When I first moved to Sedona, AZ in the fall of 2006, it was a totally different place compared to the tourist-driven place that you’ll find today. Yes, tourism existed, but not to the extent that Instagram-worthy moments were shared ten-fold online with the caption, “You must try this on your visit to Sedona.” Also, the invasion of AirBnbs hadn’t yet launched, and the burgeoning traffic issue was there – just not like it is today. Word got out with the advent of social media and the masses followed.

But regrets and ruminations for the days of Sedona-past don’t have to hold you back. There are still ways to enjoy Sedona without breaking the bank and by not following the crowds.

When to visit and what to do

Sedona is located in northern Arizona and is beautiful in every season. There are many things to see and do on a visit to Sedona, Arizona. However, just as some believe that it is best to visit Paris (France) in the springtime, there are considerable advantages and disadvantages for visiting Sedona at different times of the year too:

• Sedona in the Spring: Spring in Sedona is usually short. Although spring temperatures can start as early as late February or March, consistent spring temperatures are not necessarily guaranteed. Technically, spring runs from March to May in Sedona, with average temperatures in the 60-70˚F range, but be aware that icy, winter blasts may still hit Sedona in April and even May.

If the weather is truly spring-like, spring in Sedona is the ideal time to mountain bike, hike or ride the many trails around Sedona. You’ll see beautiful wildflowers and native plants in bloom. Jeep tours, hot air ballooning and off-roading are also other popular outdoor activities. Local events held in the spring in Sedona include the Sedona International Film Festival (late February to early March), Oak Creek arts and crafts shows (supporting a variety of local artists), the Sedona Yoga Festival, the Sedona Mountain Bike Festival, and several other retreats.

• Sedona in the Summer: When summer arrives in Sedona, the temperature soars. Temperatures can range between 80-90˚F during the months of June through September, but can sometimes peak over 100˚F, especially in recent years. Summer is also the monsoon season (approximately July/August), so daily heavy rains, combined with humidity, may prevent outdoor activities. The monsoon season has become unpredictable in recent years, but when a storm hits, you need to be away from washes, creeks, and roads that suddenly fill up with life-threatening storm waters.

However, there are still several festivals and events throughout the summer months including local arts and crafts fairs. It is also a good time to visit Slide Rock State Park to cool off in the creek (just go early to avoid the crowds) or camp at the slightly cooler elevation in Oak Creek Canyon, just a few minutes’ drive north of Sedona. Despite the hotter temperatures, summer attracts crowds, many often unprepared for the searing heat, so be smart and carry plenty of water with you, hike in the cooler part of the day (before 9am), and make sure that you have plenty of sunscreen.

• Sedona in the Fall: Fall is probably the best season in Sedona, when the scorching summer temperatures drop, and cooler mornings (and nights) prevail. Fall in Sedona runs from late September through November with temperatures ranging between 60-70˚F, although summer has been known to linger through to December or winter may show up in October.

Fall is a good time for outdoor activities or to view the changing colors of the leaves in Oak Creek Canyon. Leaf peepers can be found from Sedona to Flagstaff in the north of the canyon, so bring patience, a good camera, and a sense of awe.

If you’re an artist, you’ll love Sedona in the fall! It is when the main artists’ retreat of the year is held, the Sedona Plein Air Festival, celebrating world-renowned artists, extraordinary landscapes and the opportunity to attend workshops.

• Sedona in the Winter: Winter in Sedona (December through February) can be mild or cold, depending on the year. Situated at 4,500 ft, Sedona usually escapes the worst of the heavy snowfalls that hit Flagstaff to the north. However, winter storms can sometimes be bad, so snow-covered red rock views are usually best enjoyed from a hotel room and a blazing fireplace. Temperatures may be as high as 60˚F but are more likely to range from 40˚F to 50˚F. Overnight temperatures of below freezing are common.

Winter crowds in Sedona are few, although many outdoor activities, such as jeep tours and hiking, are curtailed because roads and trails are closed by snow and bad weather. However, art galleries and stores are still open, and the holidays can be a time of magic in the red rocks. The holiday period kicks off with the Dia de los Muertas celebration from October 31 to November 1 in Tlaqapaque, just south of uptown Sedona. This is a Celebration of Life and Remembrance which showcases Mexican culture and heritage. It is an extremely popular local event and is free for all to attend. Shortly after, the winter holiday celebrations arrive in Tlaqapaque with a dazzling array of winter warmth and trees. There are many local events in the region as well, including the Magical Christmas Journey on the Verde Canyon Railroad, departing from nearby Clarkdale.

To bring a healthy round up to the start of spring, the Sedona Marathon is held annually each February and draws worldwide interest.

Take a side trip: The Grand Canyon

Sedona is only a 2-hour drive from the south rim of the Grand Canyon, and consequently it is a popular day trip from Sedona. If you have the time, make the effort to take in the north rim of the Grand Canyon, which is less crowded with tourists and has a more remote, wilderness feel to it. But at an elevation of 8,000 ft (1,000 ft higher than the south rim), be prepared for possible altitude sickness (I write from experience) and limited access times due to snow during the colder months.

The south rim is certainly more accessible, but be prepared for crowds at any time of year and possible winter closures. Still, as one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, missing out on seeing the Grand Canyon while in Sedona would be a crime.

Sedona is a magical place, even though her magic may have become a little tarnished over the years with an influx of social media-driven tourism. But take your time, choose wisely, and you can enjoy a few days in Sedona on your next mini retreat with minimum stress and cash. Maybe I’ll see you soon!

Side bar: Traveling tips

Here are some quick tips that I’ve learned from personal experience over the years on how to enjoy Sedona without breaking the bank or becoming overwhelmed with tourism.

• Avoid Instagram-ready prime photo spots. Believe me, every spot in Sedona is Instagram-perfect if you look hard enough. Don’t be dragged in (and down) by those “must-do” lists on social media. Discover Sedona through your feet and eyes vs. your phone and app.
• Avoid hefty hotel and Airbnb bills. Consider camping. I spent some magical evenings camping around Sedona when I first moved here. There are some beautiful national forest service camping sites in Oak Creek Canyon, in and around Flagstaff. If you are the independent sort, try boondocking with a camper and see the picture-perfect skies from the roof of your camper vs. standing in line at the latest trendy hotspot. Just be aware of local laws.
• Look up, not down, for the perfect view. Lift your head up from your phone app and raise your eyes to the skies. You really can see the Milky Way in the night sky in Sedona. The magic is happening above and around you!
• Get off the beaten track. Sure, the popular trails are popular for a reason – they are beautiful. But they are also well trodden, and the increase in tourist numbers in Sedona has led to erosion that will take the land many years to recover from. Don’t go off-trail (another no-no), but go “less-trail” and find hikes that are less worn but just as worthy.
• Use common sense. Don’t hike in the midday sun, always take sunscreen, always carry more water than you think you’ll need, and don’t take kids to non-kid-friendly places. It’s for everybody’s safety.

Sharon Chapman is a published author and editor with over fifteen years’ experience. She is the published author of Authentic Aromatherapy (New York: Skyhorse Publishing) and editor in chief for the NAHA Aromatherapy Journal and The Phoenix Spirit. She is also a writing coach. Learn more about her freelance writing, editing, and publishing services.