
moderate
4–5 hours
Suitable for hikers with decent aerobic fitness and balance; expect sustained uphill sections and brief rock scrambling.
A private, guided 4.5-hour tour that pairs a 2.4-mile red-rock loop with iconic Sedona stops—vortex overlooks, Tlaquepaque arts village, and the Chapel of the Holy Cross. Ideal for travelers who want a locally led, no‑hassle introduction to the region’s geology and culture.
You step out of the high-roof van and the air changes—dry, warm, laced with piñon and sun-baked sandstone. The tour guide checks everyone’s water, tightens a bootlace, and points to the squat horizon: a 2.4-mile loop rising about 620 feet to an “island in the sky,” a rocky crown that hangs above the scrub. For the next few hours the landscape does the pushing and you follow—up loose shale, over ledges that demand careful footwork, and along a rim that rewards each cautious step with a widening view.

Bring at least 1–2 liters of water per person; the guide provides bottled water but refill your bottle during breaks to avoid overheating.
Wear hiking shoes with good tread—sections include loose shale and light scrambling that defeat sandals and sneakers.
If you tour in summer, request a dawn or early-morning pickup to avoid peak heat and gusty winds later in the day.
Trails protect cryptobiotic soil and native plants—don’t shortcut switchbacks or step off designated paths.
Sedona grew as a retreat and artists’ community in the 20th century; the Chapel of the Holy Cross (built 1956) is an iconic mid-century landmark carved into the red rock.
Trails cross fragile desert soils—stay on designated routes, avoid disturbing plants, and support local stewardship efforts that fund trail maintenance and education.
Provides traction on loose shale and stability for short scrambling sections.
Keeps you sipping constantly—critical in Sedona’s dry climate.
summer specific
Open desert exposures mean prolonged sun; protect skin and eyes for long photo stops.
summer specific
Temperatures change quickly; a wind layer is useful at the summit and in cooler months.
spring specific