep dropoff? (Love strenuous hiking but not a fan of heights, go figure). Was looking.through AllTrails but had a hard time narrowing it down since there are over 250 nearby.

Note I'd love to visit Antelope Canyon and other things around Page but Navajo nation still requires mask wearing and I'm just not doing that "outside". (Not looking to make this a political discussion... I know I'm missing out because of it). Might skip Page altogether- is it worth the 3-hr drive to see Horseshoe Bend and Lake Powell?

Here are some pics of the West Fork Trail, Devils Bridge and some from monument valley...
https://www.flickr.com/photos/60907528@N02/albums/72157653496841455
These are a few around Kanab...The Squaw Trail right outside of Kanab, and the Toadstool Trail between Page and Kanab.

Utah_2021

Explore this photo album by bbrown5154 on Flickr!

www.flickr.com

 

[PrtLng Lion]

For Sedona I would recommend the West Fork trail in Oak Creek Canyon outside of Sedona. The caveat is though that I've only ever been to Sedona in spring and summer so I'm not sure about Dec. I know snow is not out of the question, especially if you head toward Flag Staff.
https://solotripsandtips.com/oak-creek-canyon-hiking/
The Devils Bridge is fairly strenuous and very nice. You don't have to go out on the bridge.

Is Antelope Canyon open? I thought they had closed the upper one?
There are some very nice trails in and around Kanab. Between Kanab and Page is a very nice one called Toadstool Trail.
If you can't do Antelope Canyon I would recommend White Pocket. Its as nice as The Wave and you don't have to try and get a pass. You will need 4wheel drive though and its a tricky road to get to it. I would also recommend a guide. We passed a lot of stuck and stranded cars and
Horshoe Bend is nice but I'm not sure its worth a 3 hr drive just for it. If you could do an over night in Kanab or Page it would be worth it cause
you could hit some other nice trails.

Here are some pics of the West Fork Trail, Devils Bridge and some from monument valley...
https://www.flickr.com/photos/60907528@N02/albums/72157653496841455
These are a few around Kanab...The Squaw Trail right outside of Kanab, and the Toadstool Trail between Page and Kanab.

Utah_2021

Explore this photo album by bbrown5154 on Flickr!

www.flickr.com

Thanks! Those look awesome... dang, wish I could combine Kanab, Zion, and Bryce in this trip. There are some sites like Viator that appear to let me book a trip to Upper or Lower Antelope for late Dec when I'll be there. Will definitely try West Fork and Devils Bridge (not sure I have the guts to go out on the bridge itself).

White Pocket looks amazing too. May need to save that for a future trip to the Utah parks.

 

[Tom McAndrew]

I'm planning to hike part of the way down Bright Angel trail but coming back same day (so not camping). Next time want to backpack, go down to the Colorado River.

What I REALLY wanted to do was the hike to Havasu Falls, but that's also not in the cards with the family along. Check out the images from that if you get a chance.

I've done all-the-way down and back the same day on Bright Angel. And I've also hiked down, spent the night along the river, and hiked out the next morning. They both are enjoyable, IMHO. The NPS, on their web site, repeatedly advises to not hike all-the-way down and back in the same day, especially from May - Sept. Granted, I was younger and probably in better shape at the time, but I did it in May or June (can't remember which), and didn't have any problems (other than the damn mules).

If you're going half-way down and back, you'll get a more intimate view of the Canyon than you can get from the rim. Going to the bottom is better, IMHO, as you also get to experience the Colorado (which is surprisingly cool and refreshing), but you'll enjoy the half-way hike. If you think you can make it to Indian Garden (it's 9 miles round trip), I'd shoot for that. However, that's more than some people want to do, especially since the 2nd part of the hike is all uphill. If not Indian Garden, then your options are (from longest to shortest), 3-mile Resthouse, 2-mile Switchback, and 1.5-mile Resthouse.

I would recommend that you get up early, and be hiking before the sun heats up the canyon. It's a desert inside the canyon, and gets pretty hot I haven't done those hikes in Dec., so perhaps it's not as bad -- something to investigate before you make the trip.

As for Havasu Falls, I think they're still closed and all the 2022 reservations were rebooked for 2023, and reservations for 2023 are filled at this time. It's a nice trip if you get the chance.

 

[Hugh Laurie]

I highly recommend a hot air balloon ride. There are two operators in Sedona but we used Northern Lights Balloon Expeditions. They'll pick you up at your hotel around 5:30AM and take you over to the launch site where you'll help inflate your balloon and off you'll go. You have to do it. Have to!

If you find time, take a ride to the town of Jerome (about 24 miles from Sedona) and have lunch at the Jerome Grand Hotel. The town is perched way up on a mesa and the hotel has experienced a lot of paranormal activity and has been visited by a number of TV filming crews. When I was having lunch at the hotel last year I was approached by a young lady who was a server/bar tender and who saw my PSU hat. She introduced herself as a recent PSU grad and said both her parents were PSU grads. She was from the Philly area. If you make it to the hotel, check the dining room and bar area and ask around if she still works there. She was very nice.

If you're heading up to the Grand Canyon visitor Center at the South rim its a minimum 2.5 hour drive (120 miles) from Sedona. I recommend you leave as early as possible for the drive up. We left at 5:30AM to beat the lines at the park entrance.

Meteor crater is pretty cool but its in the middle of nowhere. I mean nowhere. You don't want to break down anywhere around there or run out of gas.

 

[Nitwit]

Take the cowboy train to the canyon and avoid the driving if you can. I believe it leaves from Williams. It’s a fun trip and even has a bar car, western music, a mock hold up, and great sight seeing. It’s been years but I remember eating at the Coyboy Club where the bar stools are saddles and they have very good food and drinks. Stayed just south of downtown at the Bell Rock Inn which was very nice and reasonably priced. There is also excellent horseback riding available about 45 minutes outside of town but they pick you up and transfer you out to the ranch. The two hour ride is awesome.

 

[jklewis]

Is Antelope Canyon open? I thought they had closed the upper one?

Both Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon were open in late March, when I was there. I took the guided tour of Upper Antelope Canyon, which was great. Also spent time at Horseshoe Bend, Glen Canyon Dam and various other scenic places around Page and Lake Powell over a 2 day period. It is a neat area and I wouldn't hesitate to visit again.

 

[Pennstatel0]

For Sedona I would recommend the West Fork trail in Oak Creek Canyon outside of Sedona. The caveat is though that I've only ever been to Sedona in spring and summer so I'm not sure about Dec. I know snow is not out of the question, especially if you head toward Flag Staff.
https://solotripsandtips.com/oak-creek-canyon-hiking/
The Devils Bridge is fairly strenuous and very nice. You don't have to go out on the bridge.

Is Antelope Canyon open? I thought they had closed the upper one?
There are some very nice trails in and around Kanab. Between Kanab and Page is a very nice one called Toadstool Trail.
If you can't do Antelope Canyon I would recommend White Pocket. Its as nice as The Wave and you don't have to try and get a pass. You will need 4wheel drive though and its a tricky road to get to it. I would also recommend a guide. We passed a lot of stuck and stranded cars and SUV's.
Horshoe Bend is nice but I'm not sure its worth a 3 hr drive just for it. If you could do an over night in Kanab or Page it would be worth it cause
you could hit some other nice trails.

Lots of good advice in this thread. I'm no expert, but this is my favorite region in the US.

1) Sedona proper.
Devils Bridge
Cathedral Rock
Bell Rock
Soldiers Pass (with the secret cave)
Airport Loop/Vortex
Sugarloaf trail
---Notes--the first four i'd classify as moderate. I'm in my 60's, BMI 28, reasonable cardio shape. These werent too hard.
----The last two--if you can walk up 3 flights of stairs, you can do these. Gorgeous views!

2) Within 2 hr drive.
Grand Canyon. Gorgeous! If you only have a day, start early, do the Bright Angel trail down to Indian Gardens, and head back. You should have a good 2-3 hrs to either walk around the rim trail, or drive due east for a bunch of outstanding views. Watch out for tthe elk!
Walnut Canyon -- an opportunity to walk in actual Native cliff dwellings. Unique.

3) Within 3-4 hr drive.
Monument Valley
Horseshoe Bend
Spencer Trail Lookout--super cool views, a bit challenging
Cathedral Wash Trail

4) Within 4 hrs but need a guide.
White Pocket and/or Cottownwood Cove (South Coyote Buttes)--this is, by far, the most beautiful place on earth that I've visited. Cant get there without high clearance 4WD vehicle. and South Coyote Buttes requires a permit. Not hard to get but need to plan 4 mos in advance.
Lake Powell to Rainbow Arch

I went to Sedona with my daughter and son-in-law last spring (both PSU grads). Prickly Pear Margeritas were a thing.

Send me a PM if you want more info.

 

[PSU1993]

Good stuff, thanks! Great idea about Mt. Humphreys. Have you done it before? Sounds like it would be quite the challenge in the wintertime. AllTrails reviews say there's still snow on the trail in June, and interestingly says it's closed at the moment due to a fire.

Definitely want to see that Chapel of the Holy Cross. Looks like lots of cool stuff along Red Rock Scenic Byway.

I did it in the summer, no snow at all. But in Dec it would be tough, it gets a good # of snow in normal years. It was a fairly long hike, but not technical and no really steep parts. Just a long slow climb up, but spectacular views. Weel worth it but not in Dec. Fires can be an issue up near Flagstaff that time of year but shouldn't be a problem in Dec. Dec. is a great time to visit the Grand Canyon, it can be cold but it is MUCH less crowded.

 

[WanderingSpectator]

3) Within 3-4 hr drive.
Monument Valley
Horseshoe Bend
Spencer Trail Lookout--super cool views, a bit challenging
Cathedral Wash Trail

If you’re going over that way, Canyon de Chelly (pronounced “de Shea”) is awesome. You have to hire a Native Navajo Guide to get into the Canyon but it’s incredible! You crisscross a river, stop at petroglyphs, check out rock formations, and hear stories from a member of the Navajo Nation. A very unique experience.

 

[Pennstatel0]

Agree with visiting Canyon de Chelly. Went there right before the pandemic. Spider Rock is very cool, as was the jeep tour.
Although our Dine guide pronounced it "Chel E". He didnt have many positive comments about the "Spaniards".