A Day in Sedona

If you never make it to Mars, this might be the closest you’ll get…with air conditioning.

At some point we all want to get away from the stresses of life, and who can blame us? Bumper to bumper traffic, shoulder to shoulder on the metro rail, or working deadline to deadline in your designated cubicle. This type of lifestyle is not conducive to physical and mental strength, which is why we feel better the more time we spend in nature. As of 2020 at least 83% of the US population lived in an urban area, with the number increasing and expected to hit 90% by 2050. More people moving towards the madness and away from the tranquility.

Starting your journey in Phoenix and driving north, about halfway through your two hour drive you’ll notice the landscape slowly begin to change. Hills of cacti transition into layers of pine trees. Large hills of dirt slowly give way to abutments of rock. These are slow reminders that you’re leaving the desert and city life behind. As you exit off Highway 17 just before you get to Flagstaff, you’re surrounded by a cathedral of red rock formations that feel somewhat otherworldly. That’s when you know your arrival to Sedona is coming soon, and while it’s very much not off the map, it certainly feels like it, and that’s what you want.

Morning

Ambiente

Sedona has been a resort city for a while now. There are some Airbnb/VRBO options, but you’ll find they’re not as dominant as the hotel scene. Ambiente is a place celebrated for both its location and luxury. It’s recognized as a landscape hotel, meaning that the property was designed to blend into its natural environment with low impact to nature. It’s also the only hotel in Arizona given recognition as one of “The Leading Hotels Of The World”, a highly coveted list of the most desirable hotels on Earth.

Waking up at Ambiente is like waking up in a southwestern dream. The rooms have floor to ceiling windows that give you full immersion of the red rock setting from your bed. You’ll want to hit the ground running and not spend too much time finding breakfast around town. Take advantage of the breakfast on site, which is an included credit as part of your stay, and quite delicious. One of the many benefits of staying at Ambiente is the property access to the Adobe Jack Trailhead. Without even getting in your car, you can take this path from the property and get to one of the best hikes and photo spots in all of Sedona, the Seven Sacred Pools. Just remember, this is Arizona, your body is going to demand more water in the drier climate, so pack plenty.

Afternoon

Devil’s Bridge

Whatever calories you had for breakfast are probably burned off at this point, time to refuel. Let’s get something out in the open, Sedona is not a food destination. Yes, there are ample restaurants, and some are better than others, but you wouldn’t travel there specifically for the cuisine like you would New Orleans or Charleston. It’s hard to pinpoint a food that resonates with the area, but if there’s one place that resembles what Sedona is (vortexes, hippies, yogis), it’s ChocolaTree. Declaring itself as the “Organic Oasis Of Sedona”, this vegetarian spot is worth sacrificing meat for a meal (don’t worry, you’ll make it up later). Clean, delicious food, with a great variety of liquid pairings will restore your energy and have you ready for your next hike.

Subway Cave

After lunch, jump in your car and drive about ten minutes up the road to two of Sedona’s most “Insta Worthy” landmarks. You’ve most likely seen an image of Devil’s Bridge at some point. If not, the best way to explain it is like a long rock plank formation with sprawling views of pine trees and red rocks. Your other option for a hike is Boynton Canyon, which is a great trail that has another scenic spot worth hiking to called the ‘Subway Cave’. Typically, like most major landmarks in Sedona, there will be a line of people for those interested in taking a picture with a scenic backdrop. Handstand photos are always a thing, but make sure you’re confident in your abilities before throwing your body upside down. Rocks are not forgiving at a fifty (plus) foot drop.

Evening

A Sedona sunset is like no other, and the best spot to witness it is at the Sedona Airport. The good thing about the airport overlook is unlike the other landmarks in Sedona, it doesn’t require a strenuous hike to get there. The airport has ample amounts of parking and the overlook is right next to the parking lot. Make sure to get there at least thirty minutes prior to sunset to find good parking and enjoy the last bit of the sun before it tucks itself behind the red rocks. If you want to get there a little earlier, there’s a short trail from the airport that takes you down to the Mesa Vortex, which is arguably the best view of the city.

Ambiente Rooftop

After a day of hiking trails and lots of time in the sun, it’s safe to say you’re famished, and in need of a good meal. For dinner there is no other option but the best restaurant in town, Mariposa. Mariposa is a latin inspired restaurant that sits on a hill right next to Ambiente, with unobstructed views and delicious food. After you’ve cleaned up, have the car service at the hotel take you around the corner to the restaurant. The parking lot is usually full, and it’s highly recommended to make a reservation in advance. Don’t skip out on the yucca fries, they’re ridiculously delicious.

After dinner, make your way back to your hotel room and up the staircase to your rooftop patio. Start a fire, pour yourself a glass of wine and take in the night time view. Stars shine bright and the moon sheds light on large rock shadows that surround the valley like gates to a castle. There’s no better way to end the day than in this present moment, creating a memory you’ll carry for a long time thereafter.

Other Recommendations:

• Mesa Grill: Great food with a view at the Sedona Airport.

• Merkin Vineyards: Winery owned by rock legend Maynard James Keenan about half an hour from Sedona.

• Enchantment Resort: An enchanting and solitary resort with nearby trailhead access to Boynton Canyon.

• Pink Jeep Tours: An alternative way to see Sedona with a guide.