Sedona Getaway Guide: Red Rocks, Vineyards & Scenic Drives

Sedona has a way of grabbing your attention before you’ve even stepped out of the car.

The red rock cliffs rise in layered shades of rust and coral, the air feels crisp and dry, and the horizon always seems a little wider than it should be.

Pair all of that with one of the most surprising wine regions in the Southwest, and you’ve got a long-weekend getaway that blends outdoor adventure with tasting-room bliss.

For this four-day itinerary through Sedona and Verde Valley Wine Country, you’ll hop between hiking trails, art-filled neighborhoods, cozy cafés, and vineyard patios tucked along the Verde River. It’s relaxed, fun, scenic, and endlessly photogenic.

And honestly? It’s the kind of place where you’ll want to keep pulling over for “just one more picture.”

So, let’s dig in.

Day 1: Red Rocks, Scenic Drives, and a Classic Sedona Sunset

Your first day is all about easing into Sedona’s landscape—and there’s no shortage of ways to do that. Start your morning with a short but rewarding hike like Bell Rock, Courthouse Butte, or the Fay Canyon Trail. These are some of Sedona’s most popular scenic hikes because they’re approachable for most skill levels and offer those epic views you’ve probably seen in a dozen Instagram posts.

The trails can get crowded, so go early if you can. And bring more water than you think you need. That Arizona sun isn’t shy.

After your first red rock fix, settle into Sedona’s cute but compact commercial area. The uptown district has plenty of shops, outdoor gear stores, and cafés where you can refuel with iced coffee and something carb-heavy (you’ll want it). If you’d rather dive straight into Sedona’s arts scene, wander through Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village, an outdoor mall that feels like a small European plaza with fountains, courtyards, galleries, and restaurants.

Later in the afternoon, take one of Sedona’s iconic scenic drives. Red Rock Loop Road is a favorite because it’s close to town but still delivers those classic Sedona panoramas. The route winds around wide-open vistas and rolling desert scrub, giving you a perfect warm-up before tomorrow’s bigger adventures.

When golden hour starts creeping in, make your way to Airport Mesa for one of the most reliable sunset spots in the region. Parking can be tight, so give yourself a little buffer time. Once you’re up there, the sun seems to paint every cliff, ridge, and mesa in deep shades of orange and gold. It’s one of those scenes you just want to stop and stare at.

For dinner, grab something casual—Sedona has plenty of relaxed spots where you can end the evening without much planning. You’ve got a full four days ahead, so take it easy tonight.

Day 2: Epic Trails, Chapel Views, and Creekside Relaxation

Today is your full immersion day. Sedona’s famous for its hiking, and this is the perfect opportunity to try one of the more substantial trails. If you want a real payoff without a brutal climb, go for Doe Mountain, a moderate hike with amazing views from the flat mesa top. For something a little more adventurous, try Devil’s Bridge, known for its natural sandstone arch and big-time photo ops. Just be prepared for crowds—this one is popular for a reason.

Or maybe you don’t want to do anything too intense. That’s fine, too. Sedona has tons of easy trails that still deliver beautiful scenery. Baldwin Trail and Courthouse Vista are great options when you want something scenic but low-key.

After your hike, swing by the Chapel of the Holy Cross, one of the most recognizable architectural sites in Sedona. It’s built right into the red cliffs, and whether you’re into architecture or not, the setting is undeniably impressive. Spend a few quiet minutes inside before heading back toward town.

From here, you might want a little downtime—Sedona does relaxation extremely well. Consider grabbing a shaded table at Crescent Moon Picnic Area, where the red rocks reflect on the waters of Oak Creek. This is one of Sedona’s most peaceful, photogenic spots, and a great place to snack, read, or just decompress. Can you imagine a nicer way to slow things down after a long morning on the trail?

Late afternoon is a great time to explore West Sedona, where you’ll find bakeries, smoothie shops, cafés, and a more local vibe than the busy uptown area. If you’re into wellness experiences, Sedona’s spa scene is big and varied—think red clay wraps, energy-focused treatments, and views that feel like part of the therapy.

End your night with dinner somewhere relaxed but hearty. You’ve earned it.

Day 3: Verde Valley Wine Country—Tasting Rooms, River Views, and Small-Town Charm

Now it’s time for the delicious part of this itinerary: Verde Valley Wine Country. This region sits right between Sedona, Cottonwood, Camp Verde, and Jerome, and thanks to its elevation and climate, it has become one of the Southwest’s best wine destinations. People always seem surprised by that—Arizona wine? Really? But yes. Really. And it’s good.

Start your wine day in Cottonwood, just 25 minutes from Sedona. The historic Old Town Cottonwood area is lined with tasting rooms, boutiques, and restaurants, all within easy walking distance. It’s the kind of place where you can settle in for a few hours without moving your car once. Try a couple of tasting flights, stroll the street, then maybe stop for brunch or small bites depending on what looks good.

From there, take a slow drive through the Verde Valley toward one of the region’s countryside vineyards. The wineries here range from rustic to modern, but they all share the same scenic backdrop: rolling desert hills, cottonwood trees, and mountain ridges in the distance. Many offer river views or patios that catch the afternoon breeze.

If you want an itinerary-friendly route, consider visiting one or two vineyard properties in the middle of the day, then heading to Jerome in the late afternoon. This little mountaintop town is wildly fun—perched on a steep hillside, full of quirky shops, and home to a handful of great tasting rooms with serious views. It used to be a mining town, and some of that gritty charm still shows through in the buildings and narrow streets. It’s a great place to grab wine and watch the sun fall across the valley below.

If you’d rather stay lower in the valley, Camp Verde has some relaxed tasting rooms near the river, plus historic sites and one of the region’s best-preserved stone pueblos. This is also a good place to grab dinner if you’re heading back to Sedona later.

Tonight, return to Sedona with that warm, happy post-wine glow. Maybe take a gentle walk near your lodging or find a quiet spot to take in the stars. The skies out here are dark enough to impress even city dwellers who think they’ve seen “a lot” of stars.

Day 4: Jeep Tours, Vortex Spots, and One Last Sedona Moment

On your final day, you can go in two different directions: slow and scenic, or full-throttle adventure. Either one works beautifully.

If you want something chill, start with a calm morning walk around the Red Rock Crossing area, one of Sedona’s iconic postcard views. Cathedral Rock rises right above the creek, and the reflections on the water make for some of the best photos you’ll take all trip.

Or… book a Jeep tour. These off-road tours are a Sedona classic, and they’ve been doing them for decades. Guides take you out on rugged trails that most rental cars could never handle, bouncing you through narrow ridgelines, sandstone steps, and cliffsides with huge panoramic overlooks. If you like fun, mildly chaotic outdoor adventures, you’ll love it. Plus, the guides always have great stories.

Afterward, stop by one of Sedona’s so-called vortex sites—locations where many people claim the energy feels more intense or uplifting. Whether you believe in the idea or just enjoy scenic viewpoints, places like Boynton Canyon or Cathedral Rock are absolutely worth the visit.

Before leaving town, grab a final bite or coffee. Sedona is the kind of place where it’s easy to linger, and you’ll probably want to. You may even catch yourself saying, “Maybe we should’ve stayed five days instead of four.” Don’t worry—everyone does.

Practical Tips for a Smooth Trip

Before wrapping things up, here are a few little tips that can make a big difference during your visit:

Expect traffic. Sedona is one of Arizona’s most popular destinations, so plan a little extra time for busy roadways and full parking lots.
Book winery tastings in advance if you’re traveling on a weekend. Many places accept walk-ins, but you’ll have more flexibility with a reservation.
Go early for hikes to beat the heat, the crowds, and the parking issues.
Stay hydrated—the dry desert air sneaks up on you.
Keep your camera handy because every scenic pullout, trailhead, and ridge seems “photo worthy.”
Build breaks into your schedule. Sedona is beautiful, but it’s also big and spread out. Downtime makes the whole experience feel more relaxed.

One Last Look

Sedona and the Verde Valley make a perfect pairing—one part soaring red rock landscapes, one part flowing wine and small-town charm. Over four days, you get a mix of outdoor adventure, cultural exploring, scenic drives, and the kind of tasting-room afternoons that feel like a vacation all by themselves. Whether you’re here for the trails, the vineyards, or just the open desert air, you’ll find plenty of reasons to come back again.

What do you think—ready to go?