How to Enjoy Visiting Sedona in the Fall – Must See!

How to enjoy visiting Sedona in the Fall – the weather will be perfect!

Sedona Fall: Are you looking to experience Sedona in Fall? Fall in Sedona is one of the best times to visit as it is not too hot and you get to experience the Sedona fall colors.

I have included all of the best ways to enjoy fall in Sedona on this list with some fall specific activities and also the classic things to do. You can check out my post on the Top Things to do in Sedona for more ideas and if you are driving from Phoenix, I have a post on driving from Phoenix to Sedona and where to stop along the way.

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Where to stay in the Bryce Canyon

The Bryce Canyon makes for a great weekend escape. Fresh air, beautiful scenery and being in nature does a world of good for the soul. I recommend staying in a resort and treating yourself with a spa pool to relax at night.

• There are lots of fantastic Airbnbs near Bryce There are many beautiful places to stay and this allows you to spend most of your time experiencing Sedona.
• You may also want to check out my post on Where to Stay near the Grand Canyon – which walks you through all the cities near the Grand Canyon
• I stayed at the Best Western Plus. This is one of the best Grand Canyon Hotels and it has amazing amenities and is close to everything. Plus its reasonably priced.

If you are taking a road trip remember to reserve a car in advance using Discover Cars .

15 Ways to Enjoy Fall in Sedona, AZ – Sedona Attractions in Fall

Go Hiking – Check out Devil’s Bridge, Cathedral Rock, or Bell Rock

Arizona has many places for tourists to experience but one of the most must-do things here in Sedona is hiking. Firstly, hiking to Cathedral Rock is an essential experience in Sedona. The hike is short and sweet, and with some rock scrambling and jaw-dropping views, it’s tons of fun from start to finish. This experience is much more about the climb up Cathedral Rock and the reward of panoramic views.

Secondly, Devil’s bridge is a wonderful hike in Sedona. With an easy hiking trail, beautiful red rock scenery, and the chance to take beautiful photos, this hike should make the list for many visitors to Sedona. The views and scenery of the Devil’s Bridge Sedona area will leave your jaw on the floor! You’ll hike past colorful rocks saturated by the summer sun, interesting desert plant life, and views that will stop you in your tracks.

Lastly, Bell’s Rock; one of the first identifiable red rock formations when entering Highway 179 in Sedona. The trail of Bell Rock Loop is approximately 3.6 miles out and back that links Bell Rock Vista Trailhead to the Little Horse Trailhead. This trail offers direct access to the Bell Rock formation and its stunning views of the surrounding Red Rock Country. Make sure to bring a camera to each of these hikes to appreciate and marvel at these beautiful rock formations. These hikes can make your experience a little bit better as you reach the top and see the whole rock formations.

Check out a Vortex

You have read that right, a Vortex in Arizona is actually an amazing thing to experience. Sedona has long been regarded as a place both sacred and powerful. People across the world travel here just to meditate and experience the mysterious cosmic forces within the area.

These vortexes consist of small energies that exist in the town and the surrounding areas. The energy fields are believed to be powerful and used for healing, meditation, accessing psychic abilities, spiritual and self-exploration, and more. To find these vortexes, it is said to be found in the town or canyons, caves, valleys and low-lying areas. Regardless if you interest in the mysterious way or not, make a plan to visit Sedona’s vortex sites. It will guarantee that you will leave feeling better than when you arrive.

Visit Slide Rock State Park for fall foliage

Slide Rock State Park is one of Arizona’s most beloved places. As Slide Rock is a swimming hole, it really makes a positive, fun, and adventurous atmosphere in the summer. But swimming isn’t the only thing to look forward to, in fall you can see the leaves in the trees begin their fall foliage.

Slide Rock has an abundance of variety in terms of its true colors. There are many trees like Emory oak, Gambel oak, willow, box elder, and the Arizona sycamore. These show off a gorgeous contrast between the red rocks and the cool water. It is great to hike and take photos in this season due to the fall foliage. You get to see some things more beautiful than the red rock formations and the popular swimming hole. For a place that is beloved in the summer, Slide Rock State Park in fall is a time you can also “fall” in love with.

Pick Apples at the Apple Orchard at Slide Rock

Aside from swimming and enjoy the great view, enjoy picking apples at the Apple Orchard at Slide Rock State Park. In the Apple Orchard, you are allowed to pick apples from the apple trees. You can pick up more than what you think and you are allowed to eat what you pick. You may discover many apples on the ground and may discover some that are more delicious than those on the tree. The harvest is also celebrated with the Slide Rock Apple Festival. Aside from picking up apples, there are also games, entertainment, vendors, and vendor booths. Apple picking could not get this interesting here in Slide Rock State Park. 

Check out the fall foliage at Oak Creek

Oak Creek Canyon is regarded by some as the best scenic drive in the country. Of all the seasons to visit this scenic drive, fall is the best time with the leaves begins their fall foliage. Start your fall colors trip with a drive up the canyon up the switchbacks, perfect for viewing and photographing the canyon walls and plateau of the Coconino National Forest in all their autumnal glory.

Though it is a one-way drive around 28 miles, it is one of the most rewarding fall adventures in Sedona. Take in the scenery and the beauty of the leaves falling in the season of fall in Oak Creek.

Ride the Sedona Trolley

Taking a ride on the Sedona Trolley is a must-do here. Utilizing adorable vintage trolleys reminiscent of those found in San Francisco, Sedona Trolley takes visitors on hour-long tours of several regions of Sedona, during which tour guides provide information on the flora and fauna, the most incredible places for sunset views, the best places to shop, and tips on which biking and hiking trails to take.

Their tours include photo opportunities, during which you can take a break from the ride to explore and capture the essence of Sedona’s red rock formations through photography. This trolley ride is both a blessing and a miracle for old and new tourists alike to enjoy and experience.

Visit the Wineries in the Verde Valley

Verde Valley is a delightful surprise in this desert landscape here in Northern Arizona. Many people would be amazed to find the Verde Valley brimming with wineries and tasting rooms. Among the wineries here in Verde Valley, the Arizona Stronghold offers some of Arizona’s best wines. This is a unique place along the Verde Valley Wine Trail to order a flight of wine and order delicious grilled skewers to pair with your selection.

Another winery is the Oak Creek Vineyards, where sweeping views of the grapevines make it peaceful and relaxing. Here you are welcomed to pair your tasting wines with cheese and chocolate plates. Alcantara Vineyard boasts more than 20,000 wines and 17 different varietals. Sip your wine in the peaceful surroundings here which include vineyards, grassy picnic areas, and views of the Verde River. There are a lot more wineries to choose from and discover here in Verde Valley. Check out my post on the Best Wineries in Arizona.

Shop at the Tlaquepaque Arts and Craft Village

Spending time at the internationally renowned Tlaquepaque, Sedona Arizona’s Arts and Crafts Village should be one of the best things to do in Sedona. Nestled beneath the shade of the sycamores on the banks of beautiful Oak Creek in Sedona, Tlaquepaque is the most distinctive Sedona shopping experience to be found in the Southwest. This place has been a Sedona landmark since the 1970s.

It would be hard to find a more beautiful surrounding anywhere to create a shopping experience like no other. Tlaquepaque is the perfect setting to witness these gifted artisans in their craft. With over 40 specialty shops and exclusive art galleries, shopping becomes a joyful revelation of fabulous art treasures and distinctive gifts around every corner. Tlaquepaque is sure to be an unforgettable experience here in Sedona, Arizona.

Take a ghost tour in Jerome

Located at the base of Mingus Mountain, Jerome is a once-bustling mining town also interestingly home to the world’s largest kaleidoscope store. Jerome was once known as the Billion Dollar Copper Camp, but after the last mines closed in 1953, the booming population of 15,000 dwindled to 50 people. Though the number of people returning to Jerome is gradually increasing, Jerome still holds on to its title of “ghost town”. One of the things to do in this ghost town tour is the Jerome State, Historic Park.

It was once owned by the person who developed the Little Daisy Mine. Visit the world’s largest kaleidoscope store: Nellie Bly Kaleidoscopes. Open since 1988, the shop is located on Main Street in the former brothel operated by the notorious town madam, Jennie Bauters. Co-owner Mary Wills is a passionate collector of kaleidoscopes. Jerome is a place filled with history and improvement that makes you want to stay there longer.

Ride the Verde Canyon Railway

Sometimes the first sign of fall isn’t always the changing of leaves; sometimes it’s the changing of kegs, as the air turns crisp and pint glasses are raised to celebrate the occasion of saying goodbye to summer and the beginning of fall. Discover the remote Verde Valley from the idyllic vantage point of an old-fashioned train on a ride along the Verde Canyon Railroad.

Passengers will enjoy the progress of daylight as it dances over the rippling green waters of the Verde River, across the canyon floor through canopies of foliage in the season of fall, and over the towering crimson cliffs under the bright blue skies. Traveling on the train is also the perfect place to learn about the region’s history and marvel at the canyons and their intrinsic beauty. Overall, the railways are more than just transportation to one’s destination, it’s also about the journey you get to experience along the way.

Explore Montezuma Castle

Montezuma Castle is one of several well-preserved ancient dwellings in north-central Arizona, including the Wupatki, Tonto, Walnut Canyon, and Tuzigoot national monuments. It is probably the most spectacular; an imposing 20 room, the 5-story structure built into a recess in a white limestone cliff about 70 feet above the ground.

Take a self-guided loop trail that leads you through the sycamore grove and along Beaver Creek. Join their formal ranger tours that cover a range of educational topics related to the Monument. Visit this piece of history in Arizona and marvel at Montezuma’s castle.

Relax and enjoy the Enchantment Resort

Experience the beauty of the red rocks of Sedona’s Boynton Canyon from the comfort of an exquisite resort like Enchantment Resort. At the base of Boynton Canyon, spanning across 70 acres resides over 218 recently refreshed casita guestrooms and suites that make you feel right at home and more. Relaxing in the resort is not the only thing you can do here, guided hikes, spa and skincare, and children’s programs are available for anyone and everyone.

After your activities, dine in one of the several dining restaurants provided in Enchantment Resort. One of the restaurants is the Tii Gavo, a place where you can dine by the inviting fire pit as you enjoy stunning canyon views with a selection of regionally inspired dishes that cater to every palate. Another stunning restaurant is the View 180, which provides front-view seats to stunning sunsets, dramatic skies, and the astounding red rock vistas Sedona is notorious for with handcrafted cocktails and sophisticated light-fare. Be mesmerized by the canyons even more with the peace and quiet atmosphere here in Enchantment Resort.

Join the Pink Jeep Tour – Broken Arrow

Take a tour around Sedona’s Broken Arrow Trail in a literal pink jeep in the Pink Jeep Tour. Conquer the rugged terrain of the popular Broken Arrow Trail in a 4×4 vehicle. Bounce along and experience the important landmarks like the Devil’s Dining Room that is a sinkhole just a few feet beyond the end of a short spur. Pass by Submarine Rock as it offers nice views of white cliffs instead of the red rocks of Sedona.

Enjoy this one-way down thrill in the hill known as “The Steps” which would make you scream for more in this tour. Ending the tour is a spot called “Chicken Point” as the jeeps drive beyond the present end of the trail and circle around a very small point with steep drop-offs. Taking the Pink Jeep tour is sure to be a very thrilling and fun experience.

Check out my post on the Best Pink Jeep Tours to do in Sedona.

Visit the Chapel of Holy Cross

Hiking to Cathedral Rock is an essential experience in Sedona. This hike is short and sweet, and with some rock scrambling and jaw-dropping views, it’s tons of fun from start to finish. The hike is one of the most popular hikes in Sedona. This experience is much more about the climb up Cathedral Rock and the reward of panoramic views.

Hiking Cathedral Rock Trail is worth the trip to Sedona, worth the vulture-like hovering to get a parking spot, and worth the challenging climb to the top. Its views from various points on the trail are stunning. No doubt about it—you are rewarded for your effort.

Take a Hot Air Balloon ride in Sedona

Whether you are afraid of heights or not, taking a hot air balloon ride is a must when visiting this fall. It is truly a magical feeling, soaring gently with the wind experiencing an aerial nature walk. Take the hot air balloon ride at the Red Rock Balloon Adventures as they give you one of the most special experiences of your life. They start in the early morning to give the tourists one of the best views you have ever seen. As the balloon starts to rise from the ground, you get to see one of the most beautiful sunrises you cant see on the ground. Watch the soaring eagles and the amazing red rocks over Sedona’s Red Rock Country with the ever-changing leaves you can see in fall. As you take a peaceful landing, the crew will provide a commemorative celebratory toast and many amazing tales from the pilots about the history of ballooning. All it takes is one hot air balloon ride and you will never see the red rocks of Sedona the same ever again.