According to forum posts, popular hiking trails in Sedona include Cathedral Rock, Devil's Bridge Trail, and West Fork Oak Creek. Travelers have highlighted the Bell Rock/Courthouse Butte Trail and Soldiers Pass as favorites. Some users noted that these trails can be crowded, especially during peak seasons.

Forum contributors mentioned that while the Devil's Bridge Trail offers stunning views, it involves a significant rock scramble which might not be suitable for everyone. For those looking for easier hikes, Fay Canyon and the Bell Rock Path are recommended for their manageable paths and scenic views.

For visitors interested in less crowded options, some travelers suggested checking out Sugarloaf for its ease and beautiful scenery, and the Little Horse Trail. It's advised to arrive early at popular trails like Devil's Bridge and Cathedral Rock to avoid parking issues and heavy foot traffic.

According to forum posts, the most common recommendation for traveling from Phoenix to Sedona is by car via Interstate 17 (I-17) north, which provides a scenic drive. This route allows flexibility to visit various attractions such as Rock Springs Cafe and Montezuma Castle.

For those preferring not to drive, some travelers suggested using Groome Transportation, a shuttle service that operates between Phoenix airport and Sedona. The service costs around $75 per person and is praised for its convenience, although it does not offer the flexibility of a private vehicle for exploring Sedona.

Travelers have called out the ease of renting a car at Phoenix airport, despite some reports of long waits. Joining a car rental company's frequent renter program is recommended to potentially bypass long lines. Renting a car locally in Sedona after using a shuttle from Phoenix is also an option discussed by users, allowing for easier navigation around Sedona's attractions.

According to forum posts, hot air balloon rides are a highly recommended experience in Sedona. Travelers have called out Northern Light Balloons as a reputable company providing unforgettable rides that offer serene and surreal views, especially during predawn flights.

For many users, hiking is a top activity in Sedona. Trails like Bell Rock, Boynton Canyon, and the West Fork Trail are popular for their stunning scenic views and varying difficulty levels, suitable for different fitness levels.

Some travelers said scenic drives such as Oak Creek Canyon Scenic Drive and Airport Mesa Loop Drive are must-do activities. These drives provide breathtaking views of Sedona's landscape. Additionally, Pink Jeep Tours, especially the Broken Arrow tour, are highlighted for their fun and adventurous routes through Sedona's terrain.

According to forum posts, visiting cultural sites like the Tuzigoot National Monument and Montezuma Castle offers insightful experiences into the ancient Native American history of the region.

According to forum posts, Sedona offers a variety of family-friendly outdoor activities, including jeep tours like the Pink Jeep Broken Arrow tour and hiking on trails such as Bell Rock, Fay Canyon, and Red Rock Crossing. Slide Rock is also a popular spot for families, providing a natural water slide experience.

For many users, exploring cultural sites is a key part of their Sedona visit. Families can enjoy visits to the Chapel of the Holy Cross and Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village. Jerome, a nearby historical town, provides a change of scenery with its unique shops and museums like the Gold King Mine Museum and Ghost Town.

Some travelers said that despite Sedona’s scenic focus, there are entertainment options suitable for children. The Blazin’ M Ranch offers a family-friendly dinner show, and stargazing tours are available for a unique evening activity. Additionally, venues like the Arizona Copper Art Museum in Clarkdale are child-friendly and interactive.

According to forum posts, the Pink Jeep Broken Arrow tour is highly recommended by many travelers as the best Jeep tour in Sedona. This tour is frequently praised for its scenic views and thrilling off-road experience.

For those unable to book the popular Pink Jeep tours, some travelers suggested Red Rock Jeep Tours as a worthy alternative. The Soldiers Pass tour by Red Rock Jeep is particularly mentioned as a comparable option to Pink Jeep’s Broken Arrow tour.

Travelers have noted that tours, especially Pink Jeep’s Broken Arrow, can sell out quickly. It is advised to book at least 2–3 weeks in advance, with more lead time during holiday periods to ensure availability.

According to forum posts, Sedona experiences a range of weather conditions suitable for hiking throughout the year. Some travelers mentioned that even in late November, the weather is typically cool with sunny days, making it pleasant for outdoor activities.

For many users, winter also offers viable hiking conditions, with occasional snow that adds to the scenic beauty of the trails without making hiking too challenging. Travelers have called out that layering clothing is sufficient to manage the cooler temperatures during this season.

According to forum posts, travelers have called out Dollar Car Rental, Budget Car Rental, and Avis as options for renting vehicles in Sedona. Avis, in particular, is noted for its efficient service, with a preferred rewards program that allows quick access to vehicles.

Some travelers recommended booking directly with car rental companies rather than through third-party brokers to avoid potential issues like inventory shortages or problems with reservations.

For those looking into local rental opportunities, Enterprise on 89A in West Sedona was mentioned as a viable option. This could be particularly useful if additional vehicles are needed locally after arriving in Sedona.

According to forum posts, Red Rock State Park is seen as a minor attraction compared to other sites in Sedona. It is more of an educational nature preserve, featuring a visitor center and hiking trails designed to educate about the local ecosystem. However, it lacks the iconic views available at other nearby locations such as Red Rock Crossing.

Some travelers have mentioned that while Red Rock State Park is nice, places like Red Rock Crossing/Crescent Moon Ranch offer better opportunities for walking along the creek with iconic views of Cathedral Rock, making them preferable for visits focused on scenery and photography.