Sedona Winter Months

Winter is a great time to visit Sedona. In this guide, our locals will help you with tips and advice for each month:

If you like, you can read our winter overview first or just jump to the month you are interested in.

For each month, we provide tips for

  1. Winter Weather
  2. Winter Outfits
  3. Crowds and Closures in Winter

One Must-Do Tour in Winter

Once, we were asked the following: ‘If you only do one thing while in Sedona during the winter months, what would you recommend?’

Our definitive answer: A JEEP TOUR! We loved the morning tours, but if you want a ‘warmer’ ride, we suggest booking an afternoon tour.

These tours are just amazing, and everyone there is hands down the best tour guide we’ve ever had.

Winter Weather Overview

In December, Sedona experiences average high temperatures ranging from 53°F to 58°F and average lows between 35°F to 38°F. It’s the coldest month of the year, but it’s still great for outdoor activities. Snowfall is rare but possible, with an average accumulation of 1-2 inches. Typically, you won’t see a lot of snow sticking to the ground. But when it happens, it’s magical!

January offers a similar temperature range as December, with average highs around 55°F and lows around freezing. Precipitation is likely to be a mix of rain and snow, but heavy snowfall is rare.

February sees temperatures rising gradually, with average highs ranging from 57°F to 61°F. The chance of precipitation remains, but it’s mostly rain rather than snow.

Weather in December

Sedona may be a desert, but its high elevation means winters aren’t as hot as one might think. So what should you expect from December in Sedona?

During December, the average low temperature in Sedona is 36°F (2°C), while the average high is 55°F (13°C). December gets approximately 3.5 days of precipitation, including an estimated 1.1 inches (2.79 cm) of snow. Days are mostly sunny but cold in the mornings and evenings.

Sedona average high temps:

  • Early December: 58°F (14°C)
  • Mid-December: 55°F (13°C)
  • Late December: 53°F (12°C)

Sedona average low temps:

  • Early December: 38°F (3°C)
  • Mid-December: 35.5°F (2°C)
  • Late December: 35°F (2°C)

Temperature progression on a typical day in late December:

  • Morning (8:30 AM): 38°F (3°C)
  • Afternoon (3 PM): 53°F (11.67°C)
  • Evening (8 PM): 44°F (6.67°C)

It’s best to hike during daylight hours for visibility and warmer temperatures. In December, the sun rises between 7:17 am and 7:34 am and sets between 5:15 pm and 5:25 pm. Mornings are very cold, and temperatures peak at 3 pm at around 53°F (11.67°C)

When we visited in December, we once experienced all four seasons in one day. It will feel like winter upon waking, spring before noon, summer in the afternoon, and fall in the evening.

We noticed Sedona gets progressively colder and cloudier throughout the month of December. However, the chance of cloud cover is still relatively low, between 33-38%. We could get outdoors throughout the entire month, although the days did get shorter, and we needed an extra layer towards the end of December.

Is It Too Cold in Sedona in December?

December is not too cold in Sedona for any outdoor activity. However, it is the coldest month, with average high temperatures between 53°F-58°F (12°C-14°C). Despite the cooler weather, there is a low chance of snow cover or rainfall.

Snow

In Sedona, December is typically the first month of snowfall, with an average of 1-2 inches of snow. However, with temperatures just above freezing, it is more likely to experience rain or a combination of rain and snow. The chances of a wet day in December are between 12-16%.

Does It Snow in December in Sedona?

While it does snow in Sedona in December, it does not create a significant ground layer but a slightly visible dusting on the top of Sedona’s highest plateaus. In Sedona, snowfall happens an average of 3.5 days and can accumulate up to 2.7 inches (6.86 cm).

The rare snowfalls happen overnight, and any snow on the ground typically melts before lunchtime the next day.

Storms

Since December is the beginning of winter, storms are a possibility. Most years don’t see storms this early, but it is a possibility and will make outdoor activities undesirable if so. While we didn’t experience a storm when we went, we saved our spa day for a rainy day and weren’t disappointed.

December What To Wear/Packing List

Even in the shades, you warm up quickly in December and shed layers.

During December in Sedona, visitors should wear long pants, socks, warm shoes, a long-sleeved shirt, and a top layer like a fleece or jacket during the day. In the morning, evening, and night, they may need to wear an extra sweater between their shirt and jacket.

While hiking during the day, wearing layers that you can shed as you warm up is best. Expect to warm up due to the movement, direct sunlight, and increased afternoon temperatures. You may prefer a short-sleeved shirt, breathable pants or shorts, socks, and hiking boots during the day.

💡 If you plan to stay outdoors during the early morning or evening hours, you may want to bring gloves, a scarf, and a wool hat. Most indoor accommodations have sufficient heating, so you do not need to worry about being cold while sleeping.

Do you need a thick winter jacket? If you plan to go to Sedona in early December, you should not need a winter coat. However, a few warm sweaters and a warmer top layer, such as a fall jacket, are necessary. If you plan to stay until late December or into January, we suggest bringing a winter coat to be safe.

Opinions from a local and an experienced winter visitor regarding a coat for December:

  • Local: ‘In December, it could be 30°F with snow or sunny in the 70s here. These two extremes could be a day apart. Your best bet, check the weather forecast the week before and pack a winter coat (or not), depending on the upcoming temps.’
  • Visitor: ‘During December in Sedona, I find a light, packable puffer jacket works well with layers. I didn’t need a winter coat so far.’

To give you a comprehensive idea of what to bring, we’ve created a packing list based on our experience in Sedona.

December clothing list for one week in Sedona:

  • 2 short-sleeved shirts
  • 5 long-sleeved shirts
  • 2 sweaters
  • 1 sweatshirt
  • 1 warm fall jacket/fleece
  • 3 pairs of pants
  • 1 pair of hiking shorts/pants
  • 7 pairs of socks
  • Walking/casual shoes
  • Hiking boots
  • Hat
  • Sunglasses
  • 1 dressier outfit if planning on visiting fine-dining establishments
  • Winter coat, wool hat, gloves/mittens, and scarf (if coming in the second half of December and expecting to spend time outdoors in the early mornings/evenings)

How Busy is December?

Sedona is not busy during December compared to spring and fall. The week leading up to and following Christmas is the busiest portion of the month. Regardless, there are fewer crowds, and hotel rates are noticeably cheaper.

Sedona is a town with about 10,000 residents. However, their biggest industry is tourism. While Sedona used to get roughly 3 million visitors annually, that number rose to 4.5 million in 2020 due to the pandemic.

The busiest tourist seasons are in spring and fall when the weather is mild, and the slowest seasons are summer and winter.

December is the beginning of the slow season in Sedona and is not considered busy compared to the spring and fall months. However, tourism picks up slightly in the last two weeks of December due to Christmas and New Year. The peak of tourism in December happens between December 18-31st and continues a couple of days past New Year.

If you know, you’ll visit for the holidays, book your hotel early. During these weeks, restaurants start to get busy from 6 pm. You may need to wait if you don’t make a reservation ahead of time.

💡 Hotel Tips via booking.com: We recommend sorting the deals by ‘top picks’.  Check all deals here: Sedona Hotel Selection (via booking.com)  Bookmark the link and check rates regularly if you found one! We stayed at the Wilde Resort & Spa, and it was absolutely gorgeous!

However, one plus to going in December is that hiking trails are not busy. While most travelers are enjoying the holiday festivities in town, outdoor recreation is less crowded.

You should be able to find parking at all the trailheads and attractions and enjoy a quieter hike without as many people on the trails. This somewhat quieter time lasts until late February in Sedona.

Hiking | Trail Conditions

Sedona’s hiking trails are beautiful during December. Most days are sunny and in the 50s, creating ideal conditions for hiking. However, if it has rained recently, you may experience some muddy trails.

Although snowfall is very low, you may have some snow dusting the trails in the early morning, but it generally melts before noon. You should be fine in hiking boots and might even enjoy the serene white coat.

Facilities/Closures

Sedona caters to tourists, and most tourist attractions, restaurants, and stores will be open throughout December and around Christmas. While Red Rock State Park is closed on Christmas Day, all the surrounding trailheads will be accessible for hiking.

What Is There To Do at Christmas?

You will see some beautiful Christmas decorations during December in Sedona.

Sedona is an excellent place to spend Christmas because of its seasonal attractions and activities. Take advantage of the extensive gift shopping, Christmas light displays, restaurants, and spas. Tourist attractions such as hiking, ATVs, and Jeep tours are also available during the month.

Regular year-round tourist attractions are also open and available during the Christmas season. However, the state park is closed on Christmas Day.

While some restaurants and shops may be closed, expect to find a nice selection of establishments catering to tourists on Christmas Day. Many will offer special Christmas dinners and entertainment to celebrate. Book a table two weeks ahead of time, as Christmas Day can be a busy one.

Tlaquepaque Festival of Lights

Walk through this area to enjoy the festive decor and lights. 6,000 luminarias light up the shopping village and are a beautiful site to see in the evening.

Weather in January

Average high temps in January. Photo: It doesn’t snow often, and it typically melts before noon.

Sedona is in a desert, but its high elevation means the winter months aren’t as hot as one might guess. So what can you expect from a visit in terms of weather?

During January, the average high temperature in Sedona is 55°F (13°C). It gets significantly colder at night, with temperatures around freezing. The average precipitation is 2.09 inches, either falling as rain or snow. Days are mostly sunny but cooler in the mornings and evenings.

Sedona’s average high temps during this month:

  • Early January: 53°F (12°C)
  • Mid-January: 55°F (13°C)
  • Late January: 57°F (14°C)

It’s good to know that temperatures climb a little toward the end of the month.

Temperature progression on a typical day:

  • Morning (8:30 AM): 38°F (3°C)
  • Afternoon (3 PM): 54°F (12°C)
  • Evening (9 PM): 45°F (7°C)

Days are shorter in January compared to the warmer months. Sunrise is around 7:30 AM, and the sun goes down between 5:30 and 6:00 PM. It’s best to hike during daylight hours for visibility and warmer temperatures.

Mornings are colder, and temperatures peak in the afternoon around 3 pm at 55°F. On many days temps are in the 60s during sunny afternoons and sometimes even in the 70s.

When you visit Sedona in January, you might experience four seasons in one day. It will feel like winter when waking up, spring before noon, and summer in the afternoon. In the evening, it might feel like fall, and then again, like again when it’s dark.

Sedona gets slightly warmer throughout the month. However, the chance of cloud cover is still relatively low, even in the first week.

We could get outdoors throughout the entire month, experiencing mostly pleasant temperatures, especially in the warmer afternoons. We used an extra layer in early January.

Hiking Weather: When we visited once in late January, it was in the 60s during the afternoons and very sunny. We sweated on our hikes, and for our friend’s dog, it was almost too hot in the direct sun. However, on other hikes with mostly shaded sections, it was cold and muddy with patches of snow from last night. Wearing layers is key!

Is It Too Cold in Sedona in January?

January is not too cold in Sedona for any outdoor activities like hiking or sightseeing. However, it is one of the coldest months here, with average high temperatures around 55°F  (13°C) and colder temps above or around freezing during the night. Despite the cooler weather, there is a low chance of snow cover or rainfall.

Mornings are still cold, and wearing layers is necessary during that time of day for any outdoor adventures. Read more about that later.

Snow
When it snows, it’s usually not that much in Sedona.

In Sedona, the average snowfall during January is about 1.5 inches. However, with nighttime temperatures just above freezing, it is more likely to experience rain or a combination of rain and snow.

Does It Snow in January in Sedona?

While it does snow in Sedona in January, it usually does not create a significant ground layer but a slightly visible dusting on the top of Sedona’s highest areas. Snow falls on average on two days, accumulates up to 1.5, and rarely exceeds 4 inches.

During our last visit in January, it snowed once during nighttime and lasted till mid-morning.

The rare snowfalls happen overnight, and any snow on the ground typically melts before lunchtime the next day. However, it’s an amazing sight in the early morning. Waking up to snow on the Red Rocks is a view you will never forget.

Snowstorms/Blizzards
Heavy snowfall is a rare occurrence in Sedona, Arizona.

Storms are rare but a possibility in January. Most years don’t see storms, but when it happens, it makes outdoor activities unpleasant if so.

So, there is the chance of a blizzard about twice during the whole winter. There have been a few times in the past when Sedona was snowed in for a few days, but this is rare. For example, once there was a huge snowstorm, and all main roads were closed for three days.

Local opinion on snowstorms: The good news is that winter storms in Sedona do not last for days as they do in other parts of our country. Additionally, you don’t get those feet of snow or even very many inches here. Even if there is more snow on those rare occasions, it generally melts in a day or two, anyway.

While we didn’t experience a storm when we went, we saved our spa day for a rainy day and weren’t disappointed.

January What To Wear/Packing List

You are going to shed layers after hiking for a while in January.

During January in Sedona, you wear long pants, socks, warm shoes, a long-sleeved shirt, and a top layer like a fleece or jacket during the day. In the morning, evening, and night, you need to wear an extra sweater between your shirt and jacket.

While hiking during the day, wearing layers that you can shed as you warm up is best. Expect to warm up due to the movement, direct sunlight, and increased afternoon temperatures. You may prefer a short-sleeved shirt, breathable pants or shorts, socks, and hiking boots during the day.

💡 If you plan to stay outdoors during the early morning or evening hours in January, we recommend bringing gloves, a scarf, and a wool hat. Most indoor accommodations have good heating, so you do not need to worry about being cold while sleeping.

Do you need a thick winter jacket? If you plan to go to Sedona in January, you should not need a winter coat. Most visitors bring their warmer fall jackets. However, a few warm additional sweaters are useful. Some bring a winter coat when visiting early in the month. We didn’t need one.

Local opinion: Bring a warm fall jacket but not your heavy winter coat. In January, we often sit outside for dinners in a sweater, and we often hike in leggings and a sweatshirt

To give you a comprehensive idea of what to bring, we’ve created a packing list based on our experience in Sedona.

January clothing list for one week in Sedona:

  • 2 short-sleeved shirts
  • 5 long-sleeved shirts
  • 2 sweaters
  • 1 sweatshirt
  • 1 warm fall jacket/fleece
  • 3 pairs of pants
  • 1 pair of hiking shorts/pants
  • 7 pairs of socks
  • Walking/casual shoes
  • Hiking boots
  • Hat
  • Sunglasses
  • 1 dressier outfit if planning on visiting fine-dining establishments
  • Winter coat (for early January), wool hat, gloves/mittens, and scarf (if you get cold easily)

How Busy is January

Sedona is not very busy or crowded during January compared to spring, early summer, and fall. There is less traffic and parking lots at trailheads and attractions are not congested during this month. Rates and prices are lower as well.

Sedona is a town with about 10,000 residents. However, their biggest industry is tourism. While Sedona used to get roughly 3 million visitors annually, that number rose to 4.5 million in 2020 due to the pandemic. That means you won’t have the place completely to yourself, regardless of the month.

The busiest tourist seasons are in spring and fall when the weather is mild, and the slowest seasons are summer and winter, with January being even less busy.

💡 Hotel Tips via booking.com: We recommend sorting the deals by ‘top picks’.  Check all deals here: Sedona Hotel Selection (via booking.com)  Bookmark the link and check rates regularly if you found one! We stayed at the Wilde Resort & Spa, and it was absolutely gorgeous in the winter!

Rates are lower now, and reservations, in general, are easier.

One other advantage of going in January is that hiking trails are not busy.  You should be able to find parking at all the trailheads and attractions much easier than during the peak seasons and enjoy an even quieter hike without as many people as usual on the trails.

Hiking | Trail Conditions in January

Sedona’s hiking trails are beautiful during January. Most days are sunny and in the 50s, creating ideal conditions for hiking without the extreme heat during many other months. However, after it has rained or snowed during the night, you will encounter some muddy trails.

Most regular visitors and locals agree that this month offers lovely hiking weather in this part of Arizona.

Although snowfall is very low, you may have some snow dusting the trails in the early morning, but it generally melts before noon. You should be fine in hiking boots and might even enjoy the serene white coat.

Facilities/Closures in January

Sedona caters to tourists, and all tourist attractions, restaurants, and stores will be open throughout January. All trails and trailheads will be accessible for hiking.

Weather in February

Average high temps in February.

Sedona is in the desert, however, due to its higher elevation, the winter months aren’t as hot as you might expect. So, what can you expect from the weather in Sedona during this month?

In February, the average high temperature in Sedona ranges from 57°F to 51°F (14-16°C). It gets colder at night, with temperatures just above freezing. The average precipitation is about 2 inches and it rains or snows on average for a total of about 5 days.

Sedona’s average high temps during this month:

  • Early February: 57°F (14°C)
  • Mid-February: 59°F (15°C)
  • Late February: 61°F (16°C)

Temperature progression: Sedona gets warmer throughout the month of February. Regardless, the chance of cloud cover is still fairly low. At the end of the month, it can feel already like real spring temperatures sometimes.

It’s a lot colder in the mornings and evenings. Fin below the temperature progression on a typical day in February:

  • Morning (8:30 AM): 44°F (7°C)
  • Afternoon (3 PM): 59°F (15°C)
  • Evening (9 PM): 48°F (9°C)

Mornings are colder, and temperatures peak in the afternoon at about 3 pm around 59°F. On many days temperatures are in the 60s during sunny afternoons and occasionally even in the 70s.

Unpredictable Weather: February weather in Sedona is sometimes difficult to predict. It’s still wintertime and a cold weather front can come through with snow. On the other hand, warm spells do happen as well.

Does it rain often? No! However, even when it rains it typically doesn’t last long and a little rainfall definitely won’t spoil your trip. If it rains, then just wait 15 minutes, and be careful on the trail. There might be ponds, puddles, and a rainbow.

We could get outdoors throughout the whole month, experiencing mostly pleasant temperatures, especially in the warmer afternoons.

Hiking Weather: When we visited once in late February, it was in the mid-60s during the afternoons and very sunny. We sweated on our hikes, and for our friend’s dog, it was almost too hot in the direct sun. However, on other hikes with mostly shaded sections, it was cold and muddy with patches of snow from last night. Wearing layers is key!

Is Sedona Sunny in February?
Cathedral Rock view in late February: The sun is shining heavenly on the red rocks.

During February most days in Sedona are sunny with a beautiful blue sky and crisp air. However, the days are shorter compared to the warmer months. Sunrise is around 7:20 AM in early February and around 7 AM at the end of the month.

The sun goes down between 6:00 and 6:20 AM. Plan your outdoor adventures during daylight hours for better visibility and pleasant temperatures.

Sometimes temperatures can even reach 70°F in February on a sunny afternoon. A friend of ours once golfed after some snow melted and lounged at the pool the next day. However, relaxing at an outdoor pool might be a tad chilly on most days and for most visitors.

Is It Too Cold in Sedona in February?

February is not too cold in Sedona for outdoor activities like hiking or sightseeing. In fact, the temperatures are perfect, since you can hike all day without having to worry about a heat stroke.

It does get cold during the night with temps just above freezing. Despite the cooler weather, there is a chance of snow cover or rainfall.

Mornings are still chilly, and wearing layers is necessary during that time of day for any outdoor adventures. More about that later.

Snow

When it gets cold enough at night, snowfall might occur and the red rocks get dusted or covered with snow. In the morning the sun comes out which melts it away until noon. If you’re lucky enough to witness this, you’ll experience unforgettable views!

In February, snow falls for about 3 days in Sedona, with typically accumulated 2.56 inches (65mm) of snow. However, snowfall is only occasional and short-lived and it typically happens during colder nights.

With nighttime temperatures hovering a few degrees above freezing, it is more likely to experience rain or a combination of rain and snow.

Does It Snow a Lot in February in Sedona?

While it does snow in Sedona in February, it mainly does not create a significant ground layer but a slightly visible dusting on the top of Sedona’s highest areas.

During our last visit in February, it snowed once during nighttime and lasted till mid-morning. Additionally, the chance of snow is getting lower towards the end of the month when the temps are rising to almost spring-like conditions.

Snowstorms/Blizzards

Storms are rare but a possibility in February. Many years don’t see any storms, but when it happens, they can make outdoor activities unpleasant.

There have been a few times in the past when Sedona was snowed in for a few days, but this is rare. For example, once there was a huge snowstorm, and all main roads were closed for three days.

Local experience: The good news is that storms during the winter month in Sedona do not last for days as they do in other parts of our country. Besides, you don’t get those feet of snow or even very many inches here. Even if there is more snow on those rare occasions, it generally melts in a day or two, anyway.

February What To Wear/Packing List

You are going to shed layers after hiking for a while in February. Sometimes, especially in late February, it can even be warm enough for shorts in the afternoon.

In February, in Sedona, you wear long pants, socks, sturdy shoes, a long-sleeved shirt, and a top layer like a fleece or jacket during the day. In the mornings and evenings, you may need an extra sweater between your shirt and jacket. Afternoons are sometimes warm enough for t-shirts.

While hiking during the day, wearing layers that you can shed as you warm up is best. Expect to warm up due to the movement, direct sunlight, and increased afternoon temperatures. You may prefer a short-sleeved shirt, breathable pants or shorts, socks, and hiking boots during the day.

💡 During February in Sedona, we start our days early and are dressed in layers with hats, gloves, and a packable down jacket. Later we shed layers and end up in our leggings and long-sleeved shirts by early afternoon. We are from a cooler region and don’t think the 40-degree morning temps felt as cold as 40°F at home.

Do you need a thick winter jacket? If you plan to go to Sedona in February, you don’t need a winter coat. Most visitors bring their warmer spring jackets. However, a few warm additional sweaters are useful for those cold mornings.

To give you a comprehensive idea of what to bring, we’ve created a packing list based on our experience in Sedona.

February clothing list for one week in Sedona:

  • Short-sleeved shirts
  • Long-sleeved shirts
  • Sweaters
  • Sweatshirt
  • Warm spring jacket/fleece
  • Pants
  • Hiking shorts/pants
  • Enough socks
  • Walking/casual shoes
  • Hiking boots
  • Hat
  • Sunglasses
  • 1 dressier outfit if planning on visiting fine-dining establishments
  • Hat, gloves/mittens, and scarf (if coming in early February and if you get cold easily)

How Busy is February?

Sedona is not very busy or crowded during February compared to spring, early summer, and fall months. There is less traffic and parking lots at trailheads and attractions are not congested during this month. Rates and prices are lower as well.

The busiest tourist seasons are in spring and fall when the weather is mild, and the slowest seasons are summer and winter, with February being even less busy.

💡 Hotel Tips via booking.com: We recommend sorting the deals by ‘top picks’.  Check all deals here: Sedona Hotel Selection (via booking.com)  Bookmark the link and check rates regularly if you found one! We stayed at the Wilde Resort & Spa, and it was absolutely gorgeous in the winter!

Rates are lower during this month, and hotels and restaurants often offer incentives, which means you can save money during this time. Additionally, reservations are easier.

One other advantage of going at this time of the year is that hiking trails are not busy.  You should be able to find parking at all the trailheads and attractions much easier than during the peak seasons and enjoy an even quieter hike without as many people as usual on the trails.

Hiking | Trail Conditions in February

Sedona’s hiking trails are beautiful during February. Most days are sunny, reaching 60°F and creating ideal conditions for hiking without the extreme heat during many other months. However, after it has rained or snowed during the night, you will encounter some muddy trails.

💡 If it rains wait 15 minutes, and be cautious on the trail. There might be ponds and puddles.

Most visitors and locals agree that February offers lovely hiking weather in this part of Arizona.

Although snowfall is very low, you may have some snow dusting the trails in the early morning, but it generally melts before noon. You should be fine in hiking boots and might even enjoy the beautiful serene white coat.

Facilities/Closures in February

Sedona caters to tourists, and all tourist attractions, restaurants, and stores will be open throughout February. All trails and trailheads will be accessible for hiking.

The Best Activities / Things To Do

We did all three tours (see above) and loved all of them. However, the Nightime UFO & Stargazing Tour was really special! Bring warm clothes (see our ‘What to Wear’ section above).

There are many activities to participate in while visiting Sedona in December. Some attractions are inside, but the majority of things to do can be found outside, as there are many beautiful natural sites to visit. Especially places like the Chapel of the Holy Cross, the Sedona Heritage Museum, or hitting the easy hiking trails.

Red Rock Scenic Byway

The Red Rock Scenic Byway is a 7.5-mile (12.07 km) stretch of road with beautiful sites and stops. It is accessible during December, but be careful of icy roads in the morning and after a recent snowfall.

The Red Rock Ranger District Visitor Center is open year-round from 9 am- 4:30 pm. Here, you can find maps and information on activities in the area.

Sedona Jeep Tour

A Sedona Jeep tour is a great way to start off your trip. It’ll give you an overview of all the big sites in the area and where things are located.

Bring an extra jacket or a blanket if it’s cold out. If you have back or joint problems, you may want to skip this, as the Jeep can be a bit bumpy.

Golfing

Golfing is available year-round in Sedona at several golfing resorts. Most days in December are dry and sunny with ideal temperatures. However, keep in mind the days are shorter, so you may want to start earlier than usual.

Chapel of the Holy Cross / Cathedral Rock

  • When: Open year-round (except Christmas, Thanksgiving, Good Friday, and Easter)
  • Where: 780 Chapel Rd., Sedona, AZ 86336
  • Price: Free

The Chape of the Holy Cross is a must-see in Sedona. This unique chapel sits atop cathedral rock, one of the red rock formations in the area.

It is open every day from 9 am-5 pm in December but is closed on Christmas Day.

Keep in mind food, drinks, and pets are not allowed inside. Head here in the morning to avoid the crowds present in the afternoon. After a tour, the gift shop on the lower level is worth visiting to find local artisan-made items.

Bell Rock

Bell Rock is a butte that sits at 4,919 feet (1,499 m) high and has stunning panoramic views of the region. It is a .8-mile (1.29 km) hike there and back and is open year-round.

Slide Rock State Park

Slide Rock State Park is a beautiful state park with many hiking trails and some swimming areas. While it is too cold to swim in December, the hiking trails are ideal during the daytime.

Slide Rock is open from 9 am to 5 pm in December. However, Christmas Eve has limited hours from 9 am to 2 pm, and the park is closed on Christmas Day.

The last entry is one hour before the park closes. Parking lots are not crowded during December, which is good since you must enter with a vehicle.

Visit the Arizona State Park website for special seasonal events posted regularly.

Red Rock State Park

The Red Rock State Park is a 286-acre ( nature reserve with trails, canyons, and amazing Sedona views.

It is open every day from 8 am to 5 pm. The last entry is at 4:30 pm. The Visitor Center is open from 9 am to 4:30 pm.

Christmas Eve has limited hours from 8 am to 2 pm, and the park is closed on Christmas Day.

Hiking

The Turkey Creek Trail is beautiful. It is also one of the lesser-known ones. Thus, it’s less busy at the trailhead (Google Maps Location). Read more here (trail description) 

Many people head to Sedona to explore the vast hiking options. Below are some of the top hiking locations (apart from the Grand Canyon).

Fay Canyon
  • When: Open year-round
  • Where: Boynton Pass Rd Sedona, AZ 86336
  • Price: Free parking available

This trail is at a low elevation, making it a perfect trek for people of all skill levels. The Fat Canyon trail features wildlife, local flora and fauna, and impressive canyon walls. This trail is situated in the Red Rock-Secret Mountain Wilderness area and offers the option of longer trails along with free parking.

Templeton Trail
  • When: Open year-round
  • Where: Back O’ Beyond Rd Sedona, AZ 86336
  • Price: Free parking available

Sedona is known for its vortexes, which provide positive energy to people who walk or drive through them. The Templeton Trail provides sights of the famous Cathedral Rock, one of Sedona’s vortex areas.

Boynton Canyon
  • When: Open year-round
  • Where: Dry Creek Rd Sedona, AZ 86340
  • Price: Free parking available

This trek features a vortex and views of Red Rock country and a forest.

This is another excellent trail that is not often crowded. Plus, it features a wide array of terrain. The Boynton Canyon trail is slightly longer than the two previous trails, at three miles roundtrip. However, it should only take an hour for most to cover the trail leaving plenty of time for other activities.

Save the 3 Best Activities