I could be biased, but Sedona is one of the most remarkable places on Earth.
Maybe it’s the overwhelming sense of peace that washes over you as you catch a glimpse of the majestic mountain peaks. Perhaps it’s the breathtaking natural beauty, the spiritual experiences, and the rustic adventures that await every traveler who passes through. Or maybe it’s because I recently got engaged to the man of my dreams in this absolute fantasy of a proposal location!
Regardless, Sedona is an enchanting destination that has captured my heart and I hope one day will capture yours too.
Nestled among the stunning red rocks of Arizona, Sedona is a desert oasis with more than enough activities to keep you on your feet and immersed in nature.
To make the most of your trip to this captivating city, it’s crucial to pack strategically. As we’ve all learned over the course of my blogs, I am not the best packer, and this was another situation where I found myself scrambling to find the appropriate attire and items to get me through the week.
Here are some tips to help you pack for your unforgettable trip to Sedona:
1. Pack Functional, Athletic Gear
I can start by saying that I am in no way an outdoorsie girlie. I much prefer the comforts of AC and working toilets. However, there is something about Sedona that makes you want to be outside, enjoying the fresh air and exploring all that nature has to offer.
I recommend packing lightweight, breathable clothing as well as flexible leggings, workout shirts, and anything you don’t mind getting a little dirty or sweaty.
For hiking and exploring the many trails this city offers, sturdy hiking boots are essential. I made the mistake of only bringing sneakers that had no traction or support at all. As a result, I spent many nights nursing my sore feet and many days praying I wouldn’t slip off a mud-encrusted mountain.
Navigating the rugged terrain is a given in Sedona, so make sure you are prepared to walk, hike, run, and explore the area with comfortable clothing and supportive footwear.
2. Check the Weather
Packing Fail #2 results in not checking the weather before our trip. Sedona’s climate ranges from hot summers to mild winters with dramatic drops in temperature at nights, however, at the time of our trip in March, Sedona encountered an unexpected snowstorm the week prior to our arrival. This resulted in snow in the desert – literally! Thankfully, we both packed sweaters and long pants, but we had no idea it would be so cold.
No matter where you decide to go in Arizona, make sure you check the weather to ensure you are bringing the right attire. If it wasn’t for their adorable shops in town, I would have turned into an ice cube!
This is also a great reminder to bring extra layered clothing to adapt to changing temperatures, especially at night. I always try to pack clothing that can be layered for this very reason, and I am so happy I did for this trip.
3. Skip the Designer
While Sedona is considered trendy and up-and-coming, I recommend skipping the designer wear.
Pack a few nicer outfits if you plan on going out to dinner at night, but your heels and designer purses can be left at home. You’d be surprised at how many times we went out to eat, dressed to the nines, only to see women and men dressed in comfortable clothing and corresponding hiking boots. It was interesting to see mud-splattered hiking boots at a fancy restaurant, but it seemed to be on trend in Sedona.
Sedona doesn’t have much of a night life, so you can leave the skin-tight mini dress at home. While there may be a couple of bars and breweries, you might feel out of place in club wear. Instead, opt for sundresses and casual wide-legged linen pants.
I also recommend trading your giant Louis Vuitton bag for a fanny pack or a belt bag for activities during the day. The style scales from cozy to laid back, so I recommend keeping that in mind when packing and choosing your outfits.
4. Leave the Technology at Home
While we all can’t imagine a life without our cellphones, I highly encourage you to leave your other devices at home and take this time to unplug. You won’t need your laptop or tablet on this trip when you are outdoors exploring the beauty that Sedona has to offer.
This was such a good opportunity to recharge and reset and I actually found my anxiety lifting without the temptation to check emails or social media.
I’ll give a pass to portable chargers, since the worst thing that could happen is getting lost in the wide expanse of the mountain terrain, but you should use this time to lay off technology and get in touch with everything this incredible place has to offer outside of photo filters and Instagram Reels.
5. Protect Your Skin (Always!)
Sedona’s awe-inspiring landscapes and vibrant sunsets provide endless opportunities to enjoy yourself and take it all in. However, you want to keep in mind that being in the desert means there is intense sun exposure.
As someone who is a recent melanoma patient, I always recommend focusing on sun protection. Sunscreen is a must, as well as wide-brimmed hats, sunglasses, and ChapStick. Our lips were so chapped from the dry air, that we highly regretted not bringing some with us. Thankfully, we stopped at a store to stock up.
You can pick these items up in town, but it’s best to make sure you protect yourself and your skin from the elements. A light shawl or workout jacket can come in handy too when you are spending all day out in the scorching desert sun.
I hope Sedona brings you as much joy and spiritual rest as it did for me back in March this year. Get ready for the adventure of a lifetime! If you are looking for more tips on how to pack efficiently for Sedona, I’m here to help!
Recent Comments