Sedona in 2 Days: everything you need to know

Route 66 is a tourist destination in itself in the United States and one of the West Coast's cross-cutting highways through Arizona. The towns along this route, especially those that connect the central points, are a major part of travellers' itineraries, and this is the case of Sedona, which is located halfway between Phoenix and the Grand Canyon and offers attractions that you can visit in a short trip.

Some of the best things to do in Sedona on a 2-day visit include touring Cathedral Rock, taking an ATV adventure tour, visiting Tlaquepaque, going on a stargazing tour, seeing Airport Mesa, visiting the Chapel of the Holy Cross and touring Oak Creek Canyon.

Sedona is mainly known for its red rock mountains and canyon environment, so for the first day I suggest a tour of some of these sites and an ATV adventure tour in the desert, where you can combine fun and adrenaline. You'll also get to experience one of the city's most popular experiences: a stargazing tour at Red Rock State Park.

Tour Cathedral Rock and take part in an ATV adventure tour

If you want to really get to know Sedona, you can't miss its rock formations and desert landscapes, which offer nature and adventure lovers the opportunity for an unforgettable experience when touring Cathedral Rock.

This is one of the most iconic rock formations in the region and offers a challenging but rewarding trail for hiking enthusiasts. As you hike up the winding trails, you'll be rewarded with panoramic views that allow you to take in the grandeur of the surrounding desert and commune with nature at its most expansive.

But adventure in Sedona isn't just about hiking, so start your day with an extra dose of adrenaline and join an ATV tour of the desert. During this tour you can explore remote areas that are otherwise inaccessible. Most of these experiences include transfers to the canyon from the city centre, or you can also get to Cathedral Rock on Sedona's tour buses.

Ideally, these tours are best done in the morning when the weather is at its most pleasant, especially if you plan to visit Sedona in June or during the summer months when temperatures tend to rise dramatically after midday. That's why it's the perfect first step on your tour.

Visit Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village

After experiencing Cathedral Rock and the adventure experience, you'll need to rest and recharge your batteries with lunch. One of the best places to do this is the Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village, an old themed market that will fill you with local culture and traditional art. Here you'll find crafts, artists' workshops, galleries filled with handmade masterpieces and culinary experiences.

As you enter the cobblestone streets of the Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village, you'll be surrounded by vibrant colours and a variety of traditional Mexican crafts. From decorated pottery to intricately woven textiles, every nook and cranny will tell the story of the region's passion for art. You can reach Tlaquepaque from Cathedral Rock by a 15-minute drive along Route 179 or on the local tourist bus.

In addition, Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village's traditional restaurants and bars offer everything from authentic Mexican dishes to international options. Enjoy lunch in a cobblestone courtyard, surrounded by lush gardens and the region's traditional architecture, while savouring unique flavours that reflect the country's culinary diversity.

The village is also a place where culture comes alive through local shows and performances. Live music, folkloric dances and other artistic manifestations unfold in the plazas and open-air stages, offering you a window into the rich local cultural tradition. Tlaquepaque is also often a meeting point for Sedona's best tours.

Take a stargazing tour at Red Rock State Park

To end the first day I suggest you enjoy one of Sedona's best excursions, which is a stargazing hike at Red Rock State Park. This rock formation is a natural oasis of serenity and becomes even more interesting when night falls and the stars begin to twinkle in the dark sky. This canyon can be reached from Tlaquepaque by a 10-minute drive along Highway 89A.

Away from the light pollution of the city, Red Rock State Park offers some of the clearest and clearest night skies imaginable. With the help of powerful telescopes and expert astronomy guides, you 'll lose yourself in a fascinating journey through the constellations, planets and distant galaxies. Detailed and passionate explanations from astronomer guides will reveal cosmic secrets and connect you to the vastness of space.

Red Rock State Park's iconic rock formations become huge silhouettes against the dark background, creating an atmosphere that inspires reflection and awe. The gentle evening breeze and the soft sounds of nature in the distance will draw you to one of the best things to do at night in Sedona.

In addition to the celestial sights, these tours often include educational talks about astronomy and the universe in general. You'll learn about the stars shining above you, the motions of the solar system and other concepts that will allow you to further appreciate the vastness of the night sky. These experiences usually also include transfers to and from the hotel and, optionally, dinner at a nearby restaurant.

After seeing some of Sedona's highlights on day one, for day two I suggest an itinerary that includes nearby highlights such as Airport Mesa, the picturesque Chapel of the Holy Cross, Oak Creek Canyon and an experience that will relax you before the end of your trip - a spa night in the Arizona desert. Are you ready for the intense journey of day two?

Visit Airport Mesa

One of Sedona's best-kept secrets is hidden high above Airport Mesa. This iconic location is a highlight for visitors who want panoramic views of the canyons and red mesas that characterise the region. Climbing Airport Mesa is like ascending to a natural lookout point that allows you to contemplate the grandeur of nature and provides the backdrop for some of the best photographs of your trip.

The trail to the top of Airport Mesa is a combination of adventure and contemplation. As you climb, the views become increasingly striking, revealing the dramatic beauty of Sedona's rocky landscape. The physical exertion will be rewarded with every step, as you're treated to a sweeping view of the horizon. Airport Mesa is a 5-minute drive from downtown Sedona.

At the top of Airport Mesa you'll find a perfect spot for contemplation and relaxation. Many visitors choose to carry a blanket and sit and watch as the sunlight filters through the rock formations and changes the colours of the landscape. Likewise, if you plan to visit Sedona in winter, you'll be able to see the snow-capped peaks of the surrounding mountains in the distance.

In addition to the views, many travellers enjoy activities such as photography and bird watching at Airport Mesa. The opportunity to capture the scenic beauty on camera is unparalleled, as each angle offers a different perspective of Sedona's wonderful topography. Birdwatchers can also delight in the variety of species that inhabit this area, taking advantage of the elevated location to spot birds in flight.

See the Chapel of the Holy Cross

Next up on the tour is the Chapel of the Holy Cross, an iconic Sedona landmark. Perched atop a hill, this unique chapel towers over the region's rocky landscape, offering a space of calm and reflection amidst the awe-inspiring wilderness. From Airport Mesa you can reach the chapel on the Verde Shuttle or a 10-minute drive along Route 179S. It is also part of the Sedona tour bus route.

The location of the Chapel of the Holy Cross is part of its charm and power. To get to this site, you'll have to climb up a road that winds through the rocky terrain. As you approach, you will see the chapel rising from the red rocks, creating a striking and spiritual image. The chapel's simple yet striking architecture highlights, rather than competes with, the natural beauty that surrounds it.

The chapel's glass windows offer panoramic views of the landscape, creating a sense of harmony unlike anywhere else in Sedona. Here you can say your prayers, attend a religious ceremony or witness Christmas mass, especially if you plan to visit Sedona in December.

In addition to its spiritual significance, the Chapel of the Holy Cross is also a site that offers unparalleled photographic opportunities. The panoramic views of the rocky landscape from the hill offer a sweeping vista that will be hard to forget. Whether you're capturing moments with a camera or simply enjoying the views with your own eyes, this experience is a reminder of the natural richness of the area.

Tour Oak Creek Canyon

On the closing afternoon of your second day in Sedona, Oak Creek Canyon, sculpted by thousands of years of erosion, will offer a unique experience to connect you with the natural and geological beauty of the region. From the towering red rock to the serene creek that meanders through the canyon, this site offers some of the best scenery for photography and sunset viewing, especially if you plan to visit Sedona in April or during the spring months.

As you venture through Oak Creek Canyon, you'll find yourself surrounded by towering red rock walls that seem to reach for the sky. Well-maintained trails guide you through an ever-changing landscape, from open areas with panoramic views to shady nooks and crannies covered in lush vegetation. From the Chapel of the Holy Cross you can reach the canyon in a 20-minute drive along Highway 89A.

One of the most memorable experiences in Oak Creek Canyon is the opportunity to go hiking. With a variety of trails of varying levels of difficulty, from gentle strolls to more challenging hikes, nature and outdoor enthusiasts will find something for everyone. Photography enthusiasts will also find it a visual paradise, as every bend in the trail presents opportunities to capture the canyon in all its glory.

Oak Creek Canyon is not only a place of natural wonder, but also a site that resonates with the history and culture of the region. The rocks and formations have geological histories dating back millions of years, and Native Americans have considered this place sacred for generations. As you hike through this canyon, you can feel part of a larger narrative that spans time and local lore.

Say goodbye to Sedona with a spa night in the Arizona desert

As the last step of the Sedona tour and after watching the sunset over Oak Creek Canyon, I suggest you say goodbye to this paradise nestled in the heart of the Arizona desert with a spa night that fuses tranquillity and wellness in a relaxing environment.

Sedona's charm intensifies as the sun sets and the stars fill the sky. For an unforgettable farewell, consider visiting one of the region's spas that offer nightly treatments under a blanket of stars. Most spas can be found along Highway 89A, which runs north-south through Sedona.

Some sites, such as Mii Amo Spa, have outdoor facilities designed to maximise the desert experience, with private hot tubs or outdoor relaxation areas where you can feel the evening breeze as you lose yourself in the silence of the night.

In addition, if you choose to visit the Sedona Rouge Spa, you can enjoy relaxing massages and therapies in a rustic luxury setting, which also features heated outdoor pools and the surrounding canyons as the perfect setting for relaxation.