2-Day Sedona Itinerary For The Adventure Lover

Here is the best 2-day Sedona itinerary for the adventure lover. 

Whether you are spending a weekend in Sedona or making it a stop on your road trip, this itinerary will help you experience the most of your time there.

This is for the adventurous soul. It involves getting up before sunrise to hike to the best views during golden hour and avoid traffic. 

This 2-day Sedona itinerary also requires you to be physically able to withstand hiking multiple miles daily on sandy/rocky terrain. 

If this sounds like something you are interested in, then read on to plan your next Sedona adventure.

Also, if you plan to adventure with your pup, please read my Dog-Friendly Sedona: The Ultimate Guide post. 

What Do You Need For Your Sedona Adventures?

Sedona’s harsh sun and desert climate can be a distinct change from what you are used to. 

Come prepared with plenty of water and sun protection.

What to pack for your Sedona adventures depends on the time of year and what you intend to do. 

I have a complete Sedona Packing List here to help you prepare. 

For this itinerary, here are the things I recommend bringing with you for your hikes and outdoor adventures:

• A day pack. I highly recommend one with a water bladder to carry your water on the trail. I used an Osprey pack with a 2.5 L bladder.

• Hiking boots or trail running shoes with good tread. 
• Water bottle or water bladder
• Light-colored shirts and breathable clothes for hikes
• Sun protection, including hats, sunscreen, UV shirts, and sunglasses
• Bug repellent
• A hiking survival kit in your pack in case of emergency.

2-Day Sedona Itinerary 

Here’s the 2-day Sedona itinerary for the outdoor lover who wants to see Sedona’s best vistas quickly. 

The 2-day Sedona itinerary depends heavily on the day’s sunlight. So, if you’re in Sedona in the summer and have more daylight, you may have the time to do more things midday versus visiting in the late fall, winter, or early spring. 

Day 1 in Sedona

Rise and shine! On day 1 in Sedona, you’ll wake up before sunrise to get to the Mescal Trailhead of Devil’s Bridge before or by sunrise. 

Morning Hiking

Not only is parking difficult at this trailhead, but there are often lines to get a picture of Devil’s Bridge, and the sun gets intense as the morning progresses. The early bird gets the worm.

After your epic 3.9-mile hike to Devil’s Bridge, you can return to town, continue your day, or complete the Birthing Cave Trail.

The trailhead to the Birthing Cave Trail is about a mile from the Mescal Trailhead and has parking along the side of the road. 

The Birthing Cave Trail is a 1.9-mile out-and-back trail that takes you to a stunning cave view. If you still have energy after Devil’s Bridge, do Birthing Cave. It’s a close trail with a vastly different view.

Next, it’s time to refuel after your morning adventures. 

Afternoon Fun

You can grab brunch in town at local favorites like Coffee Pot, Casa Sedona, or Indian Gardens Cafe and Market.

As the sun heats up in the afternoon, you can stay cool in your car’s AC and drive to the Chapel of the Holy Cross. 

Next, experience the spiritual side of Sedona by getting a mystical reading, such as a tarot card reading, aura reading, or psychic medium reading, at Mystical Bazaar. 

Sunset

The sunset in Sedona is magical. Tonight, you’ll see the sunset from views sitting atop Sedona near the airport. 

If you’re ready for another hike, you can complete the 3.3-mile Sedona Airport Loop Trail, which offers views of the sun setting over the mountains. 

You can also park at the airport parking lot and walk a shorter distance to the Airport Mesa lookout, which offers stunning sunset views. 

Finally, grab dinner at one of the fantastic restaurants in Sedona, such as The Hudson, Mariposa, or Creekside American Bistro. 

Sedona Day 2

Ready for another day of adventure in Sedona?

Let’s start today with another sunrise hike at Boynton Canyon. Boynton Canyon is a 6.5-mile out-and-back trail with gorgeous views of the red rocks. 

If you’re interested in seeing Subway Cave (pictured below), this is a side trail from the Boynton Canyon trail, marked on AllTrails. 

Also, the cover image of this post where I am standing in a cave was taken in a cave right next to Subway Cave.

As the sun heats up midday, I recommend doing one of the following (whatever calls to you on your vacation):

• A spa treatment or massage 
• Shopping at Tlaquepaque Arts and Shopping Village
• A Pink Jeep Tour 

Finally, it is time to see the sunset from Sedona’s iconic Cathedral Rock. 

You can take a short walk to the base of Cathedral Rock to watch the epic sunset behind the cliffs or hike the 1.2-mile out-and-back trail to the top of Cathedral Rock. 

Final Thoughts: 2-Day Sedona Itinerary

You can see and experience much of Sedona’s beauty within 2 days. For the adventurous soul, there are many trails you can do in 2 days. 

I hope you enjoyed this itinerary and that it helps you to plan and enjoy your time in Sedona.

Here are some more pieces to help you plan your 2-Day Sedona Itinerary:

• Sedona Packing Guide
• 10 Best Things to Do In Sedona
• Dog-Friendly Sedona: The Ultimate Guide