Hike Red Rocks & Explore Vortexes in Sedona
Tips on renting in Sedona
Getting Around
What to Pack
Must-Try Activities
Smart Spending Tips
Sedona is one of those places that looks better in person than in photographs, which is saying something. The red rock formations surrounding the Village of Oak Creek and Uptown Sedona create a backdrop that shifts color from rust to deep amber as the day moves, and a vacation rental with a deck or patio puts you front and center for all of it. A fully equipped kitchen, free parking on premises, and a fireplace for cool desert evenings make a well-chosen home here significantly more comfortable than a resort room where the view costs twice as much and the walls close in by day two. Sedona rewards slow mornings, and a rental gives you the space to have them.
The creek, the red rocks, and a trail that earns its reputation
Oak Creek runs cold and clear through the canyon below, and kayaking its upper stretches with a local outfitter delivers the kind of morning that reframes the rest of the trip. West Fork Trail follows the creek through towering canyon walls for an out-and-back that works for families, couples, and anyone who wants silence and moving water in equal measure. Red Rock State Park offers a quieter alternative with creek access, wildlife, and formations that photographers spend entire trips trying to capture correctly.
What to look for in a Sedona vacation rental
October brings the Sedona Arts Festival and peak fall color, which is the most competitive booking window of the year alongside spring wildflower season in March and April. A fireplace or wood stove is worth prioritizing year-round, as Sedona nights turn genuinely cold even in summer at 4,500 feet elevation. Pet-friendly homes with fenced outdoor space are available throughout the Village of Oak Creek, and free parking on premises handles the hiking gear, bikes, and extra layers that a trip here inevitably requires.
Quick tips before you book
- Heating: Elevation means cold nights even in summer; confirm a fireplace or central heating
- Parking: Trailhead lots fill by 8am on weekends; a home base with free parking on premises keeps mornings flexible
- Pets: Village of Oak Creek rentals often include fenced yards and direct trail access
- Peak pricing: October and late March are the most competitive windows; book six to eight weeks ahead
- Kitchen: A fully equipped kitchen saves significantly over Uptown Sedona’s resort-adjacent restaurant prices
Browse all Sedona vacation rentals on Lake.com, or explore more Arizona getaways including Scottsdale and Lake Havasu City on Lake.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to see what Sedona has to offer? Let’s tackle some of the burning questions you might have as you plan your visit!
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To visit Cathedral Rock in Sedona, Arizona, opt for the 1.2-mile out-and-back Cathedral Rock Trail, a steep and challenging hike with a 741-foot elevation gain, offering stunning vistas and access to one of Sedona’s main energy vortexes. For a less crowded experience, arrive early in the morning or late in the afternoon and be prepared with sturdy hiking shoes and plenty of water. Alternatively, consider the 4-mile round-trip hike from the Crescent Moon Picnic Site, which involves crossing Oak Creek and follows the Templeton Trail, ideal for afternoon sun and scenic photography, with a $12 entrance fee.
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For a scenic and convenient boat launch near Flagstaff, Arizona, head to the Upper Lake Mary Boat Launch and Picnic Area, just 12 miles southeast of Flagstaff. This spot offers two boat ramps, paved parking, and a picnic area with tables, ramadas, and barbecue grills, making it an ideal spot for fishing, boating, and enjoying the natural beauty of the area. The facility is open year-round, though winter maintenance is limited, and there are no restrictions on boat motor size.
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For a family-friendly hiking experience in Sedona, consider the Oak Creek Trail/Red Rock Crossing Trail, a 1.4-mile hike with minimal elevation change, offering stunning views of Cathedral Rock reflected in the water and access to Sedona’s vortex energy. Another option is the Bell Rock Trail, a flat and well-maintained path suitable for toddlers, though it requires a Red Rock pass or National Park Pass for parking. The Airport Mesa trail, a 3.5-mile hike, is ideal for sunrise with breathtaking views of Sedona’s iconic rock formations.
