Best Tours and Day Trips in Sedona
Sedona is one of the most popular destinations in Arizona and one of the best ways to discover it is through guided tours of the different attractions in the city. Here I tell you about the options you can choose from in this place.
Sedona, located halfway between Phoenix and the Grand Canyon, is an ideal destination for guided adventure tours. One of the best alternatives to discover it is to opt for these tours that will take you to the heart of the canyon and allow you to discover the starry sky at night, navigate the surrounding rivers and explore the Native American ruins that crown the region.
Some of the best things to do in Sedona include taking a stargazing and UFO tour, touring the local canyon on an ATV tour, seeing the city's main attractions on the tour bus, and navigating the Verde River on a kayak tour with an expert instructor.
1. UFO and stargazing tour
If you want to live an experience that combines the wonder of the cosmos with the possibility of exploring the night sky of the Arizona desert, from one of the places with less light pollution on the West Coast, you can not miss a stargazing and UFO tour in Sedona. On these tours you will be able to contemplate the darkness of the desert and discover some of the best astronomical images.
One of the highlights of this adventure is Red Rock State Park, which offers an ideal backdrop of red rock formations as you encounter the clarity of the stars in the sky. Expert guides will provide you with high-powered telescopes to observe constellations, planets and distant galaxies, offering a unique view of our universe in one of Sedona's best nighttime activities.
What really sets these tours apart, however, is the search for UFOs and extraterrestrial stories. Sedona has historically been a hot spot for sightings of unidentified flying objects, and guides are equipped with observation equipment and experience in identifying unusual phenomena in the sky.
Places like the Bradshaw Ranch viewing area are highlights, where you will have the opportunity to witness enigmatic lights and discuss your own experiences and hypotheses about extraterrestrial life. Amidst the tranquility of the Arizona desert and under a star-studded sky, these tours will offer you an unforgettable experience of connecting with the universe and the mysterious night sky.
Details of interest
- Price: approximately 128 euros per person.
- Duration: about 1 hour and 45 minutes.
- Advantages of these excursions: you will be able to live a different experience in the Arizona desert, one of the main sites for astronomical observation due to the low light pollution of the site.
- Disadvantages of these excursions: although you will visit several sites in the surrounding desert, you will not have free time to make tours or hikes on your own.
2. Native American ruins hiking excursion.
An exciting Native American ruins hiking tour in Arizona is a unique opportunity to explore the rich cultural history of this American region. As you hike into the surrounding rocky landscape, you' ll find yourself surrounded by remnants of ancient civilizations that once inhabited these lands, while enjoying the hot desert climate, especially if you plan to visit Sedona in June or during the summer months.
One of the highlights of these experiences is a visit to the Palatki Ruins, where you can admire ancient cave paintings and dwelling structures dating back more than 5,000 years. Another fascinating site is the area of the Red Ant Mounds, where you can discover the remains of the Sinagua community. There you will find the ancient troglodyte dwellings that are leaning out of the cliffs, in a sign of adaptation to the environment.
These excursions usually also take you to Boynton Canyon Ruins, a mystical site full of spiritual history and rock art. This sacred site has a special energy that has attracted visitors and spiritual seekers for generations, and the region has striking similarities to the landscape of Antelope Canyon, even though the two are approximately 200 kilometers apart.
Finally, on these tours you can also visit the Sedona Native American Cultural Center and Museum, where you can learn more about the rich cultural heritage of the indigenous peoples who have left their mark on this land over the centuries.
Details of Interest
- Price: approximately 112 euros per person.
- Duration: about 2 hours and a half.
- Advantages of these tours: you will be able to participate in the best hiking trails around Sedona while learning about the native communities of the region.
- Disadvantages of these tours: if you plan to visit Sedona during the winter it can be a physically demanding experience due to the cold temperatures.
3. Sedona Canyon ATV Tour
The Sedona Canyon in Arizona is a place of unmistakable natural beauty that attracts adventure lovers from all over the world. One of the most exciting ways to explore this amazing rocky landscape is through an ATV tour. This trip will take you through winding trails and steep hills, allowing you to experience the Sedona Canyon from a unique vantage point.
During these tours you will have the opportunity to venture into remote and secluded areas that you cannot easily reach on foot. The sense of freedom you will experience as you traverse rocky terrain and picturesque forests is unparalleled. In addition, expert local guides will provide you with information about the geology, history and unique flora and fauna of the region, further enriching the experience.
Sedona Canyon offers a natural setting unlike any other, with its red rock formations, deep canyons and panoramic views that will allow you to take some of the best photographs of your trip. During these tours you can stop at various strategic points to enjoy these views and connect with the spiritual energy of the area, even if you plan to visit Sedona during the winter when the weather can be a bit hostile.
In addition, an ATV tour is an ideal alternative to tour the Arizona desert in an effective and fast way, which will be ideal if you are planning a short stay in the region. If that is your case, here is a list of activities so you can get to know Sedona in 2 days.
Details of interest
- Price: approximately 217 euros per person.
- Duration: about 4 hours.
- Advantages of these tours: you will be able to get to know the Arizona desert in an effective and fast way, even during the winter, and access places that are very difficult to visit on foot.
- Disadvantages of these tours: not recommended for people with reduced mobility.
4. Sedona bus tour
Sedona, with its stunning desert landscape and vibrant red rock formations, is a destination that deserves to be explored to its fullest. One of the most comfortable and scenic ways to discover its main sites is through a bus tour. During these tours, you can relax as you are transported to the region's most iconic sites in a non-stop experience.
The bus travels the winding roads that wind through the Sedona Canyon, offering perfect panoramic views. From your seat, you can enjoy Cathedral Rock and Bell Rock, two of the desert area's most famous rock formations, without worrying about navigation. In addition, guides will provide you with information about the unique geology, history and local culture.
A Sedona bus tour will also allow you to stop at several strategic points, where you can explore the sites on foot, take photographs and lose yourself in the natural beauty surrounding the region. Some tours even include visits to historical and cultural sites, such as the old Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village, where you can shop for regional products and handicrafts.
Also, if you plan to visit Sedona during Christmas, you can discover the Christmas Eve decorations that characterize the region.
Details of interest
- Price: approximately 99 euros per person.
- Duration: about 5 hours and a half.
- Advantages of these tours: you will discover the main sites of Sedona in a tour with stops included.
- Disadvantages of these tours: it is one of the most famous tours in Sedona, so if you visit the city in summer or during the high season you should book in advance.
5. Kayak tour on the Verde River
A kayak tour in Sedona is an experience that will allow you to discover the natural landscapes of the Arizona desert in a unique way. Kayaking the tranquil waters of the Verde River will transport you to the spectacular views of the region's signature red rock formations from a different perspective, while you lose yourself in the serenity of the surrounding nature.
The Verde River is an oasis of coolness in the middle of the desert, and on a kayak tour you can explore its calm waters and discover the wildlife that inhabits its banks. From birds and fish to aquatic plants, every corner of the Verde River offers the opportunity to connect with the region's biodiversity and learn about the unique ecosystem that surrounds it.
During the kayak tour, expert local guides can accompany you, providing information about Sedona's geology, history and culture. If you plan to visit Sedona in April or during the spring months, you will be able to discover the region's flowering vegetation.
In addition, to participate in these excursions you will not need to have previous knowledge of navigation or experience in kayaks, as there are options for all levels and you can also opt for alternatives that include the handling of the canoe by expert instructors, who will also be your guides during the adventure.
Details of interest
- Price: approximately 97 euros per person.
- Duration: between 3 and 4 hours.
- Advantages of these excursions: you will be able to discover one of the main navigable rivers in Arizona in an adventure excursion.
- Disadvantages of these tours: if you plan to visit Sedona in winter you could face low temperatures, especially during rainy days.
How to book a tour in Sedona?
You can book a tour in Sedona in advance online or book these experiences at the tour providers' offices once you are in town. Keep in mind that if you plan to visit this destination in July or during the high season months, last minute prices for these tours may increase due to dynamic rates or you may not be able to find room.
Also, if you book in advance you will be able to organize an itinerary with the tour, which will allow you to make the most of your time in the city. This is ideal if you are planning a short stay in Arizona. If that is your case, here is a list of activities for you to discover Sedona in a 3-day tour.
Tips for an excursion in Sedona
As a first step, I advise you to book your excursions in advance online. This will be ideal for you to freeze the rate and avoid last minute rate increases, especially if you plan to visit the city during the high season, but even if you do it during the rest of the year, this alternative will allow you to organize an itinerary, and with it you will be able to get the most out of the experience.
Sedona is a destination with many activities in the city but also in the surrounding area, so if you organize a schedule for your visit you can visit not only the Chapel of the Holy Cross or Cathedral Rock, which are two of the main local attractions, but also take a trip to the Grand Canyon or visit the Antelope Canyon from Sedona to also get to know northern Arizona.
Why is it advisable to take a tour in Sedona?
Sedona has some of the most interesting attractions in the heart of Arizona and most of these sites you can visit on your own, but if you opt for a guided tour you can relax about transfers and organizing the itinerary and enjoy each of these destinations.
Also, Sedona is a very popular site in the Arizona desert, especially because it is located halfway between Phoenix, which is the state capital, and the Grand Canyon, which is one of the main attractions of the West Coast, so many times if you visit the sites on your own, especially during the high season, you will not find tickets or space in the experiences, which will not happen if you hire a tour beforehand.
What are the advantages of taking a guided tour vs. visiting Sedona on my own?
The main advantage of opting for a guided tour in Sedona is that you will be able to free yourself from worries about transportation, entrance fees and tickets, and with the assistance of an expert local guide you will learn stories and curiosities about the sites you visit that you would not otherwise know. You can also get recommendations of the region, such as the best activities to do at night in Sedona or the most outstanding restaurants.
Another advantage of hiring one of the guided tours in Sedona is that you will be able to live some of the best adventure experiences of this destination, such as the ATV tour through the desert, which you will not be able to do on your own, unless you have arrived to the city with this vehicle. The same applies for the kayaking excursions and the nighttime stargazing tours, for which you will need powerful telescopes.