Day 1: Travel to Sedona and check-in
Midday: Arrive in Sedona
You will most likely arrive in Sedona by car. The town is spread out with winding hills and curvy roads so managing by foot or bike, while possible, will not be possible in a short weekend. From the north, you can easily drive in under an hour from Flagstaff to Sedona. From the South, it is about two hours from the Phoenix airport. I truly enjoyed the drive with the mix of landscape through the winding mountains and red rocks.
Arrive in Sedona in the late afternoon. After a morning of travel, we just wanted some tasty food in our bellies. We ordered pizza and salad from Pisa Lisa. This restaurant is a part of a family of restaurants by Chef Lisa Dahl. Dine in or takeout at this quick spot, there are two locations in the Sedona area.
Evening: Lights Out
The town of Sedona is celebrated for being one of the best stargazing and night-sky friendly cities. You will quickly notice how nature’s nighttime beauty is embraced without all the light pollution. This makes for an amazing view of the stars regardless of where you are staying. This also means that the city is sleepier with many places aside from restaurants closing around 6pm. Embrace this by heading in early so you can hit the morning hikes at sunrise.
Day 2: Hiking and Shopping
Morning: Chapel of the Holy Cross and Hiking
We started our morning visiting the Chapel of the Holy Cross. This location is easy to access via car or by foot if in the Chapel area. There is a small parking lot near the church otherwise there is parking near the Mystic Trailhead. If you choose to visit the inside, remember that it is a sacred space. It is recognized as one of the vortexes in Sedona where people may feel extreme senses of spirituality.
From the Chapel, you can follow along a winding array of hikes behind the Mammoth Rock. We did a loop starting at the Chapel Trailhead and ending at the Mystic Trail Trailhead, moving in a counterclockwise direction.
Midday: Tlaquepaque Shops
Finish up the hike and head back to clean up. Once out of our hiking clothes, we drove into the town center for an afternoon of shopping. The Tlaquepaque Artisan Shops are historic and beautiful shopping center. Designed after the Spanish villas, these beautiful shops are a great way to slow the pace. We had lunch at El Rincon Mexican restaurant and enjoyed the comfort and spice of the southwest.
Evening: Dinner at the Cowboy Club
As many shops close at six, we needed to find some activities to do in the evening. We headed north a little bit to visit a western-themed restaurant. The Cowboy Club was a themed southwestern restaurant. Prickly Pear Cactus Margaritas can wash down the cactus fries and ribs. On the drive back to our accommodations, we took it slow as a herd of javelinas crossed the street just outside of town.
Day 3: Devil’s Bridge Hike
Morning: Hike to Devil’s Bridge
As one of the famed photo spots in Sedona, Devil’s Bridge is a must-do for adventurers who aren’t afraid of heights. There are two primary ways to get to the Devil’s Bridge trailhead either by car or by shuttle. Additionally, you can follow two main paths to get to the trailhead, scenic or simple.
The hike via Mescal Trail is about 4.3 miles out and back. Start at the Mescal Trailhead but you will immediately cross the street and head southeast. This trail merges with Chuck wagon Trail and eventually Devil’s Bridge Trail. Most of this hike is flat with winding areas through creek beds. It features lots of interesting foliage and scenery.
Once approaching Devil’s Bridge trail, the hike becomes increasingly difficult with steep rocks to scramble. This part of the hike is not for everyone and although short in distance, you climb nearly 500 ft of elevation. This is not for the faint of heart or those who are less fit. At the top, you may encounter other tourists waiting in line for a photo op. We waited for about twenty minutes, watching people walk across the bridge for a photo. It was quite the adventure.
Midday: Ice Cream and Aura Readings
It wouldn’t be a girl’s trip to Sedona without engaging in spiritual experiences. We decided to get Aura Photos at Mystic Bazaar. Located just off the main road, you are surrounded by a variety of sparkling gemstones and rocks. For $40, you can get your aura photo taken where they take a picture of you and the image shows a glowing color or aura around your face. There are several companies that offer this activity. While several companies offer, you will see a variety of pricing and experiences.
Stop for happy hour at the Vino Di Sedona wine room. Sample some local Arizona wines and listen to live music before dinner. If wine isn’t your fancy, you can enjoy ice cream and cupcakes at Cream & Cake Couture bakery near the Tlaquepaque Shops.
Evening: Dinner at Mariposa Grill
Dinner wraps up at Mariposa Latin Inspired Grill. Chef Lisa Dahl is set to impress with this exsquisite restaurant. During the day, you get sweeping views of the red rocks. At night, you are met by burning torches and an imposing self-opening door. The servers are amazing and the food is beyond delicious. Reservations are recommended and if it is a special occasion, you may even get a little treat.