- Sedona
Popular camping styles for Sedona
Barns near Sedona guide
Overview
In the heart of Arizona's Red Rock Country, the cozy city of Sedona attracts outdoors enthusiasts, art lovers, and spiritual seekers with its mix of galleries, spas, restaurants, and—according to some—energetically charged vortexes. Even still, Sedona’s most striking feature is its fantastic landscapes, and there are plenty of excellent spots in the area worth exploring. Popular hiking trails include Cathedral Rock, with its red rock views, and Bell Rock and Boynton Canyon (both known for vortexes). Slide Rock State Park offers refreshing swimming holes right in the heart of Oak Creek Canyon.
Where to go
Northern Arizona
Stretching across the Colorado Plateau, Northern Arizona is the lushest part of the state, with a mix of lakes, mountains, ponderosa pine forests, and desert landscapes. Sedona and nearby Flagstaff are both within this region's boundaries, as is Grand Canyon National Park. Campers have options here, with campsites available in Pine Flat Campground, Manzanita Campground, and Cave Springs Campground. Dispersed camping areas also dot the Coconino National Forest.
Central Arizona
South of Sedona, Central Arizona offers a mix of wilderness areas and big cities, notably the Phoenix metropolitan area. It's also home to the Montezuma Castle National Monument, a short drive from Sedona in the town of Camp Verde, as well as Kartchner Caverns State Park.
Southern Arizona
For a taste of the Old West, head to Southern Arizona, where you'll find a mix of historic sites, ghost towns, and even wineries. Highlights for nature lovers include the cactus-filled Saguaro National Park in the Sonoran Desert and the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, just outside of Tucson.
When to go
Sedona is at its busiest during the summer months, when it plays host to all sorts of cultural and music festivals. However, this time of year is also hot, and temperatures of over 100°F are common. If the combination of heat and crowds sounds less than ideal, consider visiting in early spring or late autumn, when temperatures are hot but not scalding. Winter is also a good option, when daytime highs hover in the 60s.
