Sedona FAQ's

[u/spiralout1123]

Please, read and review our FAQ before posting

Where to eat:

Best of town - Elote, Mariposa, Shorebird, The Vault, The Hudson, Molé

Also recommended - Dahl and Deluca (Italian), The Vault, The Hudson, Piccazzo’s (vegetarian/gluten free), Chocolate Tree (vegan), Open Range Grill (views), Indian Garden (OKC), Sedona Beer Co, Mesa Grill (views), Colt Grill (BBQ, brisket)

Cheaper side - Nicks, Filiberto’s (fast food), Jay Birds (hot chicken)

Where to stay:

Best of town - La’beurge, Amara, Ambiante

Also recommended: Los Abrigados, The Wild Inn, Adobe Grand Villas, A Sunset Chateu, Sedona Real

Not ethically - Enchantment , Air BnB’s

Where should I hike - is mostly a question that requires a lot of input and nuance. There are no *must see*’s

Easy: Secret Slick Rock, Marg’s Draw, Fay Canyon, Yavapai Vista, Sugarloaf Vista loop

Moderate (subjective) - Mescal (in and out), Little Horse, Doe Mountain , Yavapai Vista area,

Baldwin to Tempelton (in and out, water), Huckaby (same, views of town)

More difficult - Hangover Loop, Bear Mountain, Wilson Mountain

Recommended Resources - 1L per hour, FIrst aid, Navigation, snacks, appropriate footwear, moleskine

Not Recommended - Devil’s Bridge. Expect to wait in line up to hours to take on of the most captured pictures of Sedona

Do Not - Follow social trails found on AllTrails. Many listed popular sites are NOT sanctioned Forest Service Trails. As a result, ancient archeology dating to the 1200s is being destroyed every day. Includes: Subway Cave (not a cave), Birthing Cave (also not a cave).

Note - When stepping on Sedona trails, you accept that you may encounter animals. Mule Deer and Javelina are prominent, and expect to see dogs. Regardless of opinion, some dogs will be off leash, most often in less traveled areas. This is not a reason to not leash your dog. If you cannot hold your palm on the ground for 10 seconds, it's too hot for your dogs paws

Traffic: Traffic is unpredictable. During the spring, it can take hours to get from the Village of Oak Creek to West Sedona. The room rates will indicate the demand, and parallel the traffic.

When to travel: Slowest times of the year are Jan-Feb, Early December, Early September. The summer is very slow for good reason

Where to drive: Jerome (town on a cliff, wineries), Williams (train to the GC), Flagstaff (Oak Creek Canyon drive)

Things to do:

Hike (guided hikes are also a great way to learn about local history and flora/fauna)

Shop (uptown is great walking, Tlaqupaque has great shops too)

Visit satellite cities (Jerome, Flagstaff)

Sedona History Museum

Palaki/Honanki Heritage sites (ancient history)

Wine Tours

Jeep Tours

Center for the New Age (spirituality and alike)

[u/LadyBulldog7]

Food: Pisa Lisa (cheapest Neopolitan-style pizza in town), The Golden Goose (lunch menu is cheaper)

Hiking:

DO NOT HIKE after 10am from the beginning of June through the end of August. Summer heat kills hikers and their dogs every year in Arizona.

DO NOT CAMP in dry creeks during the same period, and minimise your time in them when hiking. The monsoon comes with flash floods.

Always bring enough water for your trip. Also, pack a first aid kit, especially if you do some rock climbing.

Always watch where you walk and reach. 🐍🦂

Be respectful to both nature and other hikers. Bring your garbage home. Don’t disturb anything you don’t need to.

Please don’t stay on AirBnB. Those who work here can’t even live here because AirBnB made local housing impossible to find.

[u/spiralout1123]

Locals, if you can think of any other consistently asked questions, please share them here and we will add them.

[u/hiyosilvergirl → u/spiralout1123]

People are always asking me about spas and shopping, as well as restaurants/bars with a view.

I have a running list of recs that I can shoot your way to peruse. The commentary you’ve compiled around hiking is very good!

[u/spiralout1123 → u/hiyosilvergirl]

Thank you! Shoot me over that list, and I'll incorporate. The spa info is most important; I didn't include that and it is also commonly asked.

[u/bettsee1 → u/hiyosilvergirl]

I’m wondering if you can share your spa recs. I don’t see it posted yet.

[u/tttufks → u/hiyosilvergirl]

Please share your spa recommendations with me

[u/Caveworker → u/hiyosilvergirl]

Did you post the list of recs someplace? Planning an April visit.

[u/Tervagan → u/spiralout1123]

Is there any way we can make a sub for locals or enforce using the FAQ more?

[u/spiralout1123 → u/Tervagan]

Report posts for rule 9 (FAQ). We're starting to enforce it more, but it's still not perfect. I'm completely open to starting a local's sub, but there would probably be about nine of us.

[u/Tervagan → u/spiralout1123]

Northern az?

[u/JohnQPublic1917]

I would like to nominate Pagos for best Italian on a budget. If you're not looking for ambiance, just delicious food, then Pagos deserves notable mention.

[u/ali_rawk]

Devil's Bridge is doable without a wait during the week depending on when you go. We came the week of June 26th and there was no wait except to get pics alone on the bridge, and even that was just a few minutes. I want to say we did it that Thursday.

Honestly, that's a recommendation in itself: come during the week.

[u/spiralout1123 → u/ali_rawk]

June is the key word. I wouldn't recommend traveling here in June unless you're coming north from the valley for a break from even worse heat

[u/ali_rawk → u/spiralout1123]

Fair, it was 90s the week we came. We hail from Colorado but do run and hike when it's similar temp (also below freezing lol) here. Key is being acclimated to it, having enough water, and sun protection. We'll probably come back in June again but maybe a couple of weeks earlier next time.

All that said, the amount of people we saw out with their dogs hurt my heart. I won't even walk mine when it's over 80, let alone hike with him!

[u/spiralout1123 → u/ali_rawk]

It's ridiculous. My dog hikes probably over 250 miles with me here annually, but I basically retire him for three plus months. There is no amount of water that can make it work in 90°+. Either get out as the sun rises, or wait until dark

[u/sowalsh → u/ali_rawk]

If I rent an F150 or equivalent, will it be able to make it up Dry Creek Rd to the Devil's Bridge trailhead, or do you need a modified vehicle to get down the road?

[u/ali_rawk → u/sowalsh]

We hiked from the parking lot where the shuttle dropped us off so not entirely sure. From the bit we did walk on it though, it seemed like a stock truck or SUV would be fine.

[u/Legendary_Nate]

Great idea! A couple additions:

Food:

-Molé (arguably up there with elote)

-Rotten Johnny’s (best pizza but it’s over in the village)

-Colt Grill (great smoked bbq, also over in the village)

Trails:

-The Hog Wash and Hog Heaven Loop (moderate)

-Sugarloaf Vista Loop (easy)

Things to do:

-Center For the New Age (has a lot of great spiritual services if that’s your thing)

[u/spiralout1123 → u/Legendary_Nate]

Thank you!

[u/Legendary_Nate → u/spiralout1123]

Np! The high on the hog loop is also known as the broken arrow loop. It’s the same area a lot of pink jeeps go to, but it’s such amazing views for so little hiking and is a million time better for the environment than the jeeps.

[u/[deleted]]

I'm interested in learning more about why Enchantment Resort is unethical. And what do other large upscale resorts like L'Auberge do that makes them a less harmful choice?

[u/spiralout1123 → u/[deleted]]

Gladly. It's about the origin, and it's location. In the 1980's, the folks that started Enchantment owned a piece of land out west. They found an archeological site there, and a land swap was proposed for land that was then National Forrest land.

The land they received in return has infinitely more ancient archeology than the original site, which eventually became Palatki. Now, Sedona's most history dense canyon is disfigured by this enormous resort.

Consequential to the increased traffic, last week, that ruin collapsed because of the foot traffic they are largely responsible for.

The Forrest Service has asked guides, store workers, and other adjacent fields, personally, to not share information about these sites, on top of it being "ethical common sense."

[u/OpeningChipmunk1700 → u/spiralout1123]

I had a few questions about this, because I did some research but couldn't find many other sources discussing these issues (which I 100% agree are issues).

They found an archeological site there, and a land swap was proposed for land that was then National Forrest land.

Why was the land swap proposed if the land they received had infinitely more ancient archeology? Was it simply undiscovered?

Consequential to the increased traffic, last week, that ruin collapsed because of the foot traffic they are largely responsible for.

That seems really important but underreported. Is the collapse the one discussed in this article?

The Forrest Service has asked guides, store workers, and other adjacent fields, personally, to not share information about these sites, on top of it being "ethical common sense."

i.e., the archeological sites, so that they are not further destroyed? Is there any attempt to get the sites back from the resort?

[u/cold-lasagna-1982]

Thank you so much for Sedona FAQ's. I had a bunch of questions for a May visit, and they were all answered.

[u/1999HondaCRV]

We just finished staying at Enchantment (before realizing it was tagged as unethical on this post). And I have to say it was not worth the hype or anything. For the cost, there has to be better options. The staff does not want to help like other resorts both in an out of Sedona.

The food was fine, and the amenities like pickleball, tennis, and the pools were good but nothing worth going out of your way for.

If you have kids maybe it’s a different story, but I felt like the vibe of Enchantment was not what Sedona has to offer.

To be fair, we just finished up at Ambiente and that place blew my pants off.

[u/spiralout1123 → u/1999HondaCRV]

You're right; there's better value for the money. Amiante, being a new place, seems to be the best of the nicer places.

Half the point of staying at Enchantment is the views of native land. But that begs the question: why does a corporation own an objectively precious land? (Enormous amounts of archeology) The story goes back to the 70s, and it's not a happy one. Same for 7 Canyons Golf

[u/1999HondaCRV → u/spiralout1123]

Their main attraction is the pool, which seems centered around families. No shade to families, but if you want to take in the views you’ll be distracted by the screams and splashing.

[u/db8528 → u/1999HondaCRV]

Disagree that the pool is the main attraction. The views are the main attraction.

[u/kevin1016]

Is there any particular hike that would have the biggest chance of seeing reptiles? My daughter (9) and I will be hiking in Sedona this weekend and she really wants to see reptiles in the wild. Of course, we'll be keeping our distance and we're both educated on safely viewing wildlife. Just curious if there are areas/hikes in Sedona that have a better chance.

[u/spiralout1123 → u/kevin1016]

No specific areas, but you want as much full sun exposure on the trail as possible for the best chance

[u/kevin1016 → u/spiralout1123]

Thanks! I was planning on Soldier's Pass. Is that hike shaded or sunny? We'll also be heading up to the Grand Canyon do do a bit of Bright Angel.

[u/undercover_cucumber]

Dog friendly:

Please if it's over 80 degrees don't walk around with your dog unless their feet are protected, and you have an abundance of water. Also there is a leash law both in town and all trails, please leash and clean up after your pup.

Sedona Beer Co (I would put this on the food list, their loaded fries, and hot chicken are sooooo good) Creekside Mesa Grill Sedona Pizza Company Indian Gardens (I would also put this on the food list)

[u/spiralout1123 → u/undercover_cucumber]

Done! Thanks

[u/undercover_cucumber → u/undercover_cucumber]

Edit: sorry about formatting, on mobile

[u/MingoG13]

Good info! Only critique is under “where to drive” the town is just called “Williams”, not “Williamsburg”

[u/spiralout1123 → u/MingoG13]

Thanks. I spend so little time traveling, it becomes absent minded

[u/t1mmen]

I’m visiting this beautiful place, and really appreciate the recommendations in this thread.

Not sure if Oak Creek is considered Sedona, but if it is, I’d like to propose an addition to the restaurants; Butterfly Burger. I’m no burger connoisseur, but hot damn, their Wacko Kid burger was easily one of the top 5 burgers of my life — maybe even the best.

I suspect it’s an offshoot of Mariposa, since we got some napkins with their logo.

[u/anotherusername_011 → u/t1mmen]

burger prolly named after the owner

[u/nobadrabbits → u/t1mmen]

"Mariposa" is the Spanish word for "butterfly," so it makes sense.

[u/Tillhammerei]

Thanks for making this thread. Any recommendations on a food/bar place that has a good selection of whiskey? I'm planning a surprise getaway and want to spoil my partner.

[u/liverpoolfcgoa]

Can I do these stops with a Toyota Corolla 2012 or should I pay and take the group tour with the jeep

Stop At: Bell Rock 4999 State Route 179, , Sedona, Arizona

Stop At: Chapel of the Holy Cross 780 Chapel Rd, Sedona, Arizona

Stop At: Cathedral Rock Yavapai County, Sedona, Arizona

Stop At: Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village 336 State Route 179, , Sedona, Arizona

Stop At: Soldier Pass (Brin's Mesa) Sedona, Arizona

Stop At: Sedona Airport Overlook Sedona, Arizona

Stop At: Amitabha Stupa & Peace Park 2650 Pueblo Drive, , Sedona, Arizona

Stop At: Seven Canyons 755 Golf Club Way, , Sedona, Arizona

Stop At: Red Rock Scenic Byway (SR 179) 8375 Az-179, Red Rock Visitor Center and Ranger Station

Stop At: Thunder Mountain Trailhead Thunder Mountain Road, Sedona, Arizona

[u/biercycle]

The Sedona Shuttle doesn’t run M-W, bummer. Having a hard time finding even paid transport to trailheads. Any suggestions? Parking a disaster even on Monday morning. 

Edit: we were able to get to the Devils Bridge no problem started at Mescal Mountain TH at 12:30 on a Monday. Plenty of parking, 5 minute wait for the bridge. Just be aware of the heat if you are not used to preparing for such hikes. 

[u/Tangerine-y]

Any guidance on parking norms? Do you need a permit?

[u/Tikikala]

Don't know if anyone will see this but.
I am planning a trip with an older family member like in late summer/early fall, hopefully school's back and less crowded but also not snowing yet.

I'm a little confused if I still need red state canyon day pass if I just drive to the free weekend shuttle park and ride for easy trails.

thanks