Antelope Canyon is the most famous slot canyon in the world. Located in the Navajo Nation near Page Arizona, the narrow sandstone wonderland has captured the imaginations of nature-lovers and photographers worldwide.

Wind and water have sculpted the area’s sandstone into an unearthly masterpiece of movement and light. Sensuous curves define Antelope Canyon’s glowing walls, creating a textured canvas of fiery hues.

It’s a spectacular place that has graced travel brochures and Instagram feeds in recent years.

Arizona’s Antelope Canyon

Arizona’s Antelope Canyon is split into two parts: Upper and Lower.

When people refer to Antelope Canyon, they are usually referring to its above-ground portion, Upper Antelope Canyon. With its light beams and high canyon walls, the upper portion receives a bulk of the area’s tourists. Some consider it to be the more photogenic of the two (though most of my favorite pictures are actually from the lower canyon).

While the two sections of Antelope Canyon differ slightly, each offers comparable experiences that will leave you awestruck.

Both the upper and lower canyon are incredibly beautiful. Both are packed to the brim with tourists. And both will fill your camera roll with brochure-worthy photos.

What is a Slot Canyon?

Just as the nearby Grand Canyon is the pinnacle of canyons worldwide, so too is Antelope Canyon the apex of slot canyons.

But what is a slot canyon?

Slot canyons are long and narrow chasms that slice through soft layers of sedimentary rock. Named for their paper-thin widths, these narrow gorges are often just wide enough to walk through single-file.

The United States contains the highest concentration of slot canyons in the world. In the red rock desert of southern Utah and northern Arizona, there are over 1,000 of them.

Prior to visiting Antelope Canyon, we’d explored a smaller slot canyon in the Canyonlands Needles District and peered into the entrance of another along the Burr Trail Road in Utah.

Yet nothing prepared us for the sheer beauty of Arizona’s world-renowned slot canyon.

Visiting Upper Antelope Canyon

Upper Antelope Canyon is often the default when choosing which part of the slot canyon to visit. Shaped like an upside-down “V,” it is narrow up top and wide at its base.

Upper Antelope Canyon is usually more crowded than its lower counterpart and tours are more likely to sell out in advance. Its popularity stems from the fact that it is the canyon most often shown in photos. It is also the one that features shining beams of light.

The ability to see light beams in Upper Antelope Canyon depends on the timing of your visit.

Despite visiting at midday, we visited the canyon too early in the year to see the light shaft.

But the experience was still nothing short of magical.

• Upper Canyon Tours

Antelope Canyon is not a place you can travel to independently. All areas of the canyon are only accessible via guided tour.

Tours of Upper Antelope Canyon last 1.5 hours. They include a 15 minute Jeep ride to and from the canyon entrance, plus an hour-long guided tour.

We visited the canyon with Antelope Canyon Navajo Tours. Tickets cost us $100 each, inclusive of the tour and Navajo fee. Young kids and infants do not receive a discount, so we took turns visiting the canyon while the other watched Elio.

Other tour operators for Upper Antelope Canyon include Tsebighanilini Tours, Adventurous Antelope Canyon Tours, Antelope Slot Canyon Tours, and Antelope Canyon Tours Inc.

While tour prices might vary slightly from company to company, the experience seems to be quite similar between service providers.

Visiting Lower Antelope Canyon

Lower Antelope Canyon is slightly less popular than its upper counterpart, but its twists and turns are no less impressive. Shaped like a rightside-up “V,” it is narrow at the bottom and wider at the top. The lower canyon lies below ground, so you’ll have to descend into its red-rock chasm using steep metal stairs.

In general, the lower canyon didn’t really feel more treacherous than Upper Antelope Canyon. You’re still required to visit by tour, where you’ll be corralled—shoulder to shoulder and ever so slowly—through the narrow canyon.

Once you reach the bottom of the stairs, the path is mostly flat and sandy.

Still, if you are mobility impaired or unsteady on your feet, I’d probably suggest visiting the upper canyon instead.

• Lower Canyon Tours

Lower Antelope Canyon has only two tour operators—Ken’s Lower Antelope Canyon Tours and Dixie’s Lower Antelope Canyon Tours. They are brother/sister companies (literally owned by a brother and a sister).

Despite lack of competition between tour operators, Lower Antelope tours cost roughly half of what the upper canyon tours cost. Children can enter at discounted fees, while infants 0-3 years old do not have to pay.

Antelope Canyon tours do not require a Jeep ride to and from the tour offices to the canyon entrance.

Instead, you’ll walk down a small pathway to the start of the trail.

Upper Vs Lower Antelope Canyon

The upper and lower sections of Antelope Canyon in Arizona are both extraordinary. So which one should you choose if you’re short on time or don’t feel like shelling out more than $200 per person for both?

The answer isn’t exactly cut and dry. Varying factors can influence your decision one way or another.

If you’re on a budget or traveling with young kids under two, I recommend Lower Antelope Canyon. But if you struggle with uneven surfaces or want to photograph the light beams, I recommend Upper Antelope Canyon.

At the end of the day, both sections are spectacular. Both will give you plenty of Instagram-worthy photo ops. And both will likely remain etched in your memories long after your visit.

Where to Stay in Page Arizona

Page Arizona is the gateway to Antelope Canyon. Located just south of the Utah-Arizona border near Lake Powell, the small town sits smack dab in the middle of red rock country.

Accommodations in Page range from cozy rental homes to international chain hotels. Canyon Colors Bed and Breakfast is a solid choice if you’re looking for a house to rent in Page. It offers clean spacious rooms, a central location, an affordable price point, and superb reviews.

For internationally-recognized name brand hotels, you’ll find the Country Inn and Suites by Radisson, as well as the Hyatt Place.

When to Visit Antelope Canyon

Though Antelope Canyon in Arizona is a memorable destination no matter the time of year or day, a bit of advanced planning will ensure that you are able to maximize your visit.

Due to the position of the sun, there are certain times of year in which the canyon’s lighting is particularly special.

Similarly, the time of day you choose to visit can affect the light that enters the slot canyon.

• Best Time of Year

Summer can be unbearably hot in the desert of America’s Southwest, but it is an optimal time to visit Antelope Canyon. If you want to see the famed beams of light in the canyon’s upper section, you should plan on traveling to the area between April and October. May and early June offer a bit of relief from the scorching summer heat, while affording some of the best lighting.

When we visited Antelope Canyon during mid-March, we were too early in the year for the light shaft.

Another thing to keep in mind is that Arizona’s monsoon season lasts from June to September. Monsoon season can bring heavy rain that increases the risk of flash flooding. Your tour company will keep an eye out on weather forecasts and close the canyon if inclement weather is anticipated.

• Best Time of Day

The best time of day to visit Arizona’s Antelope Canyon is around noon, when the sun shines directly overhead. Planning your visit between 11 am and 1:30 pm—when the sunlight is perpendicular to the canyon—will give you the best chance of seeing the famed Upper Antelope Canyon light beam for yourself.

If it’s too cloudy or not sunny enough, the sun’s rays won’t poke through the canyon.

Tours during peak time of day are often more expensive than morning tours.

Beyond Antelope Canyon

Antelope Canyon may be the reason most people travel to Page Arizona, but it is by no means the only place to visit in the area.

Just a stone’s throw away from the canyon, you’ll find Horseshoe Bend—a spectacular U-shaped portion of the Colorado River. Often confused with Deadhorse Point State Park (a similarly impressive state park in Utah near Island in the Sky), Horseshoe Bend has become a distinct symbol of Arizona’s red rock country.

Other noteworthy places to visit in and around Page include Lake Powell, the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, the Vermillion Cliffs National Monument, and the southern reaches of Grand Staircase Escalante in Utah.

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Antelope Canyon is an otherworldly destination. Its folds and textures bounce the sunlight in a game of hide-and-seek, like a rippling velvet curtain.

The Arizona slot canyon deserves every bit of the attention it receives. Though there are more than 1,000 similar slot canyons in the United States, none eclipse Antelope Canyon in their beauty.

The post Visiting Antelope Canyon in Arizona appeared first on Erika's Travels .

Few places on the planet inspire more awe than Arizona’s Grand Canyon National Park.

The cavernous river gorge—277 miles long, 18 miles wide, and 5,000 ft deep—slices through the vast Colorado Plateau in dramatic fashion.

The Grand Canyon is the gold standard of canyons around the world. Close to 5 million annual visitors descend on the sparsely-populated corner of Northern Arizona to peer down into its abyss. It is one of nature’s crowning achievements, one of the seven wonders of the natural world, and an unmissable North American travel destination.

South Rim of the Grand Canyon

The South Rim of the Grand Canyon is the national park’s most accessible section. It contains a bulk of the park’s tourism amenities and showcases its most awe-inspiring viewpoints. The South Rim is located more than three hours away from the North Rim by car.

The Grand Canyon’s South Rim contains dozens of overlooks to choose from, all located along the 32 miles of road from Hermit’s Rest to the Desert Watchtower.

These viewpoints lie along three main touring routes: the Red Line to Hermit’s Rest, the Orange line that connects Yavapai Point with Yaki Point, and the self-drive road to the Desert Watchtower.

The park’s Blue Line connects various destinations within the Grand Canyon Village, but it does not contain any of the South Rim’s most noteworthy panoramas.

South Rim Viewpoints: The Red Line

The Grand Canyon’s red line links nine spectacular scenic vistas. The route showcases panorama’s of the park’s western reaches and ends at the historic Hermit’s Rest.

Shuttle service along the Red Line runs from early March through late November. From December 1 to February 28, the road is open to private vehicle traffic.

You can access the Red Line  from the Village Route Transfer stop on the Blue Line.

• Trail Overlook

 Trail Overlook, the first stop along the Red Line, provides the best aerial views of the Bright Angel Trail’s sinuous switchbacks.

At the overlook, you can see everything—from where the trial starts just west of the historic village, to where it finally disappears into the depths of the inner gorge 3,000 ft below.

During our visit, we saw a few people attempting the Bright Angel Trail, but ice and snow obstructed much of the pathway.

• Maricopa Point

At Maricopa Point, a narrow promontory juts out into the canyon, affording 180 degree views of the sprawling abyss. If you look closely, you might be able to see a tiny slice of the Colorado River, though you’ll get better views of the waterway at other spots along Hermit’s Road.

West of Maricopa Point you’ll find ruins of the former Orphan Lode Mine, which operated from 1891 to 1967.

• Powell Point

Powell Point lies right next to Hopi Point, along the Hermit’s Rest bus route. As with the other stops along the route, it offers spectacular views of the Grand Canyon.

A large stone monument near the bus stop commemorates the 1869 Powell Expedition. Powell was the first known European explorer to map the river’s course by boat. He traveled along the Green and Colorado rivers, charting much of the American Southwest.

• Hopi Point

Hopi Viewpoint is a breathtaking stop along Hermit Road. An ideal location for sunrise or sunset, Hopi Point also offers views of the Colorado River below.

Hopi Point lies a stone’s throw away from Powell Point. It is only served by shuttles in the westbound direction.

• The Abyss

The Abyss offers a steep vertical view into the Monument Creek drainage area. Its sheer vertical drop is the longest and most precipitous along the South Rim of the Grand Canyon.

As you peer 3,000 ft into the depths of the canyon, you’ll be rewarded with views of Monument Creek, the Tonto Plateau, and the Colorado River.

• Pima Point

Pima Point is the westernmost viewpoint along the Grand Canyon’s Rim Drive (though the road ends at Hermit’s Rest, 1.5 miles beyond).

From Pima Point, uninterrupted vistas showcase 40 miles of chiseled rock—From the Great Scenic Divide to Bright Angel Canyon.

Pima point is one of the only places from which you can hear the thunderous roar of the Colorado River, conditions permitting.

Unfortunately, on the rainy and windy day that we visited, we didn’t get so lucky.

• Hermit’s Rest

Hermits Rest is the final stop along the Red Line. A historic rest stop, it is a popular place to recharge during a day of exploration.

While the views at Hermit’s Rest aren’t particularly noteworthy, the area serves as the gateway to magnificent backcountry hiking trails.

The historic stone structure at Hermit’s Rest, designed by architect Mary Colter, dates back to 1914. With its stonework, giant alcove fireplace, and front porch, it was built to resemble an old miner’s cabin.

Today, Hermit’s Rest offers a gift shop, a snack bar, and somewhat obstructed west end views of the Grand Canyon.

South Rim Stops: The Blue Line

The Grand Canyon National Park’s Blue Line connects the visitor center with the South Rim’s lodges, restaurants, and shopping areas.

Its end points are also the transfer stations for the Red Line and Orange Line (Hermit’s Rest Route Transfer for the former, Grand Canyon Visitor Center for the latter).

Though you likely won’t utilize the Blue Line for the South Rim’s best panoramas, the line is a logistical necessity for getting around the Grand Canyon—especially in the summer months when the park restricts private vehicles.

• Grand Canyon Village

Grand Canyon Village is the hub of lodging inside the national park.

It is the largest example of town planning in the US national park system. At the village, you’ll find restaurants, shops, hotels, and connecting buses that will whisk you away to various viewpoints.

• Hopi House

The historic Hopi House, located right on the rim of Grand Canyon, is among the most noteworthy structures in the park. The building, designed by Mary Colter, dates back to 1905. Its large, multi-story stone structure was modeled after the 1,000 year old pueblo in Old Oraibi, Arizona.

Originally designed as the main sales rooms for Fred Harvey Indian Arts, the building continues to house a gift shop filled with native handicrafts.

South Rim Viewpoints: The Orange Line

The Orange Route, also known as the Kaibab Rim Route, travels in a figure-8 loop between the Yavapai Geology Museum and Yaki Point. The route is about 50 minutes long and encompasses some of the canyon’s most jaw-dropping vistas.

While the bus drops tourists off at the Grand Canyon Visitor Center in both directions, the majority of its eastbound and westbound stops differ.

I recommend you map out your Orange Line itinerary before your visit, in order to maximize your time in the area.

Highlights of the Kaibab Rim include Mather Point, the Yavapai Museum, and Yaki Point.

• Mather Point

For many, Mather Point offers the first glimpse of the Grand Canyon. And what a glimpse it is.

Mather Point lies about five minutes away on foot from the park’s visitor center. It was the first viewpoint that we visited, and the one that remains most impressed in my memory.

Thanks to its unobstructed views and ideal location, it is a favorite place to watch sunrises and sunsets.

• Yavapai Point

Yavapai Point is the northernmost stop along the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. It boasts breathtaking sightlines of the area’s chiseled red rock.

The viewpoint is home the Yavapai Museum of Geology. The museum offers interactive exhibits, a small gift shop, and a canyon-viewing area.

If you don’t feel like waiting for the shuttle, you can reach Yavapai Point via the Rim Trail from Mather Point.

• Yaki Point

Yaki Point lies at the end of the Orange Line.

From its viewing area, you can look down at the South Kaibab Trail as it weaves its way to the Colorado River. It also boasts some of the park’s best eastward views.

Yaki Point is the only stop along Desert View Drive that is closed to private vehicles. The scenic overlook can be reached using the park’s Orange Route.

Desert View Drive

Desert View Drive is open to vehicle traffic year-round and cannot be accessed using the national park’s tourist shuttle.

A lot of people skip this part of the park, which is a shame. Its lookouts are every bit as magical as those along the red and orange lines.

• East Drive Viewpoints

Desert View Drive highlights awe-inspiring panoramas of the Grand Canyon’s eastern reaches. While it is slightly less trafficked than other areas of the park, it is every bit as dramatic.

Popular points of interest along Desert View Drive include Grandview Point, Moran Point, Lipan Point, and Desert View.

Though we managed to make a quit pitstop at all the overlooks, this self-drive part of our itinerary was a bit rushed due to Elio’s nap schedule.

• Desert View Watchtower

Desert View is the easternmost point along the developed portion of the Grand Canyon’s South Rim.

Aside from its spectacular vistas, the site is noteworthy for its 1932 lookout tower designed by Mary Colter. The tower, modeled after an Ancestral Puebloan structure, stands guard over the canyon.

Access to the top of the tower is free of charge. It is open daily from 9am-5pm.

Getting Around the Grand Canyon South Rim

During winter months, you can bring your own vehicle to the park’s main viewpoints and places of interest.

However, during peak tourist season, you’ll have to rely on the national park’s efficient tourist shuttle.

Free Shuttle buses operate in and around the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. They link most of the major tourist areas, excluding Desert View Drive.

The South Rim buses provide transportation between the visitor center, lodges, campgrounds and viewpoints.

Alternatively, you can get around the Grand Canyon by bike or on foot. The 13 mile Rim Trail connects most places of interest along the South Rim.

Grand Canyon Tours

While I’m personally a big fan of DIY travel, I realize that not everyone wants to deal with logistics and planning. Luckily, there are hundreds of Grand Canyon tours that can help you make the most of your visit.

Even if you’re planning on taking the park shuttle around, tours can provide a way of seeing the Grand Canyon from a different vantage point.

Scenic helicopter tours are a popular option for travelers who wish to take in the canyon’s awesomeness from the sky. There are also options for backroad safaris, rafting tours, and hiking tours.

Where to Stay near the Grand Canyon South Rim

You’ll find a combination of national park lodges, campgrounds, hotels and cabins both inside and outside the Grand Canyon National Park’s borders.

• Inside Grand Canyon National Park

If you’ve booked early enough to secure a spot and your budget allows for a bit of a splurge, there are a number of different lodging options along the South Rim. These include the Bright Angel Lodge and Cabins, Thunderbird Lodge, and Maswik Lodge.

The historic El Tovar Hotel is the most renowned place to stay within the national park’s boundaries. It is widely considered to be the crown jewel of national park lodges.

• Near the South Rim Entrance

Tusayan is the closest town to the national park entrance. It offers a combination of independent and international chain hotels. Due to Tusayan’s proximity to the park, the prices can be quite high for what you’re getting. We found better prices farther south, in the town of Valle.

During our visit, we stayed at the Grand Canyon Inn and Motel in Valle. And while it wasn’t anything particularly fancy, we found that the room suited our needs (and price point).

If you’re looking to stay in Tusayan for proximity’s sake, you may want to consider the Grand Hotel or the Holiday Inn Express Grand Canyon.

Grand Canyon Entrance Fees

Entering Grand Canyon National Park costs $35 per vehicle or $20 per person (for those who travel on foot or by bike). Annual interagency passes are also accepted and can be obtained online or at the park’s entrance kiosks. The interagency passes a great value for travelers who plan on visiting multiple U.S. national parks within a calendar year.

Since we frequently visit federal lands, Dan and I always make sure we have an up-to-date interagency pass. The pass has always paid for itself.

When to Visit the Grand Canyon

The Grand Canyon is a year-round tourist attraction. Peak season encompasses summer months and school holidays. During these times, expect large crowds, traffic jams to enter the park, and hotels booked to capacity.

Spring and fall are great times to visit the park due to pleasant weather and thinner crowds.

Winter is the Grand Canyon’s off-season. Between November and March, low temperatures bring fewer visitors. When we visited in March, ice still covered many of the park’s trails—impeding our descent below the canyon’s rim.

If you’re looking to hike below the Grand Canyon’s rim, you should probably avoid the winter months.

Grand Canyon Sunrises and Sunsets

Mather Point is one of the most popular sunrise-viewing destinations within Grand Canyon National Park. The viewpoint’s proximity to the park entrance and visitor center is an added bonus.

Others have recommended Ooh Aah Point, Yavapai Point, and Yaki Point for sunrise.

However, since we were traveling with a toddler and staying outside of the park’s entrance gates, we don’t have first hand recommendations for sunrise-viewing.

Sunset over the Grand Canyon is magical, too.

As the sun sinks lower in the sky, it ignites the canyon walls in fiery shades of red and orange. Top sunset viewpoints on the South Rim are Mojave Point, Hopi Point, and Pima Point.

Other Ways to Experience the Grand Canyon

Going from viewpoint to viewpoint is the easiest way to visit the Grand Canyon, but it is by no means the only option. Adventure-lovers and thrill-seekers can experience the canyon in a plethora of different ways.

• Hiking

The Bright Angel Trail is one of the most popular hiking trails in the Grand Canyon. It starts on the canyon’s rim and ends 9.5 miles later at the Colorado River. Most people hike just a few miles below the rim before turning back. Popular stopping points are the 1.5 Mile resthouse, the 3 Mile resthouse, and the Indian Garden.

• Rafting

The Colorado River is one of the world’s top bucket list rafting destinations. Over the course of a week, rafting trips will take you through the canyon, along the Colorado River. Those who choose to raft the Grand Canyon say that it is a trip of a lifetime.

• Biking

Bicycles and e-bikes are allowed on all paved and unpaved roads on the South Rim. You can rent wheels at Bright Angel Bicycles, adjacent to the Grand Canyon Visitor Center.

Beyond the Grand Canyon

The Grand Canyon lies in northern Arizona, amidst a red rock wonderland that includes some of the most stunning geological marvels in the world. Just two hours south of the Grand Canyon, you’ll find the red rock paradise of Sedona Arizona.

Two hours to the northeast, sits the small Page—gateway to Upper and Lower Antelope Canyons.

Beyond Page, you can easily incorporate the Grand Canyon into a larger road trip around the American Southwest. Petrified Forest National Park and Monument Valley are just a few hours away to the east. And the five incredible national parks in Utah (Bryce, Zion, Capitol Reef, Arches, and Canyonlands) lie a few hours to the north.

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The Grand Canyon isn’t the deepest canyon in the United States (that title belongs to Hells Canyon on the Oregon/Idaho border), but it is certainly the most famous.

Arizona’s cavernous river gorge is one of the seven wonders of the natural world. Other famous canyons (the Fish River Canyon in Namibia, the Blyde River Canyon in South Africa, the Colca Canyon in Peru, for example) all use Arizona’s massive river gorge as their standard of comparison.

It’s truly a place that needs no introduction; one that is perhaps more renowned than any other geographic landmark in North America.

Whether you’re hiking to its depths, photographing its sunset hues, or peering over its cavernous abyss, the Grand Canyon in Arizona is sure to fill you with wonder.

The post Grand Canyon South Rim: A Complete Guide appeared first on Erika's Travels .

Sedona’s seductive landscape has long attracted healers and psychics. Many spiritualists allege that the area contains vortexes that swirl with energy and hold restorative power.

And as a result, the town overflows with crystal shops, hypnosis centers, and psychic studios.

THINGS TO SEE IN SEDONA ARIZONA

Sedona lies in northern Arizona, between Phoenix and Flagstaff. It is a popular tourist destination en-route to the Grand Canyon, and a spiritual retreat for those seeking alternative medicine, yoga retreats, meditation, and self-exploration.

Since I have little knowledge on matters of healing and energy, I’ll abstain from providing insight or recommendations related to spirituality or New Age therapies. Instead, I’ll focus this blog post on the physical features that make Sedona’s Red Rock Country one of the most captivating places to visit in the United States.

Healing centers aside, there are tons of tourist attractions and things to do in Sedona. The area boasts refreshing swimming holes, scenic vistas, Native American ruins, starry night skies, and more than 400 miles of hiking trails.

During the two days that Dan and I spent in Sedona, we set out to explore the area’s top attractions and did our best to construct a well-rounded itinerary that included hiking, swimming, sightseeing, and relaxing.

MONTEZUMA’S CASTLE

Montezuma’s Castle is a five story cliff dwelling that dates back to the 1100s. It lies in the Verde Valley, about 30 minutes south of Sedona’s downtown. Though situated outside of Arizona’s red rock area, its proximity to Sedona makes it a must-see attraction when visiting northern Arizona.

European settlers first stumbled upon the cliff dwelling in the 1860s. When they saw the structure, they mistook it for an Aztec relic and named it after a powerful ruler of the Aztec Empire.

The name has stayed, despite evidence that the archaeological site was constructed by Arizona’s indigenous Singua people.

In 1906, President Theodore Roosevelt’s Antiquities Act established the Montezuma Castle National Monument. At the time of its enshrinement, it became one of the country’s first protected areas.

While the five story dwelling can be viewed from afar, the National Park Service has restricted access to the castle’s interior. The decision assures the continued protection of one of the best-preserved prehistoric cliff dwellings in North America.

The Montezuma Castle National Monument includes nearby Montezuma’s Well and the Tuzigoot archaeological site.

Unfortunately, due to the time constraints of our Sedona weekend itinerary, we weren’t able to visit any of the area’s other significant Native monuments.

RED ROCK SCENIC BYWAY

As you enter the Sedona Valley from Phoenix, the area’s red rock landscape unfolds with myriad photo opportunities and scenic vistas. The valley’s iron-infused red rocks are host to a wide array of fascinating geological features—including natural bridges, hoodoos, mesas, and canyons.

The 7.5-mile Red Rock Scenic Byway—which starts at exit 298 on Highway 17—is a popular detour from Route 66. It is an outdoor museum of geologic splendor and natural opulence.

Parking at the trailheads and scenic viewpoints along the Red Rock Scenic Byway usually requires a Red Rock Pass or Interagency Pass. Red Rock Passes are available at most trailheads and cost $5 per day, or $15 per week.

• BELL ROCK

Bell Rock is one of the first rock formations you’ll see as you drive north into Sedona. The rock’s dome-like silhouette rises above the verdant carpet of the Coconino National Forest. It is among the most recognizable landmarks in Sedona.

Some people claim that Bell Rock is a one of Sedona’s vortex locations—making it a popular tourist destination and place of meditation.

To reach Bell Rock, a 0.75 mile long trail leaves from the parking area and ascends the northern face of the formation.

During peak season, its parking lot tends to fill up rather quickly.

• CHAPEL OF THE HOLY CROSS

The Chapel of the Holy Cross is Sedona’s most distinct human-engineered landmark. It lies nestled amongst splendid rock formations, overlooking the Verde Valley.

Designed by Marguerite Staude in the 1950s, the Chapel of the Holy Cross protrudes from the red cliffs in one of Sedona’s most spectacular settings.

Straude was a student of architect Frank Lloyd Wright. Like Wright’s masterpieces, her landmark creation emphasizes the marriage of structure and nature.

It is an engineering marvel that seems perfectly in tune with the natural setting.

Since visiting the Chapel of the Holy Cross is one of the top things to do in Sedona, the attraction can get quite crowded during peak season.

Even if you aren’t religious, however, the church is still worth visiting. The views from the chapel are some of the most striking in Arizona’s Red Rock Country.

• CATHEDRAL ROCK

Like Bell Rock, Cathedral Rock is one of Sedona’s most iconic rock formations. It is a natural sandstone butte that lures hikers and photographers with its towering pinnacles and postcard-perfect views.

Due to its distinctive shape and proximity to the Red Rock Scenic Byway, the rock formation is one of the top places to visit in Sedona.

OAK CREEK CANYON

Just north of town, along Arizona’s scenic State Route 89A, the Oak Creek Canyon ascends in a breathtaking series of switchbacks.

As the road meanders up the canyon walls, the landscape transitions from red rock desert to ponderosa-carpeted forest. The shift in scenery reminds me a bit of the transition between high desert and ponderosa forest in Central Oregon.

There are a few viewpoints along the 89A that provide stunning panoramas of an expansive tree-covered canyon.

The Oak Creek Canyon Vista is the most scenic. It showcases the best birds-eye views of the area and contains informational plaques outlining the canyon’s geology.

A short walk from the parking lot leads past stalls of Native handicrafts—making it a fantastic place to shop for souvenirs.

HIKES IN SEDONA

If you’re not traveling to Sedona for spiritual enlightenment, then chances are you’re visiting the area for its endless hiking opportunities.

Arizona’s red rock landscapes offer more fantastic hikes than Dan and I could possibly fit into a two day Sedona itinerary.

Faced with endless possibilities and limited time, we made a difficult choice to skip a few of the area’s beloved trails in favor of others.

In the end, we chose to hike Devil’s Bridge and Cathedral Rock. Both trails showcased some of the area’s most staggering beauty and offered a reward that far surpassed the effort we put in.

If those trails don’t suit your fancy, other popular options include Airport Mesa (3.5 miles), Boynton Canyon (6.1 miles), and West Fork Trail (6.9 miles).

• DEVIL’S BRIDGE HIKE

Devil’s Bridge is Sedona’s most iconic hike. And while Dan and I often prefer lesser-known trails with fewer crowds, we couldn’t quite pass up on the opportunity to soak in one of Sedona’s most seductive views.

The 4.2 mile out and back Devil’s Bridge Trail leaves from Dry Creek Road, northwest of Sedona. It is a relatively easy hike, though scorching sun can make it treacherous in the afternoon hours.

For the first half of the hike, the trail to Devil’s Bridge follows a shadeless sandy road suitable for 4×4 vehicles. After the first mile or so, it climbs up a narrow shaded path that gives way to stunning views of the red-hued valley.

Devil’s Bridge is a natural rock arch that serves as the backdrop to one of Sedona’s most coveted photo spots. When we got to the top of the trail, we encountered a line of people waiting to get their perfect Instagram shots.

I stood in line for about five minutes. When I realized how long I might have to wait to get my photo taken, however, I quickly abandoned the idea.

Considering all the fun things to do in Sedona, I felt my disposable time would be better spent elsewhere.

• CATHEDRAL ROCK HIKE FROM BALDWIN TRAILHEAD

Cathedral Rock is one of Sedona’s most iconic and photographed red rocks. It is also the location of one of its most beloved hiking trails.

Cathedral Rock is especially striking at sunset—when the surrounding iron-rich rocks light up in fiery shades of orange and red.

There are a few different options for reaching Cathedral Rock. The most popular route leaves from a trailhead near Highway 179. It climbs about 750 ft in 1.2 miles.

Dan and I chose to take a slightly longer route from the Baldwin Trail parking area. The 3.7 mile path took us past some of Sedona’s best swimming holes and gave us access to a largely crowd-free stretch of trail.

SEDONA SWIMMING HOLES

Sedona may be best known for its desert landscape, but the area has no shortage of places to cool off in the water.

As Oak Creek winds through the sandstone landscape, it carves out some of the best swimming holes in the United States. These swimming areas offer refreshing relief from the scorching summer sun.

• SLIDE ROCK STATE PARK

Visiting Slide Rock State Park is one of the top things to do in Sedona. The park is a beloved Arizona attraction and a popular place to cool off on a hot summer’s day.

Slide Rock is notable for its slick rock tubes that act as natural waterslides. The slides measure 80 feet long and 4 feet wide, with a 7 percent grade from top to bottom. A thin coat of algae makes the rocks extra slippery .

Entrance to Slide Rock State Park costs $20 per vehicle. The steep price does little to deter the hoards of tourists that descend on the area every day.

And for good reason.

Due of its natural chutes and scenic setting, Slide Rock State Park is consistently rated as one of the top swimming holes in the United States.

• RED ROCK CROSSING

Though Slide Rock State Park is the most popular swimming hole in Sedona, Oak Creek is home to a handful of other noteworthy spots that deserve mention.

Near the Baldwin Trailhead west of Sedona, Red Rock Crossing provides the opportunity swim in pools that reflect the fiery red cliffs of Cathedral Rock.

While Dan and I didn’t have much time to spend in the area, we hiked past the swimming holes and made a note to return on a future trip to Sedona.

SEDONA TOWN

Unless you’re into alternative healing or shopping, there isn’t anything really special about Sedona itself. Compared to its surroundings, the town is a bit of an afterthought. In fact—with its clogged-up roadways—it can be a downright frustrating place to visit.

That being said, Sedona’s surroundings are pretty epic.

And inching through the town’s boutique-clad main street is a small price to pay in order to surround yourself with some of the Southwest’s most awe-inspiring scenery.

• WHERE TO STAY IN SEDONA

Sedona can be an expensive place to visit. The town of 10,000 is one of Arizona’s top tourist destinations. Its visitor-to-resident-ratio skews heavily toward those who are just passing through.

When we visited on our last-minute Sedona weekend getaway, accommodation options were scarce. Casa Sedona Inn, the Whispering Creek Bed and Breakfast, and the Southwest Inn all had great reviews, but no availability.

Finding campsites last minute is similarly difficult. In the end, we chose to camp in the Oak Creek Canyon, at a loosely-established campsite down a forest service road.

• SHOPPING IN SEDONA

Sedona is chock-a-block full of art galleries and boutiques that cater to high end travelers. Many of these galleries carry exquisite art inspired by scenes of the American Southwest.

If you’re more of a shopper than a hiker, you’ll probably enjoy wandering around the Tlaquepaque Shopping Center. The thoughtfully designed mall resembles a Mexican village complete with a chapel, cobbled streets, and shaded courtyards.

It has a large collection of galleries, eateries, and specialty shops.

Many people would allege that visiting the Tlaquepacque Shopping Center is one of the top things to do in Sedona. And as far as malls go, I do admit it is pretty nice.

In my book, however, it pales in comparison to the area’s hiking trails, swimming holes, and scenic drives.

****

Sedona’s Red Rock Country is among the most unique landscapes in the American Southwest. It is a wonderland for hikers, photographers, mountain bikers, meditators, and nature-lovers.

With its spectacular scenery at every bend, Sedona offers a plethora of things to do amongst some of Arizona’s most beautiful scenery.

And whether you believe in Sedona’s healing powers or not, there’s no denying the area’s magic.

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