Sedona experts weigh in on where to hike, bike, and relax in this Arizona desert town.
Its red rock buttes are said to house mysterious cosmic forces conducive to healing and self-exploration.
To round up the best things to do in Sedona, we asked local experts for their top picks.
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From a hot-air balloon ride to mountain biking, here’s what they recommend.
Top 5 Cant Miss
Book a hot-air balloon ride.
Sedona is known for the unique beauty of its red rocks and high desert foliage.
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“You’ll even see the highest peak in the state, Mt.
Humphreys, as a bonus.
Two reliable tour operators areRed Rock Balloon AdventuresandNorthern Light Balloon Expeditions.
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Hike Cathedral Rock Trail.
A good place to start is onCathedral Rock Trail, a challenging but popular 1.5-mile round-trip trek.
Swim in Oak Creek at Slide Rock State Park.
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At the bottom ofOak Creek Canyonlies a swimming hole in a spectacular, tucked-away spot.
It’s situated below an apple orchard and surrounded by Sedonas iconic red rocks.
Eat Mexican and Southwestern food at Elote Cafe.
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Shop at Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village.
TheTlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Villagehas some of the citys best galleries, restaurants, and shops.
Dine on the water at Cress on Oak Creek.
Courtesy of LâAuberge de Sedona
The restaurants outdoor patio is situated right on Oak Creek in a green-laden space.
Visit the Chapel of the Holy Cross.
Hike Airport Loop Trail.
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Meditate at Amitabha Stupa and Peace Park.
Sedona is the spiritual mecca of the Southwest, explains Theriault.
This14-acre parkis a prime place to experience that energy.
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Together, theAerie and Cockscomb trailscreate a 5.2-mile loop that’s suitable for both beginner and intermediate mountain bikers.
Visit Red Rock State Park.
Get Pampered at a Spa.
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Taste a few atthe Secret Garden Cafewithin Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village.
Hike Devil’s Bridge Trail.
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This nearlyfour-mile round-trip hikeleads to Devils Bridge, the largest natural sandstone arch in the area.
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The highlight of the hike is reaching the bridge and walking out along the top of the arch.
Book a Jeep tour or rent an off-road vehicle.
Shop at Exposures International Gallery of Fine Art.
Get pampered in nature.L’Auberge de Sedona | Sedona, AZ.
have a go at spot a UFO.
Concord Grapes.Photo © Tadao Yamamoto/Aflo/Getty Images
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Courtesy of Exposures International Gallery of Fine Art