Sunny Skies and Warm Weather: Your Winter Vacation in Arizona

• Hike Sedona’s red rock trails in the warm sunshine of winter in Arizona, with tips on what to pack and where to go.
• Recharge at Velvet Spa at Ambiente with restorative treatments like the Adventurist Ritual, Sedona Sacred Clay Wrap, sound journeys, and O2 soaking baths.
• Experience Sedona’s Dark Sky Community after sunset, with winter stargazing and views of the Milky Way, plus a fire pit, blankets, and a daybed for two.

When temperatures drop and the cold, wintry weather sets in, it’s a good time to escape somewhere warmer. Winter in Arizona brings a quieter kind of beauty to Sedona, with sunny days, crisp mornings, and fewer crowds on the trails. 

It’s a season to slow down and reconnect with the landscape, from the cool desert air on an early hike to the warm glow of the red rocks beneath the afternoon sun. As evening falls, the desert grows still, and the sky comes alive with stars, creating a natural setting for rest and reflection. 

From hikes on the red rock trails to an afternoon at the spa and evenings beneath the stars, here’s how to make the most of a winter stay in Sedona.

Hike Sedona’s Red Rock Trails

Start your day at nearby Airport Mesa, where the trail opens up to sweeping views of Sedona’s red rock formations. Just a short drive from Ambiente, a Landscape Hotel, it’s a beautiful viewpoint for taking in the landscape before returning for breakfast. Bell Rock Pathway is another option, while more heavily shaded routes like the West Fork of Oak Creek Canyon are best saved for warmer weather, when the cool canopy offers a welcome break from the sun.

Winter mornings in Arizona can be chilly, so dress in layers, like a light jacket or fleece, that you can easily remove as the day warms. Traction cleats may also come in handy if you encounter frozen patches along the way. Of course, don’t forget water, sunscreen, and your camera to capture the views of Sedona’s red rock landscape as it shifts with the changing light. Winter days typically reach the 50s°F, while nighttime temperatures can dip into the 20s°F.

Slow Down With a Sedona Wellness Experience

After exploring Sedona’s trails, spend the afternoon at Velvet Spa, Ambiente’s on-property spa. Warm salt stones, mineral-rich clay, and the gentle sound of Himalayan singing bowls offer a different way to experience Sedona, one that asks you to slow down and pay attention to how you feel. Treatments range from salt stone massages and the Sedona Sacred Clay Wrap to energetic sound journeys with Himalayan singing bowls, each designed to help you unwind and reconnect with your senses.

If your legs and feet could use a little attention after the trail, the Adventurist Ritual begins with a foot soak and reflexology, then moves into a soothing hand treatment. For something even quieter, settle into an O2 soaking bath, where warm, oxygen-infused water offers a relaxing way to ease into the evening.

End the Day Under Sedona’s Winter Stars

Sedona offers year-round stargazing, although the winter months can be especially good for clearer skies and better visibility. Recognized as an official Dark Sky Community since 2014, Sedona has long drawn people looking for inspiration in its red rock formations, juniper forests, and wide-open desert landscape. After sunset, the desert grows quiet as the last light fades from the red rocks and constellations begin to emerge overhead. On a clear winter evening, you can see planets, distant constellations, and even the Milky Way. 

At Ambiente, you don’t have to venture far to take it all in. With 40 freestanding, cube-shaped glass Atriums raised on steel piers above the desert floor, the hotel was designed to keep the surrounding landscape at the center of the experience. Recently, that distinctive approach earned Ambiente a place on the Michelin Guide’s list of the five Best Architecture and Design hotels in the world, making it the only U.S. hotel to receive the distinction.

When the evening turns cool, head to your private Atrium rooftop deck, wrap up in a few blankets, and settle onto the daybed for two beside the gas-lit fire pit. You can also reserve a private stargazing tour during your stay, with the warmth of the fire nearby and the night sky stretching overhead. After an evening of stargazing, enjoy in-room dining from Forty1, Ambiente’s on-site restaurant featuring locally sourced fare inspired by the Verde Valley. Order a seasonal dish and a warm cocktail crafted with local spirits and ingredients, then settle in for the night.

Winter offers a quieter way to experience Sedona, with time to explore the trails, slow down at the spa, and take in the night sky. Book your winter stay at Ambiente and experience the season at your own pace.

Written By: Megan Eileen McDonough

Edited by: Brenna Darling de Cruz