Sedona in 3 Days: a guidebook for getting the most out of your visit

Arizona is a popular destination for backpackers, motorcyclists and car travellers, so destinations that connect the state's busiest points tend to be popular with tourists as well. Sedona, which is on the road between Phoenix and the Grand Canyon, respects this parameter, so it' s not uncommon to see a lot of tourists eager to see this place in just a few days.

If you have just 3 days to discover Sedona, here are the best things to do in the city that involve adventure tours, stargazing in the desert, tours of iconic religious temples and travel to other nearby attractions, as Route 66, which is a spectacle in itself, is the backbone of the state and the destination.

Sedona is primarily a destination that offers activities in the surrounding desert. That's why for the first day I suggest an itinerary that includes an ATV adventure tour at Cathedral Rock and a stargazing tour at Red Rock State Park. You'll also get to see Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village, one of the most picturesque themed sites in the American Southwest.

Go on an ATV adventure tour at Cathedral Rock

Sedona's best activities are mainly concentrated in the desert surrounding the city and here you can take an ATV adventure tour that will take you through Cathedral Rock, one of the most outstanding natural areas in the rocky region of the southwestern United States.

On these experiences you will ride an ATV through challenging terrain and rugged trails as you enter the heart of Sedona's premier landscape. Cathedral Rock, with its towering rock formations and panoramic views, stands as the perfect destination for those who want to combine motor sports with natural adventure.

From canyons to rolling hills, these tours give you the opportunity to experience the power of an off-road vehicle in the wilderness, with towering peaks and an imposing presence dominating the horizon. These tours usually start early in the morning with hotel pick-up and take 5-6 hours, and can be extended if you visit Sedona during the winter when the weather is colder and windier.

Once you reach the top of Cathedral Rock you will be able to look out over the rocky landscape of Sedona and the breathtaking beauty of the Arizona desert. This ATV adventure tour will not only give you an adrenaline rush, but will also allow you to take some of the best pictures of your trip in an unforgettable setting.

Visit Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village

Once you finish your ATV adventure tour, which is likely to be mid-afternoon, you can continue your tour by visiting the Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village. This quirky open-air theme park is a unique attraction that offers a unique shopping and exploration experience in a quaint, artisanal setting.

This art village, inspired by Mexican architecture, is home to a variety of galleries, boutiques and local artists' studios, making it a place where creativity and craftsmanship merge. You can also find restaurants and cafes, take part in food tours and enjoy seasonal decorations, especially if you plan to visit Sedona for Christmas.

In Tlaquepaque you can also explore a wide range of art, crafts and unique products, from handmade jewellery to ceramics, textiles and sculptures. Every corner of this themed town exudes authenticity and originality, with local artists displaying their creations in makeshift studios. You can also meet the artists themselves, who are often present at the stalls.

The relaxed, bohemian atmosphere of the Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village creates the perfect space to enjoy a meal al fresco in one of the charming courtyards surrounded by lush gardens. Since Sedona is not served by public transportation, you can reach this site by car via the AZ-179 N route or by using the city's tour bus, which travels to various tourist attractions in the area.

Join a stargazing tour in the desert at Red Rock State Park.

To end your first day in Sedona I suggest one of the most popular activities in the region: a stargazing experience that combines astronomy with ufology, since the entire southwestern United States is under the influence of Area 51 due to its proximity.

Stargazing tours are among the best overnight activities in Sedona and take place at Red Rock State Park, where you'll be transported from your accommodation. This remote park, far from light pollution, offers ideal conditions for exploring the mysteries of the night sky and perhaps even spotting unexplained extraterrestrial phenomena. The area, famous for its UFO theories and sightings, adds an intriguing tinge to the experience.

Accompanied by guides who are experts in astronomy and paranormal phenomena, you can use high-powered telescopes to explore the constellations, distant planets and distant galaxies that adorn the nearby universe. The clearest skies, which you can find if you visit Sedona in July, offer a clear, crisp view of the stars.

Red Rock State Park, with its deep silence and dazzling vastness, creates the perfect setting for an experience that goes beyond conventional stargazing. The blend of desert serenity and fascination with the unknown will give you the opportunity to immerse yourself in a world of cosmic wonder and, perhaps, connect with the unexplained in an adventure that defies the mind's perception.

For the second day I suggest getting away from the city to see one of the best places nearby. Antelope Canyon, about a 3 hour drive or bus ride from Sedona, is a rock formation sculpted by the force of wind and water over the millennia that will amaze you with its high red sandstone walls and narrow passageways that form a unique natural labyrinth.

The best way to visit Antelope Canyon from Sedona is on a full-day organised tour, allowing you to delegate the organisation of every detail and enjoy the scenery along scenic Highway 89, which links the two destinations.

In this canyon, you'll be able to see everything from the narrow ruts to the wide chambers filled with natural light that create a play of shadows and colours. The experience will allow you to take unforgettable photographs and appreciate the spiritual connection that many feel when entering this site sacred to the Navajo Nation.

The full day tour from Sedona will usually also include stops at other iconic sites, such as the Horseshoe Bend, where the Colorado River meanders in a horseshoe shape, offering panoramic views from the top. You'll also have the opportunity to explore the Cameron Trading Post, a historic enclave that has served as a meeting and trading post for Native Americans and travellers since the 1800s.

Here you'll find a variety of native art, crafts and authentic cultural pieces, plus you can sample local cuisine and stop for a rest stop before returning to Sedona.

Details of interest

• Tour price: approximately 277 Euros per person.
• Duration of tour: about 12 hours.
• Means of transport: Round trip bus with hotel pick-up and drop-off.

The third and final day of the tour will focus on Sedona and the surrounding area, allowing you to take in the panoramic views of Airport Mesa, see the famous Chapel of the Holy Cross, built into a rock on top of a hill, and discover one of Arizona's most beautiful sunsets, which can be found high above Oak Creek Canyon.

Hike Airport Mesa and take in the scenic views

Airport Mesa is a nature trail formed around Table Top Mountain that is notable for its red rock and basalt formations, but also for the panoramic views it offers from its summit. Here you'll find yourself immersed in a visual spectacle that captures the desert essence of the region and gives you a unique perspective of the canyons and valleys that characterise Sedona.

The views from Airport Mesa are particularly interesting at sunrise, when the sky is lit up in shades of gold and pink. If you plan to visit Sedona in June or during the summer months, when the skies are usually clear and the sunrise time is earlier, you'll discover the best side of this natural viewpoint just outside of town.

Airport Mesa also offers hiking trails for all levels of difficulty, making it an ideal choice for families or if you're planning to visit Sedona with children.

The area also has open spaces to relax and enjoy the serenity of the surroundings. Whether you're looking for a quiet contemplative experience or want to capture the beauty of the landscape in photographs, touring Airport Mesa is a must-do activity that will immerse you in the natural majesty of Sedona. From downtown, you can get there by car or tour bus via Highway 89.

See the Chapel of the Holy Cross

The Chapel of the Holy Cross in Sedona, built in the 1950s on the red rocks of Mammoth Rock, is one of the city's main attractions. What is striking about this religious temple is that it rises in perfect harmony with the natural surroundings, offering an unprecedented experience of landscape contemplation and spiritual connection.

The simple yet elegant architecture of the chapel, crowned by the large stained glass windows that allow natural light to flood the space, creates a calm and luminous atmosphere on the hilltop. The panoramic views from the sides of the chapel provide, in turn, an ideal backdrop, where red rocks and sky combine on the horizon.

Often included in the best tours of the city, the Chapel of the Holy Cross is a spiritual destination for visitors and locals alike, but it is also a haven for the Catholic religious celebrations that are common in the region due to the Mexican immigration that characterises the area. Also, if you plan to visit Sedona during Christmas or in December, you can attend Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve masses there.

From Airport Mesa you can reach the Chapel of the Holy Cross by car via AZ-179 S, the Verde Shuttle or the Sedona Sightseeing Bus.

Discover Sedona Sunsets from Oak Creek Canyon

Since you can't leave Sedona without discovering Sedona's sunsets, which are considered the best in Arizona, I suggest a sunset tour of Oak Creek Canyon on your last day to watch the sunset from this scenic overlook. As you meander along its winding paths, you'll be immersed in a landscape of red rock formations that light up with the last glimmer of sunlight as they show their best side in the heart of the Arizonan desert.

From strategically placed viewing platforms, you'll witness a sunset that creates a spectacle of colour that transforms the landscape. The mix of deep red rocks, green vegetation and flaming sky contributes to a visually stunning palette that is characteristic of Sedona sunsets.

In addition, the tranquillity of the canyon during the last hours of the day adds a serene dimension to the experience. The sun's rays filter through the rock formations, creating shadows that add depth to the landscape and make for some of the best photographs of your trip, even if you plan to visit Sedona in winter.

From the Chapel of the Holy Cross you can reach the canyon in a 20-minute drive along Highway 89, which connects most of the city's attractions and also offers panoramic views of the surrounding wilderness.