Escape to Cool Sedona This Summer

For much of Arizona—including the greater Phoenix area—this summer has brought record-setting heat waves, with numerous consecutive days of triple-digit temperatures. Although located just two hours north of Phoenix, Sedona offers a refreshing oasis during the summer months, with warm, sunny days and overnight lows that reach the 60s or 70s.

Whether you’re seeking an escape from the Phoenix heat or you simply want to enjoy the breathtaking beauty of Sedona at a time when there are fewer crowds, here are a few popular highlights to experience during the summer months:

Cool off at Slide Rock State Park and Grasshopper Point

A favorite summer pastime for Sedona residents and visitors alike is to jump into the creek at Slide Rock State Park, located amidst the tree-lined, red rock cliffs of Oak Creek Canyon. Featuring a natural water slide with a smooth rock bottom, the park offers swimmers of all ages a thrilling way to cool down.

Another natural swimming hole may be found a few miles from Slide Rock at Grasshopper Point. Surrounded by terraced cliffs, Grasshopper Point boasts beautiful blue-green waters and plenty of shade, making it a popular destination for swimming, hiking, and picnicking.

Explore the area with a jeep tour

If you’d like to get an up-close look at Sedona’s stunning landscapes but would prefer to wait for cooler weather to take a hike, a jeep tour offers the perfect solution. There are several local providers of jeep tours, which transport passengers to off-the-beaten-path spots with incredible vistas of the red rocks. While en route, the tour guides provide entertaining and informative commentary about the area’s history and geology.

Admire the night skies

Officially designated as an International Dark-Sky Community—which means that the city has complied with stringent guidelines for minimizing light pollution—Sedona is an incredible destination for stargazing at any time of year. However, with beautiful nighttime weather, the summer months are a particularly great time to find a dimly lit spot and admire the vast night skies.

Take a daytrip to Flagstaff

If you’re still craving cooler weather, you might consider a quick daytrip to Flagstaff, located just 45 minutes north of Sedona. While Sedona sits at an elevation of around 4,500 feet above sea level, the charming mountain town of Flagstaff is at 7,000 feet and, therefore, generally experiences some of the lowest temperatures in the state. In addition to summer hikes among the ponderosa pines and aspen trees, visitors will find a variety of attractions in Flagstaff, including a walkable historic downtown, Lowell Observatory, Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument, and Wupatki National Monument.

With beautiful weather, fewer crowds, and stunning scenery, Sedona offers a refreshing and rejuvenating summer oasis. At El Portal, we look forward to welcoming your family (including pets!) and serving as your home away from home in the heart of Sedona. Call us today at 800-313-0017 to make a reservation, and be sure to ask about our special summer rates!