Why Sedona Makes a Great Solo Spot
The desert is my happy place, so Sedona was a perfect spot for my first solo trip. There are so many ways to enjoy a place like Sedona, but I think it’s especially great as a solo destination. And if you’ve never tried solo traveling, I can’t think of a better way to dip your toe into the indulgent experience that is solo travel. This particular itinerary includes easy to moderate hikes with nothing over three miles. On all of the hikes, I never felt too alone or off the beaten path which is important if you are easing into solo hiking. It includes some group activity recommendations, because I enjoy scheduling in some socialization to keep me from feeling too isolated. And finally, this particular trip is more focused on creating opportunities to relax, reflect, and rejuvenate. I took this trip after a few grueling years culminating in me getting my master’s degree only to realize I didn’t really know what I wanted to do next. I was a ball full of energy with no real direction and I needed to force myself to slow down for a minute and reflect. I am GREAT at going at a ridiculous speed forcing myself to near burnout–it truly is my specialty in life. But I suck at sitting still and being in the moment. This trip was a chance for me to try out solo travel while also creating an opportunity that allowed for more headspace. I’ll do another post on the ins and outs of solo travel, but if you are interested this is a great starting point!
DAY 1
Morning
Fly into Phoenix, AZ, pick up your rental car, and drive the two hours into Sedona. There are bus options to Sedona as well, but as this was my first solo trip, having a car increased my sense of flexibility and freedom. There are accommodations for all price ranges. I stayed at the affordable Matterhorn Inn which overlooked the main strip of the downtown area. It was a perfect location for walking along the main road which was lined with several shops, restaurants, and art galleries. It had a small pool and no frills, but the rooms were actually really modern, comfy, and had great views of the red rocks. If you arrive in the morning, start your day at The Coffee Pot Restaurant for breakfast and caffeine, or the popular Before and After Java Cafe which is busy but offers some great views.
Afternoon
Stop at a local grocery store and grab some hiking snacks and make sure you have plenty of water. TIP-Sedona is not as hot as Phoenix, but no matter the time of year, you need to always have a sufficient amount of water available. In the early afternoon, head to Bell Rock Trailhead for a moderate 3-mile round trip hike. The iconic red rock formations are stunning, and even though I’ve done a lot of desert hiking, I never get tired of these types of landscapes. After your hike, visit the nearby Chapel of the Holy Cross. The building is built into the side of the rocks and provides a pretty peaceful experience with scenic views.
Evening
I love a good evening desert hike and Sedona is a great place for this type of activity. I recommend the 1.2 mile hike to one of the energy vortexes–Cathedral Rock. Vortices are symbolic areas that are believed to radiate energy. I know. I know. You may be thinking I sound all hippy dippy right now. But don’t knock it till you try it. There were several spots in Sedona where I felt something. And Cathedral Rock was one of those special places. I hiked it right before sunset and enjoyed the breathtaking views with some pretty intense winds as a storm started to roll in. You don’t want to play around with lightning when you are hiking (I would have headed down if it was thundering and lightning), but it was more just a light rainstorm and the wind felt incredible. Again not to get all woo woo on you, but Cathedral Rock is known for its feminine energy and I was feeling it. It could have been my circumstances, the storm, or the actual vortex, but I left feeling empowered. It’s a great solo hike, because once you get to the top, you can find a secluded place to sit and just take it in. I know we all find ourselves going at breakneck speed during our everyday life and it can be really hard to stop and do nothing, but this is a great spot to try. I recommend a small flashlight or headlamp if you hike this at sunset so you can see your way down in the dark. It’s not dangerous and there are several people hiking back down so you won’t feel alone. For dinner, if you’re tired hit up something casual like Moon Dogs Pizza and head to bed to catch up on your beauty sleep. If the energy of the vortex gave you a second wind, I highly suggest having a reservation for The Hudson where you can enjoy a fancier (and delicious) take on comfort food. The food is great, but it’s the views that make this such a special spot.
DAY 2
Morning
I recommend starting the rest of your mornings on this trip with coffee and a yoga session. Tip-A little routine feels comforting especially if you’re traveling alone. I picked up coffee at Theia’s coffee shop which was close to my hotel and on the way to my outdoor yoga class. I got the white lavender latte every morning because it was just that good. Starting your morning with a hike or yoga session is a great way to relax and settle into your slow-paced trip. The first day I took a class with Aumbase Sedona. We met at the studio and a small group of us hopped in a van that took us to the trailhead of another one of the energy vortexes—Airport Mesa. The class was appropriate for all levels and included a little sound bath session at the end. The instructor even read some tarot cards. Again, you don’t have to believe or be into that kind of thing to just appreciate the experience and how you can use it to settle or spark your own energy.
Afternoon
Visit the Amitabha Stupa and Peace Park for a peaceful meditation experience. This is an interactive park where you can use the park features to participate in rituals to help you focus during meditation. You can also call ahead to participate in group workshops/presentations. I particularly enjoyed the Tibetan Buddhist prayer flags that lined some of the walking paths. Afterwards, grab some lunch at any of the affordable and healthy eateries in the main part of town like Chocola Tree or Picazzo’s Italian Kitchen. Then spend some time exploring the Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village for some shopping and art appreciation. Buy a crystal or two just to wish some positivity for yourself. After all, this is a solo trip, so buy those tarot cards or that sage or any other item that just makes you feel inspired.
Evening
Night hikes in the desert with the stunning sunsets should not be missed. Head back to the Airport Mesa Vortex for sunset. The 3.2 mile Airport Loop Trail offers panoramic views of Sedona’s stunning landscapes. Afterwards, do an easy dinner at a casual Mexican restaurant like Elote Café or grab a quick bite from a food truck in the area. Then head back to the hotel and maybe soak in the pool before heading to bed.
DAY 3
Morning
I highly suggest a solo or group yoga session every morning or at least once a day in Sedona. Yoga is always a beneficial movement experience, but let’s face it, it feels even more special in a place as spiritual as Sedona…so savor it. I got up every morning at 6:00 am for coffee and yoga, and while that may not be your thing, I do recommend scheduling in some type of relaxation or meditative activity somewhere in your day. Whether you start your day early or with some extra and probably much needed sleep, enjoy your morning with a visit to Red Rock State Park. There is a $7 entrance fee, but so many great trails to choose from. I recommend hiking the Eagle’s Nest Trail (3 miles) for beautiful views of Oak Creek.
Afternoon
Head over to Crescent Moon Ranch at Red Rock Crossing and have a picnic lunch at Crescent Moon Picnic Area, a serene spot along Oak Creek. This park does have a $12 fee per car or a $3 walk in fee, but the backdrop of Cathedral Rock and the creek that runs through it is so picturesque and relaxing. Then hike the West Fork Trail in Oak Creek Canyon (approximately 3 miles) for a serene and scenic walk along the creek. Make sure to take some time to cool off and play in the water!
Evening
Get your relaxation on with a rejuvenating sound bath at one of Sedona’s wellness centers like Sedona Soul Sisters or Sedona Healing Arts, or schedule a massage ahead of time at one of the many spas in the area. For some, a sound bath may seem a bit out there, but I like to really focus on slowing down and being still on a solo trip and enjoying unique experiences that I wouldn’t do at home.
Make a reservation in advance for dinner at Creekside (you definitely want a reservation for this place) and request a seat on the back patio. Then wrap up your evening while enjoying the peaceful sounds of the creek as you dine on a delicious meal of upscale American comfort food. Don’t skip on the Lamb Chop LolliPops!.
DAY 4
Three to four days is a nice length of time for your first solo trip, and plenty of time to enjoy Sedona. If you’re feeling this solo thing, schedule an evening flight and enjoy one more morning and afternoon in the area. Another option would be to get up early and head back to Phoenix for an extra day. There are some great areas to check out like the Desert Botanical Gardens. Or, it’s just another hour and a half to Saguaro National Park where you can take in the giant cacti that seem otherworldly! I headed back towards Phoenix early to check out this National Park for a bit. I went on an unbearably hot day (which I DO NOT recommend), but the few very short hikes that I did provided up close views of these somewhat terrifying looking cacti. Whatever you decide to do, soak up the last of your solo travel experience and get ready to head home to your loved ones now that you have enjoyed a rejuvenating trip to Sedona!
