Feedback for sept trip

Question

Planning a trip for mid Sept. Would love feed back.

Friday arrive around noon. We are cautious about leaving our luggage in the car unattended so where should we eat lunch and what scenic drive can we take?

Check into lodging at 4pm. Staying near Chapel area.

Quick hike at mystic trail

Check out Chapel of Holy Cross.

Late dinner at Elote. Anything we can check out near or on the way to Elote? Dinner is at 8pm so no views but that is the only reservation I could snag.

Saturday: 8 am pink jeep broken arrow tour. Check out Uptown. What specifically should we check out? Where do you recommend we grab brunch/lunch?

Head back to lodging for a quick bit.

Hike the West Fork Trail. Will we be able to find parking around 1-2pm? How many miles in/out do you recommend? How is lighting in the canyon later in the day? What is a good alternative hike or activity. Thinking Slide Rock?

Dinner at Vespa or Javalina Cantina.

Sunday:

Devils Bridge Trail. Hoping to be on trail no later than 7am. Do we need to take the shuttle to the trailhead? Do we start from the Mescal trailhead or Dry Creek trailhead? Allocate 2-3 hours for the hike. We are fairly good hikers so hiking over 5 miles is fine. Anyplace to grab a light breakfast after the hike? Should we check out Airport Mesa after or Sedona Airport Scenic Lookout? How long is this hike?

Lunch TBD maybe Secret Garden

Check out Tlalplaque.

Head back to get ready for dinner at Mariposa. Sunset reservation.

Monday: would like to get another hike in before we have to check out of lodging mid morning.

Any suggestions? Chicken point? (it is easy access from where we are staying but we will see it on the jeep tour?) Brins Mesa, Soldier Pass?

Where do you recommend that we have lunch on our way out of Sedona? ( will have luggage in our car)

Would it be ok to check out Jerome and have lunch there?

I also want to check out Peace Park but not sure were to fit that in. Thanks for any feedback.

Answer

Your mid-September Sedona itinerary looks well-planned and exciting! Here’s some detailed feedback and suggestions to help make your trip smooth and enjoyable.

Friday:

Since you’re arriving around noon and want to avoid leaving luggage unattended, consider dining at restaurants that have outdoor seating or are close to your lodging, so you can keep your belongings in the car or take them inside if possible. For scenic drives, the Red Rock Scenic Byway (SR 179) is ideal—short, beautiful, and easily accessible from the Chapel area.

Lunch suggestion: The Hudson (modern American, great views, casual vibe)
Scenic drive: Red Rock Scenic Byway loop towards Bell Rock and Courthouse Butte

After checking in at 4pm, the Mystic Trail is a nice short hike for early evening. The Chapel of the Holy Cross is perfect for sunset photography but note it closes at 5pm—if arriving later, you may only see it from the outside or plan for early morning on another day.

For your 8pm Elote reservation, the drive from Chapel area passes some scenic stops:

Bell Rock Vista for sunset colors
Uptown Sedona briefly if you want a quick stroll on the way

Saturday:

Pink Jeep Broken Arrow tour at 8am is excellent for off-road views. Uptown Sedona afterward is great for exploring art galleries, souvenir shops, and coffee spots. Specific recommendations:

Gallery Hopping: Exposures International Gallery of Fine Art
Coffee/Snack: Sedona Memories Bakery & Cafe
Optional: Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village for galleries and light lunch

West Fork Trail around 1–2pm: Parking can be limited; arrive early if possible or be prepared for a short wait. Recommended hike length is 6–7 miles round trip for moderate pace. Lighting in the canyon is still good in early afternoon but can get dappled in late afternoon. If crowded, alternatives include Slide Rock State Park (fun, scenic, but can be busy) or Devil’s Bridge for a shorter hike later in the day.

Dinner at Vespa or Javelina Cantina: Both are excellent. Vespa is slightly more upscale; Javelina is more casual.

Sunday:

Devil’s Bridge Trail: Start early (around 7am) to avoid heat and crowds. From your lodging, Mescal Trailhead is easier with parking but longer; Dry Creek Trailhead is shorter with shuttle options during peak season. 2–3 hours is sufficient for a 4–5 mile round trip if you maintain a moderate pace. After the hike, breakfast options near the base of the trail or back in town:

Red Rock Cafe (classic diner style)
Indian Gardens Cafe & Market (if coming via Dry Creek)

Airport Mesa and Sedona Airport Scenic Lookout are close by; Airport Mesa is more accessible and offers sunset views. Both can be combined after Devil’s Bridge if timing allows.

Lunch: Secret Garden Café is a good option in Tlaquepaque area.

After lunch, check out Tlaquepaque if not fully explored earlier. Sunset dinner at Mariposa is perfect; allow extra time for views and photography.

Monday:

For a final morning hike, options near your lodging include:

Chicken Point: Easy access, quick views, but will overlap with Jeep tour sights.
Brins Mesa or Soldier Pass: Moderate hikes with excellent red rock vistas and fewer crowds.

Lunch before departure: Jerome is feasible; it’s about 40–45 minutes from Sedona and offers unique dining with historic charm. Consider The Asylum Restaurant or Mile High Grill. Your luggage can stay in the car if secure or bring it inside briefly while eating.

Peace Park is small but peaceful; could fit in before leaving for Jerome or as a quick stop after a short morning hike, depending on timing.

Overall, your itinerary balances popular hikes, scenic drives, and dining experiences well. Parking and shuttle considerations are the main variable, so plan slightly earlier for popular spots to avoid delays.

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