
Tour Outline
Explore the red rock formations of Sedona and the ancient Sinagua cliff dwellings of Montezuma Castle on a guided journey through Arizona’s most iconic high-desert landscapes.
Duration: 10–11 hours
Tour Highlights
- Montezuma Castle: Explore one of the best-preserved ancient Sinagua cliff dwellings in North America, dating back nearly 1,000 years.
- Sedona Red Rocks: Stand among iconic formations including Bell Rock, Cathedral Rock, Airport Mesa, and the Chapel of the Holy Cross.
- Scenic Verde Valley: Travel through Oak Creek Canyon and enjoy views of Snoopy Rock, Submarine Rock, and other red rock landmarks.
- Local Culture: Enjoy free time to explore the shops, galleries, and restaurants of Uptown Sedona or the arts village of Tlaquepaque.
- Professional Guidance: Learn about regional history, geology, and spiritual vortex sites from our expert local guides.
- Insider Payoff: Discover quiet overlooks and backroad perspectives away from the main tourist crowds.
Tour Itinerary
The day begins with an early morning pickup from the Phoenix, Scottsdale, or Tempe area, then heads north toward the Verde Valley. Our first stop is Montezuma Castle National Monument, where you will view the remarkable five-story, 20-room cliff dwelling built by the Sinagua people between 1250 and 1425 AD. Your guide shares the history of this ancient culture and the architecture that has endured for centuries.
From there, the tour continues into the red rock country of Sedona, where you will experience iconic landmarks up close. Depending on conditions and timing, highlights may include Bell Rock, Airport Mesa, Cathedral Rock, Snoopy Rock, and Submarine Rock. You will also visit the Chapel of the Holy Cross, built dramatically into the center of a red rock butte and offering stunning panoramic views. Bell Rock, Airport Mesa, and Chapel of the Holy Cross are all known as Sedona vortex sites — locations many visitors associate with spiritual energy and natural beauty.
Midday, you will have free time to explore Uptown Sedona or walk to the nearby Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village, where cobblestone paths, decorative arches, galleries, and craft shops line the walkways. If shopping and galleries are not your interest, let your guide know and they can take you through a scenic portion of Oak Creek Canyon instead. After a memorable day surrounded by Sedona's red rock landscape, relax on the return drive to the Phoenix and Scottsdale area.
Tour Price
Adult: $169 per person
Child: $95 per person (ages 3–12)
A $5 per person fuel surcharge will be added at checkout.
All taxes and National Monument entrance fees are included in the tour price.
Traveling with children? Please contact us and we will help you book the correct child rate.
Want a private tour or want to add a guided hike? Explore our Private Sedona Day Tour for a customizable experience.
Requirements
- Skill Level: Easy sightseeing; suitable for children, seniors, and most fitness levels.
- Minimum Age: 3 years old.
- Child Seats: Arizona law requires children under 8 to be properly secured in an appropriate child safety seat or booster seat. Because we do not provide child seats, you must bring your own. Review our Arizona child car seat requirements for details.
- Walking: Low to moderate walking on paved and gravel surfaces.
- Elevation: Sedona sits at approximately 4,350 feet.
- Clothing: Sedona is typically 10–15 degrees cooler than Phoenix/Scottsdale. Dress in layers and wear comfortable, closed-toed shoes. Bring water, sunscreen, and a hat.
What’s Included
- Professional Guide: Local expert for history and sightseeing narration.
- Transportation: Round-trip travel in a top-of-the-line, high-roof touring van with oversized windows, a clear speaker system, and USB charging ports.
- Park Entry: National Monument entrance fees for Montezuma Castle.
- Hydration: Unlimited bottled water provided throughout the tour.
- Taxes & Fees: All taxes and National Monument entrance fees are included in the listed price.
What’s Not Included
- Guide Gratuities: Tips are not included and are at your discretion.
- Third-Party Activities: Optional jeep tours, hikes, and other add-ons are not included.
- Meals: Food is not included; you will have opportunities to purchase meals and snacks in Sedona, or you are welcome to bring your own.
- Fuel Surcharge: A $5 per person fuel surcharge will be added at checkout.
Season & Departure Times
This tour operates year-round with daily departures between 6:00 AM and 7:00 AM. Return time is typically between 5:00 PM and 6:00 PM, depending on traffic and group pace.
Important Notes
RESERVATIONS REQUIRED: A minimum number of participants is required to confirm a public tour. We pick up from select hotels in the Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Tempe area. To keep the day running smoothly, we may ask you to meet at a nearby hotel; our office will contact you after booking with your exact pickup time and location.
Cancellation Policy
This tour has a 72-hour cancellation policy. Please read your confirmation email for details.
Have more questions? Visit our Sedona Day Tour FAQ page.











