Skip to main content
SedonaStays
Sedona red rock panorama at golden hour
5 Nights · 3 Trip Styles

5-Night Sedona Itinerary

Five nights to truly unwind — hikes, day trips, dining, and enough time to do Sedona at your own pace.

6–10
Hikes
10–15
Restaurants
4
Vortex Sites
2 included
Day Trips
3 Nights4 Nights5 Nights6 Nights

Choose Your Trip Style

Every itinerary is tailored to your group. Pick your vibe and we'll handle the planning.

A complete guys' trip: two day trips, all four vortexes, the best breweries, and more trail miles than you can count.

Red rock trail in Sedona at sunrise
Day 1

Trailblaze & Brews

Morning

Soldier Pass Trail

Soldier Pass Trailhead, Sedona

Hit one of Sedona's best trails early. The 4.2-mile loop takes you past the Devil's Kitchen sinkhole, Seven Sacred Pools, and a hidden cave with panoramic views. Moderately challenging with some scrambling.

Red Rock CafeAmerican Breakfast · $$

The huevos rancheros are legendary. Get there by 8:30 to skip the wait.

Afternoon

Pink Jeep Tours — Broken Arrow

204 N Hwy 89A, Sedona

The iconic Broken Arrow tour takes you through the most rugged terrain in Sedona. You'll climb near-vertical slickrock in a custom Jeep — an adrenaline rush with stunning scenery. 2 hours.

Cowboy ClubSouthwestern Grill · $$$

Try the cactus fries and the elk burger. Sit on the patio for Uptown views.

Evening

Oak Creek Brewing Co Taproom

2050 Yavapai Dr, Sedona

Sedona's original craft brewery since 1995. Flight of 6 beers to sample the range, then settle on a favorite. Casual vibe, great for a crew. Grab a growler for the rental.

Mariposa Latin Inspired GrillLatin-American Fine Dining · $$$$

Sunset views from the patio are unmatched. The Argentine steak and ceviche are must-orders. Reservations essential.

Pro Tip: Head back to the rental for poker night on the deck under the stars.

Sedona red rock formations panorama
Day 2

Peaks, Pints & Live Music

Morning

Cathedral Rock Hike

Back O'Beyond Trailhead

The signature Sedona scramble. It's only 1.2 miles but gains 740 ft — the final push is hand-over-foot climbing on slickrock. The saddle viewpoint at the top is breathtaking. Start before 7 AM.

Creekside CoffeeCoffee & Pastries · $
Afternoon

Sedona Beer Company + Verde Brewing

Sedona & Camp Verde

Start with a flight at Sedona Beer Company in the Village of Oak Creek, then drive 20 minutes south to Verde Brewing Company in Camp Verde for a different vibe — sprawling outdoor space with food trucks.

The HudsonModern American · $$$

Great cocktails and a creative menu. The smoked prime rib is excellent.

Evening

Jazz Upstairs at Sound Bites Grill

101 N Hwy 89A, Suite B, Sedona

Live jazz performances Thursday through Sunday. Intimate second-floor venue with a full bar. Check their schedule for the current lineup — quality acts from across the Southwest.

Pro Tip: Thursday and Friday nights are the best jazz nights. Arrive by 7 PM for good seats.

Grand Canyon panoramic view
Day 3

Grand Canyon Day Trip

Morning

Drive to Grand Canyon South Rim

Grand Canyon National Park

Leave by 7 AM for the 2-hour drive north via Flagstaff (I-17 to Hwy 64). Stop at the Visitor Center, then hit Mather Point for your first jaw-dropping view of the canyon.

Pack breakfast or grab coffee in FlagstaffRoad Trip Fuel · $
Afternoon

South Rim Trail + Bright Angel Trailhead

Grand Canyon South Rim

Walk the paved Rim Trail between viewpoints (easy, stunning). For a challenge, hike the first 1.5 miles of Bright Angel Trail into the canyon — the switchbacks offer incredible perspectives. Don't attempt to reach the river and back in one day.

El Tovar Dining Room or Arizona RoomAmerican / Southwestern · $$$

Dine at the historic El Tovar lodge right on the rim. Lunch is easier to get without reservations.

Evening

Return to Sedona + Casual Night

Highway 89A back to Sedona

Drive back through Oak Creek Canyon (spectacular in afternoon light). Low-key evening at the rental — fire up the grill, crack open the growler from Oak Creek Brewing.

Grill at the rentalBBQ Night · $

Stop at Safeway in Sedona on the way back for steaks and charcoal. The rental grill + sunset = perfect end to a big day.

Historic Jerome town with mountain backdrop
Day 4

Jerome & Whiskey Row

Morning

Sleep In + Rental Morning

Your rental property

Take it easy this morning. Coffee on the deck, soak in the hot tub, and recover from yesterday's Grand Canyon trek.

Cook breakfast at the rentalDIY Brunch · $
Afternoon

Jerome Ghost Town + Prescott Whiskey Row

Jerome & Prescott, AZ

Explore Jerome's haunted saloons and mining history, then continue to Prescott (~45 min from Jerome) for the legendary Whiskey Row — a strip of historic bars on Montezuma Street. Palace Restaurant & Saloon is a must.

The Palace Restaurant & SaloonWestern Saloon & Steakhouse · $$$

Arizona's oldest frontier bar (1877). Great steaks, cold beer, and genuine Old West vibes.

Evening

Return to Sedona + Mooney's Irish Pub

671 Hwy 179, Sedona

Cap the day at Mooney's — Sedona's favorite Irish pub. Pool, darts, cold Guinness, and a lively crowd. No pretension, just good times.

Mooney's Irish PubPub Fare · $$

The fish and chips are solid. Great for a casual late-night bite.

Oak Creek Canyon scenic drive through red rocks
Day 5

Final Hike & Farewell Feast

Morning

Oak Creek Canyon Scenic Drive

Highway 89A North to Slide Rock

Drive the stunning 14-mile stretch through Oak Creek Canyon — Arizona's "little Grand Canyon." Stop at Slide Rock State Park for a quick dip in the natural waterslide if the season allows.

Indian Gardens CafeCafe & Bakery · $$

Charming spot in Oak Creek Canyon. The smoked salmon bagel and fresh pastries are worth the stop.

Afternoon

Devil's Bridge Hike

Mescal Trailhead / Dry Creek Road

Sedona's largest natural sandstone arch — 54 feet across a dramatic canyon. Walk across the bridge for the iconic photo. 3.9-mile round trip from Mescal Trailhead.

Olde Sedona Bar & GrillBurgers & BBQ · $$

No-frills spot with cold beer, giant burgers, and pool tables. A solid guys' lunch.

Evening

Sunset at Airport Mesa + Farewell Dinner

Airport Mesa Scenic Lookout

End the trip with the most accessible sunset viewpoint in Sedona. 360-degree views of the red rocks as the light shifts from gold to crimson.

Etch Kitchen & BarNew American · $$$

Creative dishes with local ingredients. The duck and the short rib are standouts. Great wine list.

Packing Tips for Gents' Getaway

  • Sturdy hiking boots with ankle support
  • Quick-dry shirts and shorts
  • Sunscreen SPF 50+ and a wide-brim hat
  • Hydration pack or 2L water bottles
  • Deck of cards and a good bottle of whiskey
  • Light jacket for cool desert evenings

Sedona Pro Tips

#1

Start hikes before 7 AM to beat the heat and the crowds — parking lots fill fast.

#2

Bring at least 1 liter of water per hour of hiking. The desert is deceptively dry.

#3

Many top restaurants (Elote Cafe, Mariposa) don't take reservations or fill up fast — plan accordingly.

#4

A Red Rock Pass ($5/day or $15/week) is required for most trailhead parking.

#5

Sunsets are best viewed from Airport Mesa, Cathedral Rock, or your rental deck with a drink in hand.

#6

Cell service is spotty on trails — download offline maps before heading out.

#7

Day 4 day trips: Grand Canyon South Rim is ~2 hours each way. Leave by 7 AM to maximize time.

#8

Jerome is closer (~45 min) and makes a great half-day trip with wine tasting on the way back.

#9

With 5 nights, schedule a rest morning — sleep in and enjoy the rental. You've earned it.

#10

Flagstaff makes a great half-day trip: downtown restaurants, Lowell Observatory, and Northern Arizona University campus.

Dive Deeper into Sedona

Hiking TrailsRestaurantsVortexesDay Trips

Ready for Your Sedona Adventure?

Book one of our premium vacation rentals and use this itinerary as your guide to an unforgettable 5-night stay.

View Our Properties