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.

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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.

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

If Sedona had a VIP section for sunsets, Merry-Go-Round Rock would be it. Picture this: you’re sitting on a massive sandstone ledge, the entire canyon glowing gold and red around you, and the sky slowly turning cotton-candy pink. Yep - it’s the kind of view that makes you forget about your inbox for a while.

Why it’s special
This spot feels straight out of a Western movie (and fun fact: a few were actually filmed here). The name comes from the circular rock formation that looks like, well, a giant merry-go-round. But the real magic is the 360° view - it’s one of the best in Sedona.

Best time to go
Sunset, hands down. Bring a little picnic, sit back, and watch the canyon light show. Just remember it gets chilly fast after the sun dips, so pack a sweater.

How to get there
The easiest (and most fun) way is to hop on a Jeep tour. Local guides will take you up in open-air Jeeps, bounce you around a bit (hold on tight!), and drop you right at the overlook.

If you decide to reach Merry-Go-Round Rock on your own, you can hike about half a mile along the Munds Wagon Trail. It’s a scenic and easy trail, perfect for a short adventure.

After all the red-rock hikes and bumpy Jeep rides, you’ll probably crave a slower vibe. Enter Crescent Moon Ranch - a peaceful riverside park with unbeatable views of Cathedral Rock (yep, the one that’s on a thousand Arizona postcards).

Why you’ll love it
This place is like Sedona’s backyard. Locals come here to picnic, wade in the creek, or just stretch out on the grass with a good book. The vibe is super relaxed - no steep climbs, no scrambling over rocks, just pure “desert Zen."

What to do
✔️ Walk along Oak Creek and dip your feet in the water (perfect on a hot day).
✔️ Snap a photo of Cathedral Rock reflecting in the water — it looks unreal at sunset.
✔️ Bring a picnic basket and spend a lazy afternoon under the cottonwood trees.

Where to stay nearby
If you love the idea of waking up with that same Cathedral Rock view, check boutique hotels and resorts in West Sedona. Options range from cozy B&Bs to full-on luxury resorts with pools.

Add a little extra
If you want to explore the area deeper, join the Sedona: Cathedral Rock Vortex E-Bike Tour. You’ll ride top-quality electric bikes through the Red Rocks, visit the Cathedral Rock Vortex, and discover local hidden gems along the way.

Sedona is famous for its vortex energy - those “mystical spots” where people say the earth’s energy is extra strong. Whether you’re a total believer or just curious, the Amitabha Stupa & Peace Park is the perfect place to experience that side of Sedona.

Getting there
The park is only about 10 minutes from central Sedona, but you’ll need a car or ride-share to get there. If you’re already renting a car for your trip, it’s an easy add-on (check Rentalcars.com if you’re comparing options).

Why it’s special
In the middle of the desert, you’ll suddenly find a brilliant white Buddhist stupa surrounded by prayer flags, juniper trees, and the red rock cliffs. It feels almost surreal - like you’ve stumbled into a secret pocket of Tibet. The atmosphere here is quiet, peaceful, and honestly, kind of magical.

What to do
✔️ Walk the meditation paths that circle around the stupa.
✔️ Spin the prayer wheels (locals say it brings good luck).
✔️ Sit under the trees and just breathe for a while - you’ll feel the difference from the busier tourist spots.

Want a guided experience?
Some tours combine the stupa with other “spiritual vortex” spots in Sedona. If you’re curious about the mystical side of the desert, this tour can be a fascinating add-on.

Even if you’ve seen a hundred photos of Sedona’s red cliffs, nothing prepares you for the sight of a modern chapel literally built into the rock. The Chapel of the Holy Cross is one of Sedona’s most iconic landmarks - a mix of spiritual calm and jaw-dropping design.

Why it’s special
The chapel was designed in the 1950s and juts straight out of the sandstone cliffs. From the outside, it looks like a futuristic cathedral carved by nature. Inside, the atmosphere is hushed and serene, with floor-to-ceiling windows that frame the desert like a living painting.

The views
Even if you’re not religious, the panorama from the chapel grounds is worth the trip alone. You’ll see Sedona’s mesas, buttes, and the valley spread out below. Sunset here is unforgettable.

How to get there
It’s just a 10-minute drive from central Sedona. Parking is limited at the top, but there’s usually a shuttle cart to help visitors get up the hill. If you’re road-tripping, check available car rentals online.

When to go
Mornings are quieter, but golden hour gives you the best light for photos. If you’re visiting on a weekend, go early - it can get busy.

Tours & extras
Some guided tours include the chapel as part of a Sedona highlights package (great if you don’t want to plan all the logistics yourself).

CONCLUSION

Whether you come for adventure, relaxation, or a little bit of both, Sedona has a way of stealing hearts (and filling camera rolls). Now all that’s left is to plan your trip - book your stay, grab your hiking shoes, and get ready for red rock magic

TRAVEL ESSENCIALS

Now that you’ve got all the tips, it’s time to book your trip!
Find the most convenient flights and accomodation below 👇