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A Sedona weekend with friends

Itineraries · Arizona · Sedona, AZ · 3 days

A 3-day Sedona plan for a group: Devil's Bridge and Cathedral Rock by free trailhead shuttle, an easy walk around Bell Rock, the Chapel of the Holy Cross, Tlaquepaque, sunset at the Airport Scenic Overlook, and dinner at Elote Cafe.

This plan runs Friday to Sunday, when the free Sedona Shuttle runs to the busiest trailheads. Hikes start at 7 AM to beat the heat and the crowds, and afternoons are kept light. Each hike has an easier option, so a group with mixed fitness can stay together for most of the day.

Day 1

Tlaquepaque and an airport sunset

4 stops
  1. 2:00 PM2:00 PMStayAmara Resort and Spa100 Amara Ln, Sedona, AZ · Map of Amara Resort and SpaOr wherever the group is staying
  2. 3:00 PM3:00 PMDoTlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village336 State Route 179, Sedona, AZ · Map of Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping VillageGalleries and courtyards; most shops close around 5 PM
  3. 5:00 PM5:00 PMDoAirport Scenic Overlook235 Air Terminal Dr, Sedona, AZ · Map of Airport Scenic OverlookArrive an hour before sunset. Small parking fee, cards accepted
  4. 7:00 PM7:00 PMEatOak Creek Brewery & Grill336 State Route 179, Sedona, AZ · Map of Oak Creek Brewery & GrillInside Tlaquepaque, a short walk from the shops
Day 2

Devil's Bridge and a big dinner

4 stops
  1. 7:00 AM7:00 AMTravelWest SR 89A Park & Ride, 905 Upper Red Rock Loop Rd, Sedona, AZ to Sedona Shuttle Route 11Mescal Trailhead, Long Canyon Rd, Sedona, AZ · Map of Sedona Shuttle Route 11Free parking and free rides. Buses run about every 30 minutes
  2. 7:15 AM7:15 AMDoDevil's Bridge TrailMescal Trailhead, Long Canyon Rd, Sedona, AZ · Map of Devil's Bridge TrailAbout 4 miles round trip via the Mescal and Chuckwagon trails. The last stretch is steep rock steps; the arch base is an easier stopping point
  3. 2:00 PM2:00 PMDoChapel of the Holy Cross780 Chapel Rd, Sedona, AZ · Map of Chapel of the Holy CrossOpen 9 AM to 5 PM; last entry 4:45 PM
  4. 6:30 PM6:30 PMEatElote Cafe350 Jordan Rd, Sedona, AZ · Map of Elote CafeReservations required, up to 60 days ahead. Dinner Tuesday to Saturday

If we have time

Day 3

Cathedral Rock and Bell Rock

4 stops
  1. 7:00 AM7:00 AMTravelNorth SR 179 Park & Ride, 1294 State Route 179, Sedona, AZ to Sedona Shuttle Route 15Cathedral Rock Trailhead, Back O' Beyond Rd, Sedona, AZ · Map of Sedona Shuttle Route 15Buses every 15 minutes. The trailhead lot is closed while the shuttle runs
  2. 7:15 AM7:15 AMDoCathedral Rock TrailCathedral Rock Trailhead, Back O' Beyond Rd, Sedona, AZ · Map of Cathedral Rock Trail1.1 miles round trip but strenuous, with a steep slickrock scramble. Anyone not keen can stop below the climb
  3. 10:00 AM10:00 AMDoBell Rock PathwayCourthouse Vista, State Route 179, Sedona, AZ · Map of Bell Rock PathwayMostly wide and easy around the base of Bell Rock. Red Rock Pass needed to park; machine on site
  4. 1:00 PM1:00 PMTravelSedona, AZ to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport3400 E Sky Harbor Blvd, Phoenix, AZ · Map of Phoenix Sky Harbor International AirportAbout two hours via SR 179 and I-17

If we have time

Tips

  1. The Sedona Shuttle is free and runs Thursday to Sunday, 7 AM to 5:30 PM, with no reservations. The Cathedral Rock and Soldier Pass trailhead lots are closed to cars while it runs, and shuttle riders don't need a Red Rock Pass.
  2. If you park at a forest trailhead such as Courthouse Vista, you need a Red Rock Pass or an America the Beautiful pass. Buy one at the kiosk machine on site or on Recreation.gov using your license plate.
  3. Most red rock trails have little shade and no drinking water. Carry plenty of water, start early, and turn back before the afternoon heat.
  4. The West Fork Trail in Oak Creek Canyon is closed after the 2026 Pocket Fire. Check the Coconino National Forest alerts before adding other hikes.

Plan it together in Freya

Every stop goes on your trip with its place from Apple Maps, so the group gets directions, drive times and the weather. Then swap things out, vote and split the costs.

Add to FreyaCustomize in the builder

Change any stop, move things between days or add your own, then add your version to Freya. Not on an iPhone? Copy the plan for the group chat.

Questions

Is 3 days enough for Sedona?

For a first visit, yes. This plan fits 12 stops into 3 days (Day 1: Tlaquepaque and an airport sunset; Day 2: Devil's Bridge and a big dinner; Day 3: Cathedral Rock and Bell Rock). Add a day if your group likes a slower pace.

When is the best time to go to Sedona?

March to May and September to November; summer trails are hot and exposed.

Where should a group eat in Sedona?

This plan stops at Oak Creek Brewery & Grill and Elote Cafe. Vote on dinner in Freya if the group can't agree.

What if the group wants to split up?

The ideas under “If we have time” (Pink Jeep Tours and Amara Spa) are optional. In Freya, set who's going on a stop so everyone knows where to meet back up.

How do we use this plan as a group?

Tap Add to Freya on an iPhone. Every stop goes on a shared trip with its place from Apple Maps, so the group gets directions, drive times and the weather. Friends join from a link with just their first name, then swap stops, vote on plans and split the costs.

More itineraries

Have your own plan in a Google Doc, a Google Sheet or an AI chat? Paste it into Freya, or import it in the builder. Here’s how, or plan together with our Google Sheets and Docs templates. Or make your own version of this plan in the builder.