Sedona is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places in America—some might even say the world. It is nestled in between mammoth rock formations and canyons that spread out as far as the eye can see. It’s a bona fide playground for outdoor lovers, and abundant adventure activity can be enjoyed in this revered rocky expanse.
But it is not only this charming town that should lure you to central Arizona. Point your compass in any direction from Sedona and you will find a slew of equally beautiful and appealing experiences waiting for you.
Here’s a look at the best Sedona day trips.
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Flagstaff
Flagstaff is a charming college town around 30 miles north of Sedona so it’s an easy day trip from Sedona.
It is in stark contrast to the arid red landscape of lower Arizona, and Flagstaff is revered as a ski destination in winter and year round gateway to the Grand Canyon.
In Flagstaff, you will have your pick of outdoor adventures in any season.
On a visit to Elden Pueblo Archaeological Site you can do the short hike around the ruins, and it’s free to visit.
You’ll find extensive hiking and biking trails with the Flagstaff Urban Trail System (FUTS) and plenty of coffee shops and breweries for pre- and post-hike nourishment.
Check out my list of 45 fun things to do in Flagstaff
Prescott
Prescott is a beautiful small town less than 1.5 hours from Sedona.
Its downtown area, known as Whiskey Row, is known for its saloons, shops, and restaurants.
The town also has several fascinating museums to visit that give you a look into Arizona’s natural and human history.
Sharlot Hall Museum is a must-visit to discover pioneer-era history, while the Museum of Indigenous People focuses on the indigenous peoples of the Southwest.
You want to visit Watson Lake with its wonderful trails, marvelous rock formations, and dozens of bird species. In fact, there are several beautiful lakes near Prescott to enjoy fishing, kayaking, hiking, and more.
Read my list of 28 things to do in Prescott
Winslow
Winslow is a fun day trip from Sedona.
This small town on historic Route 66 Highway is mentioned in the Eagles song “Take It Easy”. Remember? “…standing on a corner in Winslow Arizona, And such a fine sight to see….”
Besides standing on the corner in Winslow Arizona you’ll love a visit to the Posada Hotel.
Enjoy a delicious lunch at the Turquoise Room, plan to spend some time checking out Tina Mion’s paintings, and visit the gift shop.
Wander the main street shops and have a look at all the murals in downtown Winslow.
LEARN MORE: 29 Must Visit Places in Arizona
Homolovi State Park
In about 1 hour 30 minutes you can drive from Sedona to Homolovi State Park, near Winslow.
Homolovi is home to over 300 Ancestral Puebloan archaeological sites, and the name Homolovi means “place of the little hills” in the Hopi language.
Walk any of the short trails to view the ruins and most likely see a lot of pottery shards as well.
Before you leave be sure to have a look at the exhibits in the visitor center and shop for souvenirs at the gift shop, including Hopi and Navajo artwork for sale.
Williams
Williams is a little over an hour’s drive from Sedona.
Train buffs will want to make the trip to Williams Arizona to check out the train depot and take a ride on the historic Grand Canyon Railway for an adventure filled day.
The train departs Williams at 9:30 am, and after a few hours at the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, returns to Williams at 5:45 pm.
This is a great day trip adventure whether you’re a solitary traveler or on a family vacation; it’s full of fun and a unique Arizona experience.
Grand Canyon South Rim
From Sedona to the Grand Canyon South Rim is about a 2-hour drive, so totally doable as a day trip.
As Arizona’s top attraction, you’ll have many options for things to do at the Grand Canyon.
First off, check out the extraordinary views from the Rim Trail, step into Kolb Studio (former home and photography studio), and learn something new at the Yavapai Geology Museum, which also features amazing views of the canyon!
You can even do a short hike into the Grand Canyon at the Bright Angel Trail… but remember, you also have to hike back up the trail :)
When you get hungry there are several dining options at Grand Canyon Village, from burgers and steaks to coffee and snacks.
If you prefer you can book a Grand Canyon Tour from Sedona and enjoy a hassle-free day trip.
Antelope Canyon
This otherworldly canyon is a top attraction in Arizona and one of the best day trips from Sedona.
The smooth red sandstone canyon walls of Antelope Canyon can be found in the Navajo Reservation near Page, about two hours from Sedona.
You will need to purchase a guided tour to visit the slot canyons—there is a list of Antelope Canyon tour operators on the Navajo Nation Parks website.
I booked tours on both the Upper Antelope Canyon and Lower Antelope Canyonn and both were well organized and well worth the money.
Alternatively, you can book this Antelope Canyon & Horseshoe Bend tour and leave the driving to someone else!
Horseshoe Bend
On a day trip from Sedona you can easily combine a visit to Antelope Canyon with a stop at Horseshoe Bend, one of the most famous landmarks in Arizona.
The U-shaped canyon has been carved by the Colorado River in the most dramatic fashion, and the views from the edge are nothing short of spectacular.
Read my guide to visiting Horseshoe Bend
Oak Creek Canyon West Fork Trail
The West Fork at Oak Creek Canyon is a short drive, less than 10 miles north of Sedona on scenic Hwy 89A.
This is a great all ages hike, as the trail is mostly flat, but it also features a few creek crossings, so your shoes may get wet.
There’s quite a bit of shade on this trail, making it ideal for hot days, and you have a chance to cool off in the creek too!
Plus the red rock canyon makes this a gorgeous hike and a perfect one-day getaway from Sedona.
I loved doing this hike and you can read the full details on hiking Oak Creek Canyon West Fork Trail
Montezuma Castle
This national monument was inhabited approximately 1,000 years ago by the Sinagua people.
They were a pre-Columbian culture that lived close to modern-day Camp Verde. Montezuma Castle is carved into the side of a cliff, nearly 90 feet above the ground.
It faces Beaver Creek, and it is believed that the cliff dwellings were carved high up the cliffside to escape potential destruction from annual floods.
Montezuma Castle is one of the best-preserved ancient structures in the American Southwest, so it should be on your Arizona bucket list.
Get more info on visiting Montezuma Castle. And save your receipt after visiting Montezuma Castle; it’s also good for entry to Tuzigoot National Monument (also on our list) within 7 days.
Verde Canyon Railroad
If you are looking for a relaxing Sedona day trip, hop aboard the Verde Canyon Railroad for a luxurious train ride.
The 4-hour journey takes you past the Verde River between Clarkdale to Perkinsville and back.
The open-air viewing cars offer a unique perspective of the landscape as you feel the air brushing across your cheeks.
You can also escape the sun in the comfortable seating compartments and watch the dynamic landscape wash past.
Wupatki National Monument
For an intriguing look into the area’s past don’t miss out on Wupatki National Monument.
The site, north of Flagstaff, is about a 1-hour drive from Sedona and features five main Puebloan sites that you can visit.
The largest and tallest Pueblo is a short walk from the visitor center, so if you only have time to visit one of the ruins, this is the one.
The ruins may seem to be in an unlikely spot, but almost a thousand years ago it was a trading hub and a thriving community.
A visit to Wupatki ruins is one of the most unique Sedona day trip ideas.
Sunset Crater
Sunset Crater is a cinder cone, the remnant of a volcano that has carved a unique landscape.
See where lava used to flow and how the earth has come back to life through the scorched ground.
There was a devastating fire in 2022, but all the trails are now open again. You can walk the A’a Trail, Lava Flow Trail, Lenox Crater Trail, Lavas Edge Trail, and Bonita Vista Trail.
Slide Rock State Park
This unique attraction is another unexpected gem in Arizona.
Part apple orchard, part outdoor adventure arena, Slide Rock State Park is the perfect Sedona day trip with the kids.
It is often named among the top 10 swimming holes in the country, and it is the perfect place to cool down on hot weather days.
At less than 10 miles from Sedona, it’s a no-brainer to check out this natural rock water slide.
Verde Valley Vineyards
Arizona might not be your “go-to” state when it comes to wines, but the Verde Valley will surprise you in this regard.
Sedona’s climate is actually ideal for viticulture, and you will find a number of world-class wineries on the town’s doorstep.
Take a break from hiking for a day and visit Javelina Leap Vineyard, Alcantara Vineyard, Oak Creek Vineyards, and the Page Springs Cellars.
Or just make it easy and book a wine tour from Sedona for hassle free wine tastings and let someone else do the driving!
These wineries all offer fantastic views and great service—everything you need for a fabulous Sedona day trip.
Honanki Heritage Site and Palatki Heritage Site
These two heritage sites were inhabited by the Sinagua people around 1150 – 1350 CE.
They are both located inside Coconino National Forest, which is only 40 minutes west of Sedona.
These former cliff dwellings have beautifully preserved rock art on display, giving you a look into civilizations from a bygone era.
Note that the Honanki Ruins site closes when the temperature gets above 100 F (38 C) or when the roads become impassable. Read more about visiting Honanki Ruins
Jerome
The desert town of Jerome has seen many incarnations, but its latest transformation from a ghost town to an artist enclave is the most impressive.
The town washes across the side of a mountain, and its switchbacks and stairwells lead you to a myriad of galleries, wine bars, pubs, and restaurants.
The town is the perfect place to enjoy a day trip from Sedona, as it is just under an hour away and has tons of activities for young and old.
Tuzigoot National Monument
Around 1,400 years ago the Sinagua people began settling in the Verde Valley and shortly after began to construct pueblos.
Tuzigoot is a remnant of one such pueblo on a hilltop overlooking the valley. It is believed to have been one of the largest villages in the area, with around 110 rooms.
The loop trail around the ruins is under half a mile long and offers impeccable views of the river and valley.
Be sure to take the boardwalk trail from the visitor center to Tavasci Marsh, a unique wetland for Arizona.
Phoenix Sonoran Preserve
With over 35 miles of hiking and biking trails but little or no shade, the Phoenix Sonoran Preserve is best for cool weather days.
It’s about a 90-minute drive from Sedona but worth the trip to see so many magnificent Saguaro cacti.
These giants of the desert can live to be over 200 years old.
The Sonoran Desert is the only desert in the world to feature the iconic Saguaro Cactus, the universal symbol for the American West.
And you’ll find plenty of them here; if you want to see a Saguaro in bloom you’ll have the best chance by visiting in May. That’s when I visited and saw the Saguaro blooming.
Dead Horse Ranch State Park
Okay, it’s a strange name, but it’s a beautiful park close to Cottonwood and well worth the short drive from Sedona—about 30 minutes.
This gorgeous park on the Verde River is perfect for a day of fishing, hiking, kayaking, birdwatching, and simply relaxing by the water.
Fall is a particularly spectacular time to visit the park for the intense golden leaves on the cottonwood trees.
Read my post about visiting Dead Horse Ranch State Park
Walnut Canyon National Monument
Walnut Canyon and its dramatic curved canyon walls were the location of dozens of pueblos hundreds of years ago.
Today you can walk the pathway and stairs down into the impressive canyon and visit cliffside dwellings and see structures dotted throughout the landscape.
A day trip from Sedona to Walnut Canyon is perfect for history lovers and hiking enthusiasts, as you get a taste for both on your journey.
The trip to Walnut Canyon from Sedona is about 40 miles and usually takes less than an hour.
Mogollon Rim
The Mogollon Rim is a geological feature that dominates northern Arizona and is about 2 hours from Sedona.
The rim stretches for more than 200 miles and is host to a variety of biomes.
You will move from arid desert basins to lush pine forest plateaus and be spoiled for choice when it comes to viewpoints and vistas.
Go hiking up the rim for a test of your endurance, or take a jeep tour from Sedona for a thrilling ride.
Red Rock State Park
Pack up a picnic lunch and spend a day exploring Red Rock State Park.
This beautiful nature preserve features a variety of hiking trails, such as Eagle’s Nest Loop, for amazing views from the highest point in the park. Take to Javelina Trail for a walk through the woodlands.
Pop into the visitor center to check out the exhibits and watch films about the area, such as The Natural Wonders of Sedona.
Covered picnic areas offer shade and a comfortable place to take a break.
Check out the official website for information on special events and guided hikes at Red Rock park.
Take Hwy 89A south to Red Rock Loop Road to get to the park.
Meteor Crater National Landmark
This gigantic natural phenomenon was created around 50,000 years ago.
Seeing the sheer size of the impact zone is rewarding enough, but there’s also a visitor center with exhibits.
You can see large fragments of the meteor that created the crater on display and learn more about the Apollo astronauts that trained in the crater before their space expedition.
Petrified Forest National Park and Painted Desert
The Petrified Forest National Park lies within the greater Painted Desert area, which covers around 1,500 square miles.
Grab a map at the entrance station or the visitor center and take the 28-mile scenic drive through the park with several options for hikes, scenic overlooks, petroglyphs, and, of course, petrified wood.
Highlights include the Giant Logs Trail, Crystal Forest, Blue Mesa Trail, Newspaper Rock, and Painted Desert Rim Trail.
The desert seems to be quite literally painted, as bold striations in the rock formations create whimsical patterns.
From Sedona to Petrified Forest is about a 2-hour and 15-minutes drive.
Cottonwood
The charming town of Cottonwood is known as the heart of Arizona Wine Country.
Its Old Town tourist area has a textbook “small town America” vibe and seems like something from a movie set.
Main Street is overflowing with charming restaurants and bars, and there are interesting antique shops along with several thrift stores and gift shops if you want to do some souvenir shopping.
It is a quick 25-minute drive southwest of Sedona, the perfect escape.
You can combine this day trip with Tuzigoot National Monument and Dead Horse Ranch State Park if you leave early enough in the day.
Final Thoughts
As you can see, there is an abundant variety of options for day trips from Sedona. From the Grand Canyon to the Mogollon Rim, from cute small towns to spectacular scenic hiking trails, there is no shortage of things to do near Sedona. Now you just need to pick your next one-day getaway and have some fun!
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