5 Days in Sedona

Question

Hello!

My husband and I are excited for our first visit to the Sedona area in a few days. We arrive Saturday afternoon in Phoenix and will make our way to Sedona. At this point we have one open day with many options, but none set in stone yet. Any feedback on our itinerary?

Sunday - AM hike to Soldier Pass, noon Pink Jeep Tour (2 hours) and back to our VRBO to watch the Chiefs game. Dinner TBD, we're staying in Uptown so perhaps something walkable from our place.

Monday - open day. Thinking of a hike (West Fork?), exploring Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village, etc.

Tuesday - Jerome and Cottonwood

Wednesday - AM: Out of Africa (already booked), afternoon hike (Devil's Bridge or Munds?), Dinner reservations at Elote

Thursday - depart

We'd love to go stargazing but not sure if a tour is the right approach? I've read many comments about avoiding driving after dark so not sure what is the best option here. We'd like to plug in Chapel of the Holy Cross somewhere. Perhaps a sunrise hike at Doe Mountain one morning.

Thanks so much for your insights!

Answer

Your Sedona itinerary looks well-balanced with a mix of hikes, tours, and scenic exploration. Here are some thoughts and suggestions to refine it, especially considering daylight, driving safety, and maximizing scenic opportunities.

Sunday:

Your AM hike to Soldier Pass is a great choice—moderate length, interesting scenery including Devil’s Kitchen and Seven Sacred Pools.
Pink Jeep Tour at noon fits well after the hike. Two hours is sufficient for a Red Rock adventure without feeling rushed.
Being back to watch the Chiefs game is practical. For dinner, Uptown Sedona has many walkable options, such as The Hudson or Creekside American Bistro.

Monday (open day):

West Fork Trail is a fantastic choice for a full morning hike. Consider starting early for cooler temperatures and to avoid crowds.
Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village pairs well for a relaxing afternoon after a hike.
If you want to see Chapel of the Holy Cross, mid-afternoon is ideal—avoid late evening for driving on winding roads after dark.

Tuesday:

Jerome and Cottonwood make a nice day trip. Jerome is quirky and historic, while Cottonwood has a charming Old Town and wine tasting options.
Consider timing your visit to Jerome in the morning and lunch in Cottonwood to make the day less rushed.

Wednesday:

Out of Africa in the morning is already booked—great interactive wildlife experience.
For the afternoon hike, Devil’s Bridge is shorter but can get crowded; Munds Mountain is quieter with rewarding views. Choose based on whether you prefer solitude or iconic scenery.
Dinner at Elote is an excellent choice—arrive a little early if possible, as it’s very popular.

Additional suggestions:

Sunrise hike at Doe Mountain is perfect for dramatic morning light. Consider doing it on Monday before the West Fork or on another morning if time permits.
Stargazing: You don’t need a tour to see stars if the night is clear and you stay near Sedona. However, organized night sky tours provide telescopes, guidance, and often better viewing spots away from light pollution.
Driving after dark: Sedona roads are winding; plan to do most sightseeing before sunset. Evening activities like stargazing or night photography can be done near your accommodations to avoid long drives.
Optional additions: Bell Rock and Cathedral Rock have easy viewpoints if you want a quick stop without long hikes, ideal for flexible afternoons.

Overall, your itinerary balances activity and relaxation well. Spreading hikes and tours throughout the trip ensures you’re not rushed, and including one full open day allows flexibility depending on weather and energy levels.

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