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A Campervan Trip to Sedona
- jocelyncuddy
- Jun 17
- 5 min read
If you’re like me, sometimes you need to get away from everyday life. After months of working 9-5, your phone being your constant companion and a deep lack of adventure, Sedona is the perfect place to go to feel like you can breathe again.
My girlfriend and I took on a 9 day campervan trip and made Sedona our last stop. Each of us had seen the red rock photos that make celebrities look like they’re on another planet, but we wanted to know if it lived up to our expectations in person. Spoiler Alert: It did.
Why a Campervan trip to Sedona?
Sedona is a close-knit city, but its best qualities come from the dispersed nature and famous trails. Although accessible by shuttle, nothing beats the convenience of traveling by campervan and having your own space. Plus, a rental car, hotel and restaurant all in one? Who could say no to that?
Where to Stay in Sedona
Being the last leg of our campervan journey, we wanted the comfortability and convenience of booking a campground. For this, we chose Rancho Sedona RV Park. While doing our pre-trip research, I found the blog “The Perfect 3 Day Sedona Campervan Itinerary” and it was more than enough of a recommendation for this spot. With full hookups, the nicest campground bathroom we’ve stayed in by far, a private creek to swim and being in walking distance of town squares and restaurants.
If you’re staying there - make sure to go to Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village (great bookstores, galleries, coffee shops and other shops). We walked over from the park on our first night to find a courtyard outside of El Rincon Restaurante Mexicano with live music. Everyone was standing and sitting around the center, drinking wine, while others danced around. We saw two older couples twirling around the tables in long skirts with what can only be described as light-up dance whips. Not to mention, the barefoot travelers slow dancing on the top terrace. You could really feel the community and see the locals coming out after a hot day - it was a must-do and highlight.
The Beauty of Sedona
This city is a hard one to describe - the definition of “you have to see it to believe it.” Although, I haven’t had the chance to go to space, Sedona may be the closest I get to another planet. Red rocks everywhere and sand that sticks to your hiking boots for months. Although the characteristic features are the same throughout the city, each trail has its own magic.
Hike 1: Cathedral Rock
Moderate to Strenuous | 1.5 miles | 1–2 hours
We arrived in Sedona on a Tuesday afternoon, too eager to wait until morning to hit the trails, so we made Cathedral Rock our first hike. Known as Sedona’s most iconic formation, it was the perfect welcome.
When going to Cathedral Rock, you can expect expansive views, beautifully dispersed greenery and some rock scrambles. It is the perfect combination of the feeling of adventure, without being too difficult or dangerous. Not to mention that at the top, there’s a photo spot that makes it look like you’re standing at the edge of a cliff, along with a few hidden passages for the curious.
Hike 2: The Subway Cave
Moderate | 5 miles round trip | ~3 hours
Once a locals-only secret, the Subway Cave hike has become a semi-hidden gem. While it’s no longer totally off-the-radar, it still has an air of mystery. When the directions have phrases like
“There is no sign marking the trail to the cave. However, there is a very distinctive tree. As you approach the 2 mile mark, keep an eye out for a large Alligator Juniper tree.”
you know that you’re going to have a good hike.
We followed the Earth Trekkers guide (which I highly recommend for finding our way—it includes photos and step-by-step directions). The final climb to the cave is steep, but once you turn the corner and enter, it’s like stepping into a natural cathedral.
Tucked just around the bend are the Sinagua ruins—ancient cliff dwellings once home to the Sinagua people. You can learn more about the Sinagua people here.
Although it should be expected in the Southwest, be on the lookout for rattlesnakes when finding the cave. During our entire campground trip, we only saw one during this hike. When explaining how to get to the cave, we like to joke:
“To find the Subway trail, turn right at the correct alligator tree, left at the broken tree stump and ignore the jumping rattlesnakes.”
Other Hikes on Our List
We didn’t have time for everything, but we’re already planning a return trip. Here’s what’s on our “next time” list:
#1 The Birthing Cave
#2 Devil’s Bridge (most popular hike in Sedona)
#3 Soldier’s Pass
When hitting these spots, make sure to beat the crowds or go later in the day if you want a chance for some privacy or to take pictures without waiting in line!
Where to Eat in Sedona
Sedona being the hot spot of the Southwest, make sure to book your reservations far in advance if you want to grab a seat after a day of hiking. We ate at the Mesa Grill Sedona on our first day. With big glass windows, it was the perfect place to catch the sunset and close to the Mesa Airport Trail where dozens of people gather to see the views. If you visit, get the table-side guac.
Need a good wake up in the morning with some Sedona energy, or a good slow down spot for the sunset? Stop at The Chai Spot in the Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village. A shop that brings you from Sedona to Pakistan in a cup, it is definitely worth the time.
To Wrap it Up
Whether you go for the hikes, the stargazing, or just to reset from life, Sedona is one of those places that gets under your skin in the best way. We’ll be back—and next time, we’re staying longer.
Saving is Sexy:
Tip #1: If you have the ATB pass (which I highly suggest if you plan on doing a campervan trip), you can display the pass on the dashboard to park for free. Otherwise, you’ll need to get a Red Rock Parking Pass for $5/day. We used it at the Vista parking lot for Boynton Canyon Trail (the one you have to go off of to reach the Subway) and Back O’ Beyond Road (the trailhead for Cathedral Rock).
Love all the beauty! Don’t stand too close to the edge!!!