The Perfect 3-Day Sedona Itinerary: Red Rocks, Scenic Hikes & Local Gems

• A luxe, three-day Sedona itinerary based at Ambiente. a Landscape Hotel, balancing adventures with indulgent downtime (Hinoki tub soaks, spa, rooftop fire-pit lounging).

• Must-do red rock experiences each day: Devil’s Bridge in early morning, Airport Mesa Vortex at sunset, and an exclusive Soldier’s Pass off-road Jeep tour to the Seven Sacred Pools and Devil’s Kitchen sinkhole.
• Sedona’s “extra” magic, curated: Verde Valley Saddle & Sip (horseback + wine tasting), art browsing at Tlaquepaque and Garland’s, New Age wellness moments, and memorable meals at Elote, Mariposa, and Restaurant  Forty1, ending with private rooftop stargazing.

Sedona is an inspired choice for an escape. The red rocks are what initially pull you in, but Sedona’s allure goes far beyond the obvious. New Age seekers, artists, cowboys, adventurers, gourmands, and lovers have all been seduced by her charms. The perfect Sedona itinerary begins with choosing the right home base. To make the most of your time, you want to stay in close proximity to Sedona’s best trails, galleries, and restaurants, but not directly in the bustling center.

Ambiente, a Landscape Hotel, is the luxurious choice for seclusion without the isolation. Centrally located right off 89A in West Sedona, the hotel is tucked into the natural landscape and feels like a private retreat. Guests are oriented towards a nature-focused stay wrapped in red rock scenery and quiet. The design of the adults-only hotel features freestanding guest Atriums, each with floor-to-ceiling bronzed windows and rooftop decks that make the Sedona landscape the main event. Even if you decide to sleep in, you can still marvel at the beauty of the red rocks and Coconino National Forest from bed. 

Staying at Ambiente feels like a complete reset, an elegant retreat from the chaotic outside world. Reward your curiosity and book a Sedona three-day itinerary that balances outdoor adventures with indulgent downtime. Here’s how to do it. 

Day One: Horseback Ride & Wine Tasting, Deep Soak, Vortex Hike at Sunset and Elote Cafe’s Mexican-Southwestern fare

Begin on horseback with Ambiente’s exclusive “Saddle & Sip” adventure, an unhurried way to ease into the local culture. Your morning starts in the Verde Valley, where a guided horseback ride winds through canyon terrain with dramatic views of mountains, wildlife habitats, and Arizona’s longest perennial river. The experience is coordinated with local outfitters and professional trail guides.

From the saddle, you’ll transition into the “sip” portion: brunch at a beloved restaurant, followed by tastings of the high desert terroir at several Verde Valley vineyards. Arizona wine has come a long way and the Verde Valley is one of the state’s three American Viticultural Areas (AVAs).

Back at Ambiente, take a restorative soak in your freestanding, two-person Hinoki tub, a deep, spa-like ritual that feels especially good after a few hours outdoors. Slip into a robe and relax, taking in the 180-degree view.

Later, trade slippers for hiking shoes and drive across the road and up the hill to Airport Mesa, one of Sedona’s main vortex sites. You’ll want to be here before sunset begins. If you’re up for a bit of a hike, go earlier and hike the 3.3-mile loop trail. From the Overlook parking lot, it’s a short, rocky walk to the very top of the Airport Mesa vortex. The views over Sedona are stunning. Settle in at the top and watch the panorama of red rock formations change color as the sun begins to set. Before the glow fades, head back to the car and on to dinner at Elote Café, an award-winning Mexican and Southwestern restaurant.  Sip an agave tequila margarita and feast on dishes like carne asada or duck carnitas. 

Afterward, it’s back to Ambiente for a deep and restful sleep in your luxurious king-sized bed with organic linens.

Day Two: Hike Devil’s Bridge, Poolside Lunch & Velvet Spa Treatments, Art Gallery Hop, Latin-inspired dinner at Mariposa

At the touch of a bedside button, the black-out blinds rise to reveal an IMAX-like view of the desert landscape and forest. Brew a mug of locally roasted coffee and climb up the spiral staircase to the roof deck to watch the sun rise over Sedona. Breakfast is included at Forty1, Ambiente’s on-site restaurant, and it’s not to be missed. The Adobe Jack Burrito, Vortex Power Bowl or a Belgian Waffle with bourbon caramel apple will fuel you up for the day’s adventure.

Devil’s Bridge is this morning’s hike, and it’s about a 10-minute drive from Ambiente. This is the only natural sandstone arch in Sedona and it’s a sought-after photo opp. Aim to be on the trail early to beat the crowds. The payoff is worth it for that iconic photo standing on the arch 54 feet above a desert canyon. Park at  the Mescal Trailhead for a total hike of about 4.2 miles out and back, which will take about 2-3 hours depending on how fast you walk. 

Back at Ambiente, enjoy a swim, depending on the weather, and poolside lunch at Forty1.  Then plan on spending a few hours in restorative luxury at Velvet Spa, Ambiente’s on-site wellness center. Pre-book appointments and arrive early to settle in. Try a nourishing deep tissue massage, Sedona clay wrap, or energy treatments like Reiki or Cranial Sacral. The energy treatments can be performed on your private rooftop, weather permitting.

Trade the spa robe for something chicer and head into town for some gallery hopping. Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village replicates the style of a Mexican village with shaded courtyards and fountains, cobblestone streets and stucco arches. It’s filled with shops and  galleries offering a range of art including sculpture, ceramics, blown glass, and paintings. Garland’s Navajo Rugs, just across the creek, is the place to browse for Navajo weavings and Hopi kachinas.

For dinner, time your reservation at Mariposa for golden hour to watch the fiery sunset. The Latin American grill serves grilled meats, seafood, vegetables and fine sipping tequila.

Back to the hush of your Atrium to drift off to sleep, dreaming of the Sedona views slated for the day to come.

Day Three: Off-Road Jeep Tour, New Age Healing, Dinner at Forty1, Private Rooftop Stargazing

Day Three’s adventure begins after breakfast with the Ambiente Soldier’s Pass, another resort exclusive activity. This 2.5-hour open-air, off-road, 4X4 Jeep excursion with Sedona Jeep Tours is an adventure that takes you deep into the landscape to learn about the geology and stories behind two of the area’s most fascinating natural landmarks: the Seven Sacred Pools and Devil’s Kitchen sinkhole.

In the afternoon, shift gears from all-out adrenaline and go inward. Sedona has a well-earned reputation as a spiritual and wellness destination. This is the place to explore a wide range of practitioners, healers, and intuitives who offer everything from guided meditation to energy work, aura photography, crystal therapy, insightful readings, and more. 

As evening settles in, keep the wardrobe resort casual for dinner at Forty1, Ambiente’s signature restaurant. Forty1 partners with local growers and artisans across the valley to showcase the best of Arizona produce. Seasonal à la carte dishes are inspired by natural, organic ingredients from the Verde Valley. Mouthwatering options include Mini Lobster Tacos,  Braised Bison Arepa and Yucatan-Marinated Rack of Lamb.

For the finale, book a private rooftop stargazing session on your Atrium’s sky deck. Sedona’s night skies are famously clear thanks to its International Dark Sky Community status. Ambiente partners with Universal Access Tours to bring a professional stargazer and specially selected telescopes to you for a guided journey through the stars, clusters, and nebulae of our galaxy. Order up an espresso or an after-dinner cocktail, settle into the rooftop loungers by the firepit, and let the universe do the rest.

Three days go by quickly, but this curated Sedona itinerary will leave you energized and restored. And it’s always waiting for you to return for your next adventure.