Insider’s Guide

Airport Loop Trail

• This easy/moderate loop trail circles Airport Mesa offering wonderful views all around. This trail is unshaded and can be hot in the summer months. Early morning is highly recommended. The trail is also rocky in spots has some narrow sections.
• Hiking Distance: From the Airport Road parking area, about 3.3 miles round trip (add another 1.0 mile if hiking the Tabletop Trail). Add another 1.2 miles if hiking from the Airport Vista parking lot (use the Sedona View Trail (0.6 miles) to get to the Airport Loop Trail).
• Viewing Tip: Look to the east for the “Twin Buttes" and south for Cathedral Rock. Include the short Tabletop Trail for a view of Sedona’s “Pyramid”. On the north side of the loop enjoy spectacular views of Thunder Mountain, Chimney Rock and Coffee Pot Rock.
• Directions: There are two ways to access this trail. From the Visitor Center, 331 Forest Road, turn right on 89A for 1.0 miles; turn left on Airport Rd for 0.5 miles to free Airport Saddle parking; continue 0.5 miles to Airport Vista parking lot ($3 parking fee).
• Difficulty: Easy / Moderate

Chimney Rock Loop Trail

• This trail is a moderate, short loop around the base of Chimney Rock, a.k.a. Three Fingers Rock, with panoramic views of the West Sedona area.
• Hiking Distance: Start this 2.0-mile hike from the Thunder Mountain Trailhead. Turn right on the Thunder Mountain Trail. In 0.1 miles, you’ll come to the intersection with the Chimney Rock Trail.
• Viewing Tip: See if you can spot the “Lizard Head”; look up when you pass the intersection of the Lizard Head trail. Then, watch for Chimney Rock to change to the “Three Fingers” formation on the western side! You may also spot hot air balloons to the west on an early morning hike.
• Driving Directions: From the Visitor Center, 331 Forest Road, turn right on 89A for 3.2 miles. Turn right on Dry Creek Road for 0.5 miles to Thunder Mountain Road. Turn right for 0.6 miles to parking on the left.
• Difficulty: Moderate

Woods Canyon Trail

• Enjoy views of red mesas covered in lush vegetation near the bed of Dry Beaver Creek. Spring snowmelt creates freshwater flow in the usually dry creek bed. Begin this moderate trail at the signed trailhead near the Red Rock Ranger District Station off State Route 179. The level, unshaded trail follows an old jeep road into the wide canyon mouth and continues climbing gradually. At 2 miles, the trail crosses a usually dry streambed, through a cattle gate to a fork. Take the right fork to continue the Woods Canyon Trail. At 3.5 miles the trail emerges on a picturesque expanse of red rock at the edge of the normally dry creek bed studded with grey boulders. Continue for another 0.75 miles for some nice red rock views as the trail climbs out of the creek bed. Return the same way.
• Hiking Distance: Woods Canyon Trail, 10 miles round trip, or turn around at any point
• Viewing Tip: Look for wildflowers in the spring. At approximately 2.3 miles stop for a snack break in the boulder wash and enjoy the spring water flowing through Dry Beaver Creek.
• Driving Directions: From the Visitor Center, 331 Forest Road, turn right on 89A. At the circle, take the 3rd exit to 179 for 8.4 miles. Turn left at the Ranger Station and park to the right of the first large building. Look for the trail sign near the edge of the parking lot.
• Difficulty: Moderate

Schuerman Mountain Trail

• A short, moderate, out-and-back hike to the basaltic lava of an extinct volcano. Begin by hiking behind Sedona Red Rock High School, past a large solar panel array and through an old cattle gate. The trail up is steep in places but is only 0.3 miles to the top. Take the Vista trail to the left for lovely views. Watch your step through the lava bed. For an added view to the northwest, make the short climb to the top of Schuerman Mountain (faint trail to the right at the intersection of the Schuerman Mountain Trail and the Vista Trail)
• Hiking Distance: Schuerman Mountain Trail to Vista Trail, 0.3 miles; to the Vista (southern view), 0.3 miles; to the top of Schuerman Mountain (western view), 0.4 miles; 2.0 miles round trip.
• Viewing Tip: From the Vista (southern view) great views of Cathedral Rock especially late afternoon. From the northwest, views of the Mingus Mountains and the Verde Valley.
• Driving Directions: From the Visitor Center, 331 Forest Road, turn right on 89A for 4.2 miles to Upper Red Rock Loop Road. Turn left at the light for 0.25 miles to the 3rd drive on the right, then 50 yards to parking.
• Difficulty: Easy

Turkey Creek Trail

• This seldom used, moderate trail offers vistas and interesting geology. Follow the blocked road taking the right fork at 0.3 miles. The unshaded road has gentle ups and downs for the first 1.5 miles to Turkey Creek Tank where the road bends to the left and dies out. The trail then continues crossing normally dry Turkey Creek and begins to gradually climb in the sparse shade of pinyon pine and juniper. At 2.25 miles, you’ll begin a moderately steep switchback ascent of the north face of House Mountain, a long extinct shield volcano.
• Hiking Distance: Turkey Creek Trail, 6 miles round trip. Best November through April.
• Viewing Tip: Fine views of nearby Cathedral Rock and more distant views of the Secret Mountain Wilderness. The trail reaches its crest at 3.0 miles and begins a gradual descent over basaltic lava where the view over the ancient caldera opens up and the opposite rim with the lava outcrop that gave the mountain its name is visible.
• Driving Directions: From the Visitor Center, 331 Forest Road, turn right on 89A. At the circle, take the 3rd exit to 179 for 7.3 miles. At the circle, take the 1st exit onto Verde Valley School Road for 4.1 miles to the marked road on the left; take this unpaved road 0.5 miles and take the left fork 100 feet to the road’s end.
• Difficulty: Moderate

Jacks Canyon Trail

• If you’re up for a long, strenuous hike, with over 2000 feet in elevation and sweeping panoramic views, this one’s for you! You’ll want to hike this trail to the end to gain access to the unique views it offers. The trail starts by skirting the boundary of a subdivision, then follows an old jeep trail to Jacks Canyon Tank where it drops into the drainage bottom and proceeds with a moderate climb to the upper end of the canyon where it leaves the streambed to switchback to a high saddle connecting to the Mogollon Rim and Munds Mountain.
• Hiking Distance: Jack’s Canyon Trail, out and back, 12.4 miles. Add 2.0 miles one way to the top of the Munds Mountain Trail.
• Viewing Tip: For a more spectacular view, hike the short, steep climb to the top of the Munds Mountain trail for an incredible panoramic view of Red Rock Country including the red rocks of Sedona, parts of Oak Creek Canyon and even the San Francisco peaks to the north.
• Driving Directions: From the Visitor Center, 331 Forest Road, turn right on 89A. At the circle, take the 3rd exit to 179 for 7.3 miles. At the circle, take the 3rd exit onto Jacks Canyon Road for about 3.0 miles to the trailhead.
• Difficulty: Hard

Aerie Trail

• This moderate, out-and-back trail hugs the north side of Doe Mountain, offering shady spots especially in the morning. Include a hike to the top of Doe Mountain or connect to the Cockscomb trail to encircle the entire base of Doe Mountain.
• Hiking Distance: Aerie Trail: 2.9 miles each way from the Aerie Trailhead parking area to the Boynton Canyon Trailhead Parking Area for 5.8 miles round trip. For a shorter hike, turn around at the intersection of the Cockscomb Trail for a 3.8-mile hike or turn right on the Cockscomb Trail for a 4.4-mile loop back to the Aerie Trailhead parking lot.
• Viewing Tip: On the Aerie trail, take in the view of Bear Mountain, Fay Canyon and Boynton Canyon. From the top of Doe Mountain, enjoy panoramic views of the Secret Mountain Wilderness.
• Driving Directions: From the Visitor Center, 331 Forest Road, turn right on 89A for 3.2 miles. Turn right on Dry Creek Road for 3.0 miles. At the stop sign, turn left onto Boynton Pass Road for 4.1 miles. Turn left on Aerie Road (past Doe Mtn) to the trailhead parking lot.
• Difficulty: Moderate

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.

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!

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.

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.

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….

1. 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
2. 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
3. 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.
4. 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!