5 Hidden Gems in Sedona

First things first: Sedona doesn’t have its own major airport. The easiest way in is to fly into Phoenix Sky Harbor (PHX) - about a 2-hour drive - or Flagstaff Pulliam Airport (FLG), which is closer (just under an hour), but usually has fewer flights.

⭐ Pro tip: Phoenix often has cheaper and more frequent flights, so unless you’re coming from somewhere nearby, that’s your best bet.

Find the most convenient flights below 👇

Now, here’s the part you don’t want to skip: you absolutely need a car in Sedona. This isn’t one of those "cute walkable towns" where you can Uber everywhere. Most of the hidden gems I’ll share are tucked away on trails and scenic roads - so unless you’re planning on hitchhiking with hikers (not recommended 😅), just rent a car.

Compare rental options here:

💡 Looking for more options? Check out my full Sedona Hotel Collection with hand-picked stays for every budget.

You know those spots that feel like nature secretly designed them for Instagram? Subway Cave is exactly that. Tucked away in Boynton Canyon, this hidden tunnel frames Sedona’s red rocks like a giant natural window. Step inside, and suddenly the whole desert feels like it’s posing just for you.

Why it’s worth the hike
Unlike Devil’s Bridge, which is stunning but usually packed, Subway Cave still feels like an adventure. It’s the kind of place where you’ll want to text your friends later: “Guess what I just found?” (well… if you have signal, but more on that in a sec).

Best time to go
Head out early morning or just before sunset. The low-angle light makes the rocks glow, and inside the cave you’ll get that perfect “spotlight” effect for photos.

How to get there
The hike is about 3 miles round trip. You’ll start at the Boynton Canyon Trailhead (parking is right off the main road - a rental car is your best bet if you’re not staying nearby). The cave isn’t marked on maps, so you’ll need to watch for a narrow side path.

What to bring
✔️ Sturdy shoes — the last scramble into the cave is a little steep.
✔️ Plenty of water (Arizona sun = instant dehydration).
✔️ A wide-angle lens or phone with portrait mode.
✔️ Offline maps. Cell service is patchy here, so consider an eSIM from Airalo if you’re traveling around Arizona.

Late Afternoon: Coffee Break & Cultural Discovery

After outdoor adventures, treat yourself to a coffee break at Onyx Tonics, a specialty café with an emphasis on locally roasted beans and artisanal pastries.

If you’re interested in more culture:

• Fleming Museum of Art at the University of Vermont offers rotating exhibits of regional and international art.
• Local Art Galleriesalong Church Street showcase Vermont artists and photographers. Many allow photography and small purchases.

Evening: Dinner & Nightlife

Optional Evening Activity:

• Book a sunset cruise on Lake Champlain for a relaxing end to your day. Watch the sun dip behind the mountains while enjoying local cider or wine.

Morning: Getting to Stowe & Breakfast

Getting There:
After breakfast in Burlington, hop into your rental car and drive approximately 45 minutes to Stowe. The drive itself is scenic, with rolling hills, charming farmhouses, and stunning views of the Green Mountains - perfect for a few quick photo stops.

Late Morning: Outdoor Adventures & Nature Walks

Begin with a walk or light jog along the Stowe Recreation Path, a scenic 5.3-mile trail weaving through forests, along rivers, and past picturesque bridges. Perfect for photography, stretching your legs, or just soaking in Vermont’s natural beauty.

✔️ Optional Activity: Rent a bicycle or join a guided bike tour, which takes you along the hidden corners of the trail and shows scenic overlooks you might otherwise miss.

✔️ Water Adventure Option:
For a more aquatic morning, consider kayaking or paddleboarding on the Little River.

Afternoon: Adventure, Museums & Local Culture

Scenic Drives:
Use your rental car to explore Mountain Road Scenic Byway, stopping at viewpoints, small farms, and charming country shops. Rental makes it easy to hop between locations on your own schedule.

Art & History:

• Visit Helen Day Art Center, which features contemporary exhibitions by Vermont artists.
• Stop by Stowe Historical Society to learn about local heritage and architecture.

Outdoor Fun:
If you still have energy, try a zipline or canopy tour. Flying above the treetops with fall colors all around is an unforgettable Vermont experience.

Evening: Dinner & Night in Stowe

✔️ Optional Sunset Activity:
Book a sunset gondola ride or guided photography tour. Capture the colors of the Green Mountains as the sun sets, creating an unforgettable memory.

Accommodation Recommendations:

• The Lodge at Spruce Peak, Part of Hyatt - For a luxury mountain experience
• Topnotch Resort - The ideal location for getaway.

After exploring Burlington and Stowe, it’s time to experience the charm of Vermont’s small towns. Woodstock, often called one of the prettiest towns in the state, offers historic streets, covered bridges, local farms, and nearby natural wonders like Quechee Gorge. Day three is a mix of culture, outdoor adventures, culinary delights, and relaxation.

Getting There:
From Stowe, take your car for a scenic 1-hour drive to Woodstock. The journey winds through rolling hills, farmland, and small villages, offering multiple photo opportunities along the way.

Afternoon: Outdoor Adventures & Scenic Spots

Quechee Gorge:
After lunch, drive about 15 minutes to Quechee Gorge, Vermont’s “Little Grand Canyon.” The gorge offers multiple hiking trails, lookout points, and opportunities for photography. A short hike leads to a bridge overlooking the gorge, where the Ottauquechee River rushes below.

✔️Optional Adventure:

• Ziplining or aerial tours above the gorge.
• Horseback riding through nearby farms or forest trails - many local stables offer guided tours.

Late Afternoon: Local Shopping & Relaxation

Woodstock Village:
Return to the village for a gentle stroll. Explore local boutiques, bookstores, and artisan shops. It’s also a good time to grab coffee or a Vermont-style ice cream from a local creamery.

Evening: Dinner & Departure

Evening Activity:

• If you’re staying another night, enjoy a sunset walk along the Ottauquechee River or a short night hike through the National Historical Park.
• Alternatively, head back toward Burlington or your next destination, listening to the quiet serenity of Vermont’s countryside.

Accommodation in Woodstock:

• Woodstock Inn & Resort: Comfortable, historic, centrally located.

Conclusion: Your 3-Day Vermont Adventure

After three days exploring Burlington, Stowe, and Woodstock, you’ve experienced the perfect mix of Vermont’s natural beauty, local culture, and small-town charm. From lakeside strolls and mountain hikes to waterfalls, historic farms, and cozy village streets, this itinerary shows the best of what the Green Mountain State has to offer.