YOUR SEDONA NEIGHBORHOOD GUIDE: WEST SEDONA
West Sedona
Residential West Sedona is dominated by the iconic Thunder Mountain or Capitol Butte red rock. West Sedona is also teeming with top hiking trails, local restaurants that have been in business for decades and scenic outdoor parks. Discover West Sedona.
Must-See Attractions
A view of Cathedral Rock from Red Rock State Park in West Sedona.
Red Rock State Park
West Sedona’s 286-acre Red Rock State Park beckons with red rock views, access to Oak Creek and easy hiking trails that meander throughout this outdoor oasis. This state park also is known for its robust outdoor programming and bird watching. Enjoy the views here. • 4050 Red Rock Loop Road, 928-282-6907, azstateparks.com
Amitabha Stupa and Peace Park
This 14-acre park features two stupas or Buddhist structures intended to be a place for prayer, meditation, healing and peace. Many visit due to the beauty of this spot that sits at the base of Thunder Mountain and features red rock views and pinon and juniper pines. But we just dig the relaxing vibe of this park. • 2650 Pueblo Dr., 877-788-7229, tara.org/stupas/sedona-arizona
Sedona Airport Overlook
If you don’t have time to hike, we’d recommend you check out the Sedona Airport Overlook. Located at the top of Airport Road, this spot gives you expansive views of Capitol Butte and Thunder Mountain. We could spend all day just admiring the stunning vistas from here. Parking costs $3. • 538 Airport Road
Enjoy red rock views and live performers at the outdoor performance venue Posse Grounds Pavilion at Posse Grounds Park.
Posse Grounds Park
Posse Grounds Park is Sedona’s first park and the city’s outdoor recreational playground that’s more than 78 acres. Posse Grounds Park features two softball fields, a grassy field, two tennis courts, four pickleball courts, a volleyball court, a dog park, a skate park and an outdoor performance venue. Beyond the array of physical activities you can partake in here, Posse Grounds Park features a red rock backdrop that you’re sure to fall for. • 525 Posse Ground Road, 928-282-7098, sedonaaz.gov
Crescent Moon Ranch or Red Rock Crossing is one of Sedona’s most iconic parks that features views of Cathedral Rock and Oak Creek.
Crescent Moon Ranch or Red Rock Crossing
For one of the most iconic (and not to mention gorgeous) scenes in all of the Southwest, head to Crescent Moon Ranch or Red Rock Crossing. Once you’re there, you’ll enjoy views of towering Cathedral Rock – Sedona’s most photographed red rock – and babbling Oak Creek. It’s quite the site, and one that has captivated locals and visitors alike for years. • 300 Red Rock Crossing Road, 928-203-7500, fs.usda.gov
Outstanding Trails
Boynton Canyon
The Boynton Canyon hiking trail kicks off near Enchantment Resort and is one of Red Rock Country’s most scenic box canyons. Watch for the iconic Kachina Woman red rock formation, Native American ruins, and take in the stunning red rock scenery all around you.
Devil’s Bridge
One of Sedona’s largest sandstone arches – Devil’s Bridge – has become one of the city’s most popular hikes. Take in sweeping views of the Seven Canyons area and the aforementioned arch when you hike this trail that’s roughly 2.6 miles.
Skilled hikers will find one challenging climb and stunning red rock views if they decide to hike Bear Mountain.
Bear Mountain
If you’re looking for a challenge and are skilled enough for this advanced hike, consider tackling Bear Mountain. The trail is only 2.5 miles one way, but you’ll ascend more than 2,000 feet on the way up. Your reward for a strenuous climb? Jaw dropping views.
Soldier Pass Arches
What we love most about this trail is that you’ll pass by multiple landmarks as you hike. Look forward to the Devil’s Kitchen sinkhole, Seven Sacred Pools and the Soldier Pass arches if you choose to tackle this moderately challenging three mile hike.
One of Sedona’s most iconic red rock formations, Coffee Pot Rock. You can get a close up view of this red rock if you hike West Sedona’s Sugarloaf Loop Trail.
Sugarloaf Loop Trail
This relatively easy loop trail that’s just less than 2-miles is a quick way to get up close and personal to Thunder Mountain or Captiol Butte and get a great view of the iconic red rock, Coffee Pot.
Great Restaurants
Bella Vita Ristorante
A hidden gem tucked away at the Sedona Pines Resort, Bella Vita Ristorante serves up fresh, Italian food that we’ve been enjoying for years. Modeled after a Tuscan restaurant, feast on fresh pasta, noteworthy Bistecca, Lasagna Bolognese, and finish your meal with the classic Italian dessert, Tiramisu. • 6701 AZ-89A, 928-282-4540, bellavitasedona.com
Judi’s Restaurant & Lounge
For more than 30 years, Sedona residents have been flocking to Judi’s Restaurant & Lounge for the warm atmosphere – literally when the weather is chilly, and the fireplace is roaring – and hearty cuisine. Dig into burgers, salads, steaks, fish and Baby Back Ribs. • 40 Soldiers Pass Road, 928-282-4449, sedonarestaurants.com
Roasted Cauliflower, an appetizer at Enchantment Resort’s fine dining restaurant Che Ah Chi.
Che Ah Chi
Boynton Canyon’s red rock walls rise all around as you dine on regional fare made with seasonal, indigenous ingredients at Enchantment Resort’s signature fine dining restaurant, Che Ah Chi. Entrées include Prime New York Strip Steak, New Zealand Lamb Rack and Pan-Seared Scallops. Pair your fine fare with a glass of wine from the restaurant’s award-winning wine list. Editor’s note: As of press time, Che Ah Chi is currently only open to registered guests of Enchantment Resort. Please contact the resort directly to see if this is still true. • 525 Boynton Canyon Road, 928-282-2900, enchantmentresort.com
Reds Sedona Grill at Sedona Rouge Hotel & Spa
Reds Sedona Grill has long been a locals favorite due to its modern atmosphere combined with American comfort food. Diners can dive into entrees like Short Ribs Pappardelle, Chicken Picatta, Filet Mignon and Simply Sage Grilled Chicken. Sit outside on the bustling patio as you watch cars pass by on AZ-89A. • 2250 W. AZ-89A, 928-203-4111, sedonarouge.com
The Spot at Seven Canyons Golf Club
Breathtaking views at Seven Canyons Golf Club’s The Spot make this one of our favorite patios. Enjoy Pan-Seared Salmon, burgers, sandwiches, Southwestern Fish and Chips and a Smoked Turkey Wrap. Finish your meal with a slice of Chocolate Overload cake or Raspberry Swirl Cheesecake. Reservations are required. • 625 Golf Club Way, 928-203-2001, sevencanyons.com
Mesa Grill is perched high on Airport Mesa – a spot where you can see stunning and expansive views of Capitol Butte or Thunder Mountain.
Mesa Grill
Perched up high on top of Airport Road, Mesa Grill offers diners stunning red rock views and the ability to watch planes land and take off as you feast on Chef Mercer Mohr’s stellar food. American food with a Southwestern twist rules the menu. Dig into Tableside Guacamole, Blackened Salmon or Southwest Chicken. Head here before sunset so you watch the red rocks light up as the sun goes down. • 1185 Airport Road, 928-282-2400, mesagrillsedona.com
A cocktail from Chef Mercer Mohr’s Mesa Grill. You’ll find a mix of American and Southwestern cuisine here.
Ask a Local
“I was born and raised in Sedona. Things sure have changed, but I still love it here; it is my home. There are so many delicious spots in West Sedona, such as Gerardo’s Italian Kitchen, Local Juicery, Senor Bob’s Hot Dogs and Hiro’s Sushi & Japanese Kitchen. One of the best hidden trail systems is Old Post and Carroll Canyon, behind the recycling center. So quiet and scenic, perfect for a long connector hike with Airport Mesa or a lovely red dirt trail run. My husband and I go to Canyon Outfitters for all the gear needed for canyoneering, hiking or climbing” – Kegn Moorcroft
