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What to do in Sedona while house and pet sitting

NB avatar for TrustedHousesitters pet blogger Nancy Boland
Nancy Boland
19 October 20216 min read
Sedona landscape with hills

Wondering what to do in Sedona? If you’re looking after a new pet in desert town Sedona, there’s so much to see and do. Surrounded by red-rock, steep canyon walls and pine forests, the picturesque desert town is packed with must-see scenery as well as brimming with shops, spas and art galleries to explore. 

Aside from its vibrant art community, this Arizona town has numerous trailheads for hiking, bird-watching and picnicking for you to enjoy. Here’s our top picks for what to do in Sedona.

Sedona attractions

1. Hiking trails

One of the most scenic areas of Arizona, Sedona is one of the best spots for hiking lovers to while away a few hours enjoying the red rocks and scenic canyons. There’s a wide variety of different trails you can do, from easy family-friendly paths that are dog-friendly for you and your pup or challenging routes that will take you to scenic lookouts. 

2. Jeep tours

Jeep tours are a big deal in Sedona and one of the most popular ways for visitors to get to know the area. Tours range from mild to wild, but all of them promise to be scenic and exciting. Go on a rugged off-road adventure into the Western canyonlands or climb the scenic beauty of the Mogollon Rim. Looking for something a bit different? Do a pink jeep tour for original routes and guided hikes.  

3. Red Rock State Park

Spread over 286 acres, Red Rock State Park is a nature preserve and environmental education center with incredible scenery that you won’t want to miss. Love hiking? The 5-mile trail network consists of interconnecting loops which lead you along the lush greenery of Oak Creek and the famous red rocks of Sedona. 

4. Sedona Heritage Museum 

The Sedona Heritage Museum is located in Jordan Historical Park. You can venture through the Museum’s regular exhibits including our Early Settlers, Ranching & Cowboys, the Orchard Industry, as well as movies made in Sedona.

5. Airport Mesa

Airport Mesa is a scenic trail loop that guides travelers along well-marked paths that lead to panoramic views of the city’s iconic red rock landscape including the Courthouse Butte, Bell Rock, Cathedral Rock, Cockscomb and Chimney Rock, making it one of the area’s most scenic treks.

Free things to do in Sedona

Looking for free things to do in Sedona while you visit? Head out for a few hours to one of these free attractions: 

1. The Vortexes

Meditate or do yoga at one of the four best known Sedona vortexes (swirling centers of energy) at Airport Mesa, Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock and Boynton Canyon. There are companies and individual guides that offer vortex tours but everyone is welcome to visit on their own. 

2. Red Rock Scenic Byway

Red Rock Scenic Byway is one of the most scenic drives in the USA. It contains some of the most spectacular views that Arizona has to offer winding through Sedona's Red Rock Country, often referred to as a "museum without walls." If you love a road trip and you're looking for a short drive (14.3 miles) filled with natural beauty, the Scenic Byway is for you. 

3. Chapel of the Holy Cross

This iconic spiritual landmark showcases stunning views that attracts guests from all around the country. There’s also a Chapel Trail that takes you from the church parking lot to the base of Red Rocks and beyond. It’s a scenic route that’s perfect for you and your pup. 

4. Star Gazing

Sedona’s night sky is a sight to behold. Even if you know nothing about astronomy, you’ll still be able to pick out famous constellations like Orion. Just drive out into the country and sit back and watch nature’s star show. You won’t want to miss it. 

Fun things to do in Sedona

Wondering what to do in Sedona that’s fun? Take a look at some of our choices below: 

1. Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village

When you’re visiting Sedona you must spend some time at the internationally renowned Tlaquepaque (pronounced Tla-keh-pah-keh), Sedona Arizona's Arts & Crafts Village. Inspired by a traditional Mexican village, Tlaquepaque, meaning the "best of everything," has been a Sedona landmark since the 1970s. What’s there? Tlaquepaque is filled with one-of-a-kind art from Western and bronze sculpture, traditional ceramics, blown glass creations, contemporary and Southwestern fine art paintings, decorative arts, architectural decor pieces and stunning photography.

2. Verde Valley Wine Trail

Sample the flavor of Verde Valley between Sedona, Cottonwood and Jerome, at seven Arizona wineries and eight tasting rooms. You can join an organized wine tour or sip your way through the region at your own pace. There are also some incredible sights to be seen.

3. Cathedral Rock

Looking for a good hike for you and your dog sit to do together? Cathedral Rock Trail is a 1.9 kilometer, heavily trafficked out and back trail near Sedona with a river. It’s a moderately easy hike to do and dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash.

4. Mountain Biking Trails

If you love mountain biking, you probably already know that Sedona is a hot spot for it. Regardless of whether you’re a beginner or an expert, there are rides for all abilities on the trails. Trails like Templeton and Mescal offer a little more challenge for intermediates and run along exposed areas with cliffs. More advanced bikers can look to trails like Slim Shady and Hiline for more challenging terrain. The astounding scenery isn’t too shabby either.

Best restaurants in Sedona: Food and drink

From great Mexican restaurants to Italian eateries, here’s a look at some of the best restaurants in Sedona to fuel up before or after a hike.

1. Tii Gavo

Looking for the best Mexican restaurant in Sedona? Located at the Enchantment Resort, Tii Gavo, literally meaning “gathering place,” is a casual restaurant with amazing food. From stuffed peppers and tamale bowls with mole-braised short rib to ahi grilled churrasco with creamed local greens and street tacos, it’s a must-visit if you’re in the mood for Mexican food. 

Another great pick is the Tamaliza Cafe, a family-owned, counter-service Mexican restaurant that specializes in homemade tamales. It’s a great one if you have dietary requirements as the menu can be made vegan or vegetarian. 

2. The Cowboy Club

The Cowboy Club’s long history started in 1946 when it opened as a saloon hall that attracted Hollywood’s Western stars from Burt Lancaster and John Wayne while they filmed their iconic movies. Go for the pecan-smoked prime rib on Friday nights and buttermilk fried chicken on Sundays. 

3. Heartline Cafe

Looking for a nice lunch spot? Peruse the wine list at the Heartline Cafe and enjoy one of the many dishes prepared with locally grown food. Popular picks are the rainbow trout with a pecan crust or tequila lime-marinated salmon. 

4. Dahl & Di Luca Ristorante

When it comes to the best Italian restaurants in Sedona, there’s a lot to choose from. At Dahl & Di Luca Ristorante Italiano, Dahl makes her grandmother’s tortellini with prosciutto and green peas in an alfredo sauce, vegetarian portobello mushroom grilled in a house marinade, and salmon with a Neapolitan limoncello reduction sauce. 

As you can see, Sedona is an incredible destination known for fine dining, indulgent spas and incredible scenery. Many of the best things to do are totally free, like taking photographs of the sunset at the Airport Mesa vortex, driving the Red Rocks Scenic Byway and pup-friendly hiking trails with spectacular views of the red rock formations.

For more travel-related information our blog has plenty of tips for pet sitting away from home. Or, visit our friendly Community Forum where you can chat with like-minded members and share advice, find support, and discuss all things house sitting, pets, travel, and more.

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