Sedona, Arizona rises to the top as one of our all-time family favorites!
Of the many places we have visited on our adventures, it would be nearly impossible to pick a favorite. Each place we visit together as a family holds a special and dear place in our hearts. We always ask ourselves: Is this a place where we could see ourselves retiring one day? Folks, Sedona IS such a place. Come see why it rises to the top as one of our all-time family favorites!
With a near perfect climate, Sedona is a singularly beautiful city and natural resource area. The red rocks, cliffs and uniquely-shaped rock formations that tower above you at every turn make you feel as if you have left Earth, and stumbled onto an otherworldly Eden. It is literally just that beautiful! (And OH the food . . .) Did I mention yet that Sedona is a family favorite?
Sedona’s Slide Rock State Park, in the Oak Creek Canyon
After a Starbucks breakfast of coffee, croissants and yogurt parfaits (all free, courtesy of our Hilton credit card points) we set out on a 15-mile drive to the first stop of our Sedona adventure: Slide Rock State Park. Slide Rock is nestled deep down inside the sheer walls of the Oak Creek Canyon. It is a combination of rock formations, boulder scrambles, tree bridges, cool deep pools, rushing streams and natural stone water-slides.
Why Sedona is a family favorite…
The park is situated on a 43-acre, century old apple farm, and many of the apple trees and innovative irrigation systems are still intact and may be observed on the walk from the parking area down to the slides. Even in September, the water was very cold – low 50’s. But our girls, Chandler and Kylie, were undaunted, and dove right in to the 80-foot slides. Slide Rock was named a Top-10 Swimming Hole in the US by the Travel Channel, and from these pictures, it is easy to see why.
Climbing, Scrambling and Exploring!
You’ll also see that hiking and scrambling the cliffs along the canyon wall were more to the boys’ taste. If you make it to Slide Rock, remember to bring towels and dry clothes (there are changing rooms) and pack a picnic lunch to enjoy in the orchard.
West Fork of Oak Creek at Call O’ the Canyon Trailhead
After our morning swim and our picnic lunch, we decided to take a local tip and make the drive North to hike the 6.4-miles (round trip) of the West Fork of Oak Creek at Call O’ The Canyon Trailhead. This trail is located in the Coconino National Forest. There is a very small parking lot which fills up early, so if you plan on visiting – and parking at the trailhead – arrive early.
We were very fortunate to get in, after a 30-40 minute wait. But it was definitely worth it, as this trail makes a lot of top-10 lists for best hikes in Arizona. What stood out to us was the varied landscapes: butterfly-filled meadows, dense forests, lush vegetation, and shaded trails with multiple water crossings.
A delightfully peaceful hike in Sedona, Arizona
The hike, though long and varied in elevation, never seemed strenuous . . . but rather serene and peaceful. It is not customary to end a 6.4-mile hike and be able to say you feel rested, but that is exactly how we all felt. The overwhelming calm of the Oak Creek Canyon is undeniable!
Workin’ up an appetite, and Sedona does not disappoint!
After our hike, we were definitely ready for dinner. Before returning to our resort, we enjoyed a delicious and very affordable family meal at a local, family-owned Mexican restaurant in Sedona, called Cafe Jose. We highly recommend this restaurant for families, for its friendly staff, varied menu options and great prices . . . pro tip: the Chimichangas were spectacular! We can 100% say that Sedona is a family favorite!
Let’s Get to the Point!
Also, here’s a link to the step-by-step process that we followed to see places that I once thought were completely untouchable for an average family of six, like mine! As well, please follow along on my social media channels, on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
*This post contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission, or a referral bonus, for recommendations – at no cost to you. We only recommend products that we personally use, trust, and enjoy.
Sedona is a place I’ve always wanted to visit, and this just makes me want to go more.
Thank you, Cindy! We absolutely LOVED it!
I have never been to Arizona, but if I ever do get to travel there, Sedona will be at the top of my list of places to visit!
Terra, I imagine that you’d love it!
Sedona is one of my favorite places to visit. I had to cancel our trip this year because I lost my job. Maybe we will make it next year. I love your pictures.
Tammy, I hope you get back there soon. And best of luck with your job search! Blessings!
I love Arizona. I can’t wait to go back. Sedona will definitely be on my list of places to visit. A good use of Hilton points. Thanks for sharing all this great information.
Sabrina, we ended up with a GREAT value for our Hilton points! And we loved the resort too! Next time we go back, we’ll try the Hyatt Residence Club!!
The Oak Creek Canyon hike looks amazing.
Sabrina, one of our favorites!!
Sedona is on my list of must visit places. I’ve bookmarked this for when we plan on going!
Thanks so much Suzan!
Those state parks look like so much fun! Adding them to my list.
Sounds great Stephanie!
This trip looks like so much fun! The swimming hole looks awesome!
I only wish it had been a bit warmer….but we’ll be back for sure!
Oh those natural slides look so incredible. I love Sedona and would like to explore it more with the family. It also has incredible energy there.
Kiera, I couldn’t agree more!
I love Sedona! You found some cool stuff I’ve never seen. That water area looks gorgeous!
Slide Rock is incredible! Chilly water, but super fun. Oh, and Kristin, plan to get there early. We heard that on warm days, there is sometimes a two-hour wait to get in the gate!
I’m with the boys… those rocks DO look fun to climb!
Ah yes, they LOVED it!
We almost went to Arizona for a run, but COVID hit, so that has been put on hold. But Sedona was part of the plan. Looks awesome!
Marianne, start planning again, as you feel safe. You won’t regret it at all!
I really want to visit Sedona! I’ve been near there but never stopped.
Cindy, we’ll be heading back for sure. There was still so much we didn’t get to see and so many hikes that we want to do!
Sedona is beautiful! We are scheduling a trip to the Grand Canyon in the next year or so, and will have to add Sedona to the list!
Elizabeth, it’s definitely at least a three day add-on, but oh, so worth it!!
I love Sedona! So Beautiful!
Kendra…..SAME!!
Those look like amazing places to visit! Just beautiful!
Thank you Melissa!!
I’ve always wanted to visit Sedona, and reading your post makes me want to go even more!!
Danielle, I’m thankful for your very kind words!! Our next post continues with us on this awesome journey!!
Looks like a great place for a family trip!
Thanks Danielle – it really is!!
From everything I’ve read, Sedona, Arizona, is a beautiful place full of wonder.
I would agree with this!!
We’re going on a family vacation in August and staying at the Hilton Bell Rock (used points for the flights Using Hilton Aspire card for the hotel so we get the $250 resort credit on the rooms. Didn’t think the hotel itself was a good use of Hilton points when compared to Waldorfs, etc…). Do you have an itinerary you can post (do you think kids can do hikes like Devil’s Bridge)? Thanks!
Stu, absolutely!! Devil’s Bridge would be a tough hike for kids – there’s some REALLY steep parts towards the end. And you’d want to REALLY keep an eye (and your hands) on them. May I recommend Call of the Canyon and Bell Rock. Both are spectacular and the kids will love them. Very different hikes, but equally wonderful! And I do think that you’ll love the Hilton Sedona Bell Rock – the views are incredible!! Have a wonderful time. We honestly can’t wait to go back. And watch for my upcoming posts as we continue our journey through Sedona! Blessings!