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Cathedral Rock
Iconic hikeSedona's most photographed formation and a short, steep, unforgettable hike.
The best things
to do in Sedona
1–2 days
Sedona
6+ stops
Sedona is Arizona's red-rock playground — a compact town surrounded by towering sandstone buttes, world-famous hikes, energy vortexes, and some of the best scenery in the Southwest. This local guide covers the essential stops, from iconic viewpoints to swimming holes, so you can build the perfect Sedona day or weekend.
Find stops along your route, see detour times, and build your perfect itinerary.
Open in AppSedona's most photographed formation and a short, steep, unforgettable hike.
A rounded red-rock butte with easy trails and strong vortex energy.
A striking modern chapel built directly into the red rocks.
Sedona's go-to sunset overlook and a popular vortex site.
Here’s a closer look at every recommended stop in Sedona — what to see, why it’s worth your time, and how to fit it into your visit. Tap “Add this place along your route” on any stop to drop it straight into your itinerary in Outpost Go.
Cathedral Rock is the image most people picture when they think of Sedona — a cluster of soaring red sandstone spires reflected in Oak Creek. The hike to the saddle is short but steep, scrambling up smooth slickrock to one of the best viewpoints in Arizona.
It's also one of Sedona's famous energy vortex sites. Go at sunrise or sunset for the best light and smaller crowds, and wear shoes with good grip.
Add this place along your routeBell Rock is one of the easiest and most accessible red-rock experiences in Sedona. A gentle, well-marked trail loops around the base, with optional scrambles up the lower ledges for bigger views.
Along with neighboring Courthouse Butte, it's a favorite for families and first-time visitors, and it's considered one of Sedona's four main vortex sites.
Add this place along your routeBuilt directly into the red rock in 1956, the Chapel of the Holy Cross is an architectural landmark and one of Sedona's most visited spots. The simple concrete-and-glass design frames sweeping views over the valley.
Entry is free and it only takes a few minutes to visit, making it an easy, worthwhile stop between hikes. Arrive early, as parking is limited.
Add this place along your routePerched above town, Airport Mesa offers a 360-degree panorama of Sedona's red rocks and is the classic place to watch the sunset. A short trail leads to the vortex viewpoint on the saddle.
It gets crowded in the evening, so arrive early to grab a spot — the golden light on the sandstone is worth it.
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Just north of town in Oak Creek Canyon, Slide Rock State Park is a natural water park where the creek has carved an 80-foot slide into slick red sandstone — one of the best swimming holes in Arizona.
Bring a swimsuit and water shoes, and arrive early on summer weekends. Shaded picnic areas and historic apple orchards round out the visit.
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Oak Creek Canyon is the scenic route in and out of Sedona to the north, dropping through pine forest and red-rock switchbacks. The Oak Creek Canyon Vista overlook is a must-stop for panoramic photos.
Often called one of America's most beautiful drives, it's the perfect way to bookend a Sedona trip.
Add this place along your routeOutpost Go makes road trip planning easy.