Sedona is an Arizona town with a population of about 10,000 people that was founded in 1902 but officially incorporated in 1988.
Named after the wife of the city’s first postmaster, this unique tourist destination enjoys mild winters, but it’s a perfect vacation destination year-round.
The small desert town is known for its iconic red rocks, canyons, and as a center for spiritual renewal.
In addition to the red rock formations and other landmarks in the area that will leave you awestruck, there is much to love about Sedona.
But it can get expensive visiting such a popular tourist destination. It’s good to have a list of cheap things to do so you don’t blow your travel budget during your vacation.
In this post I’m sharing 7 free things to do in Sedona Arizona.
1. Sedona Vortexes
Sedona is known by many of its visitors as a sacred and powerful place. Here, you can experience mysterious cosmic forces that emanate from the red rocks.
For you to experience these forces and feel recharged, inspired, and uplifted afterward, you would have to visit one of the vortexes.
In this case, the term “vortex” is used to describe a place where the earth is alive with energy, and they’re perfect for self-exploration and meditation.
There are four main Sedona Vortexes that you can explore:
- Airport Mesa
- Bell Rock
- Boynton Canyon
- Cathedral Rock
Let the Sedona vortexes soothe your soul.
2. Chapel of the Holy Cross
Visiting the Chapel of the Holy Cross is certainly a must for anyone looking for free things to do in Sedona.
The historic chapel was built between 1954 and 1956. Presently, this tourist attraction is visited by millions of people from across the globe.
The Chapel of the Holy Cross is an important destination in Sedona, especially for those of the Catholic faith.
Besides the Roman Catholic chapel, which is rich in history, there are many red formations here that glow in vibrant colors (mostly orange and red), especially when they are illuminated by the setting or rising sun.
You can also see the Chapel while hiking the Little Horse Trail in Sedona.
3. Scenic Drives in Sedona
Do you love scenic drives? You are in luck; while in Sedona, you’ll have several beautiful driving trips to enjoy stunning scenery.
Find your bliss while enjoying one of these scenic drives in Sedona:
- Red Rock Scenic Byway (SR 179)
- Oak Creek Canyon
- Schnebly Hill Road (4×4 required)
- Highway 89A Sedona
- Oak Creek Vista Overlook
4. Window Shopping Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village
The Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village is perhaps the most extravagant shopping mall in Arizona.
The outdoor market has been open to the public since the 1970s. The intriguing thing about this market is that the design resembles a traditional Mexican village.
The exceptional collection at Tlaquepaque shopping mall consists of art galleries, cobblestone paths, craft shops, decorative arches, and dining options.
Here you can spend a day window shopping in all the Tlaquepaque Art & Crafts Market. Or maybe do some souvenir and gift shopping.
5. Hiking the Red Rocks of Sedona
There is a wide variety of outdoor activities that you can choose from when in Sedona—biking, camping, climbing, horseback riding, birdwatching, and wildlife viewing, to name a few.
But perhaps the most popular activity in Sedona is hiking. Thanks to its location, the small desert city is perfect for walking around and enjoying the beauty of nature.
Sedona has over 30 trails that are under 12 miles (20 km) in distance. Among some of the best trails in Sedona are:
- Devil’s Bridge Trail
- Cathedral Rock Trail
- Airport Mesa Vortex Hike
- Little Horse Trail
- Soldier Pass Trail
- Oak Creek Canyon Hike
6. Amitabha Stupa and Peace Park
When it comes to free things to do in Sedona, you can’t go without visiting the spiritual oasis named Amitabha Stupa and Peace Park.
This one-of-a-kind park opened its doors for the very first time in 2004 as a place of contemplation, healing, meditation, prayer, and spiritual renewal.
It consists of two Buddhist stupas, a medicine wheel, a large statue of the Buddha, and a Peace Labyrinth. There are also hiking trails at the Peace Park.
The outdoor venue is free to visit and is a must-visit not only for spiritual seekers but also for anyone seeking calm.
7. Watch the Sunset
Another reason why Sedona is among the favorite places to visit for both adventure seekers and sightseers is the amazing and picturesque desert sunset views.
When the sun is setting, the steep canyons and red rock formations glow in their own ways, and all of this creates a breathtaking, colorful image.
So, whether you are picnicking, hiking up a trail, or just enjoying nature, here are some of the many locations that offer the best sunset views in Sedona.
- Sedona Airport Vortex
- Bell Rock
- Cathedral Rock
- Devil’s Bridge
- Schnebly Hill Vista
Some of the best things in life are free, like watching the sunset
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