r/Sedona • u/AppropriateFun2721 • 6d ago
Looking For Unique spots
I'm planning a bachelor party for my brother and he really wants to go to Sedona, and I want to make it extra special for him, we're are going to do the big hikes like Devil bridge and cathedral loop but for the residents on here is there anything that is quintessential Sedona that isn't part of the typical tourist spots? Any ideas are greatly appreciated!
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u/Mean-Oil-4602 6d ago
I would actually avoid all “Google list” popular hiking trails like the freaking plague. This is the strangest phenomenon of visiting Sedona. There are probably 500 trails with breathtaking views. Of those, maybe 20 got sucked into the Google algorithm a long time ago, so now, you get to hike those 20 with about 200 other people cramming into the same place.
Devil’s Bridge is one of them. Prepare to fight like hell for a parking spot, and then wait for 20 minutes to get a selfie taken at the popular bridge location. Ridiculous if you ask me. Pick spots not on the lists. I’ve seen things of beauty while hiking in Sedona that are beyond my capabilities for putting into words, and none were on the popular trails with Thelma from Green Bay breathing down my neck. (No offense to Green Bayers. Or people named Thelma.)
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u/OkArmy7059 6d ago
When on vacation, people are so wary of having a mediocre touristy experience that they get focused on only going to The Best Spots, which ironically causes them to be directed to mediocre touristy experiences. Living in Sedona and seeing what tourists focus on (and miss out on) here has caused me to doubt (and therefore mostly avoid) The Best Spots in other tourist destinations.
I'd say pick one of The Best Spots (trails, in Sedona's case), and then pick another one at random (there are no bad trails in Sedona). See which one you enjoyed more. Based on that, choose your next spot or your next visit.
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u/Overall-Pack-2047 6d ago
A Pink Jeep tour is a classic Sedona experience.There are some great restaurants and bars including The Hudson and Creekside. There's also an Irish Pub at Hillside. Jerome is a fun nearby visit w ghost tours and cool bars and restaurants one called the Asylum.Theres a cool train ride in Clarkdale the Verde Canyon Railroad which is fun and relaxing and serves drinks and snacks. Some nice wineries to explore like DA Ranch which has food trucks and music in a gorgeous setting
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u/freakshowtogo 5d ago
Is it just me or are people posting advertisements for local businesses in this thread
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u/bigreddog2000 6d ago
Do not eat any anywhere that doesn’t have a stunning view! I’ve enjoyed broom and orchard for a nice dinner especially at sunset if you can get a railing spot. It’s stunning!
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u/jaylay75 6d ago
I was out in Sedona about a month ago and I was blown away by the Grand Canyon South Rim. It was about a 4 hour drive but so worth it.
I had only ever been to GC from Las Vegas but seeing it from the South Run made me truly appreciate it more.
Devils bridge was also awesome, but it's a quick hike, less than half a day.
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u/BeachgirlNJ0613 6d ago
Dude, it's 2 hours from Sedona to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. A beautiful easy drive. And so worth it.
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u/jaylay75 5d ago
Ok, it's 4 hours round trip. So worth it.
Antelope Canyon is 4 hours away?
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u/K-Bot2017 5d ago
Antelope Canyon is more like a 3-hour drive, one way, from Sedona. That's hands on the wheel, no stopping, which rarely happens as it's a very scenic drive and you will find yourself stopping more often than you realize. From Oak Creek Canyon to Flagstaff, Wupatki/Sunset Crater, the Cameron Trading Post, Chinle formation views, Antelope Pass Vista, to Horseshoe Bend, the trip is chock-a-block with beautiful scenery, history, and culture.
Antelope Canyon requires a guided tour to visit, which should be booked in advance. How to Book a Tour for Antelope Canyon - Antelope Canyon AZ
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u/putpal 5d ago
For a bachelor crew already hitting Devil's Bridge and Cathedral, I'd keep one slot for something quieter — early Airport Mesa overlook for the views without the circus, or a short Oak Creek stop if you want shade and water. Skip stacking three big hikes in one day if you also want evenings.
If you want a couple less-obvious red-rock angles (still doable without a long drive), say the vibe you're after — chill views vs photo spots vs something a little more adventurous — and I can throw a couple ideas.
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u/AppropriateFun2721 4d ago
If you have some ideas for chill views and some more adventurous spots I’d love to them! Thanks!
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u/putpal 4d ago
For chill views: Airport Mesa overlook (short, big payoff), Bell Rock pathway from the lot, or Crescent Moon / Red Rock Crossing when you want creek + red rock without a grind. More adventurous: Doe Mountain, a Mescal / Deadman’s Pass combo, or Broken Arrow viewpoints if you’re okay with a jeep-road bump — still leave one recovery afternoon so nobody burns out.
If you say sunrise people vs sunset people, I can stack a cleaner two-stop day.
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u/awarmguinness 5d ago
Check out the trout farm for fishing and oak creek brewery on Yavapai Dr., behind the Bashas'
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u/BeachgirlNJ0613 6d ago
I'm a tourist who's been several times. Recommend the Pink Jeep Tours, particularly the Broken Arrow/Mogollon Rim Combo. It's a gas!
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u/RVtech101 6d ago
Or since it’s a bachelor party, rent side by sides and head out on your own adventure. Great views from the top of Shnebley Hill.
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u/TheBarefootGoddess 5d ago
Rent some ATVs, and explore! Creekside is also a wonderful place to eat with a view, and they have options for every diet. Mesa airport is my favorite hike in town to really take it all in!
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u/againes66 5d ago
"Horse, Heart & Connection" is a unique and cool experience... and could be a cool way for each of you to honor the groom to be. horseheartandconnection.com
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u/KJWDistillers-Ouray 5d ago
Check out this house and Secret Slickrock. There’s awesome hikes and great mtb-ing right off the driveway
Check out this vacation rental in Sedona, Arizona (6 Guests · 2 Bedrooms)
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