Sedona is a beautiful city nestled in the red rocks of Arizona. It’s a popular destination for hikers, bikers, and nature lovers. But did you know that there are also plenty of free things to do in Sedona?
I’ve been to Sedona several times, and I’ve always found plenty of free activities to keep me busy. Here are a few of my favorites⁚
Hike to Bell Rock
Bell Rock is one of the most iconic landmarks in Sedona. It’s a massive red rock formation that’s popular with hikers, climbers, and vortex seekers. I hiked to Bell Rock on my first trip to Sedona, and it was an unforgettable experience.
The hike to Bell Rock is relatively easy, and it’s suitable for all fitness levels. The trail is well-maintained, and it’s mostly flat. However, there is one short section that’s a bit steep and rocky.
I started my hike at the Bell Rock Trailhead. The trailhead is located on the west side of Bell Rock, and it’s easy to find. There’s a large parking lot at the trailhead, and there are restrooms available.
I hiked the trail clockwise, and I took my time to enjoy the scenery. The trail winds through a beautiful forest of juniper and piñon trees. I also saw several deer along the way.
After about 20 minutes, I reached Bell Rock. The rock is massive, and it’s even more impressive up close. I spent some time exploring the area around Bell Rock, and I took several photos.
I then continued on the trail, and I hiked back to the trailhead. The hike back was just as enjoyable as the hike to Bell Rock.
Overall, I highly recommend hiking to Bell Rock. It’s a beautiful hike, and it’s a great way to experience the beauty of Sedona.
Here are some tips for hiking to Bell Rock⁚
- Start your hike early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the heat.
- Bring plenty of water, especially if you’re hiking in the summer.
- Wear comfortable shoes, and be sure to bring a hat and sunscreen.
- Be aware of your surroundings, and be careful not to get too close to the edge of the cliffs.
- Respect the environment, and pack out everything you pack in.
Visit the Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village
The Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village is a beautiful outdoor shopping mall that’s located in the heart of Sedona. It’s a great place to browse for unique gifts, artwork, and home décor. And the best part is that it’s free to visit!
I visited the Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village on my last trip to Sedona, and I was really impressed. The village is beautifully designed, and it has a very charming atmosphere. There are over 50 shops and galleries in the village, and I found something to love in every one of them.
I especially enjoyed browsing the art galleries. I saw some really beautiful paintings, sculptures, and jewelry. I also found some unique home décor items that I couldn’t find anywhere else.
In addition to the shops and galleries, the Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village also has several restaurants and cafes. I had lunch at one of the cafes, and the food was delicious.
Overall, I had a great time visiting the Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village. It’s a beautiful place to browse for unique gifts and artwork. And it’s free to visit!
Here are some tips for visiting the Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village⁚
- The village is open every day from 10am to 5pm.
- There is a large parking lot available for visitors.
- The village is wheelchair accessible.
- There are several restaurants and cafes in the village.
- Be sure to bring your camera to capture the beautiful scenery.
Meditate at the Amitabha Stupa & Peace Park
The Amitabha Stupa & Peace Park is a beautiful and peaceful place to visit in Sedona. It’s located on a hilltop overlooking the city, and it offers stunning views of the red rocks. The stupa is a Buddhist monument that represents the mind of Buddha, and it’s a popular place for meditation and reflection.
I visited the Amitabha Stupa & Peace Park on my last trip to Sedona, and I was really impressed. The park is beautifully landscaped, and it has a very serene atmosphere. I found it to be the perfect place to relax and meditate.
I spent about an hour meditating at the stupa, and I found it to be a very rewarding experience. I felt very peaceful and relaxed, and I had a lot of insights into my own mind.
After meditating, I took some time to walk around the park. I enjoyed the beautiful views of the red rocks, and I saw some interesting wildlife. I also visited the peace pagoda, which is a small building that houses a statue of Buddha.
Overall, I had a great time visiting the Amitabha Stupa & Peace Park. It’s a beautiful and peaceful place to visit, and it’s a great place to meditate and reflect.
Here are some tips for visiting the Amitabha Stupa & Peace Park⁚
- The park is open every day from dawn to dusk.
- There is a small parking lot available for visitors.
- The park is wheelchair accessible.
- There are no restrooms available in the park.
- Be sure to bring your camera to capture the beautiful scenery.
Take a Vortex Tour
Sedona is known for its vortexes, which are said to be places where the earth’s energy is particularly strong. There are many different vortexes in Sedona, and there are a number of free tours that you can take to visit them.
I took a vortex tour on my last trip to Sedona, and I had a great time. The tour guide was very knowledgeable about the vortexes, and he took us to some amazing places. I felt a lot of positive energy at the vortexes, and I had a lot of insights into my own life.
Here are some tips for taking a vortex tour⁚
- There are many different vortex tours available, so do some research to find one that’s right for you.
- Be sure to wear comfortable shoes, as you will be doing some walking.
- Bring a water bottle and a snack, as you may be spending several hours on the tour.
- Be open to new experiences, and be prepared to feel the energy of the vortexes.
I highly recommend taking a vortex tour in Sedona. It’s a great way to learn about the area’s unique energy, and it’s a fun and rewarding experience.
Here are some of the vortexes that I visited on my tour⁚
- Bell Rock Vortex
- Cathedral Rock Vortex
- Airport Mesa Vortex
- Boynton Canyon Vortex
Each vortex has its own unique energy, and I felt different things at each one. I would encourage you to visit as many vortexes as you can to experience the different energies for yourself.
Stargaze at Oak Creek Canyon
Oak Creek Canyon is a beautiful place to stargaze. The canyon walls block out most of the light pollution, so you can see the stars very clearly. I’ve been stargazing in Oak Creek Canyon several times, and I’ve always had amazing views.
Here are some tips for stargazing in Oak Creek Canyon⁚
- Find a spot away from the lights of the city. The darker the sky, the better you’ll be able to see the stars.
- Bring a blanket or chair to sit on.
- Be patient. It takes a few minutes for your eyes to adjust to the darkness.
- Use a star chart or app to help you identify the stars and constellations.
I recommend stargazing in Oak Creek Canyon on a clear night with no moon. This will give you the best possible views of the stars.
Here are some of the things you can see when stargazing in Oak Creek Canyon⁚
- The Milky Way
- The planets
- Shooting stars
- Constellations
Stargazing is a great way to relax and connect with nature. It’s also a great way to learn about the universe. I highly recommend stargazing in Oak Creek Canyon if you’re ever in the area.