Looking for the best places to take photos in Sedona? Find iconic viewpoints, hidden natural wonders, and scenic trails where glowing red rocks, canyon views, and striking desert landscapes steal the spotlight.
Best Places to Take Photos in Sedona, AZ
To call Sedona beautiful hardly does it justice.
Few places in America have such an extraordinary variety of otherworldly backdrops within such a compact area. I’m talking about towering red-rock formations glowing orange in the evening light, cobblestone courtyards, and dramatic cave interiors sculpted by centuries of erosion.
With such a spectacular collection of scenery, Sedona is as much a haven for nature explorers as it is for professional landscape photographers or just people who want to capture one of America’s finest landscapes.
Wondering where to head for some fabulous shots?
In this blog post, I’ve rounded up the best places to take pictures in Sedona, where the scenery is so spectacular it competes for attention with every photo being taken.
A quick hello from us
At Sedona.org, we offer a collection of vacation rentals that give you room to spread out, relax, and enjoy the area at your own pace. As experts in all things Sedona, our destination blog is packed with local tips to help you plan an Arizona trip that feels truly personal. From free things to do in Sedona and the best summer activities to a local dining guide, consider this your inside track to the area.
Here’s what’s ahead
- Devil’s Bridge for Sedona’s most iconic red-rock photo opportunity.
- Cathedral Rock for towering sandstone spires and unforgettable sunset colours.
- Bell Rock & Courthouse Butte for classic desert scenery and sweeping red-rock views.
- Airport Mesa for panoramic vistas of Sedona’s most famous landmarks.
- Lover’s Knoll for romantic photos with Cathedral Rock as a backdrop.
- Subway Cave for adventurous hikes and unique sandstone formations.
- Seven Sacred Pools & Soldier Pass Cave for reflective pools, caves, and varied natural scenery.
- Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village for charming courtyards and old-world architecture.
- West Fork Trail for lush forests, creek crossings, and a different side of Sedona.
- Merry Go Round Rock for jaw-dropping views high above the valley.
1. Devil’s Bridge
Devil’s Bridge might appear in nine out of ten photographs you see when you search for Sedona.
This natural sandstone arch stretches high above the desert floor, creating a pretty dramatic photo opportunity. The classic shot? Standing on the bridge while the photographer works their magic from the opposing viewpoint.
Good to know: Access requires a moderate hike from the Dry Creek or Mescal Trailheads. Visitors with a high-clearance 4×4 vehicle can shorten the walk by driving farther along Dry Creek Road.
Pro tip: Sunrise is by far the best time to take photos. Beyond the smaller crowds, the temperature is comfortable, and the first rays of sunlight illuminating the surrounding cliffs in brilliant shades of orange and gold are truly magical.
2. Cathedral Rock
Cathedral Rock’s towering red spires dominate the Sedona skyline and are one of the most recognizable landscapes in the Southwest.
Many people focus on hiking to the summit for the views, but for photos, the best places to go are Secret Slickrock, Crescent Moon Ranch, or Red Rock Crossing, where the rock can be framed alongside water, reflections, and greenery.
Pro tip: Sunset is the magic hour here. As the light softens, the sandstone glows with deep red and fiery orange tones that seem to be illuminated from within. It’s a postcard-worthy shot!
3. Bell Rock and Courthouse Butte
Just off Highway 179, these massive formations dominate the southern skyline and form a classic Sedona backdrop of towering sandstone formations, open desert vistas, and fiery red cliffs. For some of the best views, head to Yavapai Vista or Courthouse Vista, where the formations fill the frame and provide plenty of room for vacation photos.
Pro tip: Sunrise is great for playing with backlighting and dramatic silhouettes. Sunset is all about the scenery at its most vibrant, with the sandstone glowing in rich orange and red tones.
4. Airport Mesa
Here’s how to create a photoshoot with a variety of backdrops in one place: head to Airport Mesa. This incredible overlook features sweeping 360-degree views across Sedona’s most famous landmarks, including Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock, and the western canyons.
Pro tip: Sunsets here are legendary. The golden hour produces a combination of glowing red rocks, dramatic skies, and town lights beginning to sparkle below. Nothing short of cinematic.
5. Lover’s Knoll
The name alone tells you what this place does best. Lover’s Knoll is one of Sedona’s favorite locations for engagements, anniversaries, proposals, and romantic couples sessions. The viewpoint boasts a spectacular front-facing view of Cathedral Rock and requires only a short walk from the parking area.
The convenient access is especially appealing for people wearing formal outfits or planning surprise proposals.
6. Subway Cave
For something completely different, don’t skip Subway Cave. Hidden within Boynton Canyon, this sandstone formation resembles a giant natural tunnel carved into the rock. The curved walls create incredible leading lines and striking compositions that look unlike anything else in Sedona.
Good to know: Reaching the cave requires a hike of roughly two miles followed by a short off-trail section, so it’s more suitable for adventurous types.
Pro tip: Midday is the best time to photograph the cave, as sunlight reaches deeper into the interior and illuminates the sandstone walls.
7. Seven Sacred Pools and Soldier Pass Cave
These two nearby locations can be combined into a single photography outing.
The Seven Sacred Pools are naturally carved rock basins that occasionally fill with water after rainfall. When conditions are right, reflections and cascading water add a whimsical layer to the surrounding red-rock scenery.
Farther along the trail sits Soldier Pass Cave, where large openings frame portions of the landscape and create attention-grabbing shadow patterns inside the cave itself.
8. Tlaquepaque Arts and Shopping Village
Enough red-rock formations? You can trade the desert scenery for old-world architecture, cobblestone pathways, mosaic fountains, vine-covered walls, and shaded courtyards at Tlaquepaque.
The vibe here is undeniably romantic, which fits perfectly with couples and engagement photoshoots.
9. West Fork Trail
West Fork Trail winds through Oak Creek Canyon beneath towering canyon walls, lush greenery, and flowing water. This is a go-to photo spot for a refreshing contrast to Sedona’s famous desert landscapes.
Creek crossings, shaded pathways, and water reflections create opportunities for softer, more natural portraits.
10. Merry Go Round Rock
If you are willing to venture farther, Merry Go Round Rock boasts some of the region’s most spectacular views.
Good to know: Access requires a high-clearance 4×4 vehicle or a guided jeep tour along Schnebly Hill Road, but the vistas from this massive natural platform overlooking the valley from approximately 6,000 feet above sea level are jaw-dropping.
Pro Tip: Sunset is especially beautiful, as the light spreads across the entire valley below.
More Sedona Photography Tips
As you may have noticed reading this blog, golden hour is king in Sedona. Sunrise and sunset create the fiery glow that makes the red rocks famous worldwide.
If you’re photographing popular locations such as Devil’s Bridge or Cathedral Rock, make sure to arrive early in the morning before the crowds. You don’t want to compete with others for uninterrupted views or have people stepping into your frame.
Also make sure to wear comfortable footwear. Several of Sedona’s best photo locations require moderate hiking, even if the final images appear effortless.
If you’re planning a more formal photo session, consider choosing locations like Lover’s Knoll, Airport Mesa, or Tlaquepaque, where access is convenient, and outfit changes are easier.
Professional Photoshoots in Sedona
Here’s an idea: hire a local photographer and let them capture you doing your thing in front of the lens. You’ll find several professionals in town who specialize in portraits, family photography, engagements, weddings, and more. Here are some great options:
Zach Rohe Photography: A local Sedona photographer who specializes in portraits, engagements, weddings, and family sessions. He is known for using a portable studio lighting setup to ensure both the subjects and the dramatic red rock scenery are captured perfectly. He offers a simple fee structure that includes the shoot, editing, and an online gallery of photos.
Annie Bee Photography: This service focuses on families, seniors, maternity, and newborn photography. She prioritizes “easy locations where parking is not an issue,” making her a great choice for families with small children or elderly members who cannot hike long distances. She has been recognized as one of the top photography bloggers in Arizona.
Poppy and Vine (Katie & Joseph): A husband-and-wife team that specializes in a photojournalistic style for weddings and elopements. They focus on documenting moments in an “unposed, raw, genuine, and honest way” and are committed to “Leave No Trace” principles when working on public lands.
Flytographer: Flytographer is a global marketplace that connects travelers with local professional photographers in hundreds of cities worldwide, including Sedona. You select a destination, browse the portfolios of local photographers, and book a photoshoot with the one you like most. They provide a high-resolution digital gallery within a set timeframe, often five days after the shoot. It’s a high-quality service with a bonus: many photographers also act as local guides, helping you make the most of the location you choose for your photo session.
Experience Sedona at Its Best
The best way to elevate your Sedona getaway? Start with a comfortable place to stay through Sedona.org. A great home base gives you room to relax, recharge, and settle into the rhythm of the red rocks. Book your stay with us and enjoy Sedona in every season, at your own pace.
