Cradle of the Sun Guidebook
Sightseeing
Red Rock State Park
4050 Red Rock Loop RdOnly one mile from our home- gentle walks near Oak Creek.
A beautiful spot near our home for picnicking, waterplay, wildlife watching, photography, and fishing.
51 locals recommend
Crescent Moon Day Use Site
300 Red Rock Crossing RdA beautiful spot near our home for picnicking, waterplay, wildlife watching, photography, and fishing.
Red Rock Crossing Trail
Red Rock Crossing TrailLeisurely trail along Oak Creek.
Iconic views of Cathedral Rock and Oak Creek from a trailhead just outside Red Rock Crossing. The trailhead is a short beautiful drive from Cradle of the Sun.
9 locals recommend
Secret Slickrock Trailhead
Chavez Crossing RoadIconic views of Cathedral Rock and Oak Creek from a trailhead just outside Red Rock Crossing. The trailhead is a short beautiful drive from Cradle of the Sun.
A few scenic miles’ drive from Cradle of the Sun. Combine with the Sketch Trail for a nice lollipop loop with expansive views in all directions.
Ridge Trl, Sedona, AZ 86336, USA
A few scenic miles’ drive from Cradle of the Sun. Combine with the Sketch Trail for a nice lollipop loop with expansive views in all directions.
A recently discovered short climb to a saddle near the top of Pyramid- combine with the Pyramid Trail for a loop with beautiful views of the Oak Creek Canyon, Cathedral Rock, and other local features. The trailhead is minutes from our home.
Scorpion Trail
Scorpion TrailA recently discovered short climb to a saddle near the top of Pyramid- combine with the Pyramid Trail for a loop with beautiful views of the Oak Creek Canyon, Cathedral Rock, and other local features. The trailhead is minutes from our home.
A gentle nearby trail that explores the area between Lower Red Rock Loop Road and Oak Creek
Lime Kiln Trail
Lime Kiln TrailA gentle nearby trail that explores the area between Lower Red Rock Loop Road and Oak Creek
Approached from Lower Red Rock Loop about a mile from our home, this short but somewhat steep trail provides beautiful views of West Sedona and Oak Creek Canyon.
6 locals recommend
Schuerman Mountain Trailhead
Approached from Lower Red Rock Loop about a mile from our home, this short but somewhat steep trail provides beautiful views of West Sedona and Oak Creek Canyon.
A relatively flat trail that explores a somewhat shaded and cooler canyon floor.
For the more adventurous- don’t think Boynton is a sleeper. Those who are comfortable exploring off trail can find amazing ruins and rock features. Do not attempt if you aren’t familiar and comfortable with off trail travel!
23 locals recommend
Boynton Canyon Trail
Boynton Canyon TrailA relatively flat trail that explores a somewhat shaded and cooler canyon floor.
For the more adventurous- don’t think Boynton is a sleeper. Those who are comfortable exploring off trail can find amazing ruins and rock features. Do not attempt if you aren’t familiar and comfortable with off trail travel!
A personal favorite combined with the Long Canyon Trail to form a loop around Mescal Mountain, featuring fun but solid slick rock ledges and great views!
Mescal Trail
Mescal TrailA personal favorite combined with the Long Canyon Trail to form a loop around Mescal Mountain, featuring fun but solid slick rock ledges and great views!
A personal favorite for the more adventurous- combined with Mund’s Wagon and Cow Pie Trails to give an amazing view of Oak Creek above Sedona and Mt. Wilson with exhilarating but mostly wide slick rock ledges and dramatic drops.
Hangover Trail
Hangover TrailA personal favorite for the more adventurous- combined with Mund’s Wagon and Cow Pie Trails to give an amazing view of Oak Creek above Sedona and Mt. Wilson with exhilarating but mostly wide slick rock ledges and dramatic drops.
Probably the most challenging hike in Sedona with an elevation gain of around 1600 feet and some rough terrain up rocky gullies and across angled slick rock, but the rewards en route and from the summit are incredible views of the surroundings near Secret Canyon, as well as long views of the greater Sedona area.
Bear Mountain trail/Oski approach
Bear Mountain trail/Oski approachProbably the most challenging hike in Sedona with an elevation gain of around 1600 feet and some rough terrain up rocky gullies and across angled slick rock, but the rewards en route and from the summit are incredible views of the surroundings near Secret Canyon, as well as long views of the greater Sedona area.
A short hike to an amazing view of West Sedona from a high perch near 89A.
30 locals recommend
Sugar Loaf Trailhead
2065 Buena Vista DrA short hike to an amazing view of West Sedona from a high perch near 89A.
Take the loop that includes the Highline and Baldwin Trails.
159 locals recommend
Cathedral Rock Trailhead
500 Back O Beyond RdTake the loop that includes the Highline and Baldwin Trails.
Unique riparian habitat walk to an artesian spring near Sycamore Creek. The trailhead is on a long and somewhat rough road about 30 minutes from Cradle of the Sun, but the setting is beautiful!
Parson Spring Trail, Arizona, USA
Unique riparian habitat walk to an artesian spring near Sycamore Creek. The trailhead is on a long and somewhat rough road about 30 minutes from Cradle of the Sun, but the setting is beautiful!
Storied Buddhist spiritual oasis and park deemed holy by native people, with 14 serene acres.
99 locals recommend
Amitabha Stupa & Peace Park
2650 Pueblo DrStoried Buddhist spiritual oasis and park deemed holy by native people, with 14 serene acres.
Let us know if you’d like to go on the zipline, and we’re likely to be able to get a substantial discount for you.
11 locals recommend
Predator Zip Lines
Let us know if you’d like to go on the zipline, and we’re likely to be able to get a substantial discount for you.
A set of well-preserved dwellings located in Camp Verde, which were built and used by the Sinagua people, the historic inhabitants of the Verde Valley between approximately 1100 and 1425 AD. The main structure comprises five stories and about 45 to 60 rooms and was built over the course of three centuries.
236 locals recommend
Montezuma Castle National Monument
Montezuma Castle RoadA set of well-preserved dwellings located in Camp Verde, which were built and used by the Sinagua people, the historic inhabitants of the Verde Valley between approximately 1100 and 1425 AD. The main structure comprises five stories and about 45 to 60 rooms and was built over the course of three centuries.
A unique look at a pre-Columbian ruin built by the Sinagua people who historically inhabited the Verde Valley
112 locals recommend
Tuzigoot National Monument
25 Tuzigoot RdA unique look at a pre-Columbian ruin built by the Sinagua people who historically inhabited the Verde Valley
The site contains ruins and artifacts of the Sinagua people, who are the historic inhabitants of the Verde Valley.
45 locals recommend
Palatki Heritage Site
10290 Forest RdThe site contains ruins and artifacts of the Sinagua people, who are the historic inhabitants of the Verde Valley.
Ruins of a site occupied by the Sinagua people, who are the historic inhabitants of the Verde Valley
24 locals recommend
Honanki Heritage Site
11450 N Loy Butte RdRuins of a site occupied by the Sinagua people, who are the historic inhabitants of the Verde Valley
Shopping and outdoor activity center
Iconic Sedona architectural landmark rated #1 of the 10 Best Attractions in Sedona by USA Today
226 locals recommend
Chapel of the Holy Cross
780 Chapel RdIconic Sedona architectural landmark rated #1 of the 10 Best Attractions in Sedona by USA Today
Outdoor plaza with shopping and restaurants. Live music in the courtyard during warm weather season Sunday through Tuesday evening, featuring flamenco music by Gaetano, 5:30-7:30pm. Sponsored by El Rincon.
346 locals recommend
Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village
336 AZ-179Outdoor plaza with shopping and restaurants. Live music in the courtyard during warm weather season Sunday through Tuesday evening, featuring flamenco music by Gaetano, 5:30-7:30pm. Sponsored by El Rincon.
Historic mining town turned hip artistic community- stroll the pedestrian friendly streets and visit the shops, wine tasting rooms, and restaurants.
476 locals recommend
Jerome
Historic mining town turned hip artistic community- stroll the pedestrian friendly streets and visit the shops, wine tasting rooms, and restaurants.
Stroll the uncluttered pedestrian friendly streets of Old Town Cottonwood, visit the local shops, and enjoy the tasting rooms and restaurants.
Old Town Marketplace
20825 Front StStroll the uncluttered pedestrian friendly streets of Old Town Cottonwood, visit the local shops, and enjoy the tasting rooms and restaurants.
Good place to pick up gear and ask for local outdoor recreation advice.
6 locals recommend
Canyon Outfitters
2701 AZ-89AGood place to pick up gear and ask for local outdoor recreation advice.
The Hike House
431 Arizona 179Good for outdoor gear and local trail information
Food scene
Unique local favorite southwest grill serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner with amazing views
78 locals recommend
Mesa Grill Sedona
1185 Airport RdUnique local favorite southwest grill serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner with amazing views
A favorite for southwestern cuisine. Know that they book weeks in advance!
198 locals recommend
Elote Cafe
350 Jordan RoadA favorite for southwestern cuisine. Know that they book weeks in advance!
Shorebird Sedona
Best seafood in Sedona!
Featuring live flamenco music by Gaetano and friends in the courtyard (weather permitting). Sunday through Tuesday, 5:30-7:30pm.
30 locals recommend
El Rincon Restaurante Mexicano
336 AZ-179Featuring live flamenco music by Gaetano and friends in the courtyard (weather permitting). Sunday through Tuesday, 5:30-7:30pm.
Good food. Full bar. Reasonable prices. Meats smoked daily. Local favorite!
22 locals recommend
Nick's Westside
2920 AZ-89AGood food. Full bar. Reasonable prices. Meats smoked daily. Local favorite!
Dahl & Di Luca Ristorante
2321 AZ-89AGreat Italian cuisine
Rene At Tlaquepaque
336 AZ-179Best bet for a quiet romantic dining experience
The chef is a local favorite, and the setting is unique.
70 locals recommend
Creekside American Bistro
251 AZ-179The chef is a local favorite, and the setting is unique.
A healthy and delicious restaurant option
129 locals recommend
Picazzo's Healthy Italian Kitchen Sedona
1855 AZ-89AA healthy and delicious restaurant option
Visit the restaurant for good food in an incredible setting. Availability may be limited due to the pandemic, as they have recently only allowed resort guests. Call ahead to check.
30 locals recommend
Enchantment Resort
525 Boynton Canyon RdVisit the restaurant for good food in an incredible setting. Availability may be limited due to the pandemic, as they have recently only allowed resort guests. Call ahead to check.
Visit The Asylum at The Grand Hotel in Jerome for amazing views with lunch and a drink.
20 locals recommend
Jerome Grand Hotel
200 Hill StVisit The Asylum at The Grand Hotel in Jerome for amazing views with lunch and a drink.
Mexican American food in a casual atmosphere with contemporary presentation and full bar
99 locals recommend
Javelina Cantina
671 AZ-179Mexican American food in a casual atmosphere with contemporary presentation and full bar
Causal restaurant with healthy variety and beautiful outdoor space.
106 locals recommend
Pump House Station Urban Eatery and Market
313 AZ-179Causal restaurant with healthy variety and beautiful outdoor space.
Coffee Pot Restaurant
2050 W State Rte 89AClassic local breakfast place
Fresh & Natural Thai Kitchen
1439 W State Rte 89AA healthy and delicious restaurant option
Mariposa Latin Inspired Grill
700 AZ-89AGreat food in an amazing setting
Causal dining in a quiet riparian outdoor setting by Oak Creek
67 locals recommend
Up the Creek Bistro Wine Bar
1975 N Page Springs RdCausal dining in a quiet riparian outdoor setting by Oak Creek
Take a walk along the creek near the hatchery and visit the local wineries for a flight and a bite.
198 locals recommend
Page Springs Cellars
1500 N Page Springs RdTake a walk along the creek near the hatchery and visit the local wineries for a flight and a bite.
Premier tasting room near the Hyatt at Piñon Point in uptown Sedona
9 locals recommend
The Art of Wine
101 AZ-89APremier tasting room near the Hyatt at Piñon Point in uptown Sedona
Tantrum Wines
918 N Main StRelaxing tasting room with great Arizona wines frequently featuring live music
Recognized for good pub food with a fully stocked bar.
33 locals recommend
The Golden Goose American Grill
2545 W State Rte 89ARecognized for good pub food with a fully stocked bar.
Javelina Leap Vineyard, Winery & Bistro
1565 N Page Springs RdMoondog's Pizza & Dinner
2481 AZ-89ABest approximation of NY style pie
The Hudson
671 AZ-179Slightly upscale local favorite
The Vault Uptown
361 Forest RdMore upscale local favorite
Family run restaurant with Italian favorites. Everything is homemade.
49 locals recommend
Gerardo's Italian Kitchen
2675 W State Rte 89AFamily run restaurant with Italian favorites. Everything is homemade.
Rascal Modern American Diner & Bar
Same chef as Mesa Grill. Open until 10pm.
Fun place for live music and libations!
Feeling like some nightlife? This is a good bet for drinks, music, dancing, and friendly people.
Local favorite- especially for Thursday evening open mic. Best wine selection in town- retail or to consume on the premises.
130 locals recommend
Vino Di Sedona
2575 AZ-89ALocal favorite- especially for Thursday evening open mic. Best wine selection in town- retail or to consume on the premises.
Cocktails and locally distilled liquor with outdoor seating and great views, sometimes including live music or DJ’s
Redwall Distillery
Cocktails and locally distilled liquor with outdoor seating and great views, sometimes including live music or DJ’s
Oak Creek Brewery
2050 Yavapai DrNice selection of local brews and occasional live music
Mooney's Irish Pub
671 AZ-179Frequently hosting live music and DJ’s.