Free things to do in Sedona
Updated November 3, 2026 · facts checked against the sources below
Sedona's biggest draw, its red rock scenery, costs nothing to look at. Many trailheads do charge for parking, so we've noted where you'll need a pass and where you can avoid one.
Photo: Terrydarc, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Free hikes (bring a parking pass or ride the shuttle)
The hikes themselves are free, but most trailhead lots need a Red Rock Pass. The free Sedona Shuttle is the way around that: it serves trailheads like Cathedral Rock and Soldier Pass, typically Thursday to Sunday, and shuttle riders don't need a pass.
Many trailheads need a Red Rock Pass ($5 a day, $15 a week or $20 a year, per the Forest Service) or an America the Beautiful pass. A few concessionaire sites, like Call of the Canyon and Crescent Moon, charge their own fee instead.
Free landmarks and places of peace
The Chapel of the Holy Cross and the Amitabha Stupa are both free, and both welcome donations. Tlaquepaque costs nothing to wander, and its holiday events, like the December tree lighting, are free too.
Free sunsets and night skies
Airport Mesa's small lot at the vortex site is free. The paid lot is at the overlook on top. After dark, Sedona's protected night sky makes stargazing on your own one of the best free things to do.
A free scenic drive
Driving State Route 179, the Red Rock Scenic Byway, past Bell Rock and Courthouse Butte is free. You only need a pass if you park at the trailhead lots along it.
Questions people ask
Do you have to pay to hike in Sedona?
Hiking is free, but parking at many trailheads needs a Red Rock Pass ($5 a day) or an America the Beautiful pass. Riders on the free Sedona Shuttle don't need one.
Is the Chapel of the Holy Cross free?
Yes. Entry is free and donations are welcome.
Sources
- Coconino National Forest: Red Rock and Coconino passes
- Visit Sedona: Red Rock Pass Q&A
- Sedona Shuttle: trailhead routes
- Forest Service: Cathedral Rock Trail No. 170
- Forest Service: Soldier Pass Trail No. 66
- Forest Service: Bell Rock Pathway No. 96
- Forest Service: Fay Canyon Trail No. 53
- Forest Service: Devil's Bridge Trail No. 120
- Arizona Highways: Devil's Bridge Trail
- Visit Sedona: attractions
- Chapel of the Holy Cross (official)
- Kunzang Palyul Chöling: Amitabha Stupa
- Tlaquepaque (official)
- Visit Sedona: Tlaquepaque holiday events
- Forest Service: Airport Loop Trail No. 210
- Sedona Airport
- City of Sedona: Dark Sky Community news release (2014)
- DarkSky International: Sedona
Facts last checked November 3, 2026. Prices, hours and rules change, so confirm with the official source before you go.