Sedona
October 14–18, 2026 · 4 nights
Wednesday, October 14
Morning
Fly into Phoenix (PHX)
We rent a car, drive 2 hours north through the desert. The last 20 minutes into Sedona are cinematic, I'm telling you.
Afternoon
Check into Amara Resort & Spa
Right on the creek in Uptown. Pool, spa, mountain views from our room. This is home base.
Sunset
Airport Mesa viewpoint
Short drive, easy walk to the overlook. Our first look at the red rocks at golden hour.
Dinner
The Hudson
Easy first night. Good cocktails, solid menu, patio seating. We're easing in.
Thursday, October 15
Early morning
Cathedral Rock sunrise hike
We start before 7 AM. There's a scramble at the top, but watching the sunrise from up there is the whole trip. 1.2 miles round trip.
Late morning
Breakfast in town
We earned this. Coffee and something substantial.
Afternoon
Pink Jeep Tour
Broken Arrow trail. They take us places we can't drive ourselves. Bumpy, fun, great photos.
Dinner
Mariposa
Latin-inspired, best sunset views in Sedona. We request the patio. The short rib and ceviche are what I keep reading about. $$$
Friday, October 16
Early morning
Devil's Bridge hike
Sedona's most iconic trail. The natural sandstone arch is massive. 4.2 miles round trip, we start early to beat the crowds.
Afternoon
Verde Valley wine trail
20 minutes south. Arizona wine country, and it's surprisingly good. Page Springs Cellars and Javelina Leap are the ones to hit.
Dinner
Elote Cafe
Smoked pork cheeks, fire-roasted corn, mezcal cocktails. No reservations, so we put our name in early. Worth the wait. $$
Saturday, October 17
Morning
Spa day at Amara
Couples treatment. We've earned it after two days of hiking. Pool time after.
Afternoon
Tlaquepaque Arts Village
Spanish colonial-style village with galleries, jewelry, handmade ceramics. Not a mall, actually interesting.
Sunset
Airport Mesa again (or new spot)
We'll want one more sunset. Trust me.
Dinner
Cress on Oak Creek
Our splurge night. Creekside fine dining at L'Auberge. Tasting menu, candlelight, the sound of the creek. $$$$
Sunday, October 18
Morning
Slow morning at Amara
Last breakfast, pool, one more look at those views.
Midday
Drive to PHX, fly home
If we have time, we stop in Jerome on the way down. Old copper mining town turned artist colony.
Where to Eat
-
Elote Cafe
Mexican-inspired Southwest
Smoked pork cheeks, fire-roasted elote, mezcal flights. No reservations, so we show up early and put our name in. $$
-
Mariposa
Latin American
Best views in Sedona from the patio. Short rib, ceviche, craft cocktails. Reserve for sunset. $$$
-
Cress on Oak Creek
Fine dining
At L'Auberge de Sedona. Tasting menu, creekside candlelight. The special occasion dinner. $$$$
-
The Hudson
American casual
Good cocktails, solid menu, easy patio vibe. Nice for a first or last night. $$
Good to Know
- You need a Red Rock Pass to park at most trailheads. $5/day or $15/week. Buy at the Visitor Center or at the trailhead kiosks.
- Start hikes before 8 AM. October is peak season — trails get crowded by mid-morning and parking fills up fast.
- The drive from Phoenix is easy but scenic. Take the I-17 to the 179 for the most dramatic entrance into Sedona.
- October weather is ideal — warm days, cool nights. Bring layers for early morning hikes and evenings.
Booking Checklist
- ○ Flights to PHX
- ○ Amara Resort & Spa (4 nights)
- ○ Rental car
- ○ Pink Jeep Tour — Broken Arrow
- ○ Mariposa dinner reservation
- ○ Cress on Oak Creek reservation
- ○ Amara spa — couples treatment