Drive the Red Rock Scenic Byway

A scenic drive might seem redundant with so many hiking and biking trails in Sedona. But the Red Rock Scenic Byway (Arizona State Route 179) is a “destination unto itself.” Designated an “All American Road” in 2006 by the US Department of Transportation, this 15-mile drive includes unparalleled views of Sedona’s spectacular red rock formations and the Coconino National Forest.

We recommend going at sunrise on your first day in Sedona. The early morning light and shadows transform the rock formations into a high desert mosaic. It’s an incredible way to acclimate to the area before hiking in the forest.

This drive can be done in half an hour, but plan to spend at least an hour for stops and photos. Our favorite stops are Bell Rock and Cathedral Rock in the Village of Oak Creek.

Hike Broken Arrow Trail

After a sunrise drive and a cup of coffee, there’s no better first hike than Broken Arrow Trail. This moderately difficult out-and-back trail is 2.9 miles long and generally takes two hours to complete. It’s a great way to experience the ponderosa pines and native plants of Coconino National Forest.

To access Broken Arrow Trail, go to the Coconino National Forest parking lot on Morgan Road. Here, you can purchase a Red Rock visitors pass for $5. Before you go, check the U.S. Forest Service website for weather, closures, and trail maintenance information. Weather in the high desert can be harsh, and we recommend delaying your hike if rainfall is expected since there is a risk of flash floods.

Bike Big Park Loop

One of the best ways to experience Sedona is on a mountain bike. An afternoon bike ride through the heart of Sedona’s red rocks is a great way to close out the day and cover more ground while taking a break from hiking.

Our favorite beginner bike ride is Big Park Loop. This two-mile hiking and biking trail beneath Courthouse Butte and Bell Rock is fun for experienced riders and doable for beginners. One rocky area near the beginning might be challenging for beginners, so we recommend walking your bike through this short stretch and enjoying the rest of the ride.

If you don't own a mountain bike, you can rent one from this locally-owned shop. Their experienced staff will help you choose a mountain bike suitable for your skill level and trail. They also offer guided mountain biking tours of the area if you prefer to go in a group.

Watch the Sunrise at Devil’s Bridge

 A trip to Sedona would be incomplete without a hike to the iconic Devil’s Bridge, Sedona’s largest natural sandstone bridge. This hike is a great way to start your second day in Sedona.

Devil’s Bridge is especially perfect at daybreak when the temps are cool, the trail is quiet, and you can watch the sunrise over the desert from 4,600 feet. This easy 3.9-mile hike usually takes two hours roundtrip, but we recommend giving yourself an extra hour to sit at the top and take in the views.

Since Devil’s Bridge is in the wilderness, the easiest way to get there is to take the Devil’s Bridge Trail Via Dry Creek Road. This makes the hike a little longer but allows you to park at the Dry Creek Road trailhead.

To catch the sunrise from the bridge, you’ll have to begin your hike an hour before sunrise. The beauty of this hike is that you’ll get to experience both the stars and the sunrise. Be sure to bring a headlamp or flashlight, and take your time. This hike is easy, but there are a couple of steep areas, and of course, the bridge itself is narrow and has a drop-off.

Visit Montezuma Castle National Monument

Thirty miles outside of Sedona, you’ll find Montezuma Castle National Monument. This 20-room cliff dwelling in the Verde Valley was built by the indigenous Sinaguna people in 1100 CE. This ingenious structure built into the side of a limestone cliff functioned as an apartment complex for the community living along Beaver Creek.

A tour of Montezuma Castle is a great way to finish your second day in Sedona. We recommend stopping by the visitor center and walking the short loop past the cliff dwellings, through the sycamore grove, and along Beaver Creek. If you want to extend your visit, you can drive 11 miles north to Montezuma Well, an incredible naturally occurring aquifer, which is also part of this historic monument.

Two days in Sedona is an unforgettable adventure. Whether you're exploring the red rock formations or biking through the forest, Sedona's natural beauty and rich history will leave you planning your next trip back to America’s majestic southwest!