Bell Rock Pathway
A wide, gentle path that circles one of Sedona’s most recognizable buttes, with Courthouse Butte alongside. Easy to shorten or stretch, and lovely in low winter light.
- Go
- Late afternoon
- Best for
- An easy first day
Sedona in winter
Red rock trails without the crowds, and the occasional dusting of snow. Here’s how to make the most of the quiet season.
By the Global Escapes travel team · Updated
- Best time to go
- December to February
- Trip length
- 4 to 5 nights
- From Atlanta
- About 4.5 hours nonstop to Phoenix
- Phoenix to Sedona
- About 2 hours by car
- Weather
- January highs near 57°F, lows near 31°F
- Book by
- Three to six months ahead, more for the holidays
Why winter is Sedona’s secret season
Spring and fall get the attention, but winter is when Sedona feels most like your own.
Most days are sunny and mild, perfect for hiking in a light jacket, and the evenings are cool enough for a fire and a glass of Arizona wine. The trailheads are calmer, the restaurants have room, and resort rates are often gentler than in the busy months.
Then there’s the snow. Visit Sedona says the town sees it about five times a year, and it usually clears the same day. If you’re lucky enough to wake up to it, get outside early: white snow on red rock under a blue sky is one of the most beautiful sights in the Southwest, and it rarely lasts past lunch.
Red rock trails we love in winter
From easy strolls to steep scrambles, these are the hikes we’d point you to, and when to go for the best light.
Cathedral Rock
A short but steep climb, part scramble, up to a saddle between the spires with views across the valley. It’s one of the stops on the free Sedona Shuttle.
- Go
- Early morning, on dry rock
- Best for
- Confident hikers
Airport Mesa
A loop around the mesa just above town, with wide-open views in every direction. After a snowfall, you can see the white peaks beyond the red rocks.
- Go
- Sunset
- Best for
- The big panorama
Boynton Canyon
A peaceful walk into a box canyon of red cliffs, cypress and juniper. Enchantment Resort sits at its mouth, so guests can start right from their rooms.
- Go
- Mid-morning
- Best for
- A quiet half day
West Fork of Oak Creek
A relatively easy trail north of town that crisscrosses the creek beneath tall canyon walls. In winter you may find icicles and snow in the shade, so good boots help.
- Go
- Midday, when it’s warmest
- Best for
- A change of scenery
Soldier Pass
Past the Devil’s Kitchen sinkhole and the Seven Sacred Pools, with red rock views the whole way. The trailhead is tiny, so the shuttle is the easy way in.
- Go
- By shuttle, mid-morning
- Best for
- Variety in one hike
Cozy places to stay
In winter, the right resort is half the trip: a fireplace, a hot soak after the trail and red rock views from your patio.
L’Auberge de Sedona sits right along Oak Creek, with creekside cottages where you fall asleep to the sound of the water. Enchantment Resort is tucked deep in Boynton Canyon, with trails starting outside the door, and Mii amo, its destination spa next door, offers all-inclusive wellness stays for travelers who want to truly reset.
For couples, Ambiente is a newer adults-only hotel with freestanding rooms built for gazing at the rocks and the stars. Winter nights here are wonderfully dark and clear.
Which setting suits you
- On Oak CreekCottages by the water, a short walk to town
- Boynton CanyonTrails and a destination spa at your door
- Near townViews, galleries and easy dinners
Beyond the trails
Save a day or two for the drives, rides and festive evenings that make Sedona in winter feel special.
The Grand Canyon’s South Rim is about two hours north, and seeing it with snow along the rim is unforgettable. Winter storms can close roads, so we keep that day flexible and watch the forecast with you.
Closer to home, the Verde Canyon Railroad makes a relaxed four-hour round trip through a red rock canyon, and in December the Festival of Lights fills Tlaquepaque’s courtyards with thousands of glowing luminarias. Add a jeep tour, a hot air balloon at sunrise or simply a long afternoon at the spa.
A relaxed five-day shape
- Day 1Fly to Phoenix, drive north for sunset
- Days 2 and 3Morning hikes, spa afternoons
- Day 4The Grand Canyon or the Verde Canyon Railroad
- Day 5One last trail, then back to Phoenix
Good to know
The small things that make a winter week in Sedona feel easy.
Dress for two seasons
Mornings can be near freezing and afternoons pleasantly mild. Layers, a warm hat and gloves cover it.
Go after the snow
If it snows, head out early the next morning. The red rocks under fresh white are worth an early alarm.
Watch for ice
Shaded trails and slickrock can stay icy after a storm. Shoes with good grip, and microspikes for shady canyons, keep you steady.
Bring a parking pass
Many trailheads ask for a Red Rock Pass on your dashboard. An America the Beautiful pass works at many of them too.
Ride the shuttle
The free Sedona Shuttle serves Cathedral Rock, Soldier Pass and other busy trailheads. We check its schedule for your dates.
Book the holidays early
Christmas and New Year’s fill quickly at the best resorts. January and February are quieter and easier to book.
Planning the whole trip?
Our American Southwest guide
Sedona, the Grand Canyon, Monument Valley, Zion, Santa Fe and Palm Springs, with month-by-month weather, drive times and a route map.
See the American Southwest guideLet’s plan your Sedona winter
Tell us when you’re thinking of going and who’s coming along. An advisor will take it from there.