Best things to do in Sedona

Soak in the dramatic scenery of red desert hills and endless blue sky while hiking at Cathedral Rock. One of the state’s most iconic landmarks, the sandstone rock formation takes the shape of a cathedral perched majestically above the rest of the landscape. Wind through the rock’s three saddles, or gaps, on the short but steep 2.4 km (1.5 mi) hike. Be sure to carry extra water and wear sturdy hiking shoes with you as the trail is rigorous in certain places.

Built into the red sandstone cliffs of the Sonoran Desert, Chapel of the Holy Cross offers panoramic views of the region's rugged landscape. Commissioned by a local rancher and sculptor Marguerite Brunswig Staude, the chapel took nearly two years to complete, with the final touches added in 1956. Considered a wonder of modern architecture, the structure sits on a twin-pinnacled ridge, towering over the landscape from a height of about 75 m (250 ft). Sparsely adorned inside, the building contains a few benches hugging the angular walls, two rows of pews in the center, and floor-to-ceiling windows behind the altar. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes for the steep climb from the parking lot.

Considered a portal to another dimension by some New Age writers, Bell Rock often attracts photographers. It's distinctive for its small, cone-shaped upper butte and wide base. Consider a hike along the 5.8 km (3.6 mi) trail called the Bell Rock Pathway. This ends at a vista overlooking the butte, where you'll also find refreshments, toilets, and a shaded area.

Home to the area's largest sandstone arch, Devil's Bridge Trail offers visitors a chance to explore and experience rugged terrain without the strain of an intense hike. Lined with cacti, rock formations, and desert foliage, the trail provides the opportunity to hike to the top of its namesake arch as well as its shaded underside. Though the 2.9 km (1.8 mi) roundtrip hike from the trailhead is moderately difficult, it's fully paved and accessible to hikers of all levels and capabilities. Keep in mind that the arch itself is not fenced off, so exercise caution.

Designated as Arizona's first All-American Road, Red Rock Scenic Byway (SR 179) runs through Red Rock Country. Along the road, you'll be dwarfed by the ancient red rocks that tower overhead. You'll also drive through pine forests in the Coconino National Forest. The byway is less than 16 km (10 mi), but multiple scenic pull-off points along the way make it worth taking your time. Visit the Forest Visitor Center for maps of hiking and biking trails that cut through the area.

A short hike, Broken Arrow Trail provides an easy way to see the red rock landscape of Sedona. The 2.4 km (1.5 mi) trail leads to Chicken Point, where you'll be rewarded with sights of giant spires of red rock and well-known formations like Bell Rock. For those who don't want to hike, you can take a 4x4 tour of the trail. You'll experience off-road driving at its best, with Sedona's famous landscape as the backdrop. Be aware that mountain bikers use this trail, and jeeps use adjoining trails.

The largest museum of its type in the world, Musical Instrument Museum has a collection of over 15,000 musical instruments and associated objects, and displays around 6,000 at a time. You can see instruments collected from almost 200 countries, and witness many being played in their original context via high-resolution videos. The artist gallery is home to instruments played by world-famous music icons, including John Lennon, Elvis Presley, and Taylor Swift. You can experiment with a wide array of instruments in the experience gallery, such as a harp or piano. Grab a bite to eat at the on-site cafe, which serves dishes made from fresh, local ingredients.

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With red rock walls, lush forests, and clear streams and waterfalls, is often called the

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