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Is Sedona good for sight seeing/easy hikes?

We are considering staying in Scottsdale and visiting Sedona for a couple of days next month. We have older folks in the group and want to know if the park can still be enjoyed without any hard and strenuous hikes. (So looking for more drivable sight seeings spots; occasional hikes and general walk arounds aren’t an issue but steep/mountainous hikes/rocky terrains will be a challenge for them).

Also is staying in Scottsdale ok or are there better alternatives? (Selecting Scottsdale as I heard there are good resort style hotels; we do have a couple of additional days for sightseeing in the area apart from Sedona visit, so any recommendations welcome)

Sedona is a fantastic destination for sightseeing, even for visitors who prefer easy hikes and minimal strenuous activity. The area is famous for its stunning red rock formations, scenic drives, and accessible viewpoints, making it possible to enjoy the beauty of the region without tackling steep or rocky trails.

For older adults or anyone looking for gentle activities, there are plenty of options:

  • Scenic Drives: The Red Rock Scenic Byway (Highway 179) is very popular and offers numerous pullouts for photos and short walks. Oak Creek Canyon Drive is another breathtaking route with easy access points for quick stops.
  • Easy Trails / Walks: Trails like Bell Rock Pathway, Cathedral Rock Viewpoint (just the viewpoint, not the climb), and the Chapel of the Holy Cross area offer short, relatively flat walks with incredible views.
  • Lookouts & Overlooks: Airport Mesa, Red Rock Crossing, and Soldier Pass Trail viewpoints are generally easy to access and provide panoramic views without long or steep hiking.
  • Other Activities: Sedona also offers jeep tours, guided sightseeing tours, and art galleries, which are excellent for groups who prefer minimal walking.

Regarding your lodging choice, Scottsdale is perfectly fine, especially if you enjoy resort-style hotels and amenities. It’s a major hub with excellent dining, spas, and shopping, and it allows easy day trips to Sedona, which is about a 2-hour drive each way. However, if you prefer to minimize driving and want a more immersive experience in the red rocks, staying in Sedona itself or nearby towns like Oak Creek or Village of Oak Creek can be more convenient for sightseeing and shorter excursions.

Additional sightseeing ideas in the Scottsdale/Phoenix area include:

  • Phoenix Desert Botanical Garden: Beautiful desert flora and easy walking paths.
  • Old Town Scottsdale: Art galleries, shops, and restaurants.
  • Superstition Mountains / Goldfield Ghost Town: Easy exploration of historic areas with minimal hiking.
  • Day trip to Jerome: A historic mining town with scenic views and accessible streets.

In summary, Sedona can absolutely be enjoyed without strenuous hiking. Opt for scenic drives, short accessible trails, and overlooks to capture the region’s beauty. Scottsdale is a fine base with resort-style amenities, but for shorter driving times to Sedona, consider staying in Sedona or nearby areas for part of your trip.

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