The ongoing health crisis with COVID-19 had changed everyone’s expectations for how they can enjoy a vacation getaway anytime soon. Fortunately, Arizona has ended its stay at home order and is allowing businesses to open up again. It is still recommended to practice social distancing for the weeks to come, and there is no better place to do that than Sedona. Our Northern Arizona home has plenty of activities where you can practice social distancing while having fun. Here are some of the top activities in Sedona you can enjoy:
Hit the Trails
Hiking is a popular activity in Sedona any time of the year in Sedona. While the trails are typically popular during the summer, you can visit less traveled trails to maintain social distancing. Make sure to stay away from popular trails such as Devils Bridge Trail and Cathedral Rock Trail. We also recommend visiting trails during the early morning hours before all trails begin to see more visitors. The sunrises in Arizona are absolutely beautiful, giving you further incentive for an early morning hike. Make sure to look up your trail in advance as some require parking fees to enjoy the trail, typically around $5.Some hiking destinations you might enjoy are listed below.
Sedona View Trail
This is an easy hike with no hazardous cliffs to worry about, so you can run/skip/twirl/get all that energy expended without second-guessing your decision making. Offering flat paths with little elevation gain, this trail will go easy on you while providing some rewarding views of Chimney Rock, Coffee Pot Rock, and Thunder Mountain. The trailhead can be accessed from the gravel parking lot on the left side of Airport Mesa Road across from the viewpoint.
Wilson Mountain Trail
This trail leads to the highest point in Sedona. Climb over 2,500 feet in 4.5 miles (9 miles total with return), enjoying the ever-changing terrain that evolves from a rugged desert environment dotted with prickly pear cactus and Parry Agave to a pine and oak forest. Your reward is an overlook that provides panoramic views of Sedona’s red rocks and surrounding features, such as Oak Creek Canyon, Sedona, Coffee Pot Rock, Capitol Butte, and Sterling Canyon. Below you stretch views of the Verde Valley that extend over hundreds of square miles. Now that’s what we call getting some space!
Enjoy Your Favorite Local Restaurants
Most restaurants are now open for dine in services but are continuing to practice social distancing. This means these restaurants have less tables available and each table is spread further apart from others, making it a safe Sedona AZ activity. Popular restaurants now open include Picazzo’s Healthy Italian Kitchen and The Golden Goose American Grill. With less tables available, you may have to wait longer for a table to become available. If you do not wish to wait, most restaurants are continuing to provide takeout and delivery services. Enjoy these delicious restaurants from the safety of your vacation rental. With spacious kitchens outfitted with full-size appliances and a full dining area, you can easily reheat if necessary, serve your meal buffet style for your family to enjoy, and store the leftovers for safekeeping.
Since minimal exposure to other people is the whole point, we strongly encourage you to lump your errands together, which luckily is very feasible in Sedona. For example, Whole Foods is a popular destination not only for their healthy grocery staples, but you can also stock up on their gourmet meal options that are already prepared and ready to go.
Clear Your Head on Sacred Ground
How does 14 acres of sacred holy ground sound for a way to escape the crowds and find some inner peace? The Amitabha Stupa and Peace Park is a beautiful space nestled into the gorgeous red rocks at the foot of Thunder Mountain. Long recognized as a holy ground by many of the native tribes in the area, Buddhists have also come to acknowledge this park as a sacred space that holds the power of spiritual healing and transformation. In fact, the name Amitabha is actually the title assigned to the Buddha of Limitless Light, which is how the park was named. The Amitabha stupa itself rises 36-feet into the air; it is an architectural wonder that is literally filled to the brim with sacred relics that line the interior, making this structure a vessel that contains otherworldly powers. Whether you choose to roam the stupa or explore the park grounds, you can easily enjoy the quiet moments to yourself here.
Another sacred space found within the Sedona region can be viewed simply by looking up. The Chapel of the Cross is an iconic church that opened in 1956. Built to a twin pinnacled spur about 250 feet high and jutting out a 1,000-foot rock wall, this sacred space is “solid as the rock of Peter.” While the church continues to be a part of the Catholic Diocese, mass is no longer celebrated here, making it a perfect space to visit at any given time for some quiet reflection. Guests are invited to tour the momentous integrity of the architectural design and gaze upon the unique artwork present throughout, at their own leisure. A gift shop is also available to its patrons, providing one-of-a-kind artwork forged by local artists, making this a perfect stop for visitors looking for unique gifts to bring home without braving large crowds.
Make Use of Your Vacation Rental Amenities
What makes our vacation rentals so welcoming is the selection of fine amenities available in most homes. Make use of these amenities to maintain social distancing. Our rentals with pools offer large pools with outdoor patio sets and BBQ grills. Other rentals have a variety of games available the kids will love. High-speed Wi-Fi is provided with all of our rentals so you can easily connect to the outside world. Easily log in to school and work or schedule video conferencing meetups with all the people you miss seeing in person. Not only can you easily stay connected with everyone you love, but you and your guests will love being able to stream movies, YouTube, and whatever else is trending and keeps you in the know. We guarantee you will love your rental that is properly cleaned before every visit.
The Views Never Get Old
While we’re fairly certain you’ll never tire of the breathtaking landscape of Sedona, sometimes you just get the urge to roam. Lucky for you, Sedona is surrounded by a wide variety of ecosystems that are just a short drive away.
Head north up the scenic Hwy 89 byway to Flagstaff for cooler temperature and mountainous peaks. In the winter months, you can easily find the perfect sledding hill at the base of the San Francisco Peaks for some slippery slope action. Build a snowman and then warm up with a cup of hot cocoa from a local favorite, Late for the Train. There are also plenty of trails to stretch your legs on cross-country skis or snowshoes.
Head south for a self-guided tour through the saguaro cactus scattered throughout the Sonoran Desert. For a more hands-on adventure, look into an ATV rental company that’s happy to provide you with a map for some self-exploration, or opt instead for a guided tour. With packages ranging from shooting lessons, stargazing night tours, or even beer tours featuring local brewery crafts – truly there is something for everyone. Another option is to head to Camelback Mountain for a unique desert hike that offers astounding views atop Arizona’s biggest city.
Or head east to Jerome for breathtaking views of Oak Creek Canyon from way above while also touring Arizona’s oldest ghost town. Once a booming mining town, today Jerome is a safe haven for local artists and boutique owners. With a restored hotel, bustling local shops, and award-winning culinary options to choose from, Jerome is the perfect spot to walk the crackling old streets of the wild, wild west.
No Better Time for Sedona AZ Activities
Get away from the problems of the world with a visit to Sedona. You can safely practice social distancing while still having an enjoyable vacation. Call today and reserve your next vacation rental in Sedona.
