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Chapel of the Holy Cross
15m
This striking mid-century modern chapel sits atop a perch with a stunning view of the surrounding red rocks, from both within the sanctuary and outside. If you do go inside, please give the building the reverence you would a cathedral and maintain the silence.
Outside, the parking lot is steep and often crowded, so coming early to grab a good parking spot is ideal. The walk up the ramp to the building entrance is also steep. There are three parking lots—in the middle lot is the trailhead for Chapel Trail, a highly suggested but optional hike past the red rocks.
Open 9am-5pm daily, but check the website for mass and service times.
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Bell Rock
15m · Admission ticket not included
Stop at Yavapai and Courthouse Vistas for impressive views of Bell Rock, Courthouse Butte, and Sedona’s red rock landscape. Take in the scenery from the viewpoints, or spend additional time exploring nearby trails if you choose.
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15m
Get another look at Bell Rock and Courthouse Butte from this trailhead and parking lot right off the Red Rock Scenic Byway.
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Red Rock Ranger District Visitor Center
15m
This well-kept visitor center has displays on the area's geology and ecology, as well as clean restrooms and a water re-fill station. Outside the main entrance is a decent scenic overlook facing Sedona's Courthouse Butte and Bell Rock.
Open daily 9am-4:30pm, Wednesdays 12pm-4:30pm (bathrooms still open).
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Historic Old Town Cottonwood
45m
This small historic district is a great place to grab a bite while Sedona’s parking lots fill up. The cafes, restaurants, and taverns on this strip are generally cheaper than their peers in Sedona too.
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Tuzigoot National Monument
45m · Admission ticket not included
Optional Stop: Explore Tuzigoot National Monument, where you can walk through the remains of a hilltop pueblo and visit the museum to learn about the people who lived here centuries ago. Admission, if you choose to enter, is purchased separately directly from the National Park Service.
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Jerome State Historic Park
30m · Admission ticket not included
Optional Stop: Visit Jerome State Historic Park and the historic Douglas Mansion to learn about Jerome’s mining history while enjoying sweeping views of the Verde Valley. Admission, if you choose to enter, is purchased separately directly from the park.
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Jerome
1h
This town on a steep hillside was known as much for its loose morals and frequent disasters as it was for its booming mining business.
Almost a ghost town after the mines closed, today Jerome’s crumbling buildings mix with a funky assortment of restaurants, bars, and shops.
This is another cheaper lunch option than Sedona.
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1h · Admission ticket not included
Optional Stop: Explore Red Rock State Park and its network of scenic trails through Sedona’s red rock landscape and along Oak Creek. Choose a short walk or spend more time hiking and enjoying the views. Admission, if you choose to enter, is purchased separately directly from the park.
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Crescent Moon Picnic Site
30m · Admission ticket not included
Optional Stop: Visit Crescent Moon Picnic Site for beautiful views of Cathedral Rock and a peaceful walk along Oak Creek. Spend some time taking photos, enjoying the scenery, or walking part of the creekside trail. Any required day-use or parking fee is paid separately directly at the site.
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30m
This easy, flat trail is within sight of Cathedral Rock for its entire length, about 0.7 miles out and back. If you can walk down hill for about 30 steps, the trail ends on a wide ledge with a stunning, unobstructed view of Cathedral Rock ahead and the Crescent Moon Picnic Site below.
If you wish to continue hiking to Crescent Moon, go to the opposite side of the ledge from where you entered to pick up what's labeled on some maps as the Ridge Trail. Follow the rock cairns along the edge of the hill to the left as the path heads downhill. The trail dead ends behind some electric boxes off Red Rock Crossing Rd. Turn left and the entrance to Crescent Moon is right there. Going this far, the hike is roughly 20 minutes one way.
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15m
Check out this easy-to-access viewpoint that gives you a gorgeous panoramic view of the best of Sedona.
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Amitabha Stupa and Peace Park
30m
Visit this Buddhist site with the historic and sacred Amitabha Stupa, meant for all to come and reflect.
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Airport Mesa
15m
Stop at Airport Mesa for panoramic views of Sedona’s famous red rock formations. Take in the scenery from the overlook, or explore the nearby viewpoint and vortex area if time allows. This is also a popular place to enjoy sunset views.
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30m
Sitting at the mouth of Oak Creek canyon, here you get a view of Midgley Bridge, which is a fascinating historic bridge. Enjoy lunch here, or just rest your feet and take in the view!
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15m
Support local artists from Arizona’s native tribes and shop for souvenir crafts, art, and jewelry. Approved vendors have direct relationships with the artists.
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Slide Rock State Park
45m · Admission ticket not included
Visit Slide Rock State Park, a historic former apple farm surrounded by the dramatic scenery of Oak Creek Canyon. Explore the park grounds and short trails at your own pace.
Temporary access notice: The Oak Creek swim area is currently closed until October 1, 2026 following the Pocket Fire. Check current Arizona State Parks conditions and follow posted signage during your visit.
Park admission is purchased separately directly from Arizona State Parks.
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West Fork Oak Creek Trailhead
1h · Admission ticket not included
Optional Stop: Explore the West Fork of Oak Creek, a scenic trail through a forested canyon alongside the creek. Hike as little or as much as you like before returning to your vehicle. Any required day-use or parking fee is paid separately directly at the site.
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Oak Creek Vista Overlook
15m
Stop at this vista at the northernmost tip of Oak Creek Canyon for a birds-eye view of the scenery. Vendors of the Native American Crafts Market set up booths on the walkway between the parking lot and the overlook daily.
Some arrive as early as the vista opens and stick around as late as it closes, but midday is the best time to catch the most vendors, who sell handiworks from local native artists.
