My love of Sedona began almost 15 years ago when I first visited with my husband for a couples getaway. What struck me immediately was the beauty of the red rock mountain range, which was a spectacular backdrop for the idyllic town. They are a layer of sandstone referred to as the Schnebly Hill Formation which covers the majority of the Colorado Plateau. 

Back in 2009, though popular, Sedona wasn’t as popular as it is today. While the city is about 19 square miles with less than 10,000 full-time residents, there are over three million tourists that visit each year. So, as you can imagine, this little slice of heaven can get quite crowded during high season. In fact, one of our favorite times of the year to visit is during the low season, from December to February. The pace of life slows down, as you are surrounded by the celestial mountains, and it feels as though you have the city to yourself. 

Although temperatures can vary in the winter months and it does get cold in the high desert, Sedona sees over 280 days of sunshine per year, with an average of less than 18 inches of rain annually. So even in the winter, the sun is most likely to peek out, allowing for plenty of outdoor pursuits. You’re also likely to find better lodging rates and less traffic.

Here’s a 3-day itinerary – 

Day 1

Make reservations at the newly renovated Sky Rock Sedona. The 109 guest rooms offer privacy and beautiful views of the red rocks right outside your front door. Sleek, adobe-style rooms feature flat-screen tv’s, comfortable seating areas, fireplaces and spacious bathrooms. Upgraded rooms feature patios with an outdoor seating area. The hotel’s chic lobby has a hopping bar with friendly and efficient service. Bar WOOWOO serves breakfast and tapas-style dinner fare, along with cocktails and drinks. The biggest perk of the hotel is its location – there’s a Whole Foods within walking distance and it’s only 1.5 miles from downtown.

On your first night, head to Butterfly Burger for delicious, hearty fare under the direction of celebrity chef Lisa Dahl, who has appeared on various food shows, including Travel Channel’s Food Paradise and the Food Network’s Beat Bobby Flay. Not only did she win three burger battles, she has also been a featured chef at the prestigious James Beard House in New York City twice. You’ll want to order the award-winning Gringo Burger, which melts in your mouth. Though the restaurant is best-known for its burgers, you’d be missing out if you didn’t get the green goddess organic kale salad. 

After a fulfilling meal, check out one of the four vortexes Sedona is best known for –  Airport Mesa, Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock and Boynton Canyon. I recommend Airport Mesa, where you can embark on a 3.5-mile hike and see panoramic views of the city. The loop is relatively easy, with little elevation gain. 

For a romantic dinner, make reservations at Dahl & Di Luca, and be prepared for an elegant culinary experience. Don’t miss their caprese d’amore and the soup of the day. During our visit, we couldn’t get over how divine the butternut squash soup was, with its vibrant flavors, smoothness, and hint of heat. Pastas are an integral part of Italian food, but if you’re gluten-free, you have options. The kitchen makes splendid gluten-free pasta that’s soft and fluffy, just like the real thing. 

Day 2

Waking up to the view of red rocks right out your front door is a treat. For some exercise, head to yoga offered by the hotel. It’s a great way to breathe some life into the body before a day full of activity. 

Make reservations in advance for the popular Broken Arrow Excursion with the  Pink Jeep Tour of Sedona. They’ll take you out on a 2-hour four-wheel adventure in an open air Pink Jeep® Wrangler, where you’ll witness the natural wonders of Sedona. You’ll also have opportunities to stop, hike, and take pictures.

Take some time for rest and relaxation. Head to Sedona’s New Day Spa for an indulgent treatment. Book a couples massage, where you’ll be pampered by knowledgeable therapists. 

Have a hankering for some pizza? Head to Pisa Lisa in West Sedona, where you can succumb to your carb-fix. These wood-fired pizzas are hard to resist! Order the tomato bisque and dip your pizza crusts in the thick, creamy soup. If you have leftovers, take them home. The pizzas taste good cold the next day. 

Day 3

Grab a quick to-go sandwich at Whole Foods and head to Adobe Jack Trail, which is about a 10-minute walk from the hotel, or a 2-minute drive. The trail is clearly marked and has four parking spots, so get there early if you’re driving. The trail leads to other longer hikes if you’re looking for something more challenging. Traverse jagged rocks, dirt paths, and over streams and see if you can spot some local wildlife such as mule deer, lizards, rattlesnakes, and javelinas, a pig-like mammal. Make sure to wear shoes with good grip as the rocks can get slippery when it rains. Also, make sure to bring some water to stay hydrated. 

Before heading home, stop by Mother’s Apothecary, owned by Susie Nedly, an herbalist whose store is full of home remedies, holistic products, and fun vintage clothing. If you’re having trouble sleeping, try her homemade sleep tea, which works wonders. Before heading home, be sure to stop by Tlaquepaque, a cute shopping village with cobblestone streets and beautiful gardens to pick up a souvenir or two. You’ll find many art galleries featuring local artists, several shops selling estate jewelry, and a dessert shop that carries all the sweets you could ever dream of.