YOUR SEDONA NEIGHBORHOOD GUIDE: UPTOWN SEDONA & OAK CREEK CANYON
Uptown Sedona
Bustling Uptown Sedona is home to many different shops, one great museum, restaurants and red rock views. Here are some of our favorite places.
Must-See Attractions
Sedona Heritage Museum
The museum dedicated to the history of Sedona is housed in the Jordan homestead, the former home of one of the area’s earliest settlers. Learn more about the city’s early pioneers, ranching, cowboys, the orchard industry, films made in Sedona and the town’s namesake, Sedona Schnebly. Highlights include vintage vehicles like a restored 1942 fire truck, 1898 buggy and apple sorting equipment. The museum sits on the grounds of the 4.8-acre Jordan Historical Park. Check out the red rock views, a large fruit orchard and interpretive nature trails.
735 Jordan Road, 928-282-7038, sedonamuseum.org
Sedona Arts Center
One of Northern Arizona’s oldest nonprofits, the Sedona Arts Center is an educational institution dedicated to nurturing creativity and developing artistic talent. In addition to classes ranging in subjects from how to take stellar iPhone pictures to hand-built ceramics, the Arts Center also features a gallery filled with local art from over 100 artists. Find a plethora of mediums including textiles, paintings, jewelry and sculpture.
15 Art Barn Road, 928-282-3809, sedonaartscenter.org
Uptown is filled with many different shops and restaurants
Browse Uptown’s Many Shops
Uptown Sedona has one of the most happening shopping districts in town. You could easily spend all day just s trolling a round window shopping, popping in and out of boutiques and snacking at restaurants. We don’t have the space to list all of the shops in this area. See our local shopping guide here.
The bronze sculpture “Birdwoman: Sacagawea & Pomp” by John M. Soderberg is one of the many pieces of public art you can find in Uptown Sedona.
Outstanding Trails
View from Uptown’s Brins Mesa Trail.
Brins Mesa
Steep and stunning, the out-andback and roughly six miles long Brins Mesa trail is a great example of why so many have fallen in love with Sedona. Look forward to breathtaking red rock views. See Wilson Mountain and Chimney Rock. But overall, just enjoy this classic Sedona hike.
Uptown Sedona’s Jim Thompson Trail. The trail is named after the first European settler who constructed the trail in 1887 to connect his homes in Oak Creek Canyon and Sedona.
Jim Thompson
The Jim Thompson Trail is renowned for its top-notch views of Steamboat Rock. Additional red rocks you might spot include The Fin and Ship Rock. Return the way you came for a six-mile hike or take a one-way hike that’s about three miles.
Great Restaurants
Roasted Squash entree dish from SaltRock Kitchen at Amara Resort & Spa.
SaltRock Southwest Kitchen
Find modern Southwestern cuisine made with local ingredients at Amara Resort and Spa’s restaurant, SaltRock Southwest Kitchen. Diners can order everything from Filet Mignon to Carnitas Tacos. Cocktails are another stand-out option. The West Fork margarita, made with house-infused jalapeno El Jimador blacno, vida meszcal, lime and agave, is outstanding.
100 Amara Lane, 928-340-8803, amararesort.com
Creekside Reserve, a private dining space at fine dining restaurant Cress at Oak Creek at L’Auberge de Sedona. Diners can enjoy a special tasting menu here.
Cress on Oak Creek
Cress on Oak Creek offers a remarkable dining experience on the banks of Oak Creek. The setting is downright magical. Listen to Oak Creek babble mere feet away as you feast on fine fare on tables topped with white table cloths, fresh flowers and flickering candles. The gorgeous setting is complemented by an exceptional menu. The prix-fixe dinner menu changes frequently, but you can expect to find creative food like Organic Chicken Truffle Boudin and Plugra Butter Brioche served with whipped duck fat and salted butter. Editor’s note: Cress on Oak Creek is currently only open to guests of L’Auberge de Sedona.
301 Little Lane, 928-282-1661, lauberge.com
Cowboy Club
Since 1993, Cowboy Club has specialized in “high-desert cuisine.” Look forward to cactus fries, steaks, burgers, will game and even rattlesnake bites. The history of this place is noteworthy. The Cowboy Club was originally The Oak Creek Tavern that allegedly hosted the likes John Wayne, Joan Crawford and even Elvis when celebrities were in town filming movies.
241 N. AZ-89A, 928-282-4200, cowboyclub.com
Colorful cocktails from Elote Cafe.
Elote Café
Chef Jeff Smedstad’s Elote Café has had a devoted following since it opened back in 2007. What keeps diners coming back is his inventive Mexican cuisine. The signature elote appetizer is a must-try. Next, consider an entrée like Buffalo Mole Poblano and Smoked Brisket Enchiladas. Our favorite way to finish a meal here is with a slice of the Mexican Chocolate Pie. Reservations are required.
350 Jordan Road, 928-203-0105, elotecafe.com
Open Range Grill and Tavern
The expansive windows at Open Range Grill and Tavern supply jaw-dropping vistas of Sedona’s red rocks that you’ll have a hard time peeling your eyes away from. Dig into American and Mexican classics here. Find steaks, burgers and barbeque in addition to tacos, enchiladas and burritos.
320 N. AZ-89A, 928-282-0002, openrangesedona.com
Ask A Local
“I’ve worked in Uptown Sedona for 15 years, and I still love walking the sidewalks. There are fun shops to peek into and so many places to pause and admire the red rocks. When I want coffee, I head to L’espressino If I have time for a full breakfast, HP Café is my favorite spot. Lunches are great at HP, Outlaw Grill and Sedona Memories. For souvenirs and gifts, I love Sedona Wonder (my shop), Gifts Galore, Rollies Camera and Scorpion on the Porch. My two favorite hikes are the Jim Thompson Trail and Cibola Pass Trail.” – Mike Blevins
Oak Creek Canyon
The river gorge Oak Creek Canyon is simply gorgeous. You’ll never forget the first time you drive through this winding road that starts past Uptown and ends in Flagstaff as red rocks blanketed with green trees surround you. From a one-of-kind scenic drive to an iconic Sedona hike, discover Oak Creek Canyon.
Oak Creek Scenic Drive
Driving through Oak Creek Canyon is a must-have experience. The views are stupendous. Expect to be surrounded by tall green trees and red rocks – like being immersed in a forest. Stop along the way or just take it all in through your car windows. No matter how you experience this drive, enjoy the ride.
Slide Rock State Park.
Slide Rock State Park
Although Slide Rock State Park sees the most visitors during the hot summer months when they’re looking to cool off in the water and slide down the about 80-feet long natural rock slide that gives this park its name, it’s a great place to visit year around. The red rocks are gorgeous when they’re covered in snow. The leaves come alive in the fall. During the spring, you’ll see apples on the trees of the orchard on the property.
Scene from Slide Rock State Park. This state park is named after an 80-foot long natural rock slide.
Midgely Bridge
Take in the stunning view of the Mitten Ridge red rock if you visit Midgely Bridge, a trestle bridge in Oak Creek Canyon. You’ll love the views of the red rocks and canyon at this place, one of the most popular stops in the canyon. If you’re up for a hike afterward, this is the trailhead for Wilson Canyon, Wilson Mountain and the Huckaby Trail.
Grasshopper Point Day Use Area
Grasshopper Point Day Use Area is one of Oak Creek Canyon’s most popular swimming holes for great reasons: It has plenty of perks for swimmers including restrooms, parking and shade. The water is clear and a respite from summer’s high temps. Pets are not permitted. Bring sturdy waterproof shoes to tackle the terrain. Grasshopper charges a fee per car.
Outstanding Trails
West Fork
West Fork is an iconic Sedona trail because this trail rocks. Look forward to only-in-Sedona scenery. You’ll get Oak Creek and red rocks rising beside you as you walk along the creek. We love hiking this busy trail during every season. During the fall, you can see the leaves change. Seeing this hike all dusted in snow is magical. But West Fork is a great trail whenever you hike it.
A.B. Young Trail
The 5-miles round trip A.B. Young Trail is a strenuous trail that you’ll remember forever. Anticipate over 30 switchbacks, an Oak Creek crossing and ascending over 1,600 feet in 1.7 miles. But it’s worth it. You’ll be treated to breathtaking views of the canyon and Sedona.
Sterling Pass Trail to Vultee Arch
Sterling Pass Trail offers a true backcountry vibe complete with a conifer forest. If you hike this difficult trail, you’re either climbing up or down. It’s also one of the least crowded hikes in the area. The Sterling Pass Trail also intersects with the Vultee Arch Trail. If you take a right at this junction, you’ll eventually reach a stunning view of the Vultee Arch – named after Gerard Vultee who passed away alongside his wife, Slyvia, in a plane crash in 1938.
Great Restaurants
The Table at Junipine Resort
Atmosphere rules at the Table at Junipine Resort, the signature restaurant of this hotel offeringcreek-side cabins. Enjoy lunch or breakfast alfresco on the patio surrounded by pine trees or inside by the cozy fireplace. Look forward to hearty cuisine like Green Chili Mac and Cheese, Cilantro Rubbed Steelhead Trout and Roasted Organic Chicken.
8351 N. AZ-89A, 800-742-7463, junipine.com
South of the “Y”
South of the “Y” is essentially central Sedona and begins where AZ-179 intersects with AZ-89-A – the two major roads in Sedona. We’ve unofficially defined this area from the above intersection until AZ-179 enters the Village of Oak Creek. Despite being such a relatively small swath of land, this area has plenty to offer. From Sedona’s signature shopping and arts village to some of the city’s best restaurants, discover South of the “Y.”
Must-See Attractions
The archway at Tlaquepaque North, just across the street from Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village.
Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village
Modeled after a Mexican village, Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village is filled with shops, art galleries and restaurants. We’ve spent many an afternoon wandering in and out of the many places in this charming setting. Tlaquepaque also hosts some of Sedona’s signature seasonal events. The fountains are decked out during holidays. You frequently can hear musicians performing live all over.
336 AZ-179, 928-282-4838, tlaq.com
Pottery from Esteban’s at Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village.
Outstanding Trails
Marg’s Draw
Marg’s Draw provides plenty of red rock views and is a relatively easy trail that makes it accessible to hikers of all skill levels. After about 0.2 miles, you can turn left toward scenic Schnebly Hill Road or hang a right toward Broken Arrow. If you have the time, hike both or pick one if you don’t. Either way, you can expect to see Sedona’s Crimson Cliffs, the Mogollon Rim, Capitol Butte and Wilson Mountain if you hike this trail.
Broken Arrow
Broken Arrow is a relatively easy trail that offers plenty of rugged red rock scenery. Highlights include the Devil’s Dining Room sinkhole, Submarine Rock and Twin Buttes. Broken Arrow ends at Chicken Point, one of the best viewpoints in all of Sedona. This trail is also a popular spot for off-roading and mountain biking.
Great Restaurants
A stack of cooked vegetables from double-decker Italian restaurant Hideaway House.
Hideaway House
Enjoy your meal inside or outside at the double-decker Hideaway House. But if we were you, we’d snag a seat outside to take in views of Snoopy Rock, Mitten Ridge and the banks of Oak Creek. Italian comfort food shines on this menu. Dig into appetizers like the quarter-pound Baked Meatballs, pizzas and a fine selection of pasta including Chicken Pesto Pomodoro and Shrimp & Gnocci. Cap off your meal with the house favorite Georgia Peach Cobbler.
231 AZ-179, 928-202-4082, sedonahideawayhouse.com
An entrée from Pumphouse Station Urban Eatery and Market.
Pump House Station Urban Eatery and Market
The setting at Pump House Station Urban Eatery and Market is undeniably quaint. The A-frame home this restaurant is housed in features high ceilings, a fireplace and rustic wood tables. The exterior patio is a lush green garden that’s perfect for alfresco dining. Dinner entrees include Spiced Southwestern Blackened Salmon, the Urban Burger and Golden Beet Wellington.
313 AZ-179, Ste. D10, 928-862-4141, pumphousestation.com
Ellie’s Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie, one of the signature desserts at The Hudson.
The Hudson
Find inventive, chef-driven cuisine at the contemporary restaurant The Hudson. The views of Sedona are outstanding. If it’s warm enough, enjoy your food outside on the patio. If you’d prefer to dine indoors, expansive windows will give you that same view from inside. Menu highlights include Corn Chowder, Chicken Pot Pie and even Prickly Pear BBQ Baby Back Ribs. We can’t dine here without ordering Ellie’s Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie, a decadent treat featuring peanut butter mousse, chocolate cookie crest and bittersweet chocolate ganache.
671 AZ-179, Ste. D, 928-862-4099, thehudsonsedona.com
Rene at Tlaquepaque
Dine on fine French food in a charming setting complete with white tablecloths and an actual red carpet. Snag a seat on the outdoor patio so you can enjoy your meal and watch shoppers strolling by. Stick to traditional French fare by ordering Escargots, Saute Brie and Baked French Onion Soup. Entrees are hearty and include items like True Dover Sole and Roasted Duck. Pair your food with wine from the award-winning list.
336 AZ-179, 928-282-9225, renerestaurantsedona.com
Ask a Local
“We are nestled within a diverse range of artists, shops and trail networks. Our cafe, Creekside Coffee, has stunning views, freshly roasted beans and fresh pastries. A short walk away is Victorian Cowgirl, an emporium for vintage and artist-designed apparel. Bohemian-meets-the-Southwest Cocopah is our downstairs neighbor. Our favorite hike with a ‘big bang for the buck’ is Marg’s Draw.” – Tina Rafidi and the staff at Creekside Coffee
