Anytime you’re in Sedona, of course, we at The Arabella hope you’ll stay as long as possible. Yet, we understand tight schedules, family obligations, work deadlines, and all the rest. So, if you’re coming for just a couple of days, here’s what we suggest to make the most of your time in our favorite place on Earth.
Day 1: Start with Sunrise, Say Goodnight with Pizza
Get an early start to your day with The Arabella’s delicious hot breakfast, complete with coffee and juice, scrambled eggs, bacon and sausage, breakfast potatoes, yogurt, oatmeal, toast, muffins, cereal, and more. We have gluten-free options, too.
Once properly awake and fueled, head to Fay Canyon for your sunrise hike. The shady, 2.6-mile trail tackles just enough elevation (383 feet) to get your blood pumping, but allows you to soak up the serene ambiance as you wind along the canyon floor. If you’d like a little more adventure, go on past the “end of trail” sign to be rewarded with views of Courthouse Butte and Bell Rock.
Hungry again? Grab second breakfast and more caffeine at the Coffee Pot Restaurant back in town, less than a 15-minute drive time.
Return to The Arabella for a little siesta or a dip in one of our two heated pools, or spend a couple of hours browsing art galleries in town. Then, it’s on to the second hike of the day.
The Sugarloaf Loop Trail is one of our favorites, at 1.9 miles and 354 feet of elevation gain. If you’ve brought your dog along, they’re welcome on this trail, which leads to stunning views of West Sedona. Looking for more inspiration? Check out some of our favorite trails around the region here.
Finish out your day with a well-earned wood-fired pizza at Pisa Lisa, and save room for gelato. Return to The Arabella for a glass of wine around the fire pit beneath the star-studded skies and daydream about tomorrow.
Day 2: Sunrise Stretch, then Shop ‘til Sunset
You’re here, so you may as well take advantage of as much red rocks hiking as you can, right? Kick off the day with another sunrise trek, this time up the iconic Cathedral Rock Trail. It’s a steeper climb than yesterday, but shorter (741 elevation gain over 1.2 miles), and you’ll be privy to some of the best views of Sedona’s red rock formations—saved just for the early birds.
We suggest heading from your hike to Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village for breakfast and several hours of browsing … and buying. This Spanish-inspired arts and crafts village is internationally renowned for its specialty shops and exclusive art galleries. You’ll discover everything from Southwestern fine arts paintings and weavings, to contemporary jewelry and casual clothing. You’ll also find it’s one of the most pleasant shopping experiences out there, nestled beneath the shade of the sycamores on the banks of the beautiful Oak Creek.
Other Ways to Spend Your Days
If you’d prefer exploring farther, use this second day instead to visit Sedona’s wineries or take a hot air balloon ride over the red rocks. Or, if you’ve not had your fill of hiking, consider tackling the West Fork Trail. Then hop over to Slide Rock State Park for a refreshing dip after a hot trek.
Care to take in the scenery in a more relaxed manner? Spend the day driving the Red Rock Scenic Byway, a 15-mile stretch between Sedona and the Village of Oak Creek.
Two days in Sedona may not feel like enough, but with these recommendations, you’ll experience the best of what this enchanting destination has to offer. We look forward to welcoming you and seeing what you love best about Sedona!