How to plan a family vacation to the red rock wonderland of Sedona, Arizona
As my husband and I entered Sedona along Route 89A with our two teenaged sons riding in the back seat, I literally said, “wow!,” which was quickly echoed throughout our rented SUV. I had heard that Sedona was beautiful, but honestly, it’s a beauty that you absolutely need to experience for yourself. My sons aren’t easily impressed, but even they marveled at Sedona’s red rock buttes, domes, pinnacles, and spires whose appearance shifted in the changing light. On this particular day, the place was even more magical with a fresh dusting of snow.
Native Americans consider this area to be sacred. Indeed, Sedona has been recognized as a place of healing and spiritual renewal. But what drew us here was the instant access to recreation: hiking, mountain biking, and jeep riding.
Now that we’ve been to Sedona, we understand its allure and find ourselves being drawn back, again.
Accommodations in Sedona
For families, I think the best spot to stay is Wyndham Sedona (1500 Kestrel Circle). Centrally-located is downtown Sedona, the Wyndham resort offers spacious condo-like accommodations with on-site amenities, all surrounded by a picturesque canvas of red rocks. Our two-room, two-bathroom suite allowed for plenty of separation between my husband and I and our sons, much to their relief. In addition to a living space with a sofa bed, each unit has a well-equipped kitchen and dining area.
KidTripster Tip: As is the case with other Wyndham properties, daily housekeeping is not included. However, if you need extra towels or toiletries, simply ask at the front desk.
The resort has an inviting pool and hot tub that even can be used if you visit during the winter like we did. You’ll also find a game room, library, and small fitness center. Wyndam Sedona hosts various activities throughout the week. Some – like the ice cream social, junk food bingo, and wine and beer tastings – are free to guests. Others – like the craft sessions – cost a small fee. Look for sign-ups near the concierge desk when you check in.
Activities on your way to Sedona
Our family spent a few days in Scottsdale before driving north to Sedona. We drove slightly out of our way to visit Petrified Forest National Park. If you enter from the south side of the park, start your visit at the Rainbow Forest Museum and Visitor Center. Here, watch the 18-minute movie to orientate yourself to the park. You’ll learn how the trees in this area were buried in sediment; they soaked up groundwater and silica from volcanic ash and over time, crystallized into quartz. Then head out onto one of the trails to see these fossilized trees for yourself. If you’re short on time or have younger children, opt for the .4-mile Giant Logs Trail. For a little more exercise, walk the 2.6-mile Long Logs-Agate House Trail. Either way, you’ll see examples of fossilized logs with vibrant rainbow colors!
Now hop back on the main park road toward Blue Mesa where you, again, can take a short, 1-mile hike. Then follow the road to the historic Painted Desert Inn. Built in 1924, this motel used to welcome Route 66 travelers. Inside, you still can see the small diner where folks stopped to eat and take in the impressive view of the Painted Desert.
I’d budget around 3 to 5 hours to explore this national park, depending on the amount of hiking that you plan to do. Cost: $20.
From the national park, it’s about a 2-hour drive to Sedona.
KidTripster Tip: There are no food options at Petrified Forest National Park until you reach the end of this route at the Painted Desert Visitor Center. I’d recommend grabbing a to-go lunch in Holbrook before you reach the park.
Activities in Sedona
As a first-time visitor to Sedona, I was immediately struck by two things. Firstly, the red rock cliffs in this area are stunningly beautiful. I dare say that it’s one of the most beautiful places that I’ve visited in the USA. Secondly, I’ve never seen so many businesses related to the metaphysical – wellness centers, crystal shops, and psychic readings. Sedona is thought to be a spiritual center because of several so-called vortexes – invisible swirls of energy that are believed to enhance health and bring emotional balance. Whether or not you believe in Sedona’s spiritual powers, I can guarantee you that your family will come away rejuvenated by time spent in Sedona’s natural surroundings.
Mountain biking in Sedona
Like Moab, Utah and Santa Cruz, California, Sedona is a mountain biking mecca. The area’s red slick rock provides plenty of challenges for beginner (read me) and experienced (read my kids) riders alike. Rent bikes from Over the Edge Sedona (1695 N. State Route 89A), a bike shop that not only has a huge selection of bikes (including kid-sized bikes) but also provides a shuttle to some of the area’s most popular trailheads. Cost: Bike rental around $95/day, depending on the style of bike; shuttle $15/person. If you’re new to mountain biking, you can book a guided tour, as well.
KidTripster Tip: If you’ve got intermediate or advance riders in your family, you’ll want to stop at the Sedona Bike Skills Park in addition to riding the trails.
Jeep tours in Sedona
Another less strenuous way to explore the red rock canyons of Sedona is from the seat of a pink Jeep (204 N. State Route 89A). You can sign up for one of several tours, including the 2-1/2-hour Touch the Earth tour, an exploration of Sedona’s spiritual side. Cost: Youth (1-12) $99; Adult $110.
Hiking in Sedona
Finally, if you’re looking to explore Sedona on your own for free, simply put on your hiking shoes (the ones that you don’t mind getting dirty with red mud). Honestly, there are so many spectacular hikes here – all showcasing Sedona’s stunning scenery – that you could fill your days with one hike after another.
One of the most iconic hikes in Sedona is the one to Devil’s Bridge, a natural arch formed by the eroding power of the wind. It’s also probably one of the most Instagrammed spots in Sedona, which means you won’t be alone on this trail. Parking at the Dry Creek Vista Trailhead is extremely limited. We circled around three times and finally resigned ourselves to park along Dry Creek Road. There is another even smaller parking area at the Devil’s Bridge Trailhead, but it’s only accessible in a high-clearance vehicle like a Jeep, and often the road is closed because of poor conditions.
If you park on the road like we did, it will be a 4.4-mile hike round-trip. Walking at a fairly good clip, it will take you about two hours (allowing for time to photograph the arch). The first 1.4 miles along the road is fairly flat. As you turn onto the trail itself, you’ll start your 564-foot elevation gain. The trail is rocky with some actual rock scrambling toward the end. Overall, I’d rate this trail as moderately strenuous. But the pay-off is pretty epic – a 45-foot-long natural arch with a stunning red rock backdrop. On the day that we hiked, it was covered with a layer of snow.
KidTripster Tip: I did see a few younger children on this trail. However, the bridge itself is narrow (only 5 feet wide), and depending on the weather, it can be very slippery. As a parent, I would not feel comfortable taking a young child out onto this bridge. No photo is worth a tragic accident.
Cathedral Rock is another classic hike. It’s a 1.2-mile hike with an elevation gain of 744 feet, ending in a rock scramble. The entire hike takes about 1-1/2 hours. Again, it’s a popular route, so go early in the morning or plan to set out about two hours before sunset.
If you’re looking to escape the crowds, the staff at Wyndham Sedona can provide you with a list of Sedona’s Secret Seven, off-the-beaten-path hikes that still promise impressive scenery: Baldwin, Chimney Rock, Huckaby, Jacks Canyon, Schuerman Mountain, Turkey Creek, and Woods Canyon Trails.
KidTripster Tip: Ask a staff member to take some time and show you the hikes on the lobby map. You’ll want to get their local expertise on where to park and when to go.
In addition, you can pick up information at the check-in desk about where to find Sedona’s vortexes. Popular ones include Airport Mesa, Red Rock Crossing-Cathedral Rock, Boynton Canyon, and Bell Rock.
KidTripster Tip: Some of these vortexes have been marked by medicine wheels, Native American symbols made from rocks arranged on the ground by fellow seekers. However, disturbing the natural landscape is prohibited by the U.S. Forest Service, so sometimes the markers have been removed.
Dining in Sedona
Sedona is foodie travel destination that combines (usually) sunny al fresco dining with vibrant, locally-sourced cuisine. In town, my family and I loved the eclectic yet comfortable atmosphere at Pump House Station Urban Eatery (313 Route 179). While the restaurant serves lunch and dinner, it’s the perfect spot to start your day with a hearty breakfast like a stuffed burrito with eggs, housemade chorizo, and potatoes or a slice of bacon quiche which stands the height of a 4-layer cake. Or if you’re craving something sweet, opt for sugar-cinnamon topped crepes or the berry-topped waffles with whipped cream. And don’t forget to order a chai tea or latte, both of which are excellent – this, coming from a coffee snob. On a chilly winter day, cuddle up next to the fire or if the weather is warm, head out onto the restaurant’s back deck.
Another one of Sedona’s favorite breakfast spots is Indian Gardens Cafe (3951 N. State Route 89A), located about 20 minutes outside of town. It’s a good stop if you’re taking a day trip to Petrified Forest National Park.
For lunch, head to Outlaw Grille (250 Jordan Road). It would have to be lunch (or an early dinner) as this eatery is only open 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. The burgers are the stars here, all served on fresh brioche buns, but make sure to come hungry as they’re loaded with goodness.
You’ll find a lot of good pizza joints in Sedona. We like Pisa Lisa (2245 Route 89A), which is conveniently located just a block from Wyndam Sedona. It’s one of five acclaimed restaurants in Sedona run by Chef Lisa Dahl. Don’t go looking for a Hawaiian-style pizza here. The restaurant only serves traditional, thin-crust, Neapolitan pies – hot from the wood fire oven. Seriously, it’s some of the best pizza that I’ve had in a long time! And save room for dessert like fresh-baked cannolis and decadent gelato. Here’s the deal: this restaurant is wildly popular and typically packed. So either get here early or order by phone and pick up your pies to eat back at the condo.
KidTripster Tip: Ok, I’m not recommending that you eat at McDonalds (2380 Route 89A) in Sedona but make sure to drive by. Why? Because the golden arches here aren’t yellow; they’re turquoise! The Sedona City Council believed that the bright yellow arches would clash with the natural surroundings of the area, so they mandated the blue color. It makes for a fun photo op.
Getting to Sedona
You can fly directly to Sedona Airport, however you may find better rates if you fly to Phoenix’s SkyHarbor Airport and then drive the two hours north to Sedona.
Interested in combining Sedona with a few days in the Phoenix-Scottsdale area? Check out our picks for Top 10 Things to Do, Top 10 Places to Stay, and Top 10 Eats for families.
This writer received a complimentary stay and meal for the purpose of this review. However, all opinions expressed are her own.
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