Best Tours and Day Trips in Sedona

Sedona, located halfway between Phoenix and the Grand Canyon, is an ideal destination for guided adventure tours. One of the best ways to discover it is to opt for these tours that will take you into the heart of the canyon and allow you to discover the starry night sky, navigate the surrounding rivers and explore the Native American ruins that crown the region.

Some of the best things to do in Sedona include taking a stargazing and UFO tour, touring the local canyon on an ATV tour, seeing the city's main attractions on the tour bus and navigating the Verde River on a kayak tour with an expert instructor.

For an experience that combines the wonder of the cosmos with the chance to explore the Arizona desert night sky from one of the least light polluted places on the West Coast, you can 't miss a Sedona stargazing and UFO tour. On these tours you can gaze out into the darkness of the desert and discover some of the best astronomical images.

One of the highlights of this adventure is Red Rock State Park, which offers an ideal backdrop of red rock formations as you encounter the clarity of the stars in the sky. Expert guides will provide you with high-powered telescopes to observe constellations, planets and distant galaxies, offering a unique view of our universe in one of Sedona's best nighttime activities.

What really sets these tours apart, however, is the search for UFOs and extraterrestrial stories. Sedona has historically been a hotspot for sightings of unidentified flying objects, and guides are equipped with observation equipment and experience in identifying unusual phenomena in the sky.

Places like the Bradshaw Ranch viewing area are highlights, where you'll have the opportunity to witness enigmatic lights and discuss your own experiences and hypotheses about extraterrestrial life. Amidst the tranquillity of the Arizona desert and under a star-studded sky, these tours will offer you an unforgettable experience of connecting with the universe and the mysterious night sky.

Details of interest

• Price: approximately 128 euros per person.
• Duration: around 1 hour and 45 minutes.
• Advantages of these excursions: you will be able to live a different experience in the Arizona desert, one of the main sites for astronomical observation due to the low light pollution of the site.
• Disadvantages of these tours: While you will visit several sites in the surrounding desert, you will not have free time to tour or hike on your own.

An exciting Native American ruins hiking tour in Arizona is a unique opportunity to explore the rich cultural history of this American region. As you hike into the surrounding rocky landscape, you' ll find yourself surrounded by remnants of ancient civilizations that once inhabited this land, while enjoying the hot desert climate, especially if you plan to visit Sedona in June or during the summer months.

One of the highlights of these experiences is a visit to the Palatki Ruins, where you can admire ancient cave paintings and dwelling structures dating back more than 5,000 years. Another fascinating site is the Red Ant Mounds area, where you can discover the remains of the Sinagua community. Here you'll find the ancient troglodyte dwellings that cling to the cliffs, a sign of adaptation to the environment.

These tours usually also take you to Boynton Canyon Ruins, a mystical site full of spiritual history and rock art. This sacred site has a special energy that has attracted visitors and spiritual seekers for generations, and the region has striking similarities to the landscape of Antelope Canyon, even though the two are approximately 200 kilometres apart.

Finally, on these tours you can also visit the Sedona Native American Museum and Cultural Center, where you can learn more about the rich cultural heritage of the indigenous peoples who have left their mark on this land over the centuries.

Details of interest

• Price: approximately 112 euros per person.
• Duration: around 2 and a half hours.
• Pros of these tours: You will be able to participate in the best hiking trails around Sedona while learning about the native communities of the region.
• Disadvantages of these tours: If you plan to visit Sedona during the winter it can be a physically demanding experience due to the cold temperatures.

Arizona's Sedona Canyon is a place of unmistakable natural beauty that attracts adventure seekers from all over the world. One of the most exciting ways to explore this stunning rocky landscape is through an ATV tour. This trip will take you through winding trails and steep hills, allowing you to experience the Sedona Canyon from a unique vantage point.

During these tours you will have the opportunity to venture into remote and secluded areas that are not easily reached on foot. The sense of freedom you'll experience as you traverse rocky terrain and picturesque forests is unparalleled. In addition, expert local guides will provide you with information about the geology, history and unique flora and fauna of the region, further enriching the experience.

The Sedona Canyon offers a natural setting unlike any other, with its red rock formations, deep canyons and panoramic views that will allow you to take some of the best photographs of your trip. During these tours you can stop at various strategic points to enjoy these views and connect with the spiritual energy of the area, even if you plan to visit Sedona during the winter when the weather can be a little hostile.

In addition, an ATV tour is a great way to get around the Arizona desert effectively and quickly, which is ideal if you're planning a short stay in the region. If that's your case, here's a list of activities so you can get to know Sedona in 2 days.

Details of interest

• Price: approximately 217 euros per person.
• Duration: about 4 hours.
• Advantages of these tours: you will be able to get to know the Arizona desert in a fast and effective way, even during the winter, and access places that are very difficult to visit on foot.
• Disadvantages of these tours: not recommended for people with reduced mobility.

Sedona, with its stunning desert landscape and vibrant red rock formations, is a destination that deserves to be explored at its best. One of the most comfortable and scenic ways to discover its main sites is through a bus tour. During these tours, you can relax as you are whisked to the region's most iconic sites in a non-stop experience.

The bus travels along the winding roads that wind through the Sedona Canyon, offering perfect panoramic views. From your seat, you can enjoy Cathedral Rock and Bell Rock, two of the desert area's most famous rock formations, without worrying about navigation. In addition, guides will provide you with information about the unique geology, history and local culture.

A Sedona bus tour will also allow you to stop at several strategic points, where you can explore the sites on foot, take photographs and lose yourself in the natural beauty surrounding the region. Some tours even include visits to historical and cultural sites, such as the old themed Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village, where you can shop for regional products and handicrafts.

And if you plan to visit Sedona during the Christmas season, you can discover the region's signature Christmas Eve decorations here.

Interesting details

• Price: approximately 99 euros per person.
• Duration: about 5 and a half hours.
• Advantages of these tours: you will discover the main sites of Sedona in a tour with stops included.
• Disadvantages of these tours: this is one of Sedona's most popular tours, so if you are visiting in the summer or during high season you will need to book in advance.

A kayak tour in Sedona is an experience that will allow you to discover the natural landscapes of the Arizona desert in a unique way. Kayaking the tranquil waters of the Verde River will transport you to spectacular views of the region's signature red rock formations from a different perspective, as you lose yourself in the serenity of the surrounding wilderness.

The Verde River is an oasis of cool in the middle of the desert, and on a kayak tour you can explore its tranquil waters and discover the wildlife that inhabits its banks. From birds and fish to aquatic plants, every corner of the Verde River offers the opportunity to connect with the region's biodiversity and learn about the unique ecosystem that surrounds it.

During the kayak tour, expert local guides can accompany you, providing information about Sedona's geology, history and culture. If you plan to visit Sedona in April or during the spring months, you'll be able to discover the region's flowering vegetation.

You don't need any prior knowledge of paddling or kayaking experience to participate in these excursions, as there are options for all levels and you can also opt for alternatives that include canoeing with expert instructors, who will also be your guides during the adventure.

Details of interest

• Price: approximately 97 euros per person.
• Duration: between 3 and 4 hours.
• Advantages of these tours: You will discover one of Arizona's major navigable rivers on an adventure tour.
• Disadvantages of these tours: If you plan to visit Sedona in winter you may face cold temperatures, especially during rainy days.

You can either book a tour in Sedona in advance online or book these experiences at the tour providers' offices once you are in town. Keep in mind that if you plan to visit in July or during peak season months, last-minute tour prices may increase due to dynamic rates or you may not be able to find room.

Also, if you book in advance, you will be able to organise a tour itinerary, allowing you to make the most of your time in the city. This is ideal if you are planning a short stay in Arizona. If that's your case, here's a list of activities to help you discover Sedona in a 3-day tour.

As a first step, I advise you to book your tours in advance online. This will be ideal to freeze the rate and avoid last-minute rate increases, especially if you plan to visit during the high season, but even if you visit during the rest of the year, this will allow you to organise an itinerary and get the most out of the experience.

Sedona is a destination with many activities in the city but also in the surrounding area, so if you schedule your visit you can not only visit the Chapel of the Holy Cross or Cathedral Rock, which are two of the main local attractions, but also take a trip to the Grand Canyon or visit the Antelope Canyon from Sedona to see northern Arizona as well.

Sedona has some of the most interesting attractions in the heart of Arizona and most of these sites you can visit on your own, but if you opt for a guided tour you can relax on the transfers and itinerary planning and enjoy each of these destinations.

Also, Sedona is a very popular site in the Arizona desert, especially because it is located halfway between Phoenix, which is the state capital, and the Grand Canyon, which is one of the main attractions on the West Coast, so often if you visit the sites on your own, especially during the high season, you will not find tickets or space in the experiences, which will not be the case if you book a tour beforehand.

The main advantage of opting for a guided tour in Sedona is that you can free yourself from worrying about transportation, entrance fees and tickets, and with the assistance of an expert local guide you 'll learn stories and trivia about the sites you visit that you wouldn't otherwise know. You'll also be able to get recommendations of the region, such as the best things to do at night in Sedona or the best restaurants.

Another advantage of taking one of Sedona's guided tours is that you'll be able to experience some of Sedona's best adventure experiences, such as the desert ATV tour, which you won't be able to do on your own, unless you've made it all the way to the city with this vehicle. The same applies to kayaking excursions and night-time stargazing tours, for which you will need powerful telescopes.