48 Hours in Sedona: Where Epic Trails, Good Food & Soulful Vibes Meet
Yoga on Bell Rock
Sedona is our favorite town in Arizona. Few places capture Arizona’s wild beauty and spiritual energy quite like Sedona. Between its rust-red cliffs, vortex hikes, farm-to-table restaurants, and restorative wellness scene, it’s is the kind of place that makes you just feel good. Sedona is well known for its beautiful hiking trails and brilliant towering red rocks, but what truly surprised us was the amazing food scene! Each time we come back, we find another amazing hiking path to try and a new delicious cuisine to taste.
If you only have a weekend, don’t worry — 48 hours is just enough time to fall in love with this desert gem. Here’s how to make the most of your Sedona getaway, with a focus on food, hikes, and feel-good moments along the way.
What Makes Sedona Special?
Although Sedona is located only an hour and half north of Phoenix, it feels like a completely different world. The small town hippie feel with yoga studios, tarot card readers, and wellness retreats (not to mention some great golfing!) has a very laid back spiritual vibe. What truly makes Sedona special is its four main vortex sites with different energy vortexes throughout the greater Sedona area.
If you aren’t sure what a vortex is (or what one is supposed to feel like), it is believed to be a spiraling concentration of energy that is supposed to make one feel more spiritual, connected, put in a meditate state, and/or give the sensation of personal reflection. Whether you feel the need to seek out these vortexes to meditate and practice yoga or not, there is something special about this beautiful area. Sedona places a huge emphasis on wellness, experience, and presence. No matter what that means to you, we’re confident you will find something special during your visit.
Quick Guide: 48 Hours in Sedona
🗓️ Trip Length: 2 days / 1–2 nights
🥾 Top Hikes: Cathedral Rock, Boynton Canyon, Bell Rock, Margs Draw Trail
🍴 Best Eats: Elote Café, The Hudson, Shorebird, Mariposa
🧘♀️ Wellness Spots: Aumbase Sedona, Airport Mesa, Local Juicery
📸 Don’t Miss: Sunset from Bell Rock, Dinner at Mariposa, sunrise yoga with a view
Getting Around Sedona: Why a Car Is Worth It
While Sedona does offer a free shuttle system that services some popular trailheads, having a car gives you maximum flexibility — especially if your trip revolves around hiking, food, and wellness experiences spread throughout town.
With a car, you can:
Catch sunrise hikes without waiting on shuttle schedules
Easily hop between trailheads, cafés, and restaurants
Reach less-accessible hikes like Marg’s Draw or Boynton Canyon
Stay outside the main town center (which is often quieter and more affordable)
Parking & Trailhead Tips
Some trailheads, like Bell Rock, require paid parking or a Red Rock Pass
Other popular hikes may require street parking nearby or parking in small dirt lots, so arrive early, especially on weekends!
Parking lots can fill quickly by mid-morning, particularly at Cathedral Rock and Devil’s Bridge
Pro Tip: If you plan to hike multiple trails, purchasing a Red Rock Pass (available for daily or weekly use) can save time and hassle.
We recommend booking your car through Expedia to compare prices and find the best rental car deals.
How to Spend 48 Hours in Sedona
The itinerary below assumes you have a rental car, otherwise we would recommend staying close to downtown and using the free shuttle system to get around or book some guided tours (listed at the bottom). Some of the hikes further out may require you to Uber or take a Lyft to access. Check out the Free Sedona Shuttle Site for more information and to help you plan your trip based on where the shuttle stops. Otherwise, feel free to copy our itinerary below:
Day 1: Red Rocks, Iconic Trails & Local Flavors
Morning – Coffee & a Classic Hike
Hiking along Bell Park Pathway Trail
Start your morning early with locally roasted coffee from Firecreek Coffee or Synergy Café, where the first views of red rock spires will give you nature’s caffeine boost, ready to get after some hiking.
From there, head straight to one of Sedona’s most iconic hikes:
Cathedral Rock Trail: Short but steep, this 1.2-mile climb rewards you with jaw-dropping panoramic views — especially magical at sunrise.
Bell Rock Loop: A more moderate option at 3.6 miles, offering wide-open desert vistas and access to one of Sedona’s most talked-about vortex sites.
Wellness Tip: Pause mid-hike, take a few deep breaths, and soak it all in. Whether or not you believe in vortex energy, Bell Rock has a grounding, calming presence that’s hard to ignore. Ash and I even stopped at one of the vistas and did a quick video yoga flow while looking out at the valley. It was a really grounding experience!
Afternoon – Lunch with a View
After a morning on the trails, it’s time to refuel — and Sedona does post-hike dining exceptionally well. Refuel at The Hudson — one of Sedona’s best restaurants for casual upscale dining with an unbeatable view. Try the Hudson Mushroom Burger or Kale & Quinoa Salad, paired with a prickly pear margarita. Try to sit out on the patio if you can.
If you’re looking for something lighter or vegan-friendly, Local Juicery is a great spot for smoothie bowls, waffles, salads, and cold-pressed juices that feel like wellness in a glass.
Evening – Golden Hour Views & Sunset Dinner
In the late afternoon, visit the Chapel of the Holy Cross, an architectural icon built directly into the red rocks with sweeping views across the red rock valley. Whether you’re snapping photos or taking a quiet moment for reflection, the views from here are spectacular.
From there, unwind with a glass of wine at Winery 1912, a relaxed spot to ease into the evening before dinner. We loved having a sampler here and staring out at the mountains in the rustic setting.
End your first day with dinner at Elote Café (be sure to make reservations in advance!), one of Sedona’s most beloved restaurants. This Southwestern-inspired gem serves bold, unforgettable flavors — don’t miss the Elote appetizer or Smoked Brisket Enchiladas. Reservations are highly recommended.
Pro Tip: If reservations are booked, try snagging a seat at the bar — the cocktails and atmosphere are just as memorable.
Day 2: Yoga, Energy & Farm-to-Table Indulgence
Morning – Yoga & Vortex Energy
Start day two slowly with a yoga or mindfulness session surrounded by red rocks:
Meditate in the Vortex Energy: Start your morning practicing inner peace and setting an intention for the day in nature.
Aumbase Sedona: Known for breathtaking views and guided vortex yoga experiences
Vortex Yoga & Hiking Combo or Sedona Hot Yoga: Perfect if you’re craving a detoxifying, energizing flow.
If yoga isn’t your thing, opt for the Marg’s Draw Trail, one of our favorite lesser-known hikes with scenic views and fewer crowds.
You can also visit Airport Mesa, one of Sedona’s most accessible vortex sites. Arrive early for soft morning light and a peaceful start to the day.
Afternoon – Brunch & More Trails
Brunch at Pump House Station Urban Eatery and Market is a really cool unpretentious brunch location. It is rustic chic and has everything from avocado toast to benedicts to urban burritos.
After brunch, choose another adventure:
Boynton Canyon Trail: A beautiful hike known for its scenery and subtle vortex energy.
Devil’s Bridge Trail: Sedona’s most famous hike, featuring a stunning natural sandstone arch.
Soldier Pass Trail: A moderate trail with arches, sinkholes, and incredible desert views.
Wellness Pause: Find a quiet overlook, sit for a moment, and reflect. Sedona has a great way of making you slow down and enjoy the present.
Evening – Farewell Flavors
Wrap up your weekend with a relaxed dinner at Mariposa Latin Inspired Grill by Chef Lisa Dahl — one of Sedona’s top culinary experiences. The fire-grilled meats and smoky flavors pair perfectly with desert sunsets and panoramic red rock views. We personally loved the empanadas and cocktails.
If you’re looking for something low-key to cap off the night, Vino Di Sedona offers local wines, charcuterie, and live music on the weekends — the perfect way to toast your Sedona escape.
Amazing Restaurants to Try in Sedona
Sedona is truly a foodie destination and there are so many delicious restaurants packed into a small town. You can find a variety of cuisines to match any palate and plenty with unbeatable views. Check out any (or all!) of these amazing restaurants in Sedona:
Mariposa Latin Inspired Grill (our favorite!) - come for the incredible views, delicious food, and craft cocktails. Be sure to reserve in advance!
Shorebird - A nice “California” cuisine restaurant with great seafood and ambiance
The Hudson – Casual upscale dining with panoramic views
Pisa Lisa – Wood-fired pizzas and relaxed Italian comfort food
Dahl & Di Luca - Home-made pasta dishes and a great wine list. This is the most awarded restaurant in Sedona and worth a visit to see why!
Elote Cafe - Iconic Mexican food staple in downtown
Where to Stay
Amara Resort & Spa: Boutique luxury with a focus on wellness and stunning views.
L’Auberge de Sedona: Creekside cottages and serene spa vibes — ideal for a romantic or restorative stay.
Sky Ranch Lodge: Perched high above the valley with unbeatable sunset views and a cozy atmosphere.
Las Posadas of Sedona: This is where we stayed. It is a little outside of the bustling part of town, near lots of hiking and restaurants. The atmosphere and rooms are beautiful — you get tons of space, great breakfast, and nice amenities.
Check Out These Experiences to Make the Most of Your Time
If you have a little extra time, consider taking a few of these experiences in and outside of the town (or more if you don’t have a car in order to see more of the sites):
The iconic Pink Jeep Tour! - Take a trip through Sedona to get up close and personal with red rocks and the valleys while off-roading through Sedona’s terrain.
Verde Valley Train Ride - Ride the luxury train through the Verde Valley to get sweeping views of the Verde Valley just south of Sedona.
Antelope Canyon and Horse Shoe Bend Tour - See two of the most stunning natural canyons in Arizona!
Vortex eBike Tour - Take an eBike tour to see and feel some of the vortexs around Sedona
Verde Valley Wine Tours - check out some of the best Wineries in Arizona on a guided tour
Train ride to the Grand Canyon - take a scenic guided train ride to the Grand Canyon on the historic Grand Canyon Railroad.
Weather & Packing Guide: What to Bring for a Sedona Weekend
Sedona’s high-desert climate means sunny days, cooler nights, and big temperature swings, especially in spring and fall. Packing smart will make your weekend far more comfortable — whether you’re hiking at sunrise, lingering over brunch, or enjoying sunset cocktails with a view. Sedona has a laid back casual vibe, but many still dress up a bit (think a nice dress or a jeans and button down) for dinner. While Sedona does keep its hippie vibe culture and come as you are hiking feel, we’d still recommend bringing a nice change of clothes for dinner or brunch.
Best Time to Visit Sedona
Spring (March–May): Warm days, cool mornings, wildflowers, and ideal hiking weather. The first time we visited Sedona was in April and the weather was perfect (Mid to high 70’s)!
Fall (September–November): Crisp air, fewer crowds, and golden desert light. The last time we visited Sedona was in October and again the weather was perfect during the day (think mid-70s) with cool mornings (high 50’s/low 60’s).
Summer (June–August): Hot midday temperatures, but early mornings and evenings are beautiful
Winter (December–February): Cool days, chilly nights, and occasional snow dusting the red rocks
What to Pack for Hiking & Exploring
Comfortable hiking shoes or trail runners – Many Sedona trails are rocky and uneven
Lightweight daypack – Perfect for water, snacks, and camera gear
Reusable water bottle or hydration pack – The desert air is dry year-round
Sun protection – Hat, sunglasses, and high-SPF sunscreen are essential
Layers – A light jacket or fleece for early mornings and evenings
What to Pack for Dining & Evenings Out
Sedona’s food scene is relaxed but stylish — think elevated casual.
Breathable daytime outfits for hiking and walking, like these hiking pants for women or these for men
One nicer outfit for dinners at places like Mariposa or Elote Café
Comfortable sandals or casual shoes for exploring town
Wellness Extras (Optional, But Worth It)
Yoga mat or towel (some studios provide them, but not all)
Lightweight scarf for sunrise or sunset moments
Journal or book for quiet reflection
Pro Tip: Even if the forecast looks warm, always pack layers. Temperatures can drop quickly once the sun dips behind the red rocks.
Final Thoughts: The Magic of Sedona
Sedona has this cool unique vibe that makes you fall in love with this town. It’s scenic and picturesque, while still fun and lively. It’s the first sip of coffee with red cliffs rising behind you, the quiet pause on a vortex trail, and trying all types of delicious food as you eat your way through the town. Whether you come for the food, the hikes, or the healing energy, one thing’s for sure: Sedona will stay with you long after you’ve left. We hope you enjoy Sedona as much as we do!
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