Sedona, Arizona is a stunning destination year-round, but October brings a unique charm to this desert town. Sedona is really what red rock dreams are made of!
The cooler temperatures, colorful fall foliage, and seasonal events make it one of the best times to visit.
From hiking to picturesque vistas to attending one of the many festivals, Sedona in October offers an array of various activities.
In this post, I’ll explore the best things to do in Sedona during the month of October that will be sure to please any traveler!
Is October a good time to go to Sedona Arizona?
October is an excellent time to visit Sedona since the temperatures are mild and the desert’s summer monsoon season has ended. There are also several events and festivals happening during the month of October.
The only downside is that October is considered one of the months of peak tourist season in Sedona. So don’t expect the hiking trails and events to be empty.
Hit the trails, especially the most popular ones, early to avoid the brunt of the crowds. And be sure to book your lodging in advance for the best availability, selection, and prices.
Weather in October in Sedona
Average high temperatures in Sedona range from 70-82°F with average lows ranging from 48-58°F. The hottest time of the day is between 2-4pm.
There is a relative low risk of rain, since the area sees on average 3 days of rain in the month of October.
Best Things to Do in Sedona in October
Take the scenic drive through Oak Creek Canyon
Starting in late September and lasting through the month of October, the leaves change to beautiful hues of orange, yellow, and red in Oak Creek Canyon. Yes that’s right- Arizona does have an Autumn season with changing leaves!
Take the 28 mile scenic drive of your dreams from Sedona on Highway 89A North and soak in all the fall foliage. Early-mid October is generally the best time to see the leaves at their peak.
Hike the West Fork Trail
The West Fork Trail is one of the best hikes in Sedona. It is located in Oak Creek Canyon, about 9 miles North of Sedona’s center.
The trail paints a picture perfect scene as it takes you through colorful leaves, steep canyon walls, and along a stream. If you’re familiar with Zion National Park’s Subway hike, this trail has a similar view at the end.
The hike is 6.6 miles roundtrip with about 500 feet of elevation gain. This milage is if you go all the way to the end for the subway-like formation. There are multiple river crossings, so wear waterproof hiking boots with good grip so you don’t slip on the rocks.
Be sure to get to the trailhead early, especially in October, as it can get very crowded. There is also an 11$ parking fee for the West Fork trailhead parking lot. You can pay by credit card as well at the kiosk. Dogs are welcome here on a leash.
Hit the best hiking trails around Sedona
Enjoy the cooler temperatures in Sedona by hitting the trails. There are many hikes to choose from, and below I have a list of all the best ones. I’ve hiked extensively through Sedona, doing all the most popular trails and the ones off the beaten path.
As mentioned earlier, October in Sedona is part of the peak tourist season so start all of your hikes as early as you can. Getting to a trailhead by dawn is a good start. But even then, trails like Devil’s Bridge will be pretty packed. Mid afternoon is also when the crowds thin out, but it will be hotter at this time so pack extra hydration and wear sun protection.
- The Keyhole Cave: 2.2 miles round trip with 470 ft elevation gain. Involves scrambling/rock climbing to get into the cave.
- Merry Go Round Rock: 6.5 miles round trip with 1,100 ft of elevation gain. Unique photo spot. Great for sunset and stargazing. Can also skip the hike and drive right up to this spot with a 4×4 vehicle.
- Bell Rock: 0.8 miles round trip with 200 feet of elevation gain. Great sunset spot with lots of room to spread out.
- Subway Cave via Boynton Canyon: 6 miles round trip with 820 ft elevation gain. Involves light scrambling to get into the cave. Can get crowded.
- Fay Canyon Arch trail: 1.5 miles round trip with 250 feet of elevation gain.
- Cathedral Rock: 1.2 miles round trip with 750 feet of elevation gain. Gets very crowded. Everyone goes for sunset, so do the trail for sunrise for great views and less crowds.
- Red Rock Crossing: Great walkup sunset spot.
Go camping
October is a great month to go camping in Sedona since it won’t be too hot or cold at night. Cut the costs of your trip by pitching a tent while getting immersed in nature!
There is dispersed camping nearby where you can stay the night for free, although there are no amenities. The best sites for dispersed camping are off of Loy Butte Road and off of Schnebly Hill Road. Download apps like iOverlander and The Dyrt to see all the free camping spots in Sedona.
Two of the best developed campgrounds close to Sedona’s city center are the Manzanita Campground and Rancho Sedona RV Park.
Stargaze
October is one of the best months in Sedona for stargazing, so take advantage of the clear skies! Sedona is a designated Dark Sky Community, so the stargazing here is fantastic.
For best stargazing opportunities, go out on a night that is closest to a new moon. During a full moon, the light that’s illuminated will drown out the stars and planets. In October you still have a chance to see the Milky Way as well.
Some of the best spots for stargazing in Sedona are: Fay Canyon, Schnebly Hill Road, Dry Creek Road, and the Aerie Trailhead.
Take an off roading tour
Taking an off roading tour is one of the best things to do in Sedona so you can see some hidden spots not everyone gets the chance to see. Plus- it’s super fun!
October is one of the best times to do these tours since the roads should be dry, and you won’t have to deal with the high heat of summer or cold days of the winter.
Pink Jeep Tours is definitely the most popular company in Sedona that offers off roading adventures. You’ll see these pink jeeps all over Sedona. They offer many packages and places to choose from.
Dine al fresco
What better way to enjoy the beautiful weather than to eat outside? Some of the best restaurants that offer outdoor seating are:
- Hideaway House: Serving lunch & dinner. Italian food and lovely wine selection and local brews on tap. Red rock and creek views.
- Elote Cafe: Serves dinner only. Mexican food and great margaritas. Red rock views.
- Pump House Station Urban Eatery: Serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. New American style eats. Live music on Friday nights.
- Mesa Grill: Serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. New American and Southwestern style food.
Go wine tasting on the Verde Valley Wine Trail
The Verde Valley wine trail in nearby Cottonwood, Arizona has 25 wineries on it. It is a 25 minute drive from downtown Sedona.
Consider this day tour from Sedona to visit 4 Verde Valley wineries with transportation for a relaxing day out!
If you want to explore yourself, stop at these best wineries along the Verde Valley Wine trail:
- Alcantara Vineyard: They have over 20,000 vines and offer 17 different kinds of wine. A regular tasting is 15$ per person. You’ll have views of the vineyards and river.
- Oak Creek Vineyards: Family friendly winery with views of the vineyards. A wine flight is 15$.
- Javelina Leap Vineyard Winery and Bistro: Family owned winery with award winning wines. A tasting flight here is $24.
Go apple picking
Name a better fall activity than apple picking! There is a lovely apple orchard located on the property of Slide Rock State Park in Sedona.
It has been in operation since 1912 and has over 300 apple trees. They also host an annual Apple Festival every October!
Attend a festival
There are many festivals happening in Sedona to choose from in October.
The Sedona Arts Festival is happening on October 7 & 8, 2023. A 15$ ticket gets you access to both days and the proceeds go back to the community. There are over 100 artists here from around the country with live music and food.
The Sedona Plein Air Festival is a weeklong with many free events and unique workshops. In 2023 the Plein Air Festival is happening October 20-28.
The Sedona Rock, Gem, and Jewelry show is on October 21 & 22, 2023 and admission is just $4. There are 45 vendors at this show that have many different rocks and gems showcased.
The Red Rocks annual Oktoberfest is a craft beer festival on October 14, 2023. Tickets are 25$ if bought ahead of time, versus 35$ at the door. Many dress up in traditional German Oktoberfest outfits when attending. There are food trucks and live music here as well.
Go on a hot air balloon ride
Get one of the best views of Sedona by going up in the sky by way of a hot air balloon! They do these rides during sunrise; as if the views couldn’t get any better. Red Rock Balloons is a highly rated tour company that offers this once in a lifetime experience.
Go mountain biking or rock climbing
There are many great mountain biking trails around Sedona. If you don’t have your own, you can rent one from Thunder Mountain Bikes. In general, even though there are beginner trails, mountain biking in Sedona is more for the intermediate or advanced bikers. The best beginner trail is the Bell Rock Pathway.
Sedona is full of red rock, so why not go rock climbing? Visit this website for some of the best climbing routes.
Go to the nearby towns of Flagstaff or Jerome for more fall activities!
Both of the towns of Flagstaff and Jerome are closeby and worth a little half or full day adventure while staying in Sedona.
Flagstaff is about a 45 minute drive North of Sedona. It is home to a large concentration of Aspen trees that turn golden yellow in the month of October. If you have a day to spare, I highly recommend a trip here since you’re already so close in Sedona.
Hike the short Inner Basin trail or take the scenic gondola ride at the Arizona Snowbowl above the trees. If you’re up for it, the 3,000 foot climb up Humphrey’s Peak- Arizona’s highest point- is a great hike in the fall!
The town of Jerome is 40 minutes Southwest and is known as Arizona’s ghosttown. Jerome once was a prosperous mining town that was destroyed over the years due to fires and dynamite explosions.
Celebrate the month of Halloween by going on a ghost tour of the town! Or visit the Haunted Hamburger, an eatery that is rumored by workers, the owners, and patrons to be haunted.
Travel Tip! Only got 48 hours to explore Sedona? Check out this 2-day Sedona itinerary.
Wrap up: 13 Things To Do in Sedona in October
In conclusion, Sedona is a wonderful destination to explore in October. The mild weather allows for all the best outdoor activities such as hiking and biking enjoying the beautiful red rock views.
Experience the marvelous fall foliage in Oak Creek Canyon and nearby Flagstaff. There are also various festivals and events like the Sedona Arts Festival that offer a unique cultural experience for visitors.
Whether you’re seeking adventure or relaxation, Sedona has something for everyone to enjoy during this magical time of year. So pack your bags and head to Sedona this October!
Author’s Bio:
Kate did travel nursing for two years all over the West Coast taking many road trips in between assignments. She’s lived in California, Colorado, Arizona, & Washington. Now she’s based out of Philadelphia but still travels every chance she gets. When she’s not traveling or working as a nurse she writes for her travel blog, Kate Roams the World.
