Sedona AZ Events | Blog

4 of our Favorite Winter Activities

Winters in Sedona are magical as Uptown is lit up for the holidays in December and January offers the anticipate of a light dusting of snow. We are fortunate to experience the four seasons including a mild winter in our red rock town, which allows for more exploring – but staying cozy in front of the fire is perfectly acceptable too! Below is a list of four of our favorite winter activities

Stroll

Take a stroll through the shops of Tlaquepaque, a boutique shopping district set like an old-world village, to find unique gifts. Find pieces of art, one of a kind outdoor gear, home décor, children’s toys and so much more. While you stroll, stop for a coffee or sweet treat.

Hike

With the sun rising later in the winter, give yourself plenty of time to sleep in and enjoy a leisurely breakfast. Then when the day has been warmed by the sun hit the trails for a mid-day hike (or bike). If you head out later in the afternoon, find a spot to watch the sun begin to set as the red rocks illuminate for an inspiring view.
Local’s Tip: Stop by The Hike House for expert guidance on the best trails of the season. And don’t leave without a cookie to enjoy throughout your hike.

Visit

The Chapel of the Holy Cross, a remarkable chapel built into the red rocks, is a must-see when coming to Sedona. You’ll most likely catch a glimpse as you come into town but it’s worth a special trip and could be combined with a hike as many trails are nearby. In 1932 local rancher and sculptor Marguerite Brunswig Staude was commissioned to build a church into the red rocks that was inspired by the Empire State Building. Now the church is part of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Phoenix. They do not have regularly scheduled masses at the Chapel of the Holy Cross but it is open is 9 AM-5 PM seven days a week.

Watch

Airport Mesa offers a memorable view of the sunset over Sedona. It is a winding drive to the top of the mesa, which recognizably houses the Sedona Airport. There is a parking lot and overlook to enjoy the light show created by sunset, we recommend doing so with hot chocolate in hand. If you’re looking for a vortex experience, Airport Mesa does have a trail to one of Sedona’s famed vortexes that isn’t too strenuous but is quite popular.

We invite you to explore Sedona through all the seasons and find the unique beauty in each.

Crazy Colors in the Canyons

Autumn is a natural spectacle, even in the Southwest. As summer fades to a sepia tone, Sedona comes to life with rich colors and the smell of wood-burning stoves. Despite being in the desert, leaf peeping is a full-blown activity on canyon hiking paths.

Take A Trip to the Grand Canyon

There are so many different ways to experience one of the seven natural world wonders. It's the perfect day trip from Sedona, since it’s only a 2-hour drive to the South Rim. Once at the Grand Canyon you can either drive to the overlooks yourself or take part in a Pink Jeep or helicopter tour and let the impressions dazzle you. Definitely consider bringing a picnic basket along, as there are many beautiful places to have lunch overlooking the Grand Canyon. Visit GrandCanyon.com for more information on activities, attractions and things to do while visiting.

We gathered common questions about traveling and experiencing the Grand Canyon and put them all into one spot.

Besides driving, how can I get to the Grand Canyon?

Driving to the Grand Canyon from Orchards Inn takes about 2 hours. However, there are also other ways of accessing.

The Grand Canyon Railway offers a train that departs from Williams, AZ twice daily, from there you can add a Grand Canyon tour via motor coach or explore on your own before returning by train.
There are multiple private companies that can customize a tour for you and your family.
Pink Jeep Tours does an express and premier tour to the Grand Canyon. They also have a tour that will drive you from Sedona and back.
Westwind Air takes you by plane to the Grand Canyon, touches down and does a Pink Jeep tour, then flies you back to the Sedona airport in only 6 hours!
Are there different driving routes to get to the Grand Canyon?

Yes, you can take the I40W & I64N or the 180W, both are similar in time, but will offer a little different scenery. We have driving maps at the Front Desk to assist and would be happy to share our additional insights.
How long should I plan to spend at the South Rim of the Grand Canyon?

This entirely depends on what you are planning on doing while there, generally most visitors spend on average 3 hours. There are helicopter tours, jeep tours, hiking, & walking tours available.
Can I do a day hike and still get back to Sedona for dinner?

Yes, of course! Of course, this will depend on what trail you take and if you opt to hike on your own or take a tour. But yes, we would say you could make it back in time for a late dinner, around 8 pm.
Are there buildings/ museums that I should plan to visit or just spend time outside?

There is a visitor’s center near the main parking area and also one about halfway down the rim you can visit.
Before you arrive in the park, there is the National Geographic Grand Canyon Visitor Center & Grand Canyon IMAX Theatre showing “Over the Rim and Beyond, Grand Canyon: The Hidden Secrets”. The IMAX movie shares both natural and human history of the Grand Canyon, and is a great start to your adventure.
Do I need to bring food or are there dining options?

Snacks are always a good idea however there are places within Grand Canyon Village. Our team recommends lunch at Bright Angel Lodge or El Tovar.
How do I get to the skywalk?

The skywalk is about 4 hours away and is located on the West Rim of the Grand Canyon, which is on the Las Vegas side. While it’s definitely a sight to see, it would be considered longer than a daytrip away.
Whether you drive, fly, or Jeep to the Grand Canyon it is definitely an experience that you will remember. We highly recommend spending time there and taking in all it has to offer. Orchards Inn makes for a great “home base” when visiting Sedona and the Grand Canyon, stay with our Grand Canyon Package that includes a 2-night stay and a tour once you arrive at the park through Pink Jeep Tours.

Top 5 Attractions in the Southwest

We love to hear where are guests are coming from and where they are headed after leaving Sedona. We find that many times guests have planned a trip of the Southwest United States and Sedona is just a stop along the way. If you are looking for a scenic and majestic trip through the Southwest, here are some “hot spot” stops that our guests have recommended.

Zion National Park
Zion is located in Southwest Utah (approximately a 5-hour drive from Sedona), open year-round and part of the National Park Service. A prominent feature of the 229-square-mile park is Zion Canyon, which is 15 miles long and up to half a mile deep, cut through the reddish and tan-colored Navajo Sandstone by the North Fork of the Virgin River. The lowest elevation is 3,666 ft at Coalpits Wash and the highest elevation is 8,726 ft at Horse Ranch Mountain.

Learn More

Grand Canyon
One of the 7 natural wonders of the world (approximately a 2.5-hour drive from Sedona), the Grand Canyon is a steep-sided canyon carved by the Colorado River; it is 277 miles long, up to 18 miles wide and attains a depth of over a mile. Nearly two billion years of Earth’s geological history have been exposed as the Colorado River and its tributaries cut their channels through layer after layer of rock while the Colorado Plateau was uplifted.

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Antelope Canyon
A slot canyon on Navajo land east of Page, Arizona (approximately a 3-hour drive from Sedona). Antelope Canyon includes two separate, scenic slot canyon sections, referred to individually as “Upper Antelope Canyon” or “The Crack”; and “Antelope Canyon” or “The Corkscrew”. The Navajo name for Upper Antelope Canyon is Tsé bighánílíní, which means ‘the place where water runs through rocks’. Lower Antelope Canyon is Hazdistazí (called “Hasdestwazi” by the Navajo Parks and Recreation Department), or ‘spiral rock arches’. To visit Antelope Canyon, you must enter with a tour company and there are several options depending on how you would like to experience the canyon.

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Monument Valley
A region of the Colorado Plateau characterized by a cluster of vast sandstone buttes, the largest reaching 1,000 ft above the valley floor. It is located on the Arizona–Utah border near the Four Corners area (approximately a 3.5-hour drive from Sedona).

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Canyon de Chelly
Reflecting one of the longest continuously inhabited landscapes of North America, it preserves ruins of the indigenous tribes that lived in the area, from the Ancestral Puebloans (formerly known as Anasazi) to the Navajo. The monument covers 83,840 acres and encompasses the floors and rims of the three major canyons: de Chelly, del Muerto, and Monument. These canyons were cut by streams with headwaters in the Chuska mountains just to the east of the monument. Canyon de Chelly is one of the most visited national monuments in the United States and is located in Northeastern Arizona (approximately a 4-hour drive from Sedona).

Learn More

Wherever you start or finish, we hope that you make Sedona a stop along the way, whether you are touring the Southwest, visiting the United States, or making a weekend getaway.

One Day in Sedona: Adventure Seekers

Looking to maximize your one day in Sedona? While just one day in Sedona is not enough to see and experience all there is that this little red rock town offers, it’s perfect for getting a taste – and we’re sure you’ll be back soon for more!

For the adventurer looking to get your adrenaline pumping or just a little fresh air and vitamin d, we have the day for you.

If you’re looking for a great hiking day to see Sedona, we suggest getting into town very early. This way you can start and end the day with iconic hikes that will give you amazing Sedona memories. You will need to be in Sedona proper by 8:20 a.m., this way you can continue on into Oak Creek Canyon and be at West Fork trail by 9:00 a.m., parked, and on your way. This is one of the most popular hikes in Sedona, for good reason, so you want to be there when they open…earlier if you can.

Spend a few hours on West Fork trail, hopping along the creek and gazing up the towering canyon walls. This trail is out and back, so we suggest starting early and enjoying you time hiking deeper and deeper. When you are ready to turn around, there will be more hikers along with you, so take your time and wish everyone a great adventure.

Once you’ve finished and worked up an appetite, head back towards Uptown Sedona and stop at Indian Gardens Café for brunch or lunch. Their food is fresh and made with quality ingredients every day, you will find something delicious for everyone….even the gluten free, dairy free, and vegetarian members of your group. Browse the market while your food is cooking and find unique craft beers, wines, and souvenirs.

Head back into Uptown Sedona to browse the shops until it’s time to check into Orchards Inn (located in uptown). A couple of our favorites include Rollies Camera Shop, Whisker’s Barkery, and Sedona Outdoors. Rollies has been in the same store for 60+ years and is a Sedona landmark, here you will find anything a camera enthusiast needs. Whisker’s Barkery is the perfect spot to pick up a toy or treat for you fur-friends. Then Sedona Outdoors is a great shop to pick up the latest outdoor gear or something unique to Sedona.

Once you’re done enjoying the shops and views from Uptown Sedona, you should be ready to check into your room at Orchards Inn. Take some time to relax and reflect on your day so far on your deck with an unmatched view of Snoopy Rock.

About an hour and a half before sunset, put your hiking shoes back on, grab water, and a headlamp and head over to Cathedral Rock. This is a short, but somewhat steep hike, that can take as short as 40 minutes to get to the top, but give yourself a little time to take in the views along the way. Once you reach the top, find a nice spot to sit and wait for sunset, and make sure you have a camera ready. When you’re ready and have taken enough pictures, head down, carefully. Take your time as you head down and be ready to do a little sliding on your rear end.

You did it! You had a hiking day in Sedona and were able to experience two of the most popular hikes in Sedona! You now deserve a margarita at 89Agave and it’s within walking distance to your room, so have two if you’d like.

Check out Orchards Inn’s current packages & offers and book your next one day trip to Sedona!

The Road to Orchards: I17 North from Phoenix

The road to Orchards Inn is beautiful, no matter how you get here. Various routes wind through the American Southwest, and take you through breathtaking landscapes, iconic points of interest and past quaint shops and eateries.

We decided to start a series that would focus on the vast options to get to Orchards Inn and Sedona throughout Arizona. We begin our Road to Orchards series with the most popular route, North on Interstate 17. These Sedona directions are arguably the most popular because many of our guests fly into Phoenix International Sky Harbor Airport or travel the short distance from their homes in Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tucson and other Central and Southern Arizona cities.

While you are driving north on Interstate 17 one of the main changes you will notice is the scenery. Within the city limits, you will see many homes, shops, businesses, restaurants, hotels and more. However, once you pass exit #233, buildings become sparse and saguaro cacti emerge – peppering the landscape with their unmistakable shapes.

Saguaro Facts. Did you know…

With the right growing conditions, it is estimated that saguaros can live to be as much as 150-200 years old.
Saguaro are very slow growing cacti. A 10 year old plant might only be 1.5 inches tall. Saguaro can grow to be between 40-60 feet tall.
When rain is plentiful and the saguaro is fully hydrated it can weigh between 3200-4800 pounds.
The saguaro is the largest cactus in the United States.
Most of the saguaros roots are only 4-6 inches deep and radiate out as far from the plant as it is tall. There is one deep root, or tap root that extends down into the ground more than 2 feet.

As you climb in elevation, the saguaro cacti thin and you will find small bushes along the highway. Depending on the season, as you gaze out the windows you may see snow in the higher elevations or animals, including antelope, deer and elk as they make their way across our high desert.

Stops along the way
The drive from the Phoenix area to Sedona is not long, but if you aren’t in a hurry there are some great stops along the way. Here are just a few….

Tortas Chano: Featured on Food Network’s Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives with Guy Fieri, (formally Roberto’s Authentic Mexican) Tortas Chano is a locally owned, family restaurant serving authentic Mexican food. Guy tried the tacos al pastor and the chimichanga burrito after which he asked to be the chimichanga ambassador. 39510 North Daisy Mountain Drive, Anthem AZ 85086
Rock Springs Cafe is a central Arizona pie tradition. Unfortunately, a stop here for pie will cause you to judge every other pie against these culinary creations. Of course, we stop for the Apple pie, a la mode, but all their flavors are worth a taste or two. Rock Springs also serves Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner, but they won’t bat an eye if you order dessert first. Want your pie for free? Bring them a unique bottle of hot sauce and they’ll trade you, or if you need to stop for gas, there is a gas station next door and they’ll give you a free pie coupon. 35900 South Old Black Canyon Highway, Rock Springs, AZ
Arcosanti is an urban laboratory focused on innovative design, community, and environmental accountability. Their goal is to actively pursue lean alternatives to urban sprawl based on Paolo Soleri’s theory of compact city design, Arcology (architecture + ecology). Built by over 7,000 volunteers since the commencement of the project in 1970, Arcosanti provides various mixed-use buildings and public spaces where people live, work, visit, and participate in educational and cultural programs. Stop and enjoy a tour. The guided tour includes an overview of the Arcosanti project and a walk-through of the built environment that demonstrates a working example of how architecture could meet ecology.
Montezuma’s Castle protects a set of well-preserved Ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings near Camp Verde, Arizona, United States (exit #287). The dwellings were built and used by the Sinagua people, a pre-Columbian culture closely related to the Hohokam and other indigenous peoples of the southwestern United States, between approximately 1100 and 1425 AD. The main structure comprises five stories and twenty rooms, and was built over the course of three centuries. Several Hopi clans and Yavapai communities trace their ancestries to early immigrants from the Montezuma Castle/Beaver Creek area. Clan members periodically return to these ancestral homes for religious ceremonies.

Buckle Up & Enjoy The Ride!

Things To Do In Sedona: Visit The Vortexes

The iconic vortexes in Sedona are powerful, transformational energy centers that are found in specific locations throughout Red Rock Country. These “vortexes” are geomagnetic points in nature where electromagnetic earth energy is said to swirl and effect the surrounding area, promoting balance, spiritual intuitiveness and healing to those who come in contact with them. The three most common types of vortexes are magnetic (feminine energy), electrical (masculine energy) and balanced vortexes.

Magnetic vortexes have a feminine or “yin” energy. The energy is nurturing, soft and welcoming and promotes kindness, compassion and patience. It facilitates inward activities, such as contemplation, meditation and reflection. (Cathedral Rock is a magnetic vortex)

Electrical vortexes have a masculine or “yang” energy. The energy promotes strength and is very invigorating, facilitating clarity of mind, focus and physical energy. Electrical vortexes are perfect for setting intentions and increasing resolve and stamina. Some say they are like a healthy dose of caffeine! (Bell Rock is an electrical vortex)

Balanced vortexes are a mix of both electrical and magnetic energy, yin and yang. Balanced vortexes help you to see things from a larger perspective, gain clarity and develop a higher vision for your life. (Boynton Canyon is a balanced vortex)

In Sedona, there are four notable vortexes: The Airport Vortex, the Red Rock Crossing/Cathedral Rock Vortex, the Boynton Canyon Vortex, and the Bell Rock Vortex. Below is an overview of each of these vortexes:

Airport Mesa Vortex
The Airport Mesa Vortex boasts masculine energy, offers panoramic views of all of Sedona and is close to the center of town. Opt to venture onto the trail, and you’ll experience a vertical hike (not for everyone) to a saddle with spectacular views. Be sure to look out for the twisted tree trunks which are a sign of the swirling vortex energy. Airport Mesa is a popular spot, so expect to see other hikers, vortex hunters and sightseers along the way. It is recommended to venture out later in the day so that you can enjoy the gorgeous sunset and city lights.

Getting there: From the roundabout junction of Hwys 179 & 89A, go 1.1 mile west on 89A and turn left on Airport Rd. Go 1/2 mile up Airport Rd. to the parking area on the left. From here, you will see the trailhead.

Cathedral Rock/Red Rock Crossing Vortex
The Cathedral Rock/Red Rock Crossing Vortex is not only one of the most energetic places in Sedona, but offers some of the most incredible views as well. You can enjoy the vortex’s energy and a leisurely hike around the base near the water via the Templeton trail to Oak Creek. This trail leads you by Buddha Beach, where visitors can dip their toes in the water and look for the rock cairns that previous passers-by left. For the experienced hikers in proper gear, you can climb up the Red Rock spires to the saddle where the energy is the strongest (exercise caution if you decide to climb – this route is steep and dangerous). The energy at the Cathedral Rock vortex is said to strengthen the feminine side and is calming, intuitive and comforting.

Getting there: The most direct route to Cathedral Rock is from the Village of Oak Creek. You can take Back-o-Beyond Rd from Hwy 179 just over 1/2 mile to the parking area at the base of Cathedral Rock, and then hike up the creek bed toward the center of Cathedral Rock. You can also access via Verde Valley School Road by driving to the end, then walking along the other side of Oak Creek.

Alternatively, you can drive 4.3 miles west on 89A from the roundabout junction of Hwys 89A & 179, and turn left on Upper Red Rock Loop Rd. From here, go 1.8 miles and turn left on Chavez Ranch Rd. Follow the pavement .8 mile and turn left into Crescent Moon Park (fee to enter). Drive as far into the park as possible, then walk to the creek. This route provides a great view of Cathedral Rock.

Boynton Canyon Vortex
The Boynton Canyon Vortex is one of the few Sedona Vortexes that you can actually reach out and “touch”. This vortex can be accessed from Boynton Canyon Trail – only about 1/2 mile from the parking area and a leisurely hike. It is said that there are actually two vortexes here, one at the tall Red Rock named “Kachina Woman” off to the east, and the other at an unnamed formation off to the west. Boynton Canyon is believed to be the birthplace of humans in the Apache culture and the Kachina Woman is an important piece of this history. This area is a beautiful destination to hike around at your own pace and explore the beauty. Look out for energy circles and rock cairns which past visitors have left behind. This vortex is said to facilitate a balance between the masculine and feminine side, or a yin/yang balance.

Getting there: From the roundabout junction of Hwys 89A & 179 at the center of town, head west on State Route 89A for 3 miles to Dry Creek Rd and turn right (north). Stay on this road until it ends (roughly 3 miles), where you’ll turn left onto Boynton Canyon Rd for another 2 miles until you pull into the parking lot on the right (it is well-marked).

Bell Rock Vortex
Bell Rock is an iconic Red Rock formation located just north of the Village of Oak Creek, and distinct shape makes it an easy one to spot. There are several ways to access the Bell Rock Vortex, which allow people of all hiking levels to come in contact with the energy present here. There is a loop trail that winds around the base of Bell Rock and offers a beautiful perspective of the formation itself. For the more adventurous (and experienced), the climb up Bell Rock is more than worth it. As you ascend up the rock, the views are breathtaking, but the higher you go the more dangerous so be safe! The energy is strong no matter where you are on the rock.

The energy at this vortex is very strong – no climbing required. The Bell Rock Vortex is said to strengthen all three parts – the masculine side, feminine side, and balance.

Getting there: Park in the North Bell Rock parking area and head to Bell Rock Trail. Follow it to Courthouse Butte Loop Trail and either continue on Bell Rock Trail to explore the Northeast area of Bell Rock or turn right onto Courthouse Butte Loop for 500ft to a sign post on your left. Turn left here and begin climbing up towards Bell Rock. Pay close attention to the rock cairns and between the 10th & 11th cairn turn right and head towards the large flat rock shelf where you begin your to climb to Meditation Perch. The climb is worth the effort but be extra cautious and wear proper attire.

13 Pet Friendly Restaurants in Sedona

Sedona is a pet friendly town! From the fresh water in Oak Creek to the Red Rock trails and all the sidewalks in between, dogs have a blast in Sedona. We have shaded trails to keep their pads cool in the summer and sunny trails to keep everyone warm in the winter.

Insider’s Guide