Spend a full day exploring Sedona’s red rocks and ancestral Sinagua cliff dwellings on this small-group tour from Phoenix. Visit Montezuma Castle, Chapel of the Holy Cross, Bell Rock and enjoy 2–3 hours to wander Uptown Sedona with a knowledgeable guide.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
Dust still clings to the van wheels as the highway drops you into the wide, serrated skyline of Sedona. Red sandstone walls flare from the desert like opened books—layers of iron-stained rock that keep a geologic record of rivers and deserts long gone. On this full-day outing from Phoenix, travelers move through those pages: cliffside dwellings carved by the Sinagua, a chapel hewn into a mesa, and the broad faces of Bell Rock that dare you to pull over and look up.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
11 hours (approx.)
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; expect short walks on uneven terrain and some standing during stops.
Wildlife
History
The Sinagua people built cliff dwellings like Montezuma Castle between AD 600–1400; modern features like Chapel of the Holy Cross were added in the mid-20th century.
Conservation
Sedona’s desert soils and archaeological sites are fragile—stay on designated trails, pack out trash, and avoid touching rock art to preserve the landscape.
Reserve your spot on the Small Group or Private Sedona and Native American Ruins Day Tour today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Morning pickup—be ready early
Pickup usually occurs between 6:00–7:00 AM; confirm your exact time with the operator at least one week prior to avoid missing the van.
Sun protection is non-negotiable
Bring a wide-brim hat, SPF 30+ sunscreen and sunglasses—there’s little shade at viewpoint stops and the desert sun is strong even outside summer.
Wear sturdy shoes
Trails and viewpoints include uneven surfaces and short rock scrambles; closed-toe hiking shoes give better traction than sandals.
Respect archaeological sites
Do not touch cliff dwellings or petroglyphs and stay behind barriers—these sites are fragile and protected by federal law.
Sturdy walking shoes
Provide traction and ankle support for uneven trails and rocky viewpoints.
Sun hat and sunglasses
Protects from intense sun during open-air stops and while walking around Uptown Sedona.
summer
Sunscreen (SPF 30+)
Desert UV is strong year-round; reapply during the day.
Light jacket or windbreaker
Mornings can be cool and wind can pick up at higher viewpoints, especially in spring or fall.
spring