Sedona & Montezuma Castle: Small Group Red Rocks Day Trip

Summary

Red rocks, ancient cliff dwellings and Sedona’s creative heart

You’ll walk where ancient Sinagua people built their homes high above the ground at Montezuma Castle, gaze over Sedona’s surreal red rocks from Airport Mesa and Bell Rock, visit a chapel carved into stone, and have free time to explore galleries or maybe even get your fortune read. It’s less about ticking off sights than feeling what makes this place different.

What’s the experience like?

"Is that really built into the cliff?" I asked, squinting up at Montezuma Castle. Our guide, Mark, just grinned—he’d heard it before. The limestone was cool under my hand, even in the Arizona sun. I could almost smell the dry grass below and hear the river that once ran close by. Standing there, you get this odd mix of awe and curiosity—how did they live up there? Mark told us about the Sinagua people, how they built this 20-room structure seventy feet above ground. I tried to imagine hauling water up those ladders every day. My legs got tired just thinking about it.

After that we rolled into Sedona itself—the red rocks sort of sneak up on you until suddenly they're everywhere, glowing against the sky. Bell Rock looked almost fake (it’s not). We stopped at Airport Mesa for one of those wide-open views you see on postcards. Some folks were quiet, just taking it all in; others snapped a million photos. I caught a whiff of juniper in the breeze and realized I’d been holding my breath for a minute without noticing. The light here does something weird to your sense of time—I kept checking my watch and being surprised.

The Chapel of the Holy Cross was next—a church wedged right into the rock. Inside it was hushed except for a couple whispering in Spanish near the candles. Then we had a couple hours to wander Uptown Sedona on our own. I ducked into an art gallery with these wild desert colors splashed everywhere, then grabbed coffee from a woman who called everyone “hon.” There were psychics offering readings (I didn’t try one but kind of wish I had), shops with turquoise jewelry, and people just soaking up the sun on benches. On our way back to Phoenix, Mark handed out cold bottled water and cracked a joke about vortex energy—still not sure if he believes in it or not.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Sedona and Native American ruins

• Visit Montezuma Castle ruins
• See Chapel of the Holy Cross
• Visit Bell Rock formation
• View Sedona from Airport Mesa
• Explore Uptown Sedona shops and galleries

Top questions

How long is the day trip from Phoenix to Sedona?

The tour is a full day trip from Phoenix with approximately 2-3 hours spent exploring Sedona itself.

Does this Sedona tour include visiting Native American ruins?

Yes, you'll visit Montezuma Castle National Monument to see well-preserved ancient cliff dwellings.

Is hotel pickup included on this Sedona day trip?

Pickup is included from select hotels or private residences in designated zones; confirm when booking.

Are meals included during the tour?

No meals are included but you'll have free time in Uptown Sedona to buy lunch or snacks at cafes or restaurants.

Is this small group or private tour wheelchair accessible?

Foldable wheelchairs or walkers can be accommodated if you notify the supplier ahead of time.

What are some highlights visited on this tour?

The itinerary includes Montezuma Castle National Monument, Chapel of the Holy Cross, Bell Rock, Airport Mesa, and Uptown Sedona.

How many people are on each small group tour?

The small group tour has a maximum of 13 passengers per van.

Can children join this Sedona & Native American ruins day trip?

Children aged 3 and up can join but child seats must be provided by parents according to Arizona law.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup and drop-off from select hotels or private residences (for private tours), all entry fees and taxes covered, bottled water throughout the journey, plus guidance from a knowledgeable local who’ll share stories along every stop before returning you comfortably in an air-conditioned van.