2 Day Sedona Itinerary
Two full days, split so you’re not backtracking, with Cathedral Rock and Tlaquepaque on day one and Oak Creek Canyon and the western vortex sites on day two.
Two days in Sedona is enough to properly cover the area’s iconic formations, and still take in the scenic canyon drive and a quieter vortex site most first-timers miss on a rushed trip. Here’s how I’d split it, day by day.
Cathedral Rock & Tlaquepaque
Start early at Cathedral Rock, the Templeton Trail to Buddha Beach a gentler option than the steep saddle climb. Spend the afternoon at Bell Rock or Airport Mesa, both considerably easier hikes with sweeping views.
Finish the day at Tlaquepaque, over 50 galleries and shops set beneath sycamore trees along Oak Creek.
Afternoon Bell Rock or Airport Mesa
Evening Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village
Oak Creek Canyon & Boynton Canyon
Spend the morning driving Highway 89A through Oak Creek Canyon, a genuinely scenic route with pullouts for photos and short trails along the way. In the afternoon, head to Boynton Canyon, a considerably more secluded vortex site offering a peaceful escape from the busier locations.
Finish the day with a relaxed dinner, a proper end to two days of red rock scenery.
Afternoon Boynton Canyon
Evening A relaxed dinner
Getting around across both days
Sedona genuinely requires a car for both days, the vortex sites and scenic drives sit spread across the area. Uptown Sedona and Tlaquepaque are walkable once you’ve parked.
If you only have time for one thing each day
Day one, make it Cathedral Rock, genuinely the single most iconic formation in the area. Day two, make it the Oak Creek Canyon drive, a proper way to see the area’s scale beyond the individual vortex sites.
That’s everything I’ve got.
A note before you plan around this: prices, opening hours, booking requirements and admission details in this guide were correct at the time of writing, but venues change these often and sometimes without notice. Always check directly with the attraction or its official website before you travel or build a schedule around a specific time or price.
Before travelling to any destination featured on this site, please also check your government’s latest travel advice, as safety situations, entry requirements and travel warnings can change.
