The Only 1 Day Sedona Itinerary You’ll Need

Sedona is absolutely magical and should be on everyone’s travel bucket list. Although you could very well spend an entire month exploring all Sedona has to offer, sometimes we aren’t always so lucky. If you are like me and traveling around a tight schedule we sometimes have to work with what we are given. Which is why I am so very excited to share this ultimate 1 day in Sedona itinerary. I promise, it’s the only Sedona day trip itinerary you’ll need!

alt txt = "Red rock formation surrounded by greenery."
Sedona Views

Disclosure: This blog post has affiliate links which means if you click and make a purchase I may earn a small commission at NO additional cost to you. These are my own personal suggestions based on products/experiences I love and use. Read the full disclosure here.

Getting to Sedona

Sedona is nestled in central Arizona and can be easily reached via car from the Flagstaff or Phoenix airports. 

Depending on which airport you choose, the journey will take anywhere from 45 minutes (from Flagstaff) to 2.5 hours (from Phoenix). After arriving in Sedona be prepared for some traffic jams and crowds so be sure to factor in a bit of extra time for the drive. 

For this one day Sedona itinerary, I highly recommend getting a hotel in or near Sedona the night before so you can make the most out of your day and renting a vehicle

alt = "Red rock mountain formations."
Simply Beautiful!

Best Time to Visit Sedona

Sedona is a POPULAR location (for good reason). With that being said, I would try to avoid visiting during peak season (March-May and September-December) since you only have one day to explore its beauty. 

If you can swing it, book your one day in Sedona vacation during the months of January or February. You’ll find fewer crowds and cheaper prices. Just be sure to pack layers as it can be a bit chilly! 

1 Day Sedona Itinerary

Sedona is known for its stunning red rock formations, vibrant art scene, and outdoor adventures, therefore this one day Sedona itinerary includes a bit of each! From exploring along Main Street to hiking some of the most breathtaking hikes to indulging in delicious food, this itinerary offers the best of all worlds. I can’t wait to return to try out some of the things I missed the first time around.

alt = "Red rock mountain formations. surrounded by green vegetation."
Stunning Views of Sedona

Sunrise: Devil’s Bridge Hike

Start your Sedona adventure off with one of the coolest hikes in all of the United States. The famous Devil’s Bridge hike is located just 7 miles outside of town and a perfect choice for sunrise. 

As with most attractions in Sedona, it can get crowded. The parking lot usually fills up by sunrise so be sure to arrive early. 

The hike itself is a moderate 4 mile out and back route. After about 2 miles, you’ll reach the main attraction (the natural rock bridge). If you are brave enough, you can venture out for a picture. Don’t worry, it’s not as scary or narrow as it looks! 

Tip! If you happen to get a later start (and miss sunrise), there’s a free shuttle that will take you to the trailhead. This way you can avoid the headache of parking. However, the shuttle does not run before sunrise. 

Morning: Brunch at Creekside

Now that you’ve worked up an appetite, head back into town for a delicious brunch at Creekside Sedona. I heard from some of the locals that I should try the steak benedict the next time I’m in town. Apparently, it’s absolutely delicious and the beautiful views of the red rocks add to the experience! 

alt txt = "Green. yellow and red trolley in Sedona."
Trolley in Sedona

Enjoying so far? Sign-up for more exclusives and updates below:

Late Morning-Early Afternoon: Main Street

It’s likely not even noon yet, and your day trip to Sedona is already panning out to be unforgettable! 

Sedona’s Main Street is a quaint pedestrian-friendly street jam packed with shops, art galleries, and outdoor patios. Spend the next few hours or so window shopping and taking in the lively ambience. 

During my one day in Sedona, I especially enjoyed marveling at the Hopi Jewelry inside the Kopavi International Gallery, and sampling chocolate from Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory. I didn’t have enough time this trip, but I plan on wandering around the Exposures International Gallery of Fine Art next time I’m there.

One more thing, make sure to save a bit of time to indulge in some delicious ice cream from Sabrina’s Gourmet Ice Cream!

Late Afternoon: Early Dinner

It’s time to fuel up for one last Sedona adventure! Head to Sono Kitchen for an early dinner. Sono Kitchen is a unique find in Sedona as it features Taiwan and Japan Night Market Foods and Snacks. 

Tip! For this 1 day Sedona itinerary, I recommend grabbing dinner at least 2 hours before sunset so that you have time to make it to the next hike before dark! 

alt txt = "Sono Kitchen and Boba restaurant with yellow cat logo in Sedona."
Sono Kitchen & Boba

Sunset: Cathedral Rock

Finally, wrap up your day in Sedona with a breathtaking sunset hike on Cathedral Rock. Although it’s a short hike (1.2 miles round trip), it’s extremely steep and does require a bit of scrambling. Make sure you are prepared with the right shoes with plenty of traction and enough water

However, the scramble is worth it as you will be met with amazing views of Sedona and the setting sun! 

alt txt = " Red colored mountainous rocks surrounded by green trees and plants."
More Views of Sedona

Important! If you are visiting Sedona Thursday-Sunday, the Cathedral Rock trailhead parking lot is closed so you will have to take the shuttle (route 15). It’s important to note that there aren’t any shuttles available after dark so you will have to use an Uber or Lyft after the hike. 

Other Things to do in Sedona

The list of things to do in Sedona is truly never ending. From jeep tours to museums, there’s no way you’d be able to squeeze everything into one day. If you do have more than one day in Sedona, here are more of the best things to do! 

  • Visit the Chapel of the Holy Cross: An architectural marvel, this chapel is built directly into the red rocks and offers a unique spiritual experience with its serene atmosphere and spectacular views. If you have time while exploring Main Street, it would be worth the slight detour. 
  • Red Rock Scenic Byway: If hiking is not your thing, you can drive along this route for some of the most stunning and accessible views of Sedona’s red rock landscape. It’s a great way to see a lot of the area’s natural beauty in a short amount of time.
alt txt = "Reddish brown rocks and mountains surrounded by clear sky."
Stunning Beauty at Sedona

Other Things to do in 1 Day Sedona Itinerary Continued

  • Sedona Stargazing: Experience the clear night skies of Sedona with a guided stargazing tour. The lack of light pollution in the area makes it an ideal spot for observing stars, planets, and other celestial wonders. 
  • Bell Rock Pathway: A popular hiking and biking trail, the Bell Rock Pathway offers incredible views and a relatively easy trek, making it suitable for all ages and fitness levels.
  • Sedona’s Vortex Sites: Explore the spiritual energy centers known as vortexes around Sedona. Popular sites include Airport Mesa, Bell Rock, Cathedral Rock (on the above itinerary), and Boynton Canyon.
alt txt = "Hiking and vortex sign for tourist activities in a popular tourist town."
Hiking and Vortex Activities
  • Jeep Tours: Take an off-road adventure with a Jeep tour, which offers an exciting way to explore the rugged terrain and learn about the area’s history, geology, and folklore. During your time in Sedona you’ll likely spot the bright pink jeeps everywhere! It’s definitely on my list for when I return! 
  • Slide Rock State Park: Famous for its natural rock slide and swimming hole, this park is perfect for cooling off in the summer. The surrounding canyon and orchards provide a picturesque backdrop for a day of fun.
  • Sedona Heritage Museum: Dive into the history of Sedona, learning about its early settlers, cowboys, and the film industry that once flourished here.
alt txt = "Majestic black horse saddled up atop of a brick base."
Cowboy Club

Where to Stay Near Sedona

Sedona offers a variety of lodging options to suit different preferences and budgets, from luxurious resorts nestled in the red rocks to cozy bed and breakfasts with a more personal touch. 

Opting to stay in Sedona itself offers easy access to the town’s shops, restaurants, and galleries, as well as proximity to the many natural attractions. Alternatively, staying a little outside the main town can offer a more secluded and tranquil experience, closer to nature (and better for the budget). 

Hotel Suggestions

  1. Sedona Cathedral Hideaway B&B and Casita – 5 Star Hotel
  2. The Wilde Resort and Spa – 4 Star Hotel
  3. Sedona Reál Inn and Suites – 3 Star Hotel
  4. Sky Ranch Lodge – 2 Star Hotel
  5. Oak Creek Terrace Resort – 1 Star Hotel

Is 1 Day in Sedona Enough?

While a single day in Sedona allows for a glimpse into its striking red rock vistas and a taste of its unique charm, it is definitely not enough to fully immerse yourself in all that this enchanting town has to offer. However, this one day Sedona itinerary allows you to experience some of the best sights and experiences Sedona has to offer. Happy travels!

Before you go, don’t forget to sign-up to be a part of The Nitty Gritty Travel OT Community!

Final Thoughts

I’m so grateful I was able to visit Sedona and I highly recommend you check it out too. If I’ve sparked your interest and you’d like to go or if you’ve went already, please let me know! As always, thank you for reading. Did you learn anything new or have any feedback? Would you visit Sedona? Feel free to share your thoughts. Please comment below and don’t forget to subscribe here

Find me here: I’m on most social media, so let’s be friends: Pinterest, Facebook and Twitter. Visiting Arizona and you’d like to check out the Grand Canyon? Read this. Are you a musician or a fan of music in general? Check out my MIM museum blog post. Interested in learning all about the Wrigley Mansion? Take a gander here. Looking to experience a little solitude outside of the city? Read this blog post to escape NYC.

Ever wondered what the largest home in America looks like? Read this. Ready to experience a peaceful garden oasis? Read this. Are you a fan of nature and looking for ideas on where to go hiking? Read this. Visiting NYC and you’d like to take a trip to Albany but don’t know how? Check this out. Traveling to Austin and looking for cool museums to visit? Read this post and this one. Visiting San Francisco and looking for delicious spots to eat at? Look here and here

Final Thoughts Continued

Have a sweet tooth and looking for tasty treat ideas? Check this out. Are you a wine drinker or you’d like to experience a wine tour? Read this. Want to know whether you should carry-on your bag or check it on the plane? Read more here. Having wanderlust, or traveling out of the country? Check out my detailed travel itineraries to Aruba, Belgium, London, Paris and Amsterdam.

Need resources related to blogging? Check out my tips on email marketing here and how to protect your blog here. Have a long flight planned and need tips on how to get through it? I’ve got you covered here. Wonder how you can be safe when traveling? Check out my tips here. Curious as to how I choose my travel destinations? Read this.

Found this blog post helpful? Any support is greatly appreciated! 🙂 

Buy me a coffee

Like it? Pin it!

alt txt = "Red rock formations surrounded by green shrubs."
The Only One Day Sedona Itinerary You’ll Need Pinterest Pin

Disclosure

This blog post has affiliate links which means if you click and make a purchase I may earn a small commission. This commission comes at NO additional cost to you. These are my own personal suggestions based on products/experiences I love and use. Read the full disclosure here.

Covid-19 Disclaimer: The recommendations listed are based on my own suggestions and in no way endorses or condemns travel at this time. If you decide to take a trip, follow national and state guidelines, and of course the CDC when traveling. 

This website is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. This is an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.

error: Content is protected !!