Arizona Hiking Sedona - Lodge Based

Trip Length4 Days
Group Size4–12
Activity level
Starting from
$2,499for REI Members
$2,749 for non-members
DeparturesMar 2025-Dec 2025

Beautiful red rock formations, lush creeks and forested slopes serve as our backdrop on this 4-day adventure in Sedona.

Sedona is renowned for being both a destination for outdoor recreation and a powerfully spiritual place. This adventure explores it all—from daily hikes amid beautiful sandstone formations to 1000-year-old pueblo ruins, we cover an exceptional combination of breathtaking scenery and fascinating ancient history. While each day includes an opportunity for active exploration, there is ample time devoted to cultural interpretation as well as free time for discovering Sedona on your own, at your own pace.

As the trip unfolds, expect to encounter something new each day: trails winding through manzanita and juniper, striking red rocks which lead to magnificent vantage points of the surrounding landscape, and hummingbirds feeding at a blooming Ocotillo. Hike among the spectacular red rock canyons, explore ruins from the native Sinagua Culture, discover the revitalized ghost town of Jerome, and visit three national monuments. Follow our experienced local guides as they lead us down the trail and enlighten us about the scenic, geological and historical wonders of this colorful and unique destination.

Soak up the breathtaking scenery while reflecting on your day’s journey from the terrace of our comfortable Sedona accommodations.

Trip Highlights

  • Enjoy a 4-day escape to the stunning red rock beauty of Sedona
  • Hike each day among beautiful sandstone formations and high desert scenery
  • Choose your own adventure one afternoon, take a hike, shop in downtown, or just relax with a good book
  • Explore the historic mining town of Jerome and 1000-year-old pueblo ruins
  • Spend each night in a comfortable Sedona hotel

Activities

This trip is rated Easy Active [2]. Participants should have experience hiking and be comfortable navigating challenging terrain such as loose rock, roots, and smooth rock slopes for 3-6 miles with elevation gains/losses of up to 1,000' for multiple days in succession. Hiking in Sedona is often exposed with limited shade and dry conditions. While daytime temperatures are typically comfortable, they can rise to over 90 degrees. To maximize your enjoyment of the trip and to avoid sore muscles, we suggest beginning a regular exercise regimen at least 2-3 months prior to departure. Recommended exercises include hiking, jogging, cycling and/or swimming.

  • Hiking

What's Included

Three nights hotel lodging; all meals from lunch on Day 1 through lunch on Day 4; guides; roundtrip transportation to/from our meet location; all national monument entrance fees and permits. All trip operations are conducted under a Coconino National Forest Special Use Permit.

Accommodations

Hotel, 3 nights

Your Adventure Itinerary

Itinerary map for Arizona Hiking Sedona - Lodge Based
Day 1

Meet in the Phoenix area and set off to hike the high desert surrounding Sedona

Our trip begins today in the Phoenix area. Meet your guides and fellow travelers this morning for a brief orientation to ensure we're all prepared before loading into our private van and setting out to the high desert surrounding Sedona. Our hike today takes us to some of the most recognizable and photographed formations in Sedona, Bell Rock and Courthouse Butte. We take time to circumnavigate both formations and become immersed in the diverse flora and fauna of Sedona, a perfect introduction to the local ecosystem. After a day warming up on our legs on the trail, we head to our comfortable Sedona hotel to get checked in and cleaned up before dinner. Overnight in Sedona for the next three nights. Box lunch and dinner included.

Hiking: 4 miles, Elevation gain/loss: 458'/456'; Driving 3 hours

Day 2

Hike on the red rocks of Sedona, stroll pueblo paths, explore the historic mining town of Jerome

After breakfast, we set out on one of Sedona's classic hikes. Our trail winds through the striking red rock to a vantage point providing magnificent views of the surrounding landscape. Later this morning, we visit Tuzigoot National Monument, a large Sinagua pueblo that has been excavated and stabilized. The pueblo features prime examples of pottery, baskets, tools, weavings and demonstrations of how these ancient farmers and craftsmen lived a thousand years ago. Our next stop is the 19th-century mining town of Jerome. Built on a 30-degree slope, many of Jerome's buildings were ravaged by fires or slipped downhill over time. A revised building code finally required structures to be made of only masonry, and the town now hosts galleries featuring local artists, tasting rooms featuring Arizona wines and numerous historic buildings to explore on your own. We will also enjoy a fabulous dinner at a local Jerome restaurant before returning to Sedona for the evening. All meals included.

Hiking: 4.4 miles, Elevation gain/loss: 519'/850', Driving 1.5 hours

Day 3

Follow another classic Sedona trail. Choose your own adventure this afternoon

This morning's hike brings another chance to enjoy the wonders of the area. Around each bend of the trail we encounter something new—a fantastic desert vista, hummingbirds feeding at a blooming Ocotillo, or polished red, white and pink sandstone blended together to create a beautiful geological formation. Our guides help us find a spot for lunch with a view under the shade of pinyon pines. This afternoon gives us a chance to choose our own adventure (while the activities are on your own, our guides provide transportation to various drop-off locations). Take a self-guided hike, shop for local artwork or just relax and soak up some Arizona sunshine. Tonight, we enjoy a special final celebration dinner with our traveling companions and newfound friends. All meals included.

Hiking: 6.5 miles, Elevation gain/loss: 1,091/1,081', Driving 1 hour


Day 4

Enjoy a final hike in Red Rock State Park before returning to the Phoenix area

We depart Sedona this morning and set off for Red Rock State Park, a 286-acre nature preserve with stunning scenery. Trails in the park wind through manzanita and juniper, and green meadows are framed by native vegetation and hills of red rock. Oak Creek flows through the park, creating a riparian habitat filled with plants and wildlife. Our guides lead us along a series of interconnecting trails. We discuss the geology of the Colorado Plateau and some of the fascinating adaptations that plants and animals have made to survive in this environment. En route back to the Phoenix area this afternoon, we stop at Montezuma's Castle National Monument, a dramatic cliff dwelling located in a high alcove above Beaver Creek. Its purpose is still debated by archaeologists—was it a fortress, a religious center? After our visit to Montezuma's Castle we head back to the Phoenix area and plan to arrive in the late afternoon. Breakfast and lunch included.

Hiking: 3.7 miles, Elevation gain/loss: 483'/470', Driving 3 hours

Itinerary map for Arizona Hiking Sedona - Lodge Based

Gear List

The key to staying comfortable while on an active trip is layering. To get maximum comfort with minimum weight, you need versatile layers that mix and match to create the right amount of insulation, ventilation and weather protection. Try to bring only what is necessary—this will help you and the field staff.

Already booked this trip? Sign into your online traveler profile for a more detailed list of what you'll need.

REI members can shop for gently used gear online or at most REI stores. Members can also trade in pre-loved used gear online or at any REI store in exchange for REI gift card credit. Check out Re/Supply at REI to learn more.

We provide

What to pack

Contact Us

Feel free to give us a call at 1 (800) 622-2236 should you have any questions regarding the gear list. The staff at our stores and Direct Sales ( 1 (800) 426-4840 ) will also be happy to help you with gear questions. Or check out REI Expert Advice , which has great information to help you prepare for your trip.

Trip specifics may change over time. Reviews reflect the version of the trip that was active at the time the reviewer took it. Please review the itinerary as described above and call our team for any additional details.