Total Sedona Tour: Chapel of the Holy Cross, Airport Mesa, and Oak Creek Canyon in One Day
Difficulty
easy
Duration
5–6 hours
Fitness Level
Comfortable walking short distances with a few gentle inclines and steps.
Overview
See Sedona’s greatest hits without rushing: the Chapel of the Holy Cross, Airport Mesa, Amitabha Stupa, and a scenic drive up Oak Creek Canyon—stitched together by a guide who knows the land’s stories. Low effort, huge views, and time built in for photos, lunch, and exploring.
Total Sedona Tour: Chapel of the Holy Cross, Airport Mesa, and Oak Creek Canyon in One Day
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Morning light flips the switch on Sedona’s sandstone—Bell Rock blushes, Cathedral Rock throws a bold profile, and the high desert air feels crisp and thin. The Total Sedona Tour strings these moments together into a single, unrushed loop, letting the red rocks do the talking while a knowledgeable guide fills the quiet with stories of geology, Native lifeways, and the quirky boomtown era when Hollywood chased sunsets here.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Hydrate for high desert
Sedona sits around 4,300–4,500 feet with dry air—sip water regularly even on cool days.
Wear grippy, closed-toe shoes
Short walks to the chapel, stupa, and overlooks include sloped pavement and sandy grit.
Respect sacred sites
At the stupa and chapel, move quietly, circle clockwise, and avoid climbing on rock or monuments.
Watch the monsoon clock
July–September, brief afternoon storms are common; a light shell and flexible schedule help.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Mule deer at dawn and dusk near juniper flats
- Common ravens riding thermals over Airport Mesa
History
The Sinagua people occupied this region for centuries, leaving petroglyphs and cliff dwellings across the Verde Valley. In the 1940s–60s, Sedona’s canyons became a filmmaking hub, with dozens of Westerns shot against these red walls.
Conservation
Stay on established paths at sacred sites and overlooks to protect fragile soils and vegetation. Pack out all trash and leave rock features and prayer items undisturbed.
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Adventure Hotspots in Sedona, Arizona
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Closed-toe walking shoes
Comfort and traction make short stops at overlooks and the chapel safer and easier.
Refillable water bottle (1–2 liters)
Staying hydrated at altitude keeps energy up through the tour’s many stops.
Sun hat and SPF 30+ sunscreen
Open viewpoints reflect heat and UV; shade and sunblock prevent burns.
summer specific
Light windproof layer
Breezes at Airport Mesa and shaded canyon stops can feel cool even on sunny days.
spring specific