Adventure Log
Travel Guides
Canyons and Campfires: Exploring Sedona, AZ
Explore these magical hidden gems just outside Sedona, AZ!
Overview
If peace had a color, it would be Sedona Red, and the most magical place to experience the energy of those red rocks is in Sedona, AZ.
Long before Sedona became a tourist attraction, it was home to Indigenous people, including the Sinagua, who left behind cliff dwellings, pit homes, and artifacts that reveal their existence. European settlers arrived in the late 1800s, and among them was T.C. Schnebly. His family would give Sedona its name after his wife, Sedona Arabella Miller Schnebly. Known for her artistic spirit, it is said that is how Sedona obtained its legacy of artistic culture.
From immersive trails accessible to hikers of all levels to dreamy photo opportunities just around the corner, one might miss the magic that lies waiting for visitors to embrace experiences that aren’t mentioned in any trail guide. Let’s explore the things to see and do just five miles from the famous Sedona, AZ, in just three days!
WHERE TO STAY
If you are looking for a luxury stay with a view, visit Verde Ranch RV Resort. Located in Camp Verde, this RV resort has everything for a weekend stay or a week, with 389 full-hookup sites, 30–50-amp service, and your choice of back-in, pull-through, and covered sites. Enjoy the splash pad, hot tub, heated pool, and don’t forget the pickleball and playground for the kids. If you work on the road, you are in luck, as the resort offers cable/Wi-Fi service, and you can handle your laundry with their on-site laundry facilities, all while staying within the resort.
But wait, there’s more! Sedona is also full of Bureau of Land Management territory for boondocking or dispersed camping, as well as other options. You can find these sites on the Bureau of Land Management’s general site, as well as on apps like Dyrt, which are available for public land. These sites are first-come, first serve, and require you to be self-contained.
Campground Recommendation
Verde Ranch RV Resort
Address: 1105 N. Dreamcatcher Drive Camp Verde, AZ. 86322
Phone Number: (928) 567-7126
1
Hike Nearby Trails
Verde Ranch RV Resort.
Soldier Pass Cave.
Seven Sacred Pools.
Seven Sacred Pools via Soldier Pass
It would be remiss to visit Sedona without exploring the epic trails. Start the first day by hiking to see the Seven Sacred Pools via Soldier Pass trailhead. It’s best to start this one off early (between 7 and 9am), for cooler weather and easier parking. It is required to have a Red Rock Pass in many Red Rock Recreation areas, which costs approximately $5 per day.
Additionally, some trails offer shuttle services on certain days of the week. Soldier Pass only has 14 parking spaces, and no trash or restrooms amenities available, so arriving early is recommended. This trail is dog-friendly, but they must remain on a leash.
Starting out on Soldier Pass Trailhead to see the Seven Sacred Pools is 1.1 miles one way. This is an easy to moderate trail, but the first half mile is a gentle uphill. While heading to see these Seven Sacred Pools, hikers will pass Devil’s Kitchen Sinkhole, which is just 0.2 miles from the start of the trail.
The Seven Sacred Pools are naturally formed pools carved by seasonal runoff and erosion in the red sandstone. Each pool acts as a staircase with water trickling from one pool to the next after rain. Hikers with more experience can travel a little past the pools, and— with a little extra effort— Soldier Pass Cave will become visible. This is a little steeper and requires a short scramble, it’s recommended for moderate to experienced hikers only.
Uptown Sedona
Next, it’s time to head to Uptown Sedona and grab lunch at Open Range Grill and Tavern. They have a great variety of food, and the cornbread with prickly pear butter is a must-try. This slightly sweet and fruity butter will bring southern cornbread to a whole new level.
Tlaquepaque Arts Village
Spend your afternoon exploring Tlaquepaque Arts Village for local shops and finish off with a stop at the Black Cow Café for their famous prickly pear ice cream. Don’t knock it until you try it!
2
Explore Historical Sites
Tuzigoot National Monument.
Crane Petroglyph Heritage Site.
Crane Petroglyph Heritage Site
Explore some history today. Grab comfy walking shoes and visit the Crane Petroglyph Heritage Site. Simply plug in the address (6750 Forest Service Rd 618, Rimrock, AZ. 86335) into the GPS and follow the directions. Keep in mind that the Crane Petroglyph Heritage Site is open to the public from Friday to Monday, and parking costs around $5 per vehicle per day.
Crane Petroglyph is the largest known petroglyph site in the Verde Valley, containing over 1,000 images of the best-preserved art. This is definitely a hidden gem, so take a guided tour and learn about the history of how they arrived and what they represent.
Tuzigoot National Monument
Next, drive over to Tuzigoot National Monument and explore a Sinagua Pueblo that’s over 1,000 years old. Visitors can use their America the Beautiful Pass to access this ancient landmark for free and explore the remains of this large Pueblo built by the Sinagua people. The building originally had 110 rooms, built 2-3 stories high on a ridge. Plan to spend about 1-2 hours here.
Montezuma Castle National Monument
To finish off the day of history, visit the Montezuma Castle National Monument. Use the America the Beautiful Pass again for free entry to traverse the paved loop that takes tourists from the Visitor Center to the base of the cliff dwellings.
These dwellings are constructed of stone and mud mortar by the Sinagua people. The Castle is approximately five stories tall and features around 20 rooms carved into the limestone cliff. This is an easily accessible trail for anyone, including those with accessibility needs.
These three historical sites are all located in the Verde Valley, and it is very manageable to visit all of them on the same day.
3
Visit Local Caves
Subway Cave.
Subway Cave
Grab a few striking photo ops! Start off early to beat the crowd on a moderate 4.4-mile hike to Boynton Canyon and the famous Subway Cave, a long, curved sandstone tunnel admired for its window at the end of the cave, which is not officially marked on maps. Instead, this is a social trail off the beaten path, and visitors must use markers to find it.
This hike takes about 2-3 hours round trip and is very popular, so arriving sooner is best for capturing those epic cave photos. The trailhead charges a parking fee; however, please note that parking is limited. This hike involves some scrambling to the cave, and visitors will gain approximately 350-400 feet of elevation. It is not ideal for younger children, but children aged 8 and above often do well.
Tip: Sedona has a high-desert climate, characterized by warm days and cool nights. Hikes should be done earlier in the day for cooler temperatures and easier parking. Be sure to also wear comfortable clothing in layers and bring plenty of water. It is highly recommended to wear hiking boots or shoes with good grip, as some trails require rock scrambling or navigating slick sandstone.
Final Thoughts
Visiting Sedona and the Verde Valley is a magical experience. It’s not just a place to visit; rather, this landscape is one that leaves visitors with a lasting shift in mindset. Tourists may arrive feeling anxious and stressed but will leave with a sense of peace and calm.
Maybe it’s the trails that help visitors connect with nature, the vortex (as some call it), or the prickly pear butter or ice cream. Whatever it is, visitors won’t leave the same. Just remember, no matter the location, there is so much more to see just five miles from the famous.
All photo credits to Gretchen Watson.
