If you are trying to find the perfect tour for your time in Sedona, you have come to the right place. Sedona is quickly becoming one of the most popular tourist spots in the American Southwest and the tour opportunities are endless.
From helicopter rides to guided spiritual vortex meditation and off road jeep adventure to kayaking trips down the Verde River, you will certainly be spoiled for choice with countless fun things to do in Sedona.
But which Sedona tours are the best and which one should you book?
This is exactly what we will cover in this comprehensive guide to popular tours in Sedona, including:
Let's find your perfect Sedona tour!
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Sedona is located in the middle of red rock country and is known for adventure. This area is filled with some of the America's most amazing landscapes and fascinating history.
There is no surprise Sedona has been a tourist hot spot for years with everything this region has to offer. But unfortunately, this demand has lead to a severe increase in traffic and difficulty parking at some of these coveted locations.
The Sedona shuttle was created to help alleviate some of this crowding. But the shuttle only runs thursday to sunday and does not offer rides to all of the popular hiking trails.
Booking a tour in Sedona can be the best way to get around this parking problem. You can let someone else handle the details while you sit back and relax to enjoy the stunning views.
Sedona also makes a great base for visiting the surrounding cities of Flagstaff and Phoenix. But did you know you could also easily visit Grand Canyon South Rim on a tour from Sedona?
In this guide, we will discuss some of the most popular Sedona tours in detail so you can see if they will be a great fit for you and / or your group.
We have broken up tours into specific categories to help you find the perfect one:
We will also give you some information about each tour, explain who the tour is good for and give you an average rating out of 5 stars.
Don't miss your chance to explore some of the Sedona wilderness in your own ATV. Popular tour options include guided ATV tours or ATV rentals.
Choose a guided tour if you would like to have someone else manage the directions. Or have complete flexibility by booking your own ATV to explore Sedona on your own terms.
This tour begins about 8 miles west of Sedona in the West Sedona Canyon. Before hitting the trails you will listen to a short safety orientation, but then you will be equipped with a helmet, goggle and gloves.
Once situated with your own personal ATV, your guide will lead you through desert trails surrounded by red rock bluffs and steep canyon walls pointing out where several movies have been filmed throughout the years.
There are over a hundred miles of trails and each tour is customized by the guide based on age, interests and skill levels. A highlight of the tour is a ride up 800 ft to the top of Skeleton Bone Mountain where you will be rewarded with stunning views of the Verde Valley.
Tour length: 4 hours
Special Requirements: Must be 15 and a half with a learner's permit to drive ATV
Average Rating: 4.9 stars
Good for: Avoiding the crowds
Compare prices and reviews: Get Your Guide | Viator
These ATV rentals are perfect for independent travelers who don't want to be tied down by a guided tour. You will be provided with fuel, goggles and helmets along with a map and GPS tracker, but after that your itinerary is completely up to you.
This is a great way to get off the beaten path and experience some of Arizona's best landscapes. Book one of the tours below if you want to see the best sites of the Verde Valley with complete freedom.
Tour length: Varies but usually 4-8 hours
Special Requirements: None
Average Rating: 4.7 stars
Good for: Adventurous and independent travelers
Compare prices and reviews: 8-hr ATV Rental | 4-hr Razor Rental | 6-hr Ranger 6 Seater
Explore the gorgeous Arizona scenery from the middle of the Verde River! This is a beginner friendly tour which includes a relaxing paddle down a 3.1 mile stretch of the Verde River through the gentle rapids.
No need to worry about much because hand-on guidance, training, safety gear, inflatable or hard kayaks and shuttle transit is all included in the price so you can focus on having fun.
Tour length: 2 hours 30 minutes
Special Requirements: Water shoes required
Average Rating: 5.0 stars
Good for: Families and groups
Compare prices and reviews: Tripadvisor | Viator
Further Adventure Reading: Our complete guide to the 7 Best Caves in Sedona
Another popular way of getting around Sedona is by Jeep. During these jeep tours, someone else will handle the off roading while you sit back, relax to take in the views and enjoy the ride.
This guided 4×4 tour explores the western canyons of Sedona. You will pass by desert towns, red-rock buttes, steep canyon walls, and pine forests. It is a great tour for the entire family.
You will also learn about the history of the area, the famous rocks formations and location traditions. There are many tour departures in one day so you have some flexibility with your itinerary.
Tour length: 2-3 hours
Special Requirements: Please wear comfortable clothing, dogs over 25 lbs are charged childs rate and need advanced notice
Average Rating: 5.0 stars
Good for: Families and those who don't want to drive off road themselves
Compare prices and reviews: 3-hr Outlaw Trail | 2 hr Lil Outlaw Trail
This tour is perfect for those looking to explore Sedona's stunning landscapes on a Jeep tour that is more on the mild side. You will learn about Arizona geology, local history, desert fauna and native plants.
Travel by jeep to famous rock formations such as Cathedral Rock, Thunder Mountain and more. Tours begin in uptown Sedona with multiple tours daily to help fit your schedule.
Tour length: 2 hours
Special Requirements: Please wear comfortable clothing
Average Rating: 4.8 stars
Good for: Families and those who don't want to drive off road themselves
Compare prices and reviews: Red Rock West | Sedona Outback Trail
After spending a short time in Sedona, you will most likely come across a Pink Jeep in no time. This well established company has been giving tours since 1960 and have since expanded operations into other Southwest cities.
Pink Jeep strives to provide each guest with safe, exciting and awe-inspiring adventures. This company offers many tours with certified local guides and state of the art vehicles.
Tour length: Varies
Special Requirements: None
Average Rating: 4.8 stars
Good for: Families and those who don't want to drive off road themselves
Compare specific tours: Scenic Rim | Red Rock Range | Coyote Canyon | Broken Arrow
Further Reading: Our complete guide to the 9 Best Jeep Trails in Sedona
With the perfect climate for wine making, Sedona is slowly giving itself Napa-like status in the wine industry. There are currently 25 wineries along the popular Verde Valley Wine Trail just waiting to be sampled.
Book one of the tours listed below so someone else can do the driving and you can enjoy the delicious wine!
On this tour, you will visit 3 popular tasting rooms in the Verde Valley. You will experience 5-6 tastings at each vineyard and get a souvenir tasting glass.
The best part about this all inclusive tour is that everything is covered including lunch at your second winery. The tour guides will also have snacks and water on hand to keep you in good spirits for the entire day.
Tour length: 6-7 hours
Special Requirements: Must be 21 years of age
Average Rating: 5.0 rating
Good for: Groups
Compare prices and reviews: Tripadvisor | Viator
This is great tour if you want to visit multiple wineries along the Verde Valley Wine Trail. Round trip transport will give you a stress-free day out.
Wineries along the tour include Alcantara Vineyards, Page Springs Cellars, Javelina Leap Vineyard and
Oak Creek Vineyards. A picnic lunch of a personalized charcuterie tray is also included.
Tour length: 6-7 hours
Special Requirements: Must be 21 years of age
Average Rating: 4.5 stars
Good for: Groups, bachelorettes, families
Compare prices and reviews: Tripadvisor | Viator
Further Reading: Our complete guide to the Best Wineries in Sedona
Book a guided tour if you want to see the beauty of Sedona with a local guide showing you the best locations. In these sightseeing tours, you will learn more about the red rock geology, history and energetic vortexes.
This tour starts with a visit to the Sedona Airport Scenic Overlook followed by spectacular views of rock formations like Thunder Mountain, Coffee Pot Rock, Cockscomb, Chimney Rock, Sugarloaf, and Mingus Mountain.
Next, the tour continues to the Amitabha Stupa and Peace Park. Your will be able to stroll around the Stupa, spin prayer wheels and experience the tranquil atmosphere at this popular spiritual refuge.
Finally, you will head to the Boynton Canyon Vortex, a combination energy site of both masculine and feminine energy. This sightseeing tour is a great option if you want to learn about natural history, indigenous people, geology, and energy vortexes from a local guide.
Tour length: 2 hours
Special Requirements: None
Average Rating: 4.5 stars
Good for: Learning about the history of Sedona
Compare prices and reviews: Get Your Guide | Viator
These small group tours explore the magic and mysticism of natural vortexes in Sedona. You will visit several vortex sites around Sedona and learn about the history of these sacred places.
Originally identified by Page Bryant, these vortex sites have defied explanations for years. You will learn why people from all walks of life have traveled here to experience the powerful energy.
Who knows, maybe you will feel the energy too?
Tour length: 2.5 hours
Special Requirements: This is a walking tour over uneven terrain
Average Rating: 5.0 stars
Good for: Anyone
Compare prices and reviews: Vortex Yoga Hiking Tour | Small Group Vortex Tour
Further Reading: Our complete guide to the Vortexes in Sedona
If you are looking for something unique and memorable, a helicopter tour is just what you need. We experienced our first helicopter tour in New York City and since then we have been hooked!
So if you want to see Sedona from a different vantage point than most, book a helicopter tour to see the sights from above.
The benefit to this Desert Thunder tour in Sedona is seeing the top Sedona sights in just a matter of minutes. Your pilot will discuss each point of interest and you will also get a chance to snap some pictures.
The Desert Thunder tour includes Cathedral Rock, Chapel of the Holy Cross, Bell Rock along with Courthouse Butte, Snoopy Rock, Devil's Bridge and so much more!
Tour length: 30 to 35 mins
Special Requirements: Children must be accompanied by an adult
Average Rating: 5.0 stars
Good for: Avoiding crowds
See reviews and book the Desert Thunder Tour here.
Imagine a helicopter flight over Anasazi cliff dwellings then soaring over Devil's Bridge and finally into Secret Canyon? This is exactly what you will get with this popular helicopter tour!
With consistent 5.0 star reviews, this tour is certainly one not to miss. Other points of interest include the Mogollon Rim, and Boynton Canyon.
So instead of dealing with the heavy foot traffic with Sedona, book a tour in the sky to see all of Sedona in one go.
Tour Length: 20 to 25 minutes
Special Requirements: Children must be accompanied by an adult
Average Rating: 5.0 stars
Good For: Avoiding Crowds
See reviews and book the Dust Devil Tour here.
Did you know Sedona has been named the World's Eighth International Dark Sky Community? This makes Sedona perfect for stargazing almost anytime of the year.
Book the stargazing tour below to explore the astronomical wonders of Sedona. Or maybe you would be prefer a tour which visits the popular places known for UFO sightings?
During this tour you will listen to professional astronomers discuss constellations and our solar system with a high-powered laser pointer in Oak Creek Arizona.
You will also use specialized telescopes to see close up views of planets, galaxies, nebulas and stars. Each guest will receive wide field view binoculars and get the chance to view the stars from a comfortable chair for a relaxing experience.
Tour length: 1 hours
Special Requirements: Most travelers can participate, but not wheelchair accessible
Average Rating: 4.0 stars
Good for: Families and couples
See reviews and book the Stargazing Tour here.
While Sedona is known for stargazing, it is also known to be a place for UFO sightings. So whether you are a believer or not, book this tour to see for yourself.
Points of interest include Thunder Mountain Trailhead, Fay Canyon Trail, Red Rock State Park, Cultural Park Place and Crystal Magic Psychic Place. Guests will also have the chance to use upgraded military night vision goggles.
Tour length: 1 hour 45 minutes
Special Requirements: Please wear closed toe shoes
Average Rating: 4.4 stars
Good for: Families and couples
Compare prices and reviews: Get Your Guide | Viator
Want to visit Grand Canyon National Park, but want someone else to do all the driving? Then book one of the tours below to enjoy hotel pick up and a professional guide explaining point of interest along the way.
This tour begins with pick up from your hotel in Sedona (or Flagstaff) and then heads to Wupatki National Monument where you will learn about ancient Native American civilizations.
The tour continues to Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument with a lunch break at the historic Cameron Trading Post. After lunch, you will finally arrive at Grand Canyon National Park.
From here, your tour guide will highlight the best viewpoints along Grand Canyon South Rim, but you will also have some time to explore at your own pace.
Tour length: 11 hours
Special Requirements: Complimentary Sedona, Village of Oak Creek & Flagstaff hotel pickup (pickup within city limits only). Minimum 4 guests for tour to operate.
Average Rating: 5.0 stars
Good for: Families, couples, groups and solo travelers
See reviews and book the Small Group Grand Canyon Tour here.
A private tour to the Grand Canyon is one of the best ways to avoid the large crowds. This tour can be customized based on your preferences which means you can explore on your own schedule.
Highlights of this private tour includes a drive through Oak Creek Canyon and Grand Canyon National Park with a stop at both Grand Canyon Village and the South Rim.
Park fees for the National Park and lunch at the popular El Tovar is also included in this luxury option with complimentary pick up and drop off at all hotels in Sedona, the Village of Oak Creek and Flagstaff.
Tour length: 11 hours
Special Requirements: Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level, minimum of 4 adults required (everyone over 15 years of age is considered an adult).
Average Rating: 5.0 stars
Good for: Avoiding the crowds
See and book the Private Grand Canyon Tour here.
This Grand Canyon Sunset Tour begins with hotel pickup at your Sedona accommodation. You will then drive though the scenic Oak Creek Canyon and the Painted Desert.
After the drive, you will take a break at the Cameron Trading Post where you can shop handicrafts and artwork made by local members of the Zuni, Hopi, and Navajo tribes.
Once you arrive at Grand Canyon National Park, you will enjoy views of the Little Colorado River Gorge, and pause at a series of overlooks for views into the canyon along the South Rim. Take a look at some of the best Grand Canyon sunset spots to get an idea of what you can expect.
The tour will end with dinner at one of the national park lodges and then you will being your return trip back to Sedona where you will be dropped back off at your hotel.
Tour length: 12 hours
Special Requirements: Not recommended for travelers with back problems
Average Rating: 5.0 stars
Good for: Families, couples, groups and solo travelers
See reviews and book the Grand Canyon Sunset Tour here.
Antelope Canyon is a popular slot canyon in the American Southwest and Horseshoe Bend is a famous horseshoe shaped meander of the Colorado River located near the town of Page, Arizona.
If you are short on time, the tour below is the perfect tour to tick off some of Arizona's most famous landscapes in on day.
This tour offers hotel pick up from either Sedona or Flagstaff and transportation will be by air-conditioned mini-coach. In route throughout the tour, you will visit parts of the Navajo Nation, stop at an authentic trading post, and view the Painted Desert.
Once you arrive in Page, you will go offroading in the spectacular Antelope Canyon with a local guide. After this adventure, you will visit Glen Canyon and see the Colorado River, Lake Powell, and the Vermillion Cliffs.
Tour length: 11 - 12 hours
Special Requirements: Comfortable clothing is suggested and guests should have good mobility
Average Rating: 4.6 stars
Good for: Avoiding the crowds
Compare prices and reviews: Get Your Guide | Viator
Our top tip for booking a Sedona tour:
Our best tip for booking tours in Sedona is to book as soon as possible, especially if you plan to visit during the busy season.
The busiest times in Sedona are March through May and then again from September to mid-December. So if this is when you plan to visit, get those tours booked!
Let's take a look at some of the most asked questions regarding tours in Sedona.
The price for a tour in Sedona can range anywhere between $20 - $300.
There are many different types of Sedona tours with self guided tours being the cheaper option and private luxurious tours being the most expensive option.
Yes, you can tour Sedona on your own, but if you book a tour you will be guaranteed to see the best spots and possibly avoid some of the crowds.
No, you do not need a guide for Sedona because it is small enough to easily explore on your own. However, if you would like to learn about the history, culture and geology of Sedona from a local, we would definitely recommend a tour.
Please let us know if you have any questions about Sedona tours or your visit to this beautiful area in the comments below.
Happy Travels,
Mark and Kristen
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