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Sedona: Red Rocks, Chapel & Vortexes Half-Day Tour

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Free cancellationTravelers' pick

1/6

Duration5h 30m

GroupUp to 26

LanguagesEN

Mobile ticketAccepted

Red rocks, spiritual sites and artsy stops on a Sedona day trip

You’ll ride through Sedona’s iconic red rock landscapes in an open-air vehicle with a local guide who actually knows their stuff. Expect stops at spiritual spots like Amitabha Stupa and Rachel’s Knoll vortex site, plus time to wander Tlaquepaque Arts Village and grab lunch in Uptown. You might leave feeling lighter — or just sunburned (bring sunscreen).

5h 30m

Step-by-step itinerary

Cruise Red Rock Scenic Byway
Pass Bell Rock
Pass Cathedral Rock
Pass Soldier's Pass
View Thunder Mountain
Visit Chapel of the Holy Cross
Stop at Sedona Airport Overlook
Visit Tlaquepaque Arts Village
Explore Uptown Sedona and lunch
Visit Vortex at Rachel's Knoll
Visit Amitabha Stupa and Peace Park

The Experience

First thing I noticed was that weirdly sweet smell in the air — maybe juniper? We’d barely left Uptown Sedona when our guide, Mark, pointed out Bell Rock through the open-air roof. The sun was already bouncing off those red cliffs in a way that made me squint (should’ve brought better sunglasses). Mark had this habit of telling stories mid-drive, like how Thunder Mountain got its name — apparently it really does get struck by lightning all the time. I tried to picture it but mostly just stared at the color of the rocks. It’s almost too much, you know?

We stopped at the Chapel of the Holy Cross and I remember running my hand along that warm stone wall outside. There was this hush inside, even with other people around. After that, we cruised up to Sedona Airport Overlook for this wide-open view — honestly, I didn’t expect to feel so small looking out over Seven Canyons. Lunch in Uptown was casual; I grabbed something quick so I could wander Tlaquepaque Arts Village instead. Little shops everywhere and some guy playing guitar near a fountain. Didn’t buy anything but still kind of wish I’d gotten that weird ceramic lizard.

The Amitabha Stupa stop surprised me most. It smelled faintly of incense and someone had left flowers tucked into a prayer flag. Mark explained about vortex energy at Rachel’s Knoll — I’m not sure what I felt there except a quiet sort of buzz under my feet. Maybe it’s just being away from everything for a second. Either way, by the time we rolled back through those red rock formations toward town, my head felt lighter than when we started. Still thinking about that view from Cathedral Rock days later.

What’s included

Your day includes transportation in a custom open-air vehicle with 360-degree views, live commentary from your local guide throughout each stop, bottled water to keep you cool under that Arizona sun, free time for lunch in Uptown Sedona (lunch cost not included), visits to all major landmarks like Chapel of the Holy Cross and Amitabha Stupa & Peace Park before heading back through those famous red rocks.

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleStroller friendlyInfant seats availablePets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Scenic Sedona Tours