Sedona Road Trip 2025
There’s something undeniably magical about the open road - especially when it leads to a place as breathtaking as Sedona, Arizona. With its towering red rock formations, vibrant desert landscapes, and energy vortexes that seem to hum beneath your feet, Sedona is a destination that feels both otherworldly and grounding. From winding highways to hidden trailheads, every mile brought a new adventure worth sharing.
Bell Rock
Bell Rock was the first stop of our Sedona road trip as we were driving up from Phoenix. You can spot this massive, bell-shaped formation from the highway as you roll into town, and it practically begs you to pull over and start exploring.
It’s one of Sedona’s most popular hikes for a reason: the views are amazing, the energy is said to be off the charts, and the trail options are super approachable for most fitness levels.
Since this was our first hike here with our 2-year-old toddler, we opted for a short 1 mile hike only. But the Bell Rock Trail is pretty flexible depending on how adventurous you’re feeling. You can stick to the lower paths for an easy walk with panoramic desert views, or scramble up the rock itself for a more challenging, hands-on climb.
Devil’s Bridge
Though there are several options to get to this iconic landmark in Sedona, we chose to start the hike to Devil’s Bridge from the Mescal Trailhead and it turned out to be a fantastic choice for us. This 3.9-mile out-and-back trail offers a mix of shaded paths, wildlife encounters, and a moderate challenge that rewards you with stunning views.
We started our hike before 8am and had no problem finding a parking space. We’ve heard parking can be an issue if you arrive later, but compared to many trailheads, this one has a decent-sized lot with plenty of street parking nearby.
The journey begins with a pleasant walk along the Mescal Trail for about a mile, which meanders through juniper forests and offers glimpses of the surrounding red rock formations. It then connects to the Devil’s Bridge Trail, where the terrain becomes more rugged. The final stretch involves a short but steep ascent, with a series of rocky but very safe steps leading up to the arch.
Standing atop Devil’s Bridge provides panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, making it a perfect spot for photos and reflection. There will likely be a line for photos but it was only a short 10-minute wait for us around 9am on the day of our visit. There is also a large area to sit and relax if you want to soak in the view before heading back.
Subway Cave
Subway Cave is a blend of adventure, natural beauty, and a touch of Sedona's mystique. Nestled along the Boynton Canyon Trail, it is very often considered a hidden gem due to its unofficial trail and more primitive path.
The journey begins at the Boynton Canyon Trailhead, the parking lot is rather small and fills up quickly. We arrived before 8am and parking lot was already full, we had to find nearby street parking and luckily it didn’t add too much distance to our hike.
Once you get on the trail, you'll embark on a scenic path through diverse landscapes. After hiking about 2 miles, look for a well-marked junction with a large juniper tree - this is your cue to veer off the main trail and turn right toward Subway Cave.
It’s about 0.6 miles after you make the right turn to reach the cave. This section includes more ascent and rocky terrain, which really builds the excitement. Once you reach the bottom of the cave, you’ll have two options to get inside:
The first option is a steep and narrow rock climb with limited grip spots. You will use your whole body to support and balance yourself on the way up. We will assure you that going up there is challenging, even a bit dangerous, but fun and satisfying!
The second option is to go around and take a longer, more gradual ascent to reach the back of the cave. There’s a narrow section that requires caution, but it’s much less strenuous overall. Entering this way, you might walk into someone else’s photo, so be sure to smile and wave :)
We climbed up the first route and came down using the second. Inside the cave, the play of light and shadow creates a surreal atmosphere - a photographer’s paradise. The narrow passageway, reminiscent of a subway tunnel, contrasts beautifully with the expansive desert surroundings.
Chapel of the Holy Cross
Tucked into the dramatic red rock formations of Sedona, Arizona, the Chapel of the Holy Cross is a spiritual and architectural marvel that seems to rise organically from the desert landscape. Designed by sculptor and artist Marguerite Brunswig Staude, a student of Frank Lloyd Wright, the chapel was completed in 1956 and has since become one of Sedona’s most iconic landmarks. With its minimalist design and towering 90-foot cross embedded into the rock face, it’s both a place of worship and a profound example of how human creativity can harmonize with nature.
Whether you're religious or not, stepping into the chapel brings a sense of peace and awe, as sunlight pours through the expansive window and washes over the simple, elegant interior. It’s a must-visit no matter if you're on a spiritual journey, an art and design lover, or simply exploring the natural wonders of Arizona. Don’t forget to take a moment on the observation deck just below the chapel - it’s one of the best photo ops in the area.
Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village
Wandering through Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village in Sedona feels like stepping into an old-world Mexican village - complete with cobblestone walkways, arched entryways, and vine-covered stucco walls. This isn’t your average shopping center—here, art galleries, artisan boutiques, and craft studios are tucked into every corner, inviting you to slow down and explore.
Tlaquepaque is more than just a place to shop—it's an experience. You can sip a locally roasted espresso under the shade of a sycamore tree, browse handcrafted jewelry and Southwestern pottery, or enjoy a gourmet meal on a garden patio surrounded by fountains and flowers. Whether you're hunting for a unique souvenir or simply soaking in the atmosphere, the village is a sensory delight. It’s an adorable place that blends culture, creativity, and a relaxed Sedona vibe all in one spot.
Cathedral Rock and Crescent Moon Ranch
Cathedral Rock is one of Sedona’s most iconic landmarks, known for its striking spires and panoramic views. We unfortunately didn’t have time to hike this trail on this trip, but we did stop at a few excellent vista points to capture its beauty.
One of the best places to view Cathedral Rock is Crescent Moon Ranch. It is a super serene location that offers a peaceful setting with lush green meadows, towering trees, and the gentle sounds of Oak Creek, all set against the backdrop of Cathedral Rock.
It is also the perfect place to unwind with family after several days of hiking in Sedona.
As the sun dipped behind the red rocks and painted the sky in shades of orange and pink, we couldn’t help but feel grateful for the time spent in Sedona. This road trip wasn’t just about hiking trails or snapping photos - it was about reconnecting with nature, slowing down, and soaking in the kind of beauty that stays with you long after you leave. Whether you’re chasing adventure, looking for peace, or just need a break from the everyday, Sedona has a way of giving you exactly what you didn’t know you needed. Until next time, red rock country - you were pure magic.
Hotel of Our Stay: Matterhorn Inn
This small hotel is in a prime location in Uptown Sedona and offers breathtaking views. We booked one of their nearby villas—The Chalet—which felt very much like an Airbnb, and it turned out to be a fantastic stay. The rooms were well-maintained and very spacious (our toddler loved the playroom). It’s just a 2-minute walk to the main hotel if you need to use its amenities, and there’s easy access to local restaurants and shops. Definitely recommended if you’re traveling with a larger family!
