What to Do in Sedona When it Rains

Sedona is called the most mystical place in the US. Thousands travel to Sedona vertoxes annually to feel recharged, inspired, and uplifted. Many believe these red rocks emanate mysterious cosmic forces that bring self-awareness and spiritual healing. This Arizona city is also famous for hiking and rock climbing. You can also enjoy a yoga retreat and observe nature here.

These outdoor activities are primarily suitable for sunny days. But what do you do in Sedona when it rains? This city tends to be very dry year-round, with temperatures rising over 100 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer. Rainy days will feel like a nice break from the hot weather, and you will find many things to do. Come join us as we break them down in detail.

Bask In The Spiritual Atmosphere Of The Chapel of the Holy Cross

Address: 780 Chapel Rd, Sedona, AZ 86336, United States; Google Map
Opening Hours: 9 AM – 5 PM
Social Media: Official Website, Official Facebook

Be it rain or shine, the Chapel of the Holy Cross is open to visitors year-round. It is primarily known for its picturesque location atop the red buttes of Sedona. This 250 ft structure is wedged between two ancient red rocks. Local rancher Marguerite Brunsig Staude commissioned the chapel’s building, which finished in 1956 and cost $300,000.

USA Today’s 10Best.com listed this chapel as one of the 10 Best Attractions in Sedona. Visitors will marvel at its architecture and artwork. They can also light a candle inside the chapel for their loved ones. In addition, they can participate in the Taize Prayer Service on Monday nights at 5 PM. Any couple eligible to marry in the Catholic Church can have their weddings at the Chapel of the Holy Cross.

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Hop On A Train in Verde Canyon Railroad

Address: 300 N Broadway, Clarkdale, AZ 86324, United States; Google Map
Opening Hours: 8 AM – 5 PM
Social Media: Official Website, Official Facebook, Official Instagram

Don’t let rain damper your travel plans. You can still enjoy sightseeing through the Verde Canyon Railroad. Even if you don’t like trains, you will enjoy this luxurious train ride. Visitors will be aboard the renovated vintage train that will take them through a four-hour excursion on a 20-mile journey. Each passenger car has a restroom, comfortable seating, and friendly attendants.

The passenger car’s large windows allow you to enjoy panoramic views of your surroundings. The train will take you from Clarkdale to Perkinsville and back. Throughout the journey, you will see the beautiful Verde Canyon and its impressive landscape. In addition, you might see rare flora and fauna surrounding the canyon.

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Go For A Jeep Tour To Oak Creek Canyon

Address: Arizona 86336, USA; Google Map
Duration: 2 hours and above
Price: $240 onwards

Explore Sedona in a luxury vehicle instead of getting stuck indoors during rainy days. Jeep tours to Oak Creek Canyon are popular among tourists. They usually lead a small group of travelers on a comfortable jeep journey around the major attractions of Sedona and Oak Creek Canyon. A guide will provide detailed information about the places and answer every inquiry.

Jeep tours vary in price, service, and duration. Some offer short two-hour trips, while others offer full-day tours. You can also customize your experience. Furthermore, the journey from Oak Creek Canyon to Sedona or vice versa will include many breathtaking views. You will drive through a paved road, make stops to take photos, and finally reach your destination.

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Enjoy A Helicopter Tour Of Mogollon Rim

Address: Arizona 85541, USA; Google Map
Duration: 1 hour
Price Range: $712 onwards

Travel in style with a helicopter tour above Mogollon Rim. These tours are usually an hour long and include a small group of visitors. They offer breathtaking views of rugged cliffs, canyons, lush forests, and winding hills. Your pilot will tell you about every place you will come across in this one-hour adventure.

Some tours include trips to Oak Creek Canyon, Bell Rock, Cathedral Rock, and others. Visitors can take pictures and explore Sedona within a few minutes. The only downfall is its high prices. Helicopter tours are comparatively pricier than other tours. If you want a budget-friendly option, go for a private jeep tour.

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Dance In Rain At Tuzigoot National Monument

Address: 25 Tuzigoot Rd, Clarkdale, AZ 86324, United States; Google Map
Opening Hours: 8 AM – 4:45 PM
Social Media: Official Facebook, Official Instagram

Tuzigoot National Monument is so beautiful you won’t be able to stop yourself from visiting it regardless of the weather. This 110-room Hilltop pueblo sits high atop the Verde Valley. The Sinagua tribe built this gigantic formation by the year 1000. It is architecturally similar to other renowned pueblos such as Aztec Ruins, Mesa Verde National Park, and Yucca House National Monument.

The monument houses a museum with many exhibitions featuring the lifestyle of the Sinaguans. The Tuzigoot Museum and Visitor Center was built in 1935-36 and houses archeological artifacts from Tuzigoot and nearby sites. It has 3,158 objects, including large ollas, woven baskets, decorative pieces, and several jewelry pieces.

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Buy Souvenirs From Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village

Address: 336 AZ-179, Sedona, AZ 86336, United States; Google Map
Opening Hours: 10 AM – 5 PM
Social Media: Official Website, Official Facebook, Official Instagram

Who doesn’t love shopping? It is the most to-do thing while traveling to a new place. If you want to experience historical shopping in Sedona, Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village is your destination. It takes visitors back to the old times with its magnificent arched entryways and cobble-stoned walkways. They will encounter many art galleries and Sedona artisans who are absorbed in their work.

You can shop till you drop at any of Tlaquepaque’s 50 specialty shops and exclusive art galleries. You can buy contemporary art paintings, bronze sculptures, traditional ceramics, large-format photography, weavings, decorative arts and architectural pieces, fine contemporary jewelry, and other unusual gift items. Overall, you won’t be left empty-handed in this shopping village.

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Stuff Your Belly With Food In Sedona’s Restaurants

Enjoy local favorites in Sedona restaurants, including Huevos Rancheros.

Famous Food: Homemade guacamole, Huevos Rancheros, Tamales
Top Restaurants: The Hudson, Forty1, Rascal Modern American Diner & Bar

Sedona is primarily known for its natural beauty and outdoor adventures. However, did you know it also offers fine dining experiences? This city is famous for its delicious Southwestern food, including Huevos Rancheros, guacamole, tamales, steaks, and more. You will also find many European, Asian, and International-themed restaurants here. After a meal, cleaning your palate with the wine is a must.

Check out some of the best dining spots in Sedona down below:

Rascal Modern American Diner & Bar: 2250 W State Rte 89A, Sedona, AZ 86336, United States; 7 AM – 10 PM
Mesa Grill Sedona: 1185 Airport Rd, Sedona, AZ 86336, United States; 7:30 AM – 9 PM
Casa Sedona Restaurant: 55 Hozoni Dr, Sedona, AZ 86336, United States; 7 AM – 1:45 PM
The Golden Goose American Grill: 2545 W State Rte 89A, Sedona, AZ 86336, United States; 11 AM – 8 PM
Forty1: 900 W State Rte 89A, Sedona, AZ 86336, United States; 7 AM – 9 PM
The Hudson: 671 AZ-179 Ste, Sedona, AZ 86336, United States; 11:30 AM – 9 PM
Hideaway House: 231 AZ-179, Sedona, AZ 86336, United States; 11 AM – 8:30 PM

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Treat Yourself At Sedona’s Spas

Spa — Have a relaxing massage at one of Sedona’s spas.

Spa Activities: Massage, Manicure, Pedicure, Hydrotherapy
Top Destinations: Sedona’s New Day Spa, The Spa of Sedona, A Spa For You Sedona Day Spa

You will feel rejuvenated and relaxed right after arriving in Sedona. However, to enhance your experience, you must visit spas and salons. This Arizonian city has many spa centers offering organic skincare, wellness retreats, relaxing massages, and soothing body treatments. You must definitely visit them during rainy days when outdoor activities are impossible.

Check these renowned spas:

Sedona’s New Day Spa: 3004 W State Rte 89A, Sedona, AZ 86336, United States; 9 AM – 7 PM
The Spa of Sedona: 1835 W State Rte 89A #4, Sedona, AZ 86336, United States; 9 AM – 8 PM
Jaliza Sedona Luxury Spa & Beauty Lounge: 2530 W St, AZ-89A Suite B2, Sedona, AZ 86336, United States; 9 AM – 5 PM
Mii Amo: 525 Boynton Canyon Rd, Sedona, AZ 86336, United States; always open
Tao Foot Spa: 2370 W State Rte 89A Suite 3, Sedona, AZ 86336, United States; 9:45 AM – 8:30 PM
A Spa For You Sedona Day Spa: 30 Kayenta Ct, Sedona, AZ 86336, United States; 8 AM – 7 PM

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Step Back In Time At Sedona Heritage Museum

Address: 735 Jordan Rd, Sedona, AZ 86336, United States; Google Map
Opening Hours: 11 AM – 3 PM
Social Media: Official Website, Official Facebook, Official Instagram

Everyone loves a good ol’ museum visit. You should visit Sedona Heritage Museum during rainy days. Tickets are fairly affordable, costing $10 for adults. Children under 13 get free entry. Moreover, the museum allows visitors to learn about Sedona’s history and how it evolved into a wine state. You will be surprised to know that the city housed the real cowboys and cowgirls a few decades back.

This museum offers many regular history-themed programs and special events throughout the year. It also offers special kid-friendly activities, such as Kids Korral dress-up and a museum scavenger hunt. During museum hours, you can access the research library. Finally, anyone can join and donate to support the Sedona Heritage Museum.

Discover Sedona Tours, Tickets, And Activities

Sedona generally experiences a monsoon season from early July to August. The days usually start sunny before changing to heavy rainfall and thunderstorms in the late afternoon and evening. However, skies clear during the late evening, allowing stargazing opportunities. Flash flooding might occur on hiking trails and roads, so practicing caution is advisable.

Visitors must start their day early to avoid torrential rainfall. In the mornings, they can hike or mountain bike; in the late afternoon, they can explore indoor activities. Don’t worry about what to do in Sedona when it rains. Choose from our recommended activities. If you do not like crowds, the Monsoon season is best to visit. You might even get cheaper hotel deals.