Sedona Red Rocks & Native American Ruins Tour from Phoenix

A 20-room cliff dwelling built 70 feet into limestone, still standing after centuries.

This day tour from Phoenix takes you to Sedona's red rock landmarks and ancient Native American ruins, including Montezuma Castle National Monument: the most accessible and best-preserved cliff ruins in North America. A professional guide leads the small group (max 13 passengers) in an air-conditioned van, with hotel pickup included and approximately 2–3 hours of free time in Uptown Sedona to explore galleries, shops and restaurants. Bottled water and all fees are included. Children from age 3 are welcome.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each4 stops

1. Montezuma Castle National MonumentEntry included30m
2. Chapel of the Holy CrossEntry included20m
3. Bell Rock20m
4. Airport MesaEntry included20m

Explore Sedona and Native American ruins

• Visit Montezuma Castle National Monument
• See Chapel of the Holy Cross
• Visit Bell Rock formation
• Marvel at views from Airport Mesa
• Explore Uptown Sedona shops and galleries

The experience

The tour departs from Phoenix and heads to Montezuma Castle National Monument, where you'll stand in front of a 5-story, 20-room structure built directly into a white limestone cliff about 70 feet above the ground. This is the centerpiece of the day. The ruins are the most easily accessible and best-preserved cliff dwellings in North America, and the guide walks you through what you're looking at and why it matters. From there, the route takes you to Bell Rock, one of Sedona's most recognizable red rock formations, and Airport Mesa, a vortex location with views across the landscape.

You'll also visit the Chapel of the Holy Cross, a Catholic chapel built into the mesas themselves: a striking contrast to the ancient structures earlier in the day. After the guided stops, you have roughly 2–3 hours in Uptown Sedona to move at your own pace. This is time to walk through galleries and shops, grab lunch at a café, or simply sit with the red rocks. The van is air-conditioned, and the group stays small enough that the pace doesn't feel rushed.

The tour runs about 11 hours total. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included (from select hotels in the Phoenix area), and the driver makes comfort stops throughout the day since there's no restroom on the van. Bottled water is provided, and the guide is a live professional who speaks English. If you're booking last-minute, after 7 p.m. Arizona time the night before. Contact the operator, as you may need to meet at a different hotel for pickup.

What’s included

• Professional guide in English.
• hotel pickup and drop-off from select Phoenix-area hotels (private residence pickup available on private tour options).
• bottled water.
• all taxes, fees and handling charges.

Options for this experience

3 options

Private VanUp to 13 people · Guide in English · 07:00Private Van: Pickup is offered from both hotels and private residences within the designated pickup zone. Maximum 13 guests per van. Pickup is included.

Small Group TourGuide in English · 06:30Pickup is included

Private SUVUp to 5 people · Guide in English · 06:30Private SUV: Pickup is offered from both hotels and private residences within the designated pickup zone. Pickup is included.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Information

Lasts 11h, runs every day at 06:30 and 07:00, from US$ 179 per person, with a live guide in English, in groups of up to 13 and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 06:30 and 07:00Another time? ›

GroupUp to 13

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 15 pickup points.

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (3 to 12 years) · Under 3: can't be booked

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortPets welcome

Operated by Detours of Arizona

Is this one for you?Choose the small group option if you want to share the cost and meet other travelers. Pick a private SUV or van if you're traveling with family or friends and prefer your own space and the flexibility of private residence pickup. The 11-hour day is full but not rushed, with built-in free time in Sedona so you're not following a guide the entire time.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 12 years). Children under 3 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What exactly is Montezuma Castle and why is it on this tour?

Montezuma Castle National Monument is a 5-story, 20-room structure built into a white limestone cliff about 70 feet above the ground, built by ancient Native Americans and still standing. It's the most easily accessible, best-preserved and arguably the most spectacular cliff ruins in North America, making it the centerpiece stop on the tour.

How much time do I get to explore Sedona on my own?

You have approximately 2–3 hours in Uptown Sedona to explore at your own pace, with time to visit galleries, shops, restaurants and cafés, or simply take in the views.

What's included in the tour price?

The tour includes a professional guide, hotel pickup and drop-off (from select Phoenix-area hotels), bottled water, and all taxes and fees. Lunch and gratuities are not included.

What's the difference between the small group and private tour options?

The small group tour travels with up to 13 passengers in an air-conditioned van and includes hotel pickup. Private tours (SUV or van) offer pickup from private residences in select zones, in addition to hotels, and give you the vehicle to yourself or your party.

Are there restrooms available during the tour?

There is no restroom on the van, but the driver makes comfort stops throughout the day so you can access facilities as needed.