How To Plan A Sedona Girls Weekend Trip

This post was last updated on 2024 September 17

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This is a guest post by Amber Hiltunen of Little Blue Backpack. Introduction written by Lindsay.

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Sedona’s been on my radar a lot these days, thanks to two of my coaches raving about it and even buying houses there. Sure, people rave about and move to all sorts of places – but I figured that if I’m already taking business and life advice from these guys, I should probably pay attention in this particular instance.

What’s so special about this small town in the middle of Arizona that would prompt them to spend several months each year living here?, I wondered. 

A quick Google search clued me in to the glorious red rock landscapes surrounding Sedona. Uh yep, you had me at outdoor adventure ops. 

But then I read further and learned that Sedona is a sacred spiritual place. According to this site,

Vortexes are thought to be swirling centers of energy that are conducive to healing, meditation and self-exploration. These are places where the earth seems especially alive with energy. Many people feel inspired, recharged or uplifted after visiting a vortex.  

There are a handful of energy vortexes around the world, including at Stonehenge, Maui, and Tulum. Sedona itself is home to 4 vortexes.

Ahhhhh, well that explains it! My coaches are super into woo-woo mindset and manifestation, of COURSE they would gravitate to a place like Sedona. 

Being such a peaceful and healing place, I think Sedona makes for an excellent girls trip. It’s the kind of place where you can unwind with friends in nature… but also get your woo on by booking a session with a spiritual healer or shopping for crystals and tarot cards (which is NORMAL here!). 

Alright, now over to Amber’s post on how to craft the perfect Sedona girls weekend trip:

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Getting to Sedona

Flying right into Sedona is an option, but it’s more affordable to fly into Phoenix, Arizona.

Pick up your rental car from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport and hit the road for your Sedona girls weekend trip. The drive from Phoenix to Sedona is under 2 hours, and boy is it a scenic one (aka you’ll definitely wanna call shotgun for this road trip)!

CLICK TO BOOK A RENTAL CAR FOR YOUR SEDONA GIRLS WEEKEND TRIP

Where to Stay in Sedona

Why stay in separate hotel rooms when you could have an entire house to yourself?

Fortunately there’s a plethora of options, as Sedona is a holiday hotspot. Have a look at the map of accommodation in Sedona and you’re bound to find a suitable place for your group to stay during your Sedona girls weekend trip.

Alternatively, you can search for hotels and other accommodation in Sedona via the map below:

Hiking in Sedona

Hiking is a must-do on your Sedona girls trip.  You can’t come here and *not* get up close with the iconic red rocks!

There are dozens of hikes in Sedona at various levels of difficulty, and they’re all ridiculously picturesque so you really can’t go wrong with your choice of trails. Here are a few of my favorites:

• Devils Bridge – a popular Sedona hike that offers up a rare photo opportunity if you can work up the courage to get out onto the bridge! It’s 4.2mi return and moderately challenging. Tip: this spot gets busy so do your best to come early! You’ll likely have to wait to for your photo op, but it’s worth it!
• Cathedral Rock – one of 4 vortexes in Sedona, said to be “the only one with feminine energy (where the energy enters the earth)… with introspective power that connects you to memories and past lives.” Woo-woo aside, Cathedral Rock is a stunner with its red rock pillars and is a top spot to watch the sunset. The hike itself is only 1.4mi return, but pretty challenging.  
• Bear Mountain – if you want something tough yet rewarding, tackle Bear Mountain. This difficult 4.3mi return hike is sure to evoke some swear words and sore muscles, but the epic views will far outweigh the battle. 

Yoga in Sedona

A day of intense hiking deserves to be rewarded with yoga, am I right? And there is no better place to enjoy working and stretching the body than on a Sedona girls weekend in the red rocks.

Vortex Yoga Hiking in Sedona is the perfect way to start the morning. Combine easy hiking with yoga in this one-of-a-kind experience that relaxes the mind and calms the soul. Set the tone and your intention with a guided instructor at Bell Rock (one of the vortex sites) and take a hike that will prepare you for a rejuvenating experience.

You’ll make your way to Baby Bell which will be your place of practice for about 60 minutes. And let me tell you, there is no better studio. Feel the hard yet comfortable earth underneath your mat as you glimpse the trees below, the red rocks high and far beyond, and the sun shining on you from above. All skill levels are welcome—yes, even if you have never practiced yoga a day in your life.

Price: $88 per person + tip. 3.5 hours of hiking and yoga—includes a guide/instructor, a yoga mat, and homemade dark chocolate. It’s worth every penny.

Tip: Wear a tank with a layered long sleeve along with your yoga pants for a comfortable experience. Don’t forget your water bottle!

Wine Tasting in Sedona

Yoga isn’t the only way to relax on a girls trip to Sedona. Head to the vineyard at Page Springs Cellars and enjoy a wine flight and a cheese plate with a gorgeous view. It’s a bit pricey, but the ambiance and experience make it worth it. Plus, you get a small wine glass to take home!

The drive to the winery is about 20 minutes from downtown Sedona and is, of course, a beautiful drive (there’s no such thing as a boring drive in Sedona!).

Where To Eat & Drink in Sedona

Sedona’s local food scene is one to remember. You’ve got Mexican, woodfire pizzas, empanadas, and even rattlesnake sausage to choose from – and that’s just the half of it!

Here are some of my top picks for where to eat and drink in Sedona:

• Elote Café – the best restaurant in Sedona. It will be listed in every single guide you read, and for good reason. The Mexican/American Southwest plates burst with flavor and will not disappoint. And I don’t know about you, but I sure wouldn’t pass up guac and margs on a Sedona girls weekend trip.
• Mariposa – this Latin-inspired grill rivals Elote Café for best restaurant in Sedona. Think floor-to-ceiling windows showcasing the red rocks, large wine vaults, dark lighting, modern interior, and the perfect ambiance. And they have tapas from an award-winning chef to round out the experience. Grab a reservation and wear your cutest outfit for this hip dining experience. Tip: It’s just fun to dress up here… but I promise, nowhere in Sedona is it required to look fancy! You’ll find people in hiking attire everywhere you go.
• Pisa Lisa – featuring the same chef from Mariposa, this restaurant serves authentic, wood-fire pizzas in a relaxing environment. And let me tell you, they really hit the spot after a hike (Pisa Lisa is not far from Devil’s Bridge!). They have a great outdoor patio and FYI you do NOT want to skip dessert here ;)
• Cowboy Club – ready for something local and authentic? Stop in at this endearing tourist trap for a prickly pear margarita and an unusual appetizer such as rattlesnake sausage (70% snake, 30% rabbit), cactus fries, and buffalo brochettes. When in Rome, right?
• Creekside Cafe – need a place to stop before your early morning hike? This is it. A cute little shop with red rock views in all directions and both indoor and outdoor seating. Highly recommend the peanut butter banana and honey toast!

For more, check out Where to Eat in Sedona, Arizona.

Shopping in Sedona

It wouldn’t be a girls weekend without some shopping, right? Here’s where to splash out in town:

• Downtown Sedona – The Sedona downtown area is a tourist hotspot that’s well worth a few hours of your time. Check out the artistic vibe of Sedona, purchase a crystal to help manifest intentions, get lost in souvenir shops, and rehydrate at a patio bar. Tip: it gets congested; I recommend an Uber or Lyft since parking can be tough. Plus, that means prickly pear margaritas all around!
• Tlaquepaque Arts and Crafts Village – outdoor shopping district with cobblestone paths full of boutiques and galleries showcasing beautiful photography and jewelry. Creativity comes alive in this area!