Incredible Sedona, Arizona
Sedona boasts some of the most stunning landscapes in the United States, drawing nature lovers, outdoor adventurers, artists, peace-seekers and healers to experience its beauty and the enrichment of body and soul. The area also offers some very inexpensive vacation or travel options making it a must for cheap family vacations. There are miles and miles of scenic trails for hiking and mountain biking along with ancient cliff dwellings to explore.
ABOUT SEDONA
Sedona is an Arizona desert town near Flagstaff that’s surrounded by red-rock buttes, steep canyon walls and pine forests. It’s noted for its mild climate and vibrant arts community.
Uptown Sedona is dense with New Age shops, spas and art galleries. On the town’s outskirts, numerous trailheads access Red Rock State Park, which offers bird-watching, hiking and picnicking spots.
CAMP GROUNDS IN SEDONA, AZ
The majestic red rock scenery and evergreen vegetation are two reasons for the unique energy of Sedona and its tangible regenerative and inspirational effects. …
Sedona is also internationally known for the uplifting power of its Vortex meditation sites. Two aspects of those sites make Sedona truly special.
The best time to visit Sedona is from March to May when the temperatures are warm – but not scorching – and the area is in full bloom.
EXCITING THINGS TO DO IN SEDONA, ARIZONA
Hikers love this season, as desert flowers add a pop of color to the rust-colored trails. September to November is another ideal time for outdoor activities thanks to mild weather.
Sedona /sɪˈdoʊnə/ is a city that straddles the county line between Coconino and Yavapai counties in the northern Verde Valley region of the U.S. state of Arizona.
As of the 2010 census, its population was 10,031. Most of the city lies in Yavapai County, with a portion in the east located in Coconino County.
Here are Three of our Favorite Affordable AIRBNBs in Sedona
Camp in the True Wilderness at This Arizona Located in a Cave
Hundreds of years ago these caves were inhabited by Native Americans. Now it has been turned into a cozy Airbnb in the Grand Canyon Caverns. It has been kept as authentic as possible, with just enough updates to make it inhabitable for guests.
In the warmer months, the cave will be 10-20 degrees cooler and will be warmer in the colder months. The indoor fireplace will also add to the cozy ambiance and keep you nice and toasty.
You’ll sleep right inside of it above a creek, falling peacefully asleep to the sounds of the water. Enjoy splashing around in the creek, and access to a paddleboard and firepit too.
The natural rock interior helps keep things cool in the summer and warmer in the winter so you’ll be nice and comfy while immersed in nature.
After your reservation we will send you specific directions to your accommodation which is 22 miles away from our uptown Sedona.
The Cave is hidden on our property and you will need a guide to get there. Be aware that self check in is not an option. The check in is from 4 to 7 pm. If you missed it, the next possible check in time could be 10:30 to 11:00 pm. If you can not check at this times please don’t make a reservation since we have strict check in and cancellation policy. There will be no check in after 11 pm.
You are in the wilderness. If you are bringing kids, please be aware there is a lot of steep terrain like on the hiking trail. Also there is the Creek below the cave. The same safety rules apply as it goes for the swimming pool. Your kids can not be left unattended and you are responsible for them at all times while on the property.
Guest access
You will have access to a room, bathroom, Cave and Creek below the Cave.
The vacation home is located in West Sedona.
A Wolf Sanctuary is just next door which requires an appointment to visit.
The wolves and wolf-dogs are teachers and particularly get excited when the children come to visit. They are gentle and loving. The wolf medicine teaches us how to come together as family, how to rely on one another, and how to care for the young, old and sick.
The wolves & wolf-dogs are leaders, teachers, and protectors. The children learn much from them – respect for all animals and creations, respect for themselves, one another, their siblings, their parents, their teachers, their classmates, Mother Earth and all elements.
You’re also nearby
Montezuma Castle,
Montezuma Well
and Sedona Bell Rock.
Fossil Creek is another nearby attraction but requires a permit (available April 1st – Oct 1st).
TOURS IN THE AREA
There is a creek is located below the cave and you’re able to rent a boat to explore the area.
Horseshoe Bend is 3 hours north and is located next to Antelope Canyons. The views of the red rocks are truly stunning.
You’re also less than an hour from Flagstaff and two hours from Phoenix and Scottsdale.
With a nightly rate of $149/night, it’s much more affordable than hotels you’d find in Uptown Sedona (22 miles away). The space accommodates up to four guests. With nearly a 5 star rating, the cave is guaranteed to make your next trip incredibly unique and unlike anything you’ve ever experienced
VISIT ANTELOPE CANYON
Explore the natural wonders of Antelope Canyon, a narrow slot canyon carved by wind and water through the ages. A Navajo guide helps you photograph the shifting light and creamy colors of the sandstone canyon, a must-see amid the splendor of the American Southwest. Views of Glen Dam, Lake Powell, and Horseshoe Bend are included en route from Sedona. Drive through the Painted Desert and Navajo Nation Visit Glen Canyon Dam and Horseshoe Bend with views of the Colorado River Hotel pickup and drop-off included from Sedona Lunch and bottled water provided
Antelope Canyon Original Tour and Horseshoe Bend from Sedona
ZEN RETREAT
Due to the coronavirus, we’re taking extra care to disinfect frequently touched surfaces between reservations.
Semi-rural, a quiet and peaceful place with abundant trees and pond, nestled between Cathedral Rock and Red Rock State Park and Pyramid Rock with hiking and river access. Clean well water.Access to private entrance, parking, garden.
Serene Zen Haven
$105 Per Night
Very aptly named, Serene Zen Haven offers a tranquil stay in a quiet residential area just a mile from uptown and boasts expansive red rock views from inside as well as from the outdoor patio with a grill. Expect all the essential amenities and then some, including a well-stocked kitchen, washer/dryer, Wi-Fi, two flat-screen TVs with DVRs, movie channels and a movie library. It sleeps up to four guests in two bedrooms, one of which comes with a bubbling Jacuzzi tub.
Expansive Red Rock Views Galore! Located in a highly desired, quiet neighborhood, 1 mile from uptown and 3/4 mile from shopping & restaurants. Beauty, comfort, and vaulted ceilings creates a relaxed zen feeling.
The kitchen is very well stocked including spices, coffee and teas, bakeware, stainless steel pots and pans, cloth napkins…..Barbecue, lounge chairs and outdoor dining table adorn the patio. 2 Flat screen TVs with DVR’s, movie channels and library. Home has recommendations list.
Newly renovated, our Serene Zen Haven has everything you need!, We provide our guests with comfortable pillow-topped beds, nice quality sheets, washer/dryer, flat screen TV’s with DVR capability, a movie library, Wi-Fi, beautiful décor, barbecue, and a wide array of cookware for those of you who enjoy the art of cooking.
Seating in the living area is a love-seat and four upholstered chairs. The spacious en-suite master has a large jacuzzi jetted tub, double sinks, double shower heads. The second bedroom is four steps up to a to a raised loft area, which is open to the living/kitchen space, and has a trundle bed. EXCEPTIONAL VIEWS FROM THE LOFT BEDROOM.
Serene Zen Haven is attached to another rental, Vortex Hiking House, and shares a driveway, a wall and a hot water heater. The Serene Zen Haven is completely private from the guests in the house, with no shared living or patio areas.
For those who like to dine out or enjoy an evening cocktail, wonderful restaurants await you close by. Our top recommendations are all listed in our welcome manual along with activities in the area. Whether occupying the Vortex Hiking House (https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/1434288)
or this Zen Haven, you will find breathtaking spectacular views.
All rates include gas, electricity, water, Wi-Fi, TV.
Guest access
Entire private Zen Haven with separate backyard and entrance.
CAMP GROUNDS IN SEDONA, AZ
This glamping Airbnb lies on Oak Creek at Cathedral Rock Crossing providing legendary views from one of the most photographed spots in Sedona. You’ll be immersed in the town’s spectacular nature while staying in a luxe tent that comes with a king-size organic mattress.
In the summer, the AC unit will keep you cool and during the colder months, it stays cozy and warm with an electric infrared fireplace and an electric blanket on the bed. There’s an outdoor bathroom and a hot rain shower too.
There simply is not a more magical or beloved place in all of Sedona. While this spot has visitors during the day, you get the unique experience of evenings here alone at the creek with the moon, stars & Cathedral Rock. The mornings are truly glorious!
Immerse yourself in nature with the comforts of home! We have a cozy Lotus Belle set up just for you with a king-size organic mattress and outdoor bathroom. Our hope is that you can relax into the beauty and magic of this deeply sacred place.
Cathedral Rock is one of the most powerful vortex spots in Sedona, and this place here on Oak Creek with the view of Cathedral Rock, called Red Rock Crossing, is perhaps the most famous place in all of Sedona.
There is only one property right on the creek with the direct view of Cathedral Rock – and this is it. The view from our back yard is the most photographed image in all of the American Southwest.
This is where people come to get married, to pray, to be in contemplation, and to rest deeply in the beauty and majesty of the Earth.
This amazing place backs up to national forest land and Crescent Moon Ranch Park. During daytime in summer (Saturdays and Sundays), there are quite a few visitors enjoying the creek, as the area really is a rare gem in all of Sedona. Evenings after 8pm it is usually empty and you get to enjoy solitude of the Sedona vortex. During weekdays, people come and go along the creek and it is fairly uncrowded.
SWIMMING HOLES IN SEDONA ARIZONA
Grasshopper Point
The Vibe: This fairly popular day use area offers a wide range of swimming, sunbathing, and cliff jumping options. It’s located along a bend in Oak Creek, which means it can remain shady until midday: a positive if it’s hot, a negative if it’s chilly. There are couple of different spots within walking distance from the parking lot, including a few deep sections for swimming, red rock terraces for laying out, and a variety ledges to jump off of. So if one area is busy, then it’s easy to move to another.
How to find the spot: From the parking lot, the swimming holes are just a short walk up Allen’s Bend Trail, which can be picked up at the north end of the parking lot. There ara e variety of different sections along the creek, some of which might require a little bushwhacking to get to, but most of them are within a ¼ mile of the parking lot.
Midgely Bridge
The Vibe: If you’re visiting this swimming hole on a weekend during the academic year, there’s a good chance you’ll be sharing the trail with more than a few college kids, as they drag their ice-filled coolers and intoxicated friends down to the creek. This spot definitely had a “Spring Break” vibe to it, which can either be a plus or a negative, depending on what you’re looking for.
This section of Oak Creek has some deep sections for swimming, but the main attraction are the large red rock “beaches” that are perfect for laying out.
If this parking lot is filled up or you’re unwilling to pay the fee, you can attempt parking to the north of the bridge, on the west side of 89A. We’re not sure if this is entirely legal, but we saw dozens of cars parked along the side of the road on a Saturday.
How to find the spot: From the parking lot, there is a trail that leads down underneath the bridge called the Midgely Bridge Trail. Just underneath the bridge there is an overlook, where you can see the swimming area to the south. Follow Midgely Bridge Trail and then take a right onto Huckaby Trail. This will lead you down to Oak Creek, but the swimming hole is actually further downstream. Follow the stream, passing the bridge on your right, until you see the large red rock “beaches”. Chances are there will already be a bunch of people over there.
Slide Rock State Park
Vibe: Perhaps the most popular and well-known swimming hole in Sedona, we couldn’t leave this classic off the list. This area is heavily frequented by tourists and for good reason: it’s absolutely beautiful. The red rocks closes in tight around Oak Creek, creating narrows with mini cascades and water slide chutes. Underneath the bridge, there are cliffs of varying heights that can be jumped off of, depending on the water level. There are many shallow areas for children as well as a few deeper sections if you’re looking to get fully submerged.
How to find the spot: If you’re starting from the Slide Rock Parking Lot, then follow the paved and extremely well marked path down to the bridge. All the popular swimming areas are upstream from the bridge. If you’re starting from the the turnout on 89A, follow the trail down towards and across the bridge.
Red Rock Crossing
The Vibe: The swimming hole at Red Rock Crossing wins for having the best view. We can think of no better way to spend the day than hanging out by the creek and looking up at Cathedral Rock. While this park is not as touristy as Slide Rock, it is still very popular. A good place families with children, there are a variety of beaches and shallow swimming areas. While there aren’t any cliffs, there are a few prominent rocks to be jumped off of.
How to find the spot: From Baldwin Trail parking lot, cross the road and follow Baldwin Trail north until it links up with Red Rock Crossing Trail. There are a few swimming spots along the creek in both directions. Since this side of the creek isn’t the official park, you may need to do a little bushwhacking to get to them, though most of the trails are fairly easy to follow.
“The Crack” at Wet Beaver Creek/Bell Crossing
The Vibe: First off, this swimming hole has the best name ever. Thank you unsuspecting pioneer person who named the creek and snickering college kid who named the swimming hole. Great team effort!
So unlike the other swimming holes on this list, this one requires a bit of a hike to get out to. While the 3.3 mile trail out only has 500 ft of elevation gain, it is largely exposed, which could make it brutal during the heat of summer. You’ll definitely want to apply some sunscreen and bring along some water for this one. But those who make the trek out will be well rewarded: because this swimming hole was amazing.
The Crack has the perfect combination of deep water for swimming, smooth rocks for laying out, and lots of cliffs to jump off. In fact, this spot features a natural stone diving board locally known as “the tongue of the beaver” that thrill-seekers can fling themselves off of. While the hike out will deter the more casual swimming hole goers, there will still be a decent amount people out there. Camping is not permitted within a ½ mile perimeter of the swimming hole.
How to find the spot: From the parking lot, follow the signs for Bell Trail. When Weir Trail breaks off to the right, stay to the left to keep on Bell Trail. Right before trail descends to cross the creek, there will be a fork with a rock cairn. Stay to the left there too. That will bring you directly to The Crack.
BEST RESTAURANTS IN SEDONA, ARIZONA
