It’s easy to feel like you know everything there is to know about Sedona, especially after you’ve been there and realized all those resorts and shops and vortexes are set among the red rocks in a relatively small town.
But this burg of 10,000 residents has many less-explored sites and experiences, and its Chamber of Commerce wants everyone to know about them. The “Sedona Secret 7” isn’t a list of seven locations, its seven categories, each containing several “secret spots.
ARTS AND CULTURE
Sedona Arts Center — A nonprofit organization housed in the Uptown District’s Art Barn, this houses a fine art gallery with the largest collection of works by local artists.
BIKING
Aerie Trail — Intermediate 2.9-mile (one way) singletrack trail between the Aerie and Boynton Canyon trailheads with views of Boynton Canyon, Fay Canyon and Bear Mountain. For a 4.4-mile loop around Doe Mountain and back to the Aerie trailhead, turn left at the Cockscomb Trail.
HIKING
Schuerman Mountain Trail — A short out-and-back hike to the basaltic lava left behind by an ancient, now-extinct volcano. You can travel a 2-mile loop by taking the Vista Trail and then hiking to the top of Schuerman Mountain.
PICNICS
Posse Grounds Park — The City of Sedona’s first park has 10 ramadas, several short, easy walking trails, a playground, bike skills and skate parks and impressive views of the surrounding red rocks.
SPIRITUAL
Thunder Mountain Trailhead — Take a short walk from the parking lot to the trailhead and you’ll find a secluded plateau that’s ideal for a moment of meditation or unrolling your yoga mat for some poses. The steep trail itself scales one of the highest peaks in Sedona for those in search of physical as well as spiritual experiences.
STARGAZING
Brins Mesa Trailhead — Just north of Uptown Sedona, this trailhead’s parking lot requires a Red Rock Pass and is far enough from ambient light to provide stunning, starry views often bright enough to illuminate red rock outlines.
VISTAS
Beaverhead Flat Scenic Trailhead — A few miles south of the Village of Oak Creek, this quieter site promises a different view of the Verde Valley, including a series of green mesas out to the east that are especially pretty under a light dusting of snow.
It’s easy to feel like you know everything there is to know about Sedona, especially after you’ve been there and realized all those resorts and shops and vortexes are set among the red rocks in a relatively small town.
