3-Day Sedona Escape: Red Rocks, Pink Jeeps, and Sunset Views

There’s something truly magical about the Arizona desert. If you are looking for an unforgettable getaway filled with stunning geological formations, great food, and a touch of adventure, this 3-day itinerary is the perfect blueprint for your trip.

Here is how I spent three incredible days in Sedona, plus a few reasons why I’m already planning my next visit!

Day 1: Hitting the Road and Red Rock Views

The Journey: The trip started with a scenic drive from Phoenix Sky Harbor (PHX) up to Sedona. Watching the landscape change from the Valley of the Sun to the towering red rock monoliths is an experience in itself.

The Stay: After arriving, it was time to drop the bags and freshen up. We stayed at a wonderful, relaxing property that served as a fantastic home base for the trip. 🏡 Check out the Airbnb here

Afternoon/Evening: Once settled, we stretched our legs on the Bell Rock Loop Trail. This trail is an easy, 2-hour round-trip walk and the perfect introduction to the area. It’s highly accessible and offers absolutely incredible up-close views of the iconic red rocks, especially as the late afternoon light starts to hit the valley. 📍 Bell Rock Loop Trailhead Map

Day 2: Tea, Brunch, and Off-Roading

Morning: We started the day slowly with a warm, comforting drink at The Chai Spot. The vibrant, cozy aesthetic here is unmatched, and it's an incredible place to relax before a busy day. Afterward, we grabbed a delicious brunch to fuel up for the afternoon.

Must Visit to the Chapel of the Holy Cross. Even if you only have a short weekend, this architectural marvel is a must-see. Built directly into the towering red rock mesas in 1956, the chapel looks as though it naturally emerged from the stone itself.

The hike up the ramp is relatively short, and once you reach the top, you are rewarded with a beautifully serene atmosphere and some of the most spectacular, panoramic views of the Sedona valley. It’s a great spot for reflection, photography, and taking in the sheer scale of the landscape. Parking can get a little tight, so try to visit early in the morning or later in the afternoon!

Afternoon: It wouldn't be a trip to Sedona without getting a little dust on your shoes! We booked a half-day excursion with Sedona Pink Jeep Tours. These open-air jeeps tackle the rugged desert terrain and take you to panoramic viewpoints you simply can’t reach in a regular rental car. Highly recommended by many of my friends. We didnt do the pink jeep as it didnt allow for kids under 5 but they offer 10 seater hummer tours which are also safe for kids.

Day 3: Art, Shopping, and the Perfect Sunset

Daytime: Our final full day was dedicated to exploring the Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village. Designed to look like a traditional Mexican village with cobblestone paths and sycamore trees, it is packed with beautiful art galleries, jewelry stores, and boutiques. 📍 Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village

Must-Try Stop: While wandering through Tlaquepaque, you absolutely must visit Spirits & Spice. They offer a totally unique tasting experience. Make sure to try their custom spice blends, infused olive oils, balsamic vinegars, and incredible alcohol mixers! 📍 Spirits & Spice (Located in Suite C-102 of the village)

Evening: We capped off our Sedona experience by chasing the sunset. We headed up Airport Road to the Sedona Airport Scenic Lookout. As the sun dips below the horizon, the entire valley glows in magnificent shades of orange, pink, and purple. It is breathtaking.

The "Next Time" List

Three days is enough to fall in love with Sedona, but definitely not enough to see it all!

Here is what is going on my itinerary for the next trip:

• Devil's Bridge Hike: The largest natural sandstone arch in the Sedona area and a highly coveted photo op.

• Vortex Experience/Tours: Sedona is globally famous for its swirling centers of energy that are conducive to healing and meditation. Next time, I plan to do a proper guided tour of these unique sites! 📍 Sedona Vortex Map

Have you ever been to Sedona? Let me know your favorite trails and restaurants in the comments!

~ Greateful for Gemini's help on this blog ~