Sedona, AZ
Bell Rock from Courthouse Vista
- Getting in
- You cannot park at the trailhead without a pass: "Red Rock Pass or America the Beautiful Pass is required to park at the trailhead." (https://www.fs.usda.gov/r03/coconino/recreation/courthouse-vista). On the permit question, the Forest Service does not publish a proposal rule — its own wording is that "A special use permit is required for commercial filming or photography on National Forest System lands under certain circumstances" and that a permit is not needed "if five or fewer people are involved in the film and photography project and are physically on site." Whether a hired proposal photographer counts is a call for the Red Rock Ranger District, not for us (https://www.fs.usda.gov/r03/coconino/permits).
How private it is
We haven’t rated privacy here yet.
Where to eat, drink and stay nearby
The moment is the fixed point; these are the hours either side of it. Real places in Sedona, drawn from our destination catalog — not ranked, not sponsored, and not described by anything other than the catalog’s own words.
Dinner after
Elote Cafe
Mexican Fine Dining · $$$
James Beard-nominated Mexican restaurant with a legendary elote dip and a waitlist every night — plan ahead.
Mariposa Latin Inspired Grill
Latin American · $$$$
Canyon-view fine dining with the best interior design in Sedona — red rock panoramas from every table.
Hideaway Restaurant
Italian / Pizza · $$
Casual red rock view patio with wood-fired pizza and cold wine — the relaxed lunch stop everyone wants.
A quiet drink
Sky Rock Sedona (Tribute Portfolio)
rooftop · $$$
Adults-only resort rooftop pool bar with 360-degree red rock views and craft cocktails — Sedona's peak sunset moment.
Mariposa Latin Inspired Grill (Bar)
cocktail-bar · $$$
Elegant canyon-view bar attached to one of Sedona's best restaurants — strong margaritas and one of the best views in town.
Where to stay
Sky Rock Sedona
boutique-hotel
Adults-only hilltop hotel with rooftop pool and panoramic red rock views — the coolest new property in town.
Enchantment Resort
resort
Boynton Canyon resort with Mii amo spa on property and some of the most jaw-dropping red rock setting in Arizona.
The morning after
Trail Horse Adventure red-rock ride
horseback-riding
Guided horseback trail ride through Dead Horse Ranch State Park with red-rock views and a Verde River crossing, 20 minutes from Sedona.
Red Rock Vortex Guided Hike
hiking
Guided hike to Bell Rock or Cathedral Rock vortex with a local guide who explains the energy science — the definitive Sedona experience.
Shows the city and roughly when to keep free. Never the place, and never the word.
Source: www.fs.usda.gov · confirmed 2026-08-06. Places change — check before you build a trip you cannot move.