Are you looking for things to do in Sedona in Winter? This is the ultimate Winter 2025 planning guide!
Sedona’s mild temperatures and incredibly scenic landscape make for a perfect winter getaway. Sedona is by far one of my favorite places to visit in Arizona. I have visited at least 6 times.
And my favorite season to visit Sedona? Winter!
Sedona is located in Arizona, in the Southwest United States. It is famous for its signature red rock formations.
The simplest way to describe this phenomenon is the formation of iron oxide on individual rock grains.
Winter is Sedona’s low season with fewer crowds and more magic.
Some of the best things to do in Sedona in winter are hiking, viewpoints, Red Rock Scenic Byway,
10 Things to do in Sedona in Winter
1. Winter Hiking
Sedona’s epic hiking is beautiful year-round.
Always check trail conditions on AllTrails before venturing off, especially during the winter season. Snow melt or icy trails can make for slippery trail conditions.
There are TONS of Sedona I hiked Boynton Canyon and Doe Mountain in the winter. They were absolutely beautiful and I recommend each of these trails!
(However, there is not much in the way of outdoor scenery that I don’t recommend in Sedona!)
Fact: I walked into Prickly Pear Cactus on Doe Mountain Trail (Story for another time..?!)
Read Next: Easy Sedona Hiking Trails
2. Viewpoints
When you are surrounded by red rocks, there is no “best” viewpoint. However, two of my personal favorite Sedona viewpoints are Airport Mesa and Yavapai Vista
Airport Mesa is known as one of the best panorama views in Sedona. It provides 360 views of Sedona’s famous rock formations such as Bell Rock, Chimney Rock, and Cathedral Rock.
There is a very accessible viewpoint only footsteps away from the parking lot. Pack a picnic for the pink and purple vista views!
My second favorite Sedona viewpoint is Yavapai Vista. The light .5-mile walking trail places you in the middle of panorama views.
Even on busy days, the Yavapai Vista parking lot is much quieter than more popular hiking routes like Devil’s Bridge.
Fun fact: Yavapai Vista is a popular engagement and wedding location!
⭐Popular Sedona Tours
3. Red Rock Scenic Byway
If you’re looking for an indoor adventure, consider slowly cruising the Red Rock Scenic Byway.
It is known as one of the most scenic roads in Sedona!
You might conveniently find yourself on this road on the way to one of your hiking trails or viewpoints but consider spending longer on the road to slowly admire all of the stops along the way.
4. Rock Climbing
Wonder what those beautiful red rock mountains look like from above?
I love rock climbing and Sedona is one of my FAVORITE places I have ever rock climbed. (I also recommend climbing in Bishop and Alabama Hills).
I have my own rock climbing gear and use Mountain Project to read detailed reviews of rock climbing routes in advance.
I also recommend carefully assessing the safety conditions of a rock climbing route upon arrival before beginning your vertical journey!
5. Pink Jeep Tour
Taking a jeep tour is by far one of the most popular things to do in Sedona during any season of the year.
Plot twist- I have NEVER taken one of these tours! But they come highly recommended by most travelers and I absolutely plan on taking one at some point.
⭐Popular Sedona Hotels
6. Peace Park
Peace Park sits at the base of Thunder Mountain. It was built as a spiritual park for peace for visitors of all faiths.
Many visitors come to admire the beautiful, coral Amitabha Stupa. A stupa is part of the Buddhist community and serves as a location for mediation, peace, and prayer all over the world.
The park hours are daily from dawn to dusk.
There is no entry fee but donations are welcomed.
7. Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village
Shopping at Tlaquepaque is a fun experience and kind of a right of passage in Sedona!
It’s hard to miss the two shopping center entrances located across the street from one another in Downtown Sedona.
Tip: The shopping is pricey. Sedona is overall a resort town, so be mindful of this!
Read next: Alabama Hills, Bryce Canyon, Olympic National Park
8. Sedona Arizona Sunset
Watching the sunset in Red Rock country is one of the most popular things to do on a Sedona itinerary.
The sun reflects vibrantly from the red rock mountain tops all over Sedona.
I think that’s reason enough why I truly do not have a favorite sunset recommendation!
I love watching the sunset no matter where I am in Sedona. My top tip is to simply not miss it!
9. Turquoise McDonalds
Did you know Sedona is home to the only McDonalds in the world without golden arches!? I’m a sucker for party facts.
The design team did not think golden arches against red mountains would stand out. But teal arches? There you have it.
I don’t recommend spending long here (after ordering the obligatory snack, obviously) but I do recommend checking the photo opp (and party fact) off your list.
10. Chapel of the Holy Cross
The Chapel of the Holy Cross is an iconic Sedona photography spot. Its architecture built into the red rock formations is incredible.
Entry to the chapel is free but donations are welcomed.
Conclusion
There are tons of amazing things to do in Sedona in the winter!
From easy hiking trails to scenic views, it is the perfect winter weekend trip from Phoenix.
I recommend visiting Sedona in the winter as a solo traveler, couple, or with friends or family. It is easy to navigate and combines adventure and relaxation activities for all ages!
Begin planning your Sedona winter trip today!
