The Perfect 3 Day Sedona Itinerary for an Amazing Adventure

We think 3 days in Sedona is the perfect amount of time to explore this amazing destination, do some epic hikes and try some of the many adventure activities. This 3 day Sedona itinerary is almost exactly what we did when we visited in March of 2022 with a few tweaks.

While 3-4 days will give you a chance to do some of the highlights, if you have a week in Sedona, you will still find plenty of things to do. If you only have 2 or even 1 day in Sedona, you can see some suggestions at the bottom of this post with ideas on how to maximize your time.

Quick Look at the Perfect 3 Day Sedona Itinerary

This is a relatively ambitious adventure itinerary is full of early mornings and lots of hiking. You can read more details below and some suggestions for alternative hikes and activities. If you need more inspiration, check out 11 Amazing Things to do in Sedona.

What to Know about Visiting Sedona

Sedona is a beautiful place to visit. The town is easy to navigate and fun with its own special vibe and there are many amazing hiking and outdoor activities.

How much time do you need in Sedona? While we think 3 days is a great amount of time to see the highlights, there is so much to see, you could easily plan a week-long adventure here. No matter how long you plan to visit Sedona, there are a few things you should know about visiting Sedona.

A Quick Geography of Sedona

Sedona is about 2 hours from Phoenix and 45 minutes south of Flagstaff. You can see in the map below that the main road of Sedona forms a sideways T where 89A and 179 intersect.

Where these roads meet in a traffic circle, traffic is often backed up. Just north of the fork, you will find Uptown Sedona full of restaurants, hotels and shops. South of the Fork, the Scenic Byway travels down past Bell Rock and Cathedral Rock to the village of Oak Creek. West of the fork, 89A passes through West Sedona.

This area has some larger stores including Whole Foods, some restaurants, and great access to some hiking trails.

Parking in Sedona and at the Trailheads

Sedona sees a crazy amount of visitors each year and while the town is working hard to adapt, during the busy seasons, parking and traffic can both be a problem. Many parking lots fill up by 7 in the morning, so you should plan to get up early if possible to hike before it gets too crowded.

Most of the parking lots in the area require a Red Rock Pass to park. These passes are $5/day or $15/week and can be purchased at a kiosk right at the parking lot. If you have a US National Park Pass you can also use this.

Sedona has a brand new free shuttle service to help alleviate some of the parking issues. You can use the shuttle to park at a park and ride and get to some of the most popular hikes close to town including

• Dry Creek Trailhead
• Soldier Pass Trailhead
• Cathedral Rock Trailhead
• Little Horse Trailhead

The shuttle runs Thurs-Sun during the busy times from 6:30-8:00. You can see more details on the Shuttle Website. There are plans to expand this service, so check the website for updates.

Best Time of Year to Visit Sedona

Sedona is truly a year-round destination, although the best times to visit are in the spring and fall (these are also the most crowded). Winters can be chilly, but if you are prepared this can be a great time to hike and explore the town.

Summers are hot, so if this is when you’re visiting, you should shuffle your days to do all your hiking early in the morning.

Map of Sedona 3 day Itinerary

The map below shows some of the key Sedona attractions and activities included in the Sedona 3 day itinerary.

Complete 3 Days in Sedona Itinerary

This 3 day Sedona Itinerary assumes you are arriving in town either the night before or that you are able to get to the area early in the morning. We stayed near the Phoenix Airport the night before coming to Sedona and since we were on east coast time, we got a very early start and made it up to Sedona by 8 am.

We also rented a car for the 3 days as Sedona is best explored by car.

Day 1: 3 Day Sedona Itinerary

• Arrive in Sedona early
• Hike the Brins Mesa and Soldier Pass Trail
• Grab lunch in town
• Check out some of the art galleries in town
• Head to Cathedral Rock for sunset
• Grab Dinner in Town

After arriving early in Sedona, we recommend kicking it off with a longer hike. There are several options, but the Brins Mesa and Soldier Pass Loop is a great choice right in town to get a sense of the area. You have excellent views of the canyon and can see back towards town as well. The loop is about 6 miles long and has plenty of fun things to see along the way. You can also just do the Solider Pass Trail to visit the cave, the 7 Sacred Pools and Devil’s Kitchen on a short hike.

After your hike, head into town for lunch and to visit some of the art galleries and shops. There are many restaurants to choose from. Walk around Uptown Sedona, or head further south. We ate lunch at Oak Creek Brewery and enjoyed sitting outside.

If you are feeling up for more hiking, you can visit Cathedral Rock and do the short (but steep) 1.2-mile hike to watch the sunset or take in the afternoon light. You may need to park and use the free shuttle. We also snuck in the short hike to the Birthing Cave, so you could also do this hike in the afternoon and head up to Airport Mesa to watch the sunset.

Finish off your day with dinner in town. We really enjoyed our meal this night at Creekside American Bistro just south of town. Turn in for the night and get ready for an early start the next day.

Day 2: 3 Day Sedona Itinerary

• Hike Devil’s Bridge early
• Grab and Late Breakfast in Town
• Sedona Activity of your Choice
• Sunset Walk around Bell Rock
• Dinner in Town before our time in Sedona at the Phoenix Aiport

Start off the morning with an early morning hike. For day two, hike Devil’s Bridge via the Mescal Trail. This is a very popular trail so getting an early start is important if you don’t want to end up standing in line at top for a photo. From the Mescal Trailhead, the hike is about 4 miles and moderate with a steep section right at the end.

If you want a longer hike this morning, try the Boynton Canyon Trail including Subway Cave. The whole trail is over 7 miles and is a bit out of town.

We packed snacks for the road for this early morning hike, so after getting off the trail in midmorning, we headed for a coffee shop in Uptown Sedona for some food.

In the afternoon, choose one of the planned activities in Sedona. There are several options based on your interest, but this is a chance to take a break from hiking and try something different. We rented bikes and spent the day mountain biking around Bell Rock and on Slim Shady across the other side of route 179. Other amazing Activities in Sedona you can do this afternoon include:

• Doing a jeep tour
• Exploring some of the Cliff Dwellings in the area
• Visiting a Sedona Vortex

Finish your evening off with dinner in town. We ate at Vino Di Sedona. This is a great spot as you can sit outside and there is a casual atmosphere with live music.

Day 3: Vino Di Sedona

• Choose one last hike of your choice
• Grab lunch in town
• In the afternoon drive up 89A
• Stop at Oak Creek to cool off
• Head off on your next adventure

On day 3 – it’s time for your last morning hike in Sedona. If you haven’t done the Boynton Canyon/Subway Cave hike, I recommend this hike. You could also do the Broken Arrow and Hog Trails as a loop stopping at Submarine Rock and Chicken Point.

Stop in town for lunch and then drive up route 189A following Oak Creek Canyon. There are lots of places to access the Creek. We took the short walk down from Midgley Bridge Picnic Area, but you can also go to Slide Rock, Grasshopper Point, or West Fork to check out the Creek and even take a dip.

Depending on your time, you can head off here onto your next adventure, drive to the airport, or grab one last meal in Sedona.

How to Plan an Itinerary for 1 or 2 days in Sedona

If you don’t have 3 full days in Sedona, you are likely passing through on your way to somewhere else, or looking to do a 1 day trip from Phoenix or Flagstaff.

If you just have 1 day in Sedona, you will want to start early and choose one of Sedona’s best hikes. The best hikes include: Cathedral Rock (1.2 miles), Devil’s Bridge (4 miles), Boynton Canyon (and Subway Cave – 7.2 miles), or Brins Mesa and Soldier Pass loop (6 miles).

Grab lunch in town and visit some of Sedona’s landmarks in the afternoon. You can also do the drive-up 189A and head south to hike around Bell Rock.

If you have 2 days in Sedona, You can choose days 1 and 2 from the 3 day Sedona Itinerary above. Start each day with a hike, take a break in the afternoon or do an activity and then find somewhere to watch the sunset. You will still get to see some of the best parts of Sedona even with a day or two!

Tips for Your 3 Day Sedona Itinerary

When visiting Sedona, it’s important to be prepared with some practical tips to make your trip smooth and enjoyable. First and foremost, don’t forget to pack sunscreen, as the Arizona sun can be intense. Additionally, make sure to bring comfortable shoes suitable for hiking – we found many of the trails to have easy walking conditions, but there are still uneven areas and rocks.

Keep in mind that certain activities or attractions may require permits or have entrance fees, so it’s wise to check ahead of time and plan accordingly. In terms of transportation, renting a car provides the most flexibility for getting around Sedona and the surrounding areas.

However, if you prefer not to drive, there are also shuttle services available that can transport you to popular destinations. When it comes to parking, be mindful of any designated areas and parking regulations to avoid any inconvenience or fines. Taking these practical considerations into account will help ensure a hassle-free and memorable visit to Sedona.

Common Questions about Visiting Sedona

Are there any recommended vortex sites to visit in Sedona?

Yes, some renowned vortex sites in Sedona include Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock, and Airport Mesa, known for their spiritual energy and stunning vistas.

How can I best experience Sedona’s vibrant arts scene?

You can experience Sedona’s arts scene by visiting the Tlaquepaque Arts and Crafts Village, where you’ll find galleries, boutiques, and live performances throughout the year.

What’s the best way to explore the red rock formations in Sedona?

A scenic drive along State Route 179, known as the Red Rock Scenic Byway, provides an excellent opportunity to view the stunning red rock formations and take in the beauty of the area.

Are there any special events or festivals in Sedona that I should plan my trip around?

Sedona hosts various events and festivals, including the Sedona International Film Festival in February and the Sedona Arts Festival in October, offering unique cultural experiences for visitors.

See more about what to do with your time in Sedona

• Best Hikes in Sedona
• 11 Things to do in Sedona
• More Sedona Guides