Sedona, Arizona: Hiking, Wine & Red-Rock Views
A Cottonwood base, Sedona hikes, a scenic train ride, and wine with a view — this getaway had the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation.
Sedona offers a perfect mix of rugged red-rock adventures and laid-back evenings. We based ourselves in nearby Cottonwood, Arizona to avoid traffic and high lodging costs — which meant more time for hiking, canyon views, and quiet nights after busy days. This trip proved you don’t need a fancy resort to enjoy Sedona’s best: just a plan, a good base, and an appetite for exploration.
Sedona in December: What to Know
Visiting Sedona in December gives you cooler temperatures and quieter trails — a nice change from peak-season crowds. Daytime highs are usually in the upper 50s, but mornings and evenings drop into the low 30s, so layers are key. The cooler air made our hikes more comfortable, and parking was easier at most trailheads compared to busier months.
Trails can be a little slick early in the day if there was overnight frost or light rain, so good traction shoes help. Sunsets come early this time of year, so we planned our hikes in the morning and saved the slower activities — wine, dinner, or relaxing back at the hotel — for the late afternoon and evening.
If you like crisp air, quiet mornings, and fewer people on the trails, December is a great time to go.
Trip Snapshot
When: Early Winter (or whenever the weather is mild)
Length: 4 nights
Vibe: Active days with nature, relaxed evenings with family, wine, and views
Good for: Couples, friends, or families who want a mix of hiking, scenic rides, and downtime
Highlights: Devil’s Bridge hike, Birthing Cave views, scenic train ride through Verde Canyon, quiet Cottonwood base, easy access to trail-heads
Where We Stayed
We stayed at SpringHill Suites Cottonwood, a bright, tidy hotel just minutes from Old Town Cottonwood and under 30 minutes from most of Sedona’s major trailheads. The complimentary breakfast helped us fuel up before long hikes, and the convenient location kept mornings and evenings stress-free.
Pro tip: If Sedona lodging looks crowded or expensive, Cottonwood (or similar nearby towns like Camp Verde) offers a quieter, more budget-friendly base without sacrificing access to all the red-rock magic.
What We Did
Ride the Verde Canyon Railroad
On a slower-paced day, we took the scenic four-hour train ride through red canyon walls and along the winding Verde River. The open-air cars offered up-close canyon views and glimpses of cliff dwellings and wildlife. The railroad moves at a relaxed pace, giving plenty of time to soak in the views — a great contrast to the hikes.
Each ride includes snacks and drinks — the perfect pairing for hours of red rock views.
The Verde Canyon Railroad winding along the river — best seen from the open-air cars.
Hike: Devil’s Bridge + Birthing Cave Viewpoint
We tackled the classic hike to Devil's Bridge. Starting early helped us beat the crowds and enjoy the glowing desert light on the red rock trail. The payoff is worth it — that natural sandstone arch and the sweeping vistas are unforgettable.
We also visited the lesser-known Birthing Cave. A shorter trail, but the viewpoint — a natural frame of red cliffs — felt like a hidden gem, and offered a peaceful stop away from the main crowds.
Classic Sedona — Devil’s Bridge never loses its wow factor.
Relaxed Evenings + Wine Time
After active days, we enjoyed slow evenings with family, including a visit to a nearby winery. It felt good to mix in quiet moments, wine, and conversations after long hikes — the balance made the trip enjoyable without feeling rushed.
We ordered a charcuterie board and pizza to share. Both were fresh and flavorful, though I’d say the views are what make the experience stand out most. Sitting outdoors with a glass of wine in hand, watching the sunset colors shift over the Verde Valley, felt like the true highlight.
Charcuterie at Merkin Vineyards Hilltop — fresh, flavorful, and best enjoyed outdoors.
For us, the best part wasn’t just the food or the views — it was sitting around the table with family. Merkin gave us the space to linger, catch up, and laugh together, which is exactly the kind of memory we like to take home from a trip.
💡 Travel Tip: If you can, time your visit for golden hour. The warm light over the valley makes the views even more stunning, and it’s the perfect backdrop for wine and food on the patio.
Sedona Beer Co.
For something more casual, we headed to Sedona Beer Co., where tacos and a couple of local brews hit the spot after a day of hiking. We’ve tried both their downtown location and their newer outpost near the trailheads, and both are worth a stop depending on your plans.
Casual, flavorful, and local — Sedona Beer Co. is our go-to for post-hike refueling.
💡 Travel Tip: If you want a quieter vibe, check out Sedona Beer Co.’s newer location outside the downtown bustle.
Favorites & Highlights
⭐ Top hike: Devil’s Bridge — iconic red-rock arch and beautiful surroundings
🏞️ Hidden gem: Birthing Cave viewpoint — less crowded, big payoff for small effort
🚂 Best slower option: Verde Canyon Railroad — relaxing, scenic, great for a rest day
🍷 Best unwind moment: Wine + dinner under the desert sky after a long hike
Tips / What to Know Before You Go
Trails get busy — start hikes early if you want smaller crowds and better light
Even “short” hikes can be steep — wear sturdy shoes and bring enough water
Lodging in Cottonwood can save you money and avoid Sedona traffic surges
Check weather! Even in mild seasons, midday sun can be strong — bring sun protection
Train rides are a calm contrast to hiking days — great if you want a slower pace
What We’d Do Differently Next Time
We’d stay one more night — there’s so much to explore that 4 nights only scratches the surface. I’d love to mix in another hike or ride, and spend more time just soaking up the red-rock scenery before heading home.
Practical Details
When we went: Winter
Trip length: 4 nights
Trip type: Hiking, nature, easy-going travel
Best for: Travelers who like a mix of active days and laid-back nights
Accessibility: Easy to moderate hikes; good base options if you don’t want to stay in downtown Sedona
Sedona reminded us that travel doesn’t have to be a sprint. With a cozy base in Cottonwood, a mix of hikes and scenic rides, and evenings spent unwinding with loved ones — it felt like the kind of trip that recharges you. If you’re craving red rocks, wide skies and small-town ease, this getaway gives you big beauty with little stress.