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If you haven’t already heard about Sedona, I would say now is the time to discover what you’ve been missing out! This gorgeous little town is located in Arizona, in the Verde Valley, about 117 miles north of Phoenix, AZ (about a 2 hour drive), and 30 miles south of Flagstaff, AZ. It is nestled in the middle of majestic red rocks, 110 miles south of the Grand Canyon.

Founded in 1902, Sedona first started as a rural ranching community. The small town rose to fame when Hollywood producers of the 1930s and 40s shot westerns such as “Broken Arrow” or “Stagecoach” just to name a few. It went on in the 60’s with such names as Henry Fonda or Elvis Presley shooting “The Rounders” and “Stay Away Jack” respectively. The town’s stunning beauty, filled with rust-colored mesas and buttes served as a fitting backdrop to these movies. It also inspired other artists, as well as people in search of spiritual growth and enlightenment, and so quickly became known as America’s new-age capital. It was reinforced by the presence of “vortexes” where spiritual energy is at its highest point (learn more about that following this link: What Is A Vortex in Sedona | Visit Sedona). In 1987, the town was even host to one of the largest branches of the Harmonic Convergence – a new age synchronized meditation – when 5,000 pilgrims congregated to the Bell Rock butte!

Today, Sedona is home to many wellness retreats that offer a variety of services such as yoga, spas, and salons to hypnotherapy and retreats, and is still the backdrop to numerous commercials, movies and TV shows. It is however a premiere destination for Americans, and has become a world-renowned travel destination, welcoming about 3 million tourists each year, and is rich in Native American culture.

Why visiting Sedona, Arizona, in winter is a good idea

Considering what I’ve just said about the place, choosing winter to plan your visit is probably the best idea. A great little getaway for couples, it will definitely be less crowded and cheaper (busy seasons are spring and autumn). If you won’t enjoy the warm summer temperatures, you’ll have a chance to witness the stark contrast between the red rocks and the white of the snow. Still, the winters are usually mild. The temperatures are varying between the 30’s to the high 60’s. (be warned that it can drop to the low 30’s at night with wind chill).

What to do in Sedona in winter

Sedona is both a life-bustling downtown and an awe-inspiring desert landscape. It has a lot to offer. However, in order to protect the area, many places to see require what we call a “Red Rock Pass”. You can get infos about that here: https://visitsedona.com/trip-planning/red-rock-pass-program-qa/

If you plan on hiking, check AllTrails.com for the best trails in Sedona.

If you want to connect with vortexes, try this guide from aguidetosedona.com. You can also buy an interactive PDF guide to use on your phone here!

If you’re in for some spiritual and wellness classes and retreats, use this link and make your choice!

If you want to browse or shop the many little boutiques and art galleries of Sedona, the choice is large. New Age, Sporting goods, Jewels, Arts, Shoes and apparels, Native American, Convenience, Antiques and collectibles, Home decor, Pets, Markets and more, Sedona’s got you covered! Have a look at what’s in store for you here!

If you want to take a tour, here are a few fun tours you’ll want to try. Get some great offers following these affiliate links courtesy of Viator.com:

• Sedona Stargazing Tour
• Sedona Vortex Tour by Jeep
• Tour to Sacred Sites and Vortexes in Sedona
• Sightseeing Highlights Tour of Sedona

What to do around Sedona in winter

If you ever grow tired of Sedona, the whole region is rich in history, especially Native American culture. There are many locations with ancient dwellings and petroglyphs to go to. Here are a few places to visit:

Honanki Heritage Site:

Situated 20 miles from downtown Sedona, in Coconino National Forest. Check out their website here.

V Bar V Heritage Site:

Situated 18 miles south of Sedona, also part of the Coconino National Forest. Learn more on this website.

Wallnut Canyon National Monument:

Situated 37 miles from Sedona, it is the site of impressive rock dwellings. Worth the view! Catch a glimpse of what to expect on this website.

Wupatki National Monument:

You’ll find this national treasure 60 miles from Sedona. Website here.

Elden Pueblo Archeological Site:

This amazing Pueblo site is 35 miles from Sedona. Consult a trail guide and a brief history on the USDA site.

Get a deeper look at Elden Pueblo Archeology Site here.

3 other things to do around Sedona

1- Lowel Observatory

If after connecting with vortexes and ancestors, you feel like connecting to the stars, 30 miles from Sedona you will find the Lowel Observatory. It is there that Pluto was discovered! (And remember, even if you might be sad about it, Pluto is no longer considered a planet since 2006…) You should definitely check out for star parties or observation sessions available when you are around!

Lowel Observatory Website

2- Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument

Witness the destruction and rebirth of a landscape, visit caves and lava fields at Sunset Crater, a sight you don’t want to miss if you happen to be in its vicinity. It is located 48 miles from Sedona.

Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument (U.S. National Park Service)

3- Scenic drives around Sedona

If driving the scenic Sedona roads is not enough for you, try these other two breathtaking drives. And as always, drive safely, don’t text, drink, or use recreational or opioïd prescription drugs!

Red Rocks/Sycamore Canyon Loop Scenic Drive

Oak Creek Canyon Scenic Drive

Where to stay in Sedona

There are many option to enjoy your stay in Sedona. You can opt for hotels, resorts or motels you’ll find along the way in and around Sedona, find a selection here : https://visitsedona.com/where-to-stay/
You can also opt for an Airbnb instead. You’ll find some amazing places following this link: Airbnb.com/stays/SedonaArizona

Food in Sedona

Like for the hotels, there is a wide variety of solutions available to you concerning food.

You can find a list of restaurants here!

You can also opt for a money saving solution in choosing to do your own grocery shopping. Here are a few places you can shop at:

• Whole Foods Market
• Natural Grocers
• Interdependence Foods
• Safeway
• Sedona Farmers Market

A great way to make the most of your time there is to opt for 1 restaurant a day and eat what you got at the grocery store the rest of the time. Get the best of the two options! I can also give you a few tips if you choose to have some food from grocery stores during your trip:

1) Make sure you have a fridge in your hotel room. If not, some hotel can add one for a small fee.

2) If you have room in your luggage, get some healthy snack with you.

3) If you are taking a road trip and you have no flight to take to get there, cook some healthy and easy to eat meals to take along with you.

Why I like and enjoy Sedona and why I think you will too..

I was lucky enough to travel to Arizona a lot, and to Sedona quite a bit too… This place is special, filled with good vibes and long history. The landscapes, the red rocks, the feeling of a little town lost in the desert, the arts, the weather, the blue sky, the intimate proximity with nature, the scenic drives in and around Sedona, the rich cultural roots of Native Americans, the ancient sites and dwellings… there are just too many vibrant things to experience in this little part of the world to remain unfazed.

Visiting Sedona is always a good experience, and if you ever need help planning a great road trip in and around Sedona, or the Phoenix area, visit USA With Gigi do discover how I can help you out! If you travel with kids, I can plan some appropriate activities for your family to enjoy together and make the most of this amazing place. Visit my website Kids Activity Planning for kids specific plannings!

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