Top Things to do in Verde Valley
Top Hotels in Verde Valley
- 1. Sedona Real Inn and Suites
- 2. A Sunset Chateau
- 3. Sky Rock Sedona
- 4. Arabella Hotel Sedona
- 5. Best Western Plus Arroyo Roble Hotel & Creekside Villas
- 6. The Inn Above Oak Creek
- 7. Desert Quail Inn Sedona at Bell Rock
- 8. GreenTree Inn Sedona
- 9. Amara Resort And Spa
- 10. Hilton Sedona Resort at Bell Rock
What to do and see in Verde Valley, Verde Valley: The Best Free Things to do
Discover the best top things to do in Verde Valley, United States including Cathedral Rock, Red Rock Scenic Byway (SR 179), Amitabha Stupa & Peace Park, Red Rock Ranger District Visitor Center, Oak Creek Canyon, Devil's Bridge Trail, Boynton Canyon Trail, Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village, Chapel of the Holy Cross, Bell Rock.
Restaurants in Verde Valley
1. Cathedral Rock
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 5,917 reviews
Towering red rock formation, part of the Cathedral Rock Trail.
Reviewed By Cristine4412 - Pittsburgh, United States
It's a relatively easy hike to the base of Cathedral Rock, and from there you can choose the more challenging hike up the rock, or take the flat Templeton trail around the base.
2. Red Rock Scenic Byway (SR 179)
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 4,151 reviews
The Red Rock Scenic Byway is your Gateway to the world-famous Red Rock Country of Sedona, Arizona … just 110 miles north of Phoenix, about 40 miles south of Flagstaff, and only a few hours south of the Grand Canyon.
Reviewed By kathyfI6813BE - Big Water, United States
Beautiful drive in the red rocks..we stopped several times to take photos and do a bit of browsing at several arts and craft shows.
3. Amitabha Stupa & Peace Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 748 reviews
Sedona's Amitabha Stupa and Peace Park is a must-visit destination for spiritual seekers the world over. The Buddhist Amitabha Stupa is an outdoor venue for prayer, meditation, and spiritual renewal for people of all faiths. In the park you will find two Buddhist stupas, a Native American medicine wheel, an exquisite wooden statue of Shakyamuni Buddha and numerous quiet spots for meditation and quiet contemplation. You will experience peace in a quiet, sacred setting. The Amitabha Stupa is open every day and your visit is free of charge. The stupa is supported totally by visitor donations. The Amitabha Stupa is on private property and is owned by Kunzang Palyul Choling, a Vajryanna Buddhist Temple in Poolesville MD. Use of the property by tour guides and other business or commercial entities requires permission.
Reviewed By wreckthismess - Amsterdam, The Netherlands
I believe one should experience adventure, struggle & exertion when visiting sacred spots, allowing the self to interact with its surroundings, & give up ego in exchange for peace. If you’re bussed in, conveniently dropped off at the site it’s like passing thru a fast food drive-thru & you’ll have to overcome the convenience of your entitlement to catch up to the rest of us on a natural high who arrived via the hiking trails. The Amitabha Stupa is nestled in the shadow of Thunder Mountain in the Red Rocks, amongst a network of hiking trails just above Sedona. Once at this dry parcel you’ll see a magnificent wooden Buddha perched on a ledge among the junipers, the large Stupa, a sacred structure that’s said to contain millions of wishes, sacred relics, mandalas, & prayers. Even if you don’t believe that, merely imagining it gets you halfway there. Meditate, add silence, slow down, regenerate. Many do just that, finding a welcome respite from perpetual chattering & daily data overload. Visitors offer acknowledging glances broad smiles & that’s a start. Spin colorful prayer wheels clockwise & pray for a better future, a world free of perpetual war. Even if you don’t go in for this, the mere spinning of the wheels will link you to something outside yourself. I was told by a local, self-described “old hippie” who assisted on the site’s construction in 2004 that the site is deemed holy by local native peoples & the Hopi who’ve constructed a medicine wheel of stones here.
4. Red Rock Ranger District Visitor Center
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 154 reviews
Reviewed By mrskemosabe - Cottonwood, United States
Very knowledgeable staff who answered all our questions. Great displays of the hiking trails-best I’ve ever seen for choosing the best hike based upon, difficulty, length of time, elevation etc. Very nice gift shop with very reasonable prices, and selection.
5. Oak Creek Canyon
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,381 reviews
Breathtaking in its red rock beauty, the Canyon is a spectacular 16-mile gorge with streams and waterfalls between sheer rock walls.
Reviewed By 51gloriab - Advance, United States
We hiked the West Fork trail and enjoyed the lush area with a well-defined trail for several miles. Our necks were stretched upward as we noted what we saw in the sandstone rock structures formed by wind over the centuries. At the start of the hike, it was a treat to learn about Mayhew Lodge that once was a retreat for politicians and movie stars. We saw squirrels, salamanders, butterflies, and hawks as they thrive in the riparian community.
6. Devil's Bridge Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,524 reviews
Reviewed By DistrictBrit - Washington DC, United States
The hike to Devil’s Bridge isn’t too strenuous, it’s roughly five-miles round-trip along a dirt road that leads into a more robust trail, with parts that require a bit of rock climbing up steep sections of the mountain. The higher you get the more narrow and rocky the hike becomes, it’s a 400 ft or so elevation climb in all but there are plenty of places to stop and take a break, or viewing areas to soak in the view should you not make it to the top. But if you make it to the top it’s awe-inspiring, and the opportunity to risk your life walking across the bridge for a photo is right there. Devil’s Bridge itself is a bridge to nowhere, it’s about a 50 feet drop should you fall, so don’t do that. At it’s narrowest it’s about five feet but if you’re good with heights then you’ll be fine.
7. Boynton Canyon Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 999 reviews
This popular hiking trail heads about three miles into a deep box canyon and includes ancient Sinaguan Indian ruins along the way.
Reviewed By Houston940 - Toronto, Canada
Great hike into the canyon, pretty flat with nice climb at the end to a scenic spot to sit and enjoy the beauty at the end of the canyon. Saw some wild pigs on the way which was fun
8. Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,599 reviews
A Sedona landmark since the 1970's, Tlaquepaque treats visitors and local residents to an exceptional collection of galleries, shops and dining establishments. Named after the picturesque Guadalajara, Tlaquepaque construction began in 1971 with the creation of the wall along the highway. Giant sycamores and stately cottonwoods dapple the light in the courtyards, encouraging the visitors to meander from one courtyard to the next. While meandering stop by and view our Chapel on property - and perhaps you might get a glimpse of a wedding and reception. Tlaquepaque hosts several community events throughout the year. Tlaquepaque is a place that visitors return to again and again - to look and wander, to sample and buy, to eat, drink and refresh body and soul. Visit us soon and discover the magic yourself!
Reviewed By 866TaylorB - Chicago, United States
First of all, it is pronounced T-La-Keh-Pah-Keh, which means "best of everything." Which is very appropriate. Tlaquepaque Arts and Crafts Village is an enduring outdoor market featuring art galleries, craft shops, cobblestone paths and decorative arches. Located at 336 State Route l79 in Sedona, Arizona, on the banks of Oak Creek, it has been a Sedona landmark since the 1970s. Open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, it features over 50 specialty shops and art galleries and five restaurants. It is fashioned after a traditional Mexican village with vine covered stucco walls, wrought iron, stonework, patterned tiles, patios, courtyards, fountains, overhanging balconies, cobblestone walkways and arched entryways, even a chapel, designed as a place of serenity for meditation and contemplation. You've never seen a shopping mall like it. Among the most popular destinations are the chapel, the Rowe Fine Art Gallery, with a magnificent sycamore tree twisting skyward through the roof, and the El Rincon Restaurante Mexicano, a Sedona icon for over three decades. Even if you never learn how to pronounce the name properly, you won't forget your shopping experience at Tlaquepaque.
9. Chapel of the Holy Cross
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 10,360 reviews
This chapel, located among dramatic rock formations, offers spectacular views, especially at sunset.
Reviewed By SengaMilne - Toronto, Canada
Absolutely loved our visit; awe inspiring views and peaceful serenity. The complimentary golf cart ride (tips appreciated) is a wonderful bonus for those with mobility issues or seniors although the privilege seemed to be available to everyone. We visited around 11 am on a Monday and had no trouble finding parking. Nice gift shop with lots of religious options but also beautiful note cards and postcards. Good idea to check out the postcards for ideas/information. Without them I would have missed the eagles overlooking the chapel. The beautiful home in the foreground is for sale for a mere $28 MILLION!
10. Bell Rock
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4,873 reviews
Reviewed By cookpias - Los Angeles, United States
There was a fairly easy hike from the Bell Rock trailhead in between Bell Rock and the courthouse formation, completely around the rock itself which gave wonderful views and a nice way to stretch our legs and enjoy the setting.
