Day 3

Chasing Sunrise (and Coffee) in Sedona & Beyond 🌄☕

Dragging ourselves out of bed early again this morning definitely wasn’t easy—but this time it was intentional. We’d set the alarm specifically to catch sunrise in Sedona, knowing how incredible the red rocks can look in that early morning light. In theory, it was a great plan. In reality… the weather had other ideas. Low cloud and overcast skies meant we missed out on the glowing reds and oranges we were hoping for. It was a little disappointing, but at least we were up early and ahead of the crowds—so we pushed on.

We initially thought about walking to nearby Bell Rock, which is close to our accommodation, but instead decided to try Cathedral Rock—one of Sedona’s most photographed landmarks. We aimed for the Easy Breezy Trail, a more relaxed option compared to the steeper summit tracks. The trail winds through open desert terrain with gentle elevation changes, offering wide views of the surrounding formations without requiring much effort. That said, after about half an hour, it felt like we were getting further away from Cathedral Rock rather than closer—so we cut our losses and turned back.

Next up was the Twin Buttes area, on the other side of the highway, and this ended up being a highlight. This part of Sedona feels quieter and more residential, with some impressive homes that really suit the landscape. The architecture is classic Southwestern desert style—earth-toned stucco, flat roofs, and large windows designed to frame the scenery. It all blends in with the surroundings rather than standing out, which works perfectly against the red rock backdrop.

From here, we also had a great view of the Chapel of the Holy Cross. Built into the cliffs in the 1950s, it’s one of Sedona’s most recognisable landmarks. The structure rises dramatically out of the rock, with a tall cross built into its façade, and was designed to feel like part of the landscape itself. Even from a distance, it’s a striking sight.

We then made our way into Upper Sedona—partly for coffee, but also to track down the well-known Snoopy Rock. This area has a more local, laid-back feel compared to some of the busier parts of town, with a mix of cafés, galleries, and small shops. Snoopy Rock is one of those quirky formations that only really works from a specific angle, where it resembles Snoopy lying on top of his doghouse. We didn’t quite nail the perfect photo, but it was still fun trying. Upper Sedona itself was a great find—easygoing and scenic without feeling overly touristy.

By this stage, we still hadn’t eaten, so we headed back to the hotel for a quick breakfast of cereal and yoghurt before heading out again.

For something different, we decided to drive up to Flagstaff, less than an hour away—but it felt like a completely different world. Sitting at over 2,000 metres above sea level and surrounded by the largest ponderosa pine forest in the United States, Flagstaff has a distinctly alpine feel. The temperature difference hit us immediately—while Sedona had been sitting comfortably in the 20s, Flagstaff struggled to reach double digits. Not ideal when you’ve dressed for desert weather.

As we arrived in the historic downtown area, we were stopped at a railway crossing for over five minutes while a long freight train passed through. It turned out to be a fitting introduction to the town.

Flagstaff’s history is deeply tied to the railroad. Established in the late 1800s along the transcontinental railway, it quickly became an important hub for transport and trade in northern Arizona. Later, the arrival of Route 66 cemented its place as a key stop for travellers crossing the country. Today, that history is still very much alive. The tracks still run straight through town, freight trains pass regularly, and the historic downtown has been carefully preserved.

Walking through the area, you’ll find early 20th-century brick buildings, vintage signage, and a mix of old storefronts that now house cafés, bars, and independent shops. There’s a real sense of character here—less polished than Sedona, but more grounded and authentic. It feels like a place with history, rather than one built purely for tourism.

Even though it was only around 10am, most places were still closed, but we were glad to find Tourist Home open. After the cold morning, warm soup and cheese toasties were exactly what we needed—and probably one of the most satisfying meals of the trip so far.

One thing we noticed straight away was how much more affordable Flagstaff seemed compared to Sedona, which makes sense given Sedona’s popularity as a tourist destination. After wandering the streets and taking a few photos, we made our way back toward Sedona, stopping briefly at Walmart along the way.

By the time we got back, the lack of sleep was catching up with us, so we had a quick nap before heading out again later in the afternoon.

Even though the weather was still fairly flat, we decided to give the viewpoints another go. Our first stop, Bell Rock Trailhead, was chaotic—cars circling, people waiting, and drivers hovering for spots. It felt more stressful than it was worth, so we moved on.

Our next stop, Courthouse Vista, was a completely different story—plenty of space and far more relaxed. While Ted stayed with the car sorting out the navigation, I went off to explore and noticed a couple climbing a small hill nearby. I followed, and it turned out to be one of the best decisions of the day. From the top, the view finally opened up—wide, uninterrupted, and exactly what we’d been hoping for since arriving. In front of me were Bell Rock and Courthouse Butte, rising out of the desert floor, with layers of red ridgelines stretching into the distance. Even without direct sunlight, the scale and colour of the landscape were still impressive.

I called Ted over to join me. He wasn’t entirely convinced it was a good idea—especially after we later spotted a sign reminding visitors to stay on marked paths—but even he admitted the view made it worthwhile.

We finished the day back in downtown Sedona, which we’d enjoyed earlier. After browsing a few shops, we picked up a Christmas ornament (a bit of a travel tradition for us), and stopped in at The Spice & Tea Exchange of Sedona. It’s a great little shop specialising in loose-leaf teas and spices, with everything from classic blends to more creative combinations.

We’re not usually big tea drinkers, but we gave it a go. Ted chose an Earl Grey with orange, while I tried the “Strawberry Meadows” blend—a fruity herbal mix of strawberry, apple, and light floral notes. Surprisingly good, and a nice way to support a local business.

After a full day and still running on limited sleep, we were more than ready for a quiet night in.

Sedona might not have delivered the sunrise we were hoping for, but it’s continued to impress in its own way—and we’re starting to see why so many people are drawn here.

Tomorrow, we head to Scottsdale to explore more of the Grand Canyon State.Read more