Visiting Sedona in June

benefits of visiting in june

The biggest benefit of visiting Sedona in June is that the trails won’t be as crowded as they are in the spring. The combination of the summer heat and monsoon season are deterrents for many potential visitors. Most of the visitors in June are from nearby Phoenix and Tucson. These cities consistently have temperatures of 100°F and above, so Sedona offers a respite from the scorching summer heat.

drawbacks of visiting in june

June is the start of monsoon season, which can cause flash flooding both on trails and on roads. Monsoons in this part of the United States are a pattern of increased thunderstorms and rainfall. They typically occur during the late afternoon into early evening as the heat of the day builds. They can last into the night and are finished by early morning, and the cycle may repeat itself the following day. If you choose to visit Sedona in June, it is imperative to check the weather before you head out for the day.

things to do in june

There is no shortage of things to do in June; both outdoors and indoors. Below are some ideas of things to do in Sedona in June:

Sedona Photofest: The annual Sedona Photofest dedicates an entire weekend to workshops and seminars for the beginner and the advanced photographer.

Sedona International Film Festival: Celebrate the best in film from around the globe—documentaries, shorts, features, animated films, and more. Tickets and more information can be found here.

Chapel of the Holy Cross: This church was inspired by the architecture of Frank Lloyd Wright. It jets right out of the red rocks and offers stunning views of the Verde Valley. The Chapel of the Holy Cross is open every day to visitors from 9 am to 5 pm. Parking is extremely limited so you may have to park further down the road and walk. Aim for a morning visit if you can, especially in the heat of the summer.

Go Mountain Biking: Imagine yourself experiencing the landscape of Sedona on two wheels— the wind in your hair and the open road before you; peering up at the red rocks towering above and flying through desert canyons. This is an exhilarating way to experience the desert landscape of Sedona. Nearby Bike & Bean has rentals available. You can even enjoy an espresso while you wait for your bike! If you are seeking to hit the trails check out the Mountain Bike Project, an extensive resource of trails rated by difficulty, distance, and elevation. If you’re looking to book a guided mountain biking tour, there are options for every skill level. Hermosa Tours offers half-day and full-day private mountain biking tours in Sedona based on ability level from beginner to expert and everything in between. 360 Adventures offers solely beginner tours which typically are two hours in length.

Take a Jeep Tour: One of the more popular ways for adventure seekers to see the landscape of Red Rock Country is by taking a guided Jeep tour. There are several local companies that organize private Jeep tours. A guided Jeep tour through Sedona is the chance to take an exhilarating trip through the desert canyons and red rocks. Leave the driving up to someone else, the views will be all your own. Pink Adventure Tours is a popular company that offers several tour options in the Sedona area including Broken Arrow, Diamondback Gulch, and the Honanki Heritage Site to see ancient ruins of the Sinagua people. A Day in the West, the oldest family-owned Jeep Tour company in Arizona offers private Jeep tours and combination Jeep and horseback riding tours as well.

Take a Hot Air Balloon Ride: Imagine yourself towering above the red rocks of Sedona, enjoying views that few others get to experience. See Sedona from the air and book a hot air balloon tour of Red Rock County. A quiet, aerial tour gliding over the desert canyons and red rocks is a peaceful way to experience the landscape of Sedona. Red Rock Balloon Adventure only runs their tours at sunrise due to weather and conditions, so plan accordingly.

Drive the Red Rock Scenic Byway: 7.5 miles of stunning scenery featuring red rock formations and plenty of lookout points to take it all in. It only takes about 30 minutes to drive it, but we recommend carving out an afternoon to stop at all the viewpoints.

Go Stargazing: Sedona is one of the best places in the entire United States to marvel at the night sky. That’s because Sedona is one of only twenty certified Dark Sky Communities in the entire world. The city has made significant efforts to reduce its light pollution, which is not only good for the environment but fantastic for seeing the nighttime sky. We recommend driving west out of Sedona and out onto Dry Creek Road for the best views.

hiking in june

One of the best ways to experience Red Rock Country in the summer is by hiking or backpacking through the desert canyons. If you’re looking for hiking trails on your own, check out our list of top ten hikes in Sedona. On the other hand, guided hiking trips provide an opportunity to learn about the natural and cultural history of Sedona, and take care of the planning and logistics for you.

Wildland Trekking offers several options for getting outside and exploring northern Arizona. Choose from an inn-based tour of Sedona and the Grand Canyon, or a camping-based tour to see the best local sights in and around Sedona. These trips take you out to see the sights and then back to either a cozy, rustic lodge; or a spacious basecamp complete with a gourmet fireside dinner. If you’re seeking more of a backcountry experience, choose a guided backpacking trip of Red Rock Country, explore the high desert canyons by day, and have a restful night’s sleep under the “dark skies” of Sedona.

Choosing a guided tour allows you to leave the planning up to someone else —permits, lodging, meals, and transportation (excluded on some day trips) are all provided. When the stress of trip and meal planning are erased, you’ll spend your time and energy completely enjoying yourself in some of the most iconic places in the southwest United States.

weather in june

The average high in Sedona in June is 93°F (34°C) and the average low is 58°F (14°C). The average monthly precipitation is 0.35 inches. Though this may seem to be a low number for total precipitation, keep in mind that monsoon season can present a real challenge for afternoon adventures in June.

JOIN A GUIDED HIKING ADVENTURE

Sedona is home to some of the Western United States’ most iconic and scenic hiking vacations. Wildland Trekking offers trips that highlight the must-see features of Sedona and the Grand Canyon: other-worldly rock formations, views, solitude, adventure, and fascinating natural and cultural interpretation.

Guided Sedona treks are all-inclusive which covers permits; local transportation (excluded on some day tours); meals; equipment; safety systems and professional hiking/wilderness guides; all of which allow visitors to maximize their time in Sedona and focus entirely on enjoying Red Rock Country.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Erin McCarthy is a freelance writer and former Colgate University Outdoor Education Leader. When Erin isn’t writing, she is exploring the mountains and rivers of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. You can view her complete portfolio at www.erinannmccarthy.com.