Sedona is famous for red rocks, wide-open trails, and desert sunshine, but when the afternoon heat settles over the canyons, every traveler starts looking for the same thing: a cool place to pause. The good news is that Sedona offers more ways to refresh than you might expect. From hotel pools and creekside swimming holes to shaded canyon trails and slow evenings under the stars, cooling off here can be just as memorable as the day’s adventure.
For guests staying at Arabella Hotel Sedona, the easiest escape is already on property. Arabella gives travelers a comfortable Red Rock Country base with two heated pools, two hot tubs, complimentary cruiser bikes, fire pits, a panoramic Sunset Vista, and daily hot breakfast. That means you can hike early, swim in the afternoon, and settle into a relaxed evening without leaving the hotel.
Start With Arabella’s Pools
After a morning on the trails, nothing feels better than returning to Arabella for a swim. The hotel’s amenities include two outdoor swimming pools and two hot tubs, giving guests an easy way to relax after exploring Sedona. The pool areas are especially useful in warmer months, when the smartest travel rhythm is to adventure early, rest midday, and head back out once the red rocks begin to cool.
Make it part of your routine. Wake up for Arabella’s fresh hot breakfast, hike or explore before the day gets too warm, then come back for pool time, a nap, or a quiet moment in the shade. The hotel’s Amenities & Services make that kind of slow, satisfying Sedona day easy to enjoy.
Swim, Wade, and Slide at Slide Rock State Park
For the classic Sedona swimming experience, head north to Slide Rock State Park in Oak Creek Canyon. The park includes a half-mile stretch of Oak Creek open for swimming, wading, and sliding, along with the famous 80-foot natural sandstone chute that gives the park its name.
Slide Rock is popular for a reason: it is playful, scenic, and uniquely Sedona. The red rock walls, clear creek water, and natural slide create an experience that feels both refreshing and adventurous. Arrive early during busy seasons, wear water shoes if you have them, and expect slippery rocks. Slide Rock is a state park, so check current hours, parking, fees, and water conditions before you go.
Afterward, return to Arabella Hotel Sedona for a quieter kind of cool-down: a shower, a poolside rest, and dinner close to your room.
Find Iconic Views at Crescent Moon Ranch
If you want a cooling escape with one of Sedona’s most photographed views, plan time for Crescent Moon Ranch and Red Rock Crossing. Visit Sedona describes Crescent Moon Ranch/Red Rock Crossing as one of Sedona’s most beloved destinations, known for Cathedral Rock reflected in Oak Creek and a setting that blends natural beauty, history, and recreation.
This is a beautiful spot for travelers who want more than a swim. Bring a picnic, enjoy the shade along the creek when conditions allow, take in the view of Cathedral Rock, and let the pace slow down. Access rules and hours can vary, so confirm current site information before planning an evening or late-afternoon visit.
Crescent Moon pairs well with a romantic or family-focused Sedona day. Spend the morning exploring, cool off near Oak Creek, then return to Arabella for the hotel’s panoramic Sunset Vista as the red rocks turn golden.
Choose a Shaded Canyon Walk
Not every cool-down has to involve swimming. Sedona’s shaded trails can offer relief from full sun while still giving you the feeling of being outside. Oak Creek Canyon is one of the best places to look for that softer side of Sedona, with creekside scenery, trees, and canyon walls creating a cooler atmosphere than many exposed red rock trails.
For travelers who want a lighter day, choose a shaded walk instead of a strenuous climb. Go early, carry water, and avoid pushing through the hottest hours of the afternoon. Sedona’s beauty is not only found at the top of a steep trail; sometimes it is in a quiet creek crossing, a shaded bend in the path, or a canyon view that appears slowly through the trees.
Refuel at Molé Mexican Kitchen
Cooling off is also about slowing down for a good meal. Arabella features on-site dining at Molé Mexican Kitchen, where guests can enjoy Mexican cuisine, breakfast options, and al fresco seating in beautiful surroundings.
This is especially convenient after a long day outdoors. Instead of driving across town, guests can return to the hotel, clean up, and enjoy dinner close to their room. Arabella has also noted that Molé’s patio dining offers beautiful views, making it a natural fit for a relaxed summer evening.