Sedona

Drive from Phoenix to Sedona(2 hours)

I-17 North to Highway 179. Rental car essential ($40-80/day from PHX). The final stretch on 179 past Bell Rock and Courthouse Butte is jaw-dropping

Check-in and pick up Red Rock Pass(1 hour)

$15/week pass required for trailhead parking. Buy at the Sedona Chamber of Commerce (331 Forest Rd) or local shops. America the Beautiful annual pass ($80) also works

Airport Mesa sunset vortex(1.5 hours)

Drive to Airport Mesa overlook (free parking for first 30 minutes, otherwise Red Rock Pass). The 360-degree sunset view of Sedona's red rocks is the best introduction. This is also an energy vortex site — notice the twisted juniper trees. Short loop trail (0.5 miles) to the viewpoint

Dinner at Elote Cafe(1.5 hours)

Reservations essential (book online at elotecafe.com 2-3 weeks ahead). Southwest-Mexican cuisine. Fire-roasted corn (elote, $12), smoked brisket enchiladas ($26). Walk-in only at the bar (arrive by 4:30PM). Sedona's most celebrated restaurant

Cathedral Rock hike(2.5 hours)

1.2-mile round trip but steep — involves scrambling over slickrock. Bring grippy shoes and water (1 liter minimum). Trailhead parking fills by 7AM on weekends — arrive by 6:30AM. The saddle views at the top are Sedona's finest. Red Rock Pass required

Oak Creek swimming (seasonal)(1 hour)

Cool off at Red Rock Crossing ($12/vehicle) below Cathedral Rock. Wade in Oak Creek with the iconic Cathedral Rock reflection. The most photographed spot in Sedona. Best May-September

Lunch at Creekside American Bistro(1 hour)

Creekside patio dining in the Creekside Plaza. Southwest chicken wrap ($16), elk burger ($22). Views of Snoopy Rock from the patio. Casual and relaxing post-hike

Chapel of the Holy Cross(45 minutes)

Free. Catholic chapel built into the red rock cliffs (1956). Frank Lloyd Wright student design. Panoramic views from the approach road and chapel interior. Open 9AM-5PM. Visit late afternoon for best light

Guided stargazing tour(2 hours)

$70-90/person. Sedona's Dark Sky designation means visible Milky Way. Evening Light Adventures or Sedona Stargazing provide telescopes and expert guides. Best on new moon nights. See Andromeda Galaxy, Jupiter's moons, and nebulae

Devil's Bridge hike(3.5 hours)

4.2-mile round trip (moderate) to the largest natural sandstone arch in Sedona. You can walk across the 54-foot bridge — carefully. Trailhead at Dry Creek Road. Arrive before 8AM or after 3PM to avoid the worst crowds and parking issues. Red Rock Pass required. Bring 2 liters of water

Lunch at Indian Gardens Cafe(1 hour)

Oak Creek Canyon. Shaded creekside patio. Turkey avocado sandwich ($14), house-made pie ($7). A perfect post-hike refuel spot. Cash preferred

Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village(2 hours)

Free to browse. A hacienda-style arts village with 45+ galleries and shops. Hand-blown glass, bronze sculptures, Native American jewelry. The sycamore-shaded courtyards and fountains are beautiful. Kuivato Glass Gallery for live glassblowing demos

Dinner at Mariposa Latin Inspired Grill(1.5 hours)

Dramatic multi-level restaurant with floor-to-ceiling red rock views. Argentine-Latin cuisine. Grilled rack of lamb ($48), red rock views. Arrive for sunset seating. Reservations essential

Guided vortex meditation at Boynton Canyon(2.5 hours)

Book a guided vortex meditation tour ($100-150/person, 2-3 hours). An experienced guide takes you to Boynton Canyon vortex for breathwork and meditation among twisted junipers. Even skeptics find it surprisingly peaceful

Spa treatment(2 hours)

Mii Amo Spa at Enchantment Resort ($200-400 treatments) is world-class. Budget alternative: Sedona New Day Spa ($120-180 for a 90-minute massage). Hot stone massage with red rock energy is the signature treatment

Lunch at SaltRock Southwest Kitchen(1 hour)

Amara Resort. Patio overlooking Oak Creek. Southwest salads ($16), grilled salmon ($28). Relaxed vibe

Crystal and New Age shopping(1.5 hours)

Crystal Magic (largest crystal shop in Sedona), Center for the New Age (psychic readings $40-80, aura photos $30), and The Hummingbird House for healing stones. This is Sedona at its most unique

Sunset at Bell Rock(1 hour)

Short walk (0.5 miles) to the base of Bell Rock on the Bell Rock Pathway. The rock glows orange-red at sunset. Another vortex site — energy is said to radiate outward here. Free. Red Rock Pass for parking

Pink Jeep Tour — Broken Arrow(2.5 hours)

$109 adults. Sedona's signature experience. Navigate steep rock ledges, cross Submarine Rock, and learn the geology. The drivers are skilled and entertaining. Book 1-2 weeks ahead at pinkadventuretours.com. Family-friendly with child seats

Lunch at Hideaway House(1 hour)

Pizza and Italian with red rock views from the deck. The Sedona pizza ($18, green chile, sausage) is locally famous. Off the beaten path on Morgan Road. Cash or card

Slide Rock State Park(2.5 hours)

$20-30/vehicle. Natural 80-foot water slide carved in red rock along Oak Creek. Cold water (~15°C) but thrilling. Wear water shoes. Arrive before 9AM in summer — park closes when lot fills. Open 8AM-5PM (summer until 7PM). Best May-September

Dinner at Dahl & Di Luca(1.5 hours)

Intimate Italian in a cozy house. Handmade pasta ($22-28), extensive Italian wine list. Roma tomato basil soup ($10) is a local legend. Reservations essential. Uptown location

Drive to Grand Canyon via Oak Creek Canyon(2 hours)

Highway 89A north through Oak Creek Canyon — hairpin switchbacks through one of America's most scenic drives. Stop at the scenic overlook near the top. Continue through Flagstaff to Highway 180. Park entry: $35/vehicle (7-day pass)

Mather Point first view(30 minutes)

Free. Your first view of the Grand Canyon from the main South Rim visitor center. Most visitors are silenced by the scale — 277 miles long, up to 18 miles wide, and over a mile deep. Nothing prepares you

Rim Trail walk(2 hours)

Free. Paved path along the rim with dozens of viewpoints. Walk from Mather Point west to Maricopa Point (2 miles). Each viewpoint reveals a different angle. Free shuttle buses connect stops

Lunch at El Tovar Dining Room(1 hour)

Historic hotel right on the rim ($20-35 entrees). Reservations recommended. The dining room has canyon views. Alternatively, Bright Angel Lodge (more casual, $12-18) or bring a packed lunch

Return to Sedona via Flagstaff(2.5 hours)

Stop in Flagstaff for dinner at Brix Restaurant & Wine Bar — seasonal, local ($22-34 entrees) or quick bites at Pizzicletta ($12-16 wood-fired pies). The drive back through Oak Creek Canyon at dusk is magical

Sunrise at Airport Mesa(1 hour)

Arrive 30 minutes before sunrise. The red rocks turning from purple to orange to blazing red in the morning light is Sedona's most spiritual moment. Free. Short walk from parking area

Breakfast at The Hudson(45 minutes)

Uptown Sedona. Green chile eggs ($14), avocado toast ($12), excellent coffee. Patio with red rock views. A proper farewell breakfast

Last shopping at Tlaquepaque(45 minutes)

Pick up any final art or souvenirs. The Rowe Gallery has fine art, Son Silver West has turquoise jewelry ($50-500)

Drive to Phoenix airport(2 hours)

Highway 179 south to I-17. Enjoy the final red rock views in the rearview mirror. Allow 2.5 hours before domestic flights at PHX

Drive from Phoenix(2 hours)

I-17 to Hwy 179. Rental car essential ($40-80/day). Final stretch is stunning

Check-in and Red Rock Pass(1 hour)

$15/week at Chamber of Commerce or shops

Airport Mesa sunset vortex(1.5 hours)

360-degree sunset view. Vortex site with twisted junipers. Short 0.5-mile loop

Dinner at Elote Cafe(1.5 hours)

Reserve 2-3 weeks ahead. Elote ($12), smoked brisket enchiladas ($26)

Cathedral Rock hike(2.5 hours)

1.2-mile steep scramble. Grippy shoes, water. Arrive 6:30AM. Red Rock Pass

Red Rock Crossing swimming(1 hour)

$12/vehicle. Wade in Oak Creek below Cathedral Rock. Classic reflection photo

Lunch at Creekside Bistro(1 hour)

SW chicken wrap ($16), elk burger ($22). Snoopy Rock views

Chapel of the Holy Cross(45 minutes)

Free. 1956 chapel in red rock cliffs. Open 9AM-5PM. Late afternoon light

Stargazing tour(2 hours)

$70-90. Dark Sky designation. Milky Way visible. Telescopes provided

Devil's Bridge hike(3.5 hours)

4.2-mile RT. Walk across 54-foot bridge. Arrive before 8AM. 2L water

Lunch at Indian Gardens(1 hour)

Oak Creek Canyon. Creekside patio. Sandwich ($14), pie ($7)

Tlaquepaque Village(2 hours)

Free. 45+ galleries. Hand-blown glass, Native jewelry. Kuivato glassblowing

Dinner at Mariposa(1.5 hours)

Floor-to-ceiling red rock views. Lamb ($48). Sunset seating. Reserve

Guided vortex meditation(2.5 hours)

$100-150. Boynton Canyon. Breathwork among junipers

Spa treatment(2 hours)

Mii Amo ($200-400) or New Day Spa ($120-180). Red rock energy massage

Lunch at SaltRock(1 hour)

Amara Resort. Creek patio. Salads ($16), salmon ($28)

Crystal shopping(1.5 hours)

Crystal Magic, Center for New Age (aura photos $30, readings $40-80)

Bell Rock sunset(1 hour)

Short walk, red-orange glow. Vortex site. Free

Pink Jeep Broken Arrow tour(2.5 hours)

$109. Steep ledges, Submarine Rock. Book 1-2 weeks ahead

Lunch at Hideaway House(1 hour)

Pizza with red rock views. Sedona pizza ($18)

Slide Rock State Park(2.5 hours)

$20-30/vehicle. 80-foot natural slide. Cold water. Water shoes. Arrive 9AM

Dinner at Dahl & Di Luca(1.5 hours)

Intimate Italian. Handmade pasta ($22-28). Tomato soup legend

Drive via Oak Creek Canyon(2 hours)

Hwy 89A hairpin switchbacks. Stop at overlooks. Through Flagstaff. $35/vehicle

Mather Point + Rim Trail(2.5 hours)

Free first view. Walk Mather to Maricopa Point (2 mi). Free shuttles

Lunch at El Tovar(1 hour)

Historic rim hotel ($20-35). Canyon views. Reservations recommended

Desert View Watchtower (optional)(1 hour)

Free. Drive 25 miles east along Desert View Drive for more viewpoints and the 70-foot stone watchtower

Return via Flagstaff(2.5 hours)

Dinner at Pizzicletta in Flagstaff ($12-16 pies)

Breakfast at The Hudson(45 minutes)

Green chile eggs ($14), avocado toast ($12). Patio with views

Creekside relaxation(2 hours)

L'Auberge de Sedona has a creekside terrace (restaurant guests welcome). Or picnic at Crescent Moon Ranch ($12/vehicle) along Oak Creek with Cathedral Rock views

Free afternoon(2 hours)

Browse uptown galleries, visit Sedona Heritage Museum ($7), or rest

Sound healing session(1.5 hours)

$40-80. Crystal singing bowls, gongs, and Tibetan bowls. Center for the New Age or private practitioners. Deeply relaxing even for skeptics

Boynton Canyon hike(3 hours)

6.1-mile RT (moderate). Vortex site at the canyon entrance. The full canyon trail winds through red rock walls, forests, and prehistoric pueblo ruins. Bring 2L water. Trailhead parking: Red Rock Pass

Fay Canyon arch (side trip)(1.5 hours)

1.1-mile easy trail to a hidden natural arch. Look for the unmarked scramble trail on the right at 0.5 miles — leads to the arch for spectacular views. Much quieter than Devil's Bridge

Lunch at Mesa Grill(1 hour)

Sedona Airport area. Southwest cuisine with 270-degree views. Green chile burger ($18), prickly pear margarita ($14). The approach road has great views

Afternoon rest and pool time(2 hours)

Many Sedona resorts have pools with red rock views. Enchantment Resort and L'Auberge are top picks for day-use pools (ask about day passes)

Dinner at Cucina Rustica(1.5 hours)

Italian-Mediterranean in the Village of Oak Creek. Wood-fired pizza ($18-22), osso buco ($32). Romantic courtyard. Reservations essential

Drive to Montezuma Castle(30 minutes)

$10/adult. Ancient Sinagua cliff dwelling (1100-1425 AD) built into a limestone cliff — one of the best-preserved in North America. Paved trail to viewpoint, 0.3 miles. No climbing allowed

Montezuma Well(45 minutes)

Free with Montezuma Castle ticket. A natural limestone sinkhole with Sinagua ruins along the rim. Less visited and more atmospheric than the Castle. 11 miles north. Easy trails

Verde Valley wine tasting(2.5 hours)

Arizona's emerging wine region. Drive to Cornville or Cottonwood. Page Springs Cellars ($15 tasting, river views), Javelina Leap ($12, small family winery), and Alcantara Vineyards ($15, swimming hole on the property). Total distance: 20-30 minutes from the Castle

Lunch in Cottonwood(1 hour)

Nic's Italian Steak & Crab House — upscale Italian in a 1925 building on Main Street. Or Crema Craft Kitchen for creative brunch ($12-18). Old Town Cottonwood is a charming walkable historic district

Return to Sedona(30 minutes)

Dinner at Cucina Rustica or a casual meal at the Sedona Pizza Company ($14-18)

Soldier Pass Trail(3 hours)

4.1-mile RT (moderate). Pass Devil's Kitchen sinkhole (a massive collapsed cave), the Seven Sacred Pools (seasonal water), and eventually a natural rock arch. One of the best all-around trails. Trailhead parking limited — arrive by 7AM. Red Rock Pass

Palatki Heritage Site(1.5 hours)

Free (Red Rock Pass for parking). Ancient cliff dwellings and pictographs (rock art from 3000-6000 years ago). Ranger-led tours — reservation required via recreation.gov. 30 minutes from Sedona on a dirt road (passable in a sedan)

Lunch at Oak Creek Brewing(1 hour)

Sedona's local brewery. Amber ale ($6), wood-fired pizza ($14-18). Casual, outdoor seating. A local hangout, not a tourist spot

Free afternoon(2 hours)

Rest, revisit favorite galleries, or explore Uptown Sedona shops (turquoise jewelry, Native American art, Southwestern home decor)

Dinner at Cress on Oak Creek(2 hours)

L'Auberge de Sedona's fine dining. Creekside tables, tasting menu ($120) or à la carte ($30-45 entrees). The most romantic dinner setting in Sedona. Reservations essential

Drive to Jerome(45 minutes)

Highway 89A south through the Verde Valley. Jerome clings to a 30-degree hillside at 5,000 ft. Once 'the wickedest town in the West' with 15,000 residents — now a charming artist colony of 450

Jerome walking tour(2 hours)

Free. Walk the steep Main Street past art galleries, the Sliding Jail (moved 225 feet downhill from dynamite blasting), and the old mining headframes. The Jerome Historical Society Museum ($5) covers the copper boom

Lunch at The Asylum Restaurant(1 hour)

Inside the former Jerome Grand Hotel (originally a hospital). Burger ($18), tacos ($16). The terrace has 50-mile views across the Verde Valley. The hotel is famously haunted

Caduceus Cellars & Merkin Vineyards(1.5 hours)

Owned by Maynard James Keenan (Tool frontman). Wine tasting ($15) in Jerome's tasting room. Surprisingly excellent Arizona wines

Return to Sedona(45 minutes)

Dinner at Elote Cafe (if you couldn't get a reservation earlier) or Pisa Lisa ($12-16 calzones)

Doe Mountain hike(2 hours)

2.8-mile RT (moderate — short but steep). The flat summit offers 360-degree panoramic views of the entire Sedona area. Less crowded than Cathedral Rock or Devil's Bridge. Red Rock Pass. Arrive by 7:30AM

Horseback ride through red rocks(2 hours)

A Day in the West or Trail Horse Adventures ($90-130/person, 2 hours). Ride through Soldier Pass or Dry Creek areas. All experience levels welcome. Best way to see the landscape like the old West. Book 1 week ahead

Lunch at Red Rock Cafe(1 hour)

Village of Oak Creek. Massive portions. Breakfast burrito ($14), burgers ($16). Cash or card. Local diner feel

Free afternoon(2 hours)

Visit Sedona Airport overlook for panoramic photos, browse Hillside Sedona shopping plaza, or rest by the pool

Dinner at SaltRock(1.5 hours)

Amara Resort creekside. Seasonal menu, creative cocktails. Relaxed upscale vibe

Option A: Fossil Creek (seasonal)(5 hours)

Permit required April-October ($6, reserve at recreation.gov, sells out fast). Natural turquoise waterfall and swimming holes fed by mineral springs. 45 min drive from Sedona. The water color is extraordinary — it's where 'fossil' meets 'creek.' Bring water shoes

Option B: West Fork Trail(4 hours)

6.9-mile RT (easy-moderate). Follows Oak Creek through a narrow red rock canyon with 13 creek crossings (waterproof shoes needed). The canyon narrows dramatically — towering walls with ferns and wildflowers. Best fall foliage in Arizona (late October). Call of the Canyon day use: $12/vehicle

Lunch packed or at Indian Gardens(1 hour)

Pack a trail lunch for Fossil Creek (no food vendors). For West Fork, stop at Indian Gardens on the way back

Free afternoon(2 hours)

Rest and recovery. Pool time or spa

Farewell dinner at Mariposa(1.5 hours)

Return for sunset views. Argentine lamb, craft cocktails. The red rocks at golden hour from this restaurant are unforgettable

Sunrise at Airport Mesa(1 hour)

Arrive 30 min before sunrise. Rocks turn purple to orange to red. Free

Breakfast at The Hudson(45 minutes)

Green chile eggs ($14). Red rock views. Farewell breakfast

Last Tlaquepaque shopping(45 minutes)

Son Silver West turquoise jewelry ($50-500), Rowe Gallery fine art

Drive to Phoenix(2 hours)

Hwy 179 to I-17. Allow 2.5 hours before PHX flights

Drive from Phoenix(2 hours)

I-17 to Hwy 179. Rental car essential

Airport Mesa sunset(1.5 hours)

360-degree view. Vortex site. 0.5-mile loop

Dinner at Elote Cafe(1.5 hours)

Book 2-3 weeks ahead. Elote ($12), enchiladas ($26)

Cathedral Rock hike(2.5 hours)

1.2-mile steep scramble. Arrive 6:30AM

Red Rock Crossing(1 hour)

$12. Oak Creek swimming below Cathedral Rock

Lunch at Creekside(1 hour)

Wrap ($16), elk burger ($22)

Chapel of the Holy Cross(45 minutes)

Free. 1956. Late afternoon light best

Stargazing tour(2 hours)

$70-90. Dark Sky. Milky Way visible

Devil's Bridge(3.5 hours)

4.2-mile RT. Walk across 54-foot arch. Before 8AM

Lunch at Indian Gardens(1 hour)

Creekside. Sandwich ($14), pie ($7)

Tlaquepaque Village(2 hours)

45+ galleries. Glassblowing, jewelry

Dinner at Mariposa(1.5 hours)

Red rock views. Lamb ($48). Reserve

Guided vortex meditation(2.5 hours)

$100-150. Boynton Canyon

Spa treatment(2 hours)

Mii Amo or New Day Spa ($120-400)

Lunch at SaltRock(1 hour)

Amara Resort creek patio

Crystal shopping(1.5 hours)

Crystal Magic, Center for New Age

Bell Rock sunset(1 hour)

Vortex site. Orange glow. Free

Pink Jeep Broken Arrow(2.5 hours)

$109. Book 1-2 weeks ahead

Lunch at Hideaway House(1 hour)

Pizza ($18), red rock views

Slide Rock State Park(2.5 hours)

$20-30. 80-foot slide. Cold water. Arrive 9AM

Dinner at Dahl & Di Luca(1.5 hours)

Handmade pasta ($22-28)

Drive via Oak Creek Canyon(2 hours)

Scenic hairpins. $35/vehicle park entry

Mather Point + Rim Trail(2.5 hours)

Walk 2 miles of rim. Free shuttles

Lunch at El Tovar(1 hour)

Historic rim hotel ($20-35)

Return via Flagstaff(2.5 hours)

Pizzicletta dinner ($12-16)

Late breakfast at Hudson(45 minutes)

Green chile eggs ($14). Patio views

Crescent Moon Ranch(2 hours)

$12. Picnic along Oak Creek with Cathedral Rock views

Gallery browsing(1.5 hours)

Uptown galleries, Heritage Museum ($7)

Sound healing(1.5 hours)

$40-80. Crystal bowls, gongs. Deeply relaxing

Boynton Canyon(3 hours)

6.1-mile RT. Vortex, ruins, red rock walls

Fay Canyon arch(1.5 hours)

1.1-mile easy + scramble to hidden arch. Quieter than Devil's Bridge

Lunch at Mesa Grill(1 hour)

270-degree views. Chile burger ($18), prickly pear marg ($14)

Pool time(2 hours)

Resort pool with red rock views

Dinner at Cucina Rustica(1.5 hours)

Italian-Mediterranean. Pizza ($18-22), osso buco ($32)

Montezuma Castle(1 hour)

$10. Sinagua cliff dwelling (1100-1425 AD)

Montezuma Well(45 minutes)

Free with Castle ticket. Limestone sinkhole

Verde Valley wines(2.5 hours)

Page Springs ($15), Javelina Leap ($12), Alcantara ($15)

Lunch in Cottonwood(1 hour)

Nic's Italian or Crema Craft Kitchen ($12-18)

Soldier Pass Trail(3 hours)

4.1-mile RT. Devil's Kitchen sinkhole, rock arch. 7AM

Palatki Heritage Site(1.5 hours)

Free. Pictographs 3000-6000 years old. Reserve on recreation.gov

Lunch at Oak Creek Brewing(1 hour)

Amber ale ($6), pizza ($14-18). Local spot

Dinner at Cress on Oak Creek(2 hours)

L'Auberge fine dining. Creekside. Tasting ($120). Reserve

Drive to Jerome(45 minutes)

Town on 30-degree hillside. 450 residents

Jerome walk(2 hours)

Sliding Jail, galleries, mine headframes. Museum ($5)

Lunch at The Asylum(1 hour)

Former hospital. Burger ($18). 50-mile terrace views. Haunted hotel

Caduceus Cellars(1.5 hours)

Tool frontman's winery. Tasting $15

Doe Mountain hike(2 hours)

2.8-mile RT. 360-degree summit. Less crowded. 7:30AM

Horseback ride(2 hours)

$90-130. A Day in the West. All levels. Book 1 week ahead

Lunch at Red Rock Cafe(1 hour)

Massive portions. Burrito ($14), burgers ($16)

Free afternoon(2 hours)

Airport overlook photos, Hillside shops

Dinner at SaltRock(1.5 hours)

Creekside at Amara. Seasonal menu

West Fork Trail(4 hours)

6.9-mile RT. 13 creek crossings through narrow canyon. Waterproof shoes. Best fall foliage in AZ. $12/vehicle

Lunch at Indian Gardens(1 hour)

Post-hike refuel. Creekside patio

Free afternoon(2 hours)

Pool, spa, or rest

Dinner at Mariposa(1.5 hours)

Return for sunset red rock views

Sleep in and brunch(2 hours)

Creekside Coffee (lattes $5, pastries $4-6) then brunch at Mariposa or The Hudson

Free afternoon(4 hours)

Revisit favorite vortex, pool day, art class at Sedona Arts Center ($50-75), or Sedona Trolley tour ($15, 55 minutes)

Evening self-guided stargazing(1.5 hours)

Free. Airport Mesa overlook or Posse Grounds Park. Bring blanket. No telescope needed for Milky Way

Drive to Fossil Creek(45 minutes)

Permit required April-Oct ($6, recreation.gov). Reserve ahead — sells out

Fossil Creek waterfall & swimming(4 hours)

Turquoise mineral spring-fed pools and waterfall. The water color is extraordinary. Pack lunch, water shoes, towel. No facilities

Return to Sedona(45 minutes)

Recovery time

Dinner at Cucina Rustica(1.5 hours)

Italian courtyard. Reserve

Drive to Grand Canyon South Rim(2 hours)

$35/vehicle. Same scenic Oak Creek route or via I-17 for variety

Bright Angel Trail hike(4 hours)

Free. Hike down the most famous trail into the Grand Canyon. Go to Indian Garden (4.8 miles, strenuous — 3,000 ft descent). DO NOT attempt rim-to-rim in one day. The view from below the rim is a completely different Grand Canyon experience. Carry 3L water

Afternoon on Hermit Road(2 hours)

Free shuttle west along the rim. 7 viewpoints — Hopi Point and Mohave Point are the best for sunset. The shuttle runs every 15 min in summer

Overnight at Grand Canyon(evening)

Bright Angel Lodge ($120-200) or Maswik Lodge ($130-170) on the rim. Book far in advance for summer. Or Yavapai Lodge. Dinner at Arizona Room ($20-35, rim views) or El Tovar ($30-50)

Grand Canyon sunrise at Yavapai Point(1 hour)

Free. The canyon at dawn — layers of purple, red, and gold — is worth the early alarm. Yavapai Point has a geology museum with panoramic windows

South Kaibab Trail(3 hours)

Free. Hike to Ooh Aah Point (1 mile down, strenuous return). Exposed ridgeline with views into the canyon that Bright Angel can't match. Steeper but more scenic. DO NOT go past Cedar Ridge (3 miles) unless very experienced

Lunch at Bright Angel Lodge(1 hour)

Casual dining right on the rim. Burger ($14), chili ($10). Historic Harvey House atmosphere

Desert View Drive east(2 hours)

Drive 25 miles east with stops at Grandview Point, Moran Point (named after the painter who made the canyon famous), and Desert View Watchtower

Return to Sedona(2 hours)

Light dinner at Pisa Lisa ($12-16 calzones) or takeout

Sleep in and late breakfast(2 hours)

Coffee Pot Restaurant (named for the nearby rock formation). 101 omelets on the menu ($12-16). Huge portions

Gentle walk at Marg's Draw trail(1.5 hours)

3.8-mile easy trail with panoramic views and less foot traffic. Connects to Broken Arrow area. Wildflowers in spring

Afternoon spa(2 hours)

Hot stone massage at Enchantment Resort or any Sedona spa. Red rock energy treatment is the signature

Dinner at Dahl & Di Luca(1.5 hours)

Return for handmade pasta. Intimate Italian

Drive to Prescott(1 hour)

Highway 89A south through Mingus Mountain (scenic, twisty). Prescott was Arizona's first capital (1864). It sits at 5,400 ft with pine forests — no desert here

Whiskey Row walk(1.5 hours)

Free. Historic block of saloons on Montezuma Street. The Palace Saloon (oldest frontier bar in Arizona, 1877) is a must. Walk the beautiful Courthouse Square

Phippen Museum(1 hour)

$10. Western art museum honoring cowboy artist George Phippen. Excellent bronze sculptures and paintings of the American West

Lunch at The Raven Cafe(1 hour)

Prescott's best restaurant. Farm-to-table, creative menu. Bison burger ($18), seasonal salads ($14). Live music many evenings

Watson Lake (optional)(1 hour)

$3/person. Dramatic granite boulders surrounding a lake. Short paved trail loops the lake. The Granite Dells formations are otherworldly

Sunrise hike (your favorite trail)(2 hours)

Return to Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock, or Airport Mesa for one last sunrise. The morning light in Sedona is pure magic

Brunch at The Hudson(1 hour)

Final green chile eggs and patio views

Last Tlaquepaque shopping(1 hour)

Pick up any final art, jewelry, or crystals

Farewell vortex meditation(1 hour)

Self-guided at Bell Rock or Airport Mesa. Sit quietly, feel the energy, and say goodbye to the red rocks

Farewell dinner at Elote Cafe(1.5 hours)

If you can get a reservation — the perfect final meal in Sedona

Airport Mesa sunrise(1 hour)

Rocks turn purple to orange to red. Free. Arrive 30 min before

Breakfast at Coffee Pot(45 minutes)

101 omelets. Massive portions. Named for the rock formation

Drive to Phoenix(2 hours)

Hwy 179 to I-17. Last red rock views in the mirror. Allow 2.5 hours before PHX flights