Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour of Sedona

As the audio guides play commentary based on your gps location, you can create your own itinerary along the tour route to match your interests and schedule. Or you can use our trip planners for our suggestions on half, full or multi day itineraries. Some of the many highlights are listed below;

Fantastic views across Sedona and the surrounding landscape await you. A 3.5 mile hike allows you to enjoy the full 360-degree views, but it is not required to do the entire hike, and the viewpoint is very impressive on its own. This is the location of one of Sedona's renowned Vortexes. It's very worthwhile to return to this location as one of Sedona's premier sunset locations. Your parking ticket is valid for the full day, so you can return at no extra cost.

One of the most popular hikes in the Sedona area, Boynton Canyon offers a little of everything, a Vortex, an impressive spire, a large cave-like formation and even Ancestral Puebloan ruins - not to mention the generally awesome views along the way. The shortest version of the hike is just 1 mile but those looking for a more strenuous effort can extend the hike to a total of 6 miles to see more features. Enthusiastic hikers will want to add this to their list, but if doing just 1 mile sounds good to you, then it's very worthwhile too.

Cathedral Rock is startling and we will catch views of this formation from many different places around Sedona. To get up close and even scale up the slickrock as far as you feel comfortable to go, access parking and the trailhead on the Back O' Beyond Road.

Contemplate the sacred at this Tibetan Buddhist shrine and peace park, located at the base of Thunder Mountain. Included inside this particular Stupa are mandalas, nearly one billion prayers for peace, and soil and medicine from around the world. Everyone is welcome to visit the Stupa, but please be respectful of those who have come for prayer and meditation.

The Courthouse Butte and Bell Rock formations dominate the view as we drive the Red Rock Scenic Byway just north of Oak Creek Village. There are 2 places where trails depart from if you want to get closer to inspect the rock, and also to experience another of Sedona's Vortexes. Superb views and photos can be enjoyed right from the car park on the south side of the formations.

Unlike other regions in the south west, Sedona does not have al that many rock archess - but the Devils Bridge is an impressive one! The arch is stable enough that the brave can walk across it. A half mile, easy hike is required to get to the Devil's Bride, but you should expect to share this location with others. Be patient as you may have to wait for your turn on the arch and to catch that photo.

First inspired by the Empire State Building, Chapel of the Holy Cross was the product of 20 years of search and determination. The chapel is literally a part of the rock landscape. Take fantastic photos from the parking area below the Chapel, and then walk up and visit inside this impressive structure.

Perched next to 5 switchbacks that climb the canyon wall, this is a quality viewpoint that looks back into the canyon we climb out of, or are about to descend into. You'll appreciate the striking difference between this forested scene compared to the far more arid conditions around Sedona. A small Native American craft market is a bonus and can be a great place to find a souvenir from your journey.

There are 3 places of interest on this 7 mile loop drive at the very western end of our Sedona exploration. Red Rock State Park is local favorite, complete with visitor center and displays. This can be a lucky place to spot wildlife including javelinas, fox and deer. Sightings are not guaranteed but nice to explore and you never know what you may spot. Further along the loop is the popular Crescent Moon Picnic Site, a location where you can snap one of Sedona's best views of Cathedral Rocks. Just around the corner is the Secret Slickrock Trail - its not that much of a secret anymore, but it is definitely a less-crowded place for more inspiring views of Cathedral Rock requiring an easy 1/2 mile trail hike.

On a hot summer's day, it's hard to think of a better place to be to cool off. This is a unique swimming hole and creek that features a totally natural 80 foot long waterslide. It can be a little bumpy but is a ton of fun for all ages. There are also some hikes and preserved heritage building to explore on site.

The vision of a local businessman came to life to recreate a Mexican-style plaza complete with fountains, wrought iron, archways and even a chapel, makes this a calming and peaceful place to explore many quality art galleries stores and cafes. Definitely a great place to visit if looking for an enjoyable shelter and break from outdoor activities.

When it comes to strolling the stores, searching for a souvenir, cafes and restaurants, Central Sedona, aka Uptown Sedona, is the area that enjoys the most selection and variety. Add to that the sublime views to the rock formations that surround the town, and its a very enjoyable place to do a little meandering. The uptown area runs for a few blocks starting 1 block north from the traffic circle that is the junction of 89A and 179. Street parking can be difficult to find, so try using the free public lots on Jordan Rd, behind the main street.

Sedona is a place that enjoys many hundreds of miles of hiking trails, so you know it's going have to be a really top quality hike to make it into the Highlights of the tour. West Fork of Oak Creek is well-deserving of its popularity. Most hikers will venture on the 3-mile each way, out-and-back trail, enjoying creek and canyon views and stopping for many photos along the way. You'll find yourself doing a little rock and log hopping, and even getting your feet wet at times, if you choose. With more time and energy you can push on a little further upstream.

A really great photo to snap is the steel arch of the Midgely Bridge, taken from below road level. The bridge was the last structure built to complete the new highway route between Sedona and Flagstaff in 1939.