Post Summary: The Ultimate Sedona Packing List (+ Download!)
So, you’ve decided to plan a trip to Sedona, Arizona. Excellent choice!
It’s such a unique destination, with incredible red rocks, vast landscapes, and hidden gems (and vortexes!) around every corner.
Berty and I are no strangers to Sedona. We live in the Pacific Northwest, but we find ourselves returning often to the sunny Southwest when we need a healthy dose of sunshine after a long, gray Washington winter.
Because of this, we know a thing or two about planning a Southwest road trip and packing according to the area.
Keep scrolling for our all-season Sedona packing list, and scroll down even further for seasonal additions along the way.
Happy packing!
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The Complete Sedona Packing List For All Seasons
Let’s start with an all-season packing list for Sedona, Arizona. We’ll dive into specifics for each season below, but this first section is dedicated to things you’ll need any time of year.
- No Time To Read?
- The Complete Sedona Packing List For All Seasons
- What To Wear in Sedona, Arizona
- Outdoor Accessories To Bring To Sedona, Arizona
- Tech For Your Sedona Packing List
- Outdoor Gear To Bring To Sedona
- Sedona Packing List (By The Seasons)
- What To Pack For Winter in Sedona (December, January, February)
- What To Pack For Spring in Sedona (March, April, May)
- What To Pack For Summer in Sedona (June, July, August, September)
- What To Pack For Fall in Sedona (October, November)
- FAQs about Packing For Sedona, Arizona
- MORE SOUTHWEST ADVENTURES
What To Wear in Sedona, Arizona
1. Sun Shirts
What’s a sun shirt?
It’s a long sleeve, lightweight layer with a hood! Oftentimes, sun shirts have SPF protection, called UPF. They are breathable and protect your skin from harsh weather.
We highly recommend the Sahara Shade Hoodie by REI if you are visiting Sedona during the summertime!
2. Layers, layers, layers!
The days are often hot in Sedona, but the mornings and evenings can be quite chilly, especially in the spring and fall!
It’s essential to be prepared for any type of weather.
Here are the layers you should be packing:
- Base Layer: Merino wool or quick-dry synthetic fabric. NO cotton. (Cotton can hold on to water and make you feel colder.)
- Fleece Jacket: This layer retains heat and keeps you warmer.
- Windbreaker. Depending on the weather, the outer layer should keep you away from the elements, but especially the wind.
3. Long Pants
No matter what time of year you visit, long pants are always a good addition to your Sedona packing list.
Not only do they keep the sun off your skin, but they can also protect it from dusty weather, and scary critters hiding low to the ground!
They can prevent you from getting scratched by underbrush and keep mud off your body too.
For ultimate versatility, try the REI Co-op Sahara Convertible pants. They zipper off all the way to shorts, so you can literally shed layers as the day gets warmer!
4. Wool Socks
Why wool socks specifically? Wool socks wick the sweat off your feet, keeping them nice and dry even on sweaty hikes in Sedona.
Our favorites are these micro crew socks from Darn Tough.
5. Hiking Boots or Shoes
Nobody likes sweaty feet, so consider adding a pair of breathable, sturdy shoes to your Sedona packing list.
During your trip, you may find yourself hopping over rocks or following cairns on smooth surfaces. Despite the popular belief that “more traction = more grip”, choose shoes with less traction for more grip on those slippery sandstone surfaces!
The Merrell Moab 3 Hiking Shoes are essential for desert hiking!
6. Water Sandals
If you are visiting Sedona in the summertime, swimming holes are a popular respite on hot days!
You’ll want a pair of grippy water shoes to keep your feet safe during a dip.
Personally, we love the Teva Hurricane XLT2s. They come is SO many different patterns and colors!
7. Fleece Jacket
A fleece jacket is an excellent layer to add to your Sedona packing list.
Fleece is lightweight and paired with other layers, it keeps you warm during those cool mornings and evenings. We love these ones by Cotopaxi that come in fun colors!
8. Windbreaker Jacket
If you plan to be hanging out during all hours, you need to add a windbreaker to your packing list.
Windbreakers will keep you warm even when the wind is whipping, which is quite often in the desert!
If you find rain in the forecast, you can double up on a windbreaker/rain jacket combo too, so you don’t have to pack two separate coats.
9. Hoodie
For casual evenings outside by the fire, a casual hoodie will do just fine! It’s important to have plenty of layers, especially during the shoulder season in Sedona when you might not think it’s necessary.
The high elevation of the area means it can still get quite cold year-round!
10. Fancy Clothing (For a Nice Dinner Out)
If you are planning a luxury vacation to Sedona, there’s a chance you may visit a fancy restaurant!
Some fine-dining locations have dress codes (like Mariposa and Dahl & Di Luca Ristorante).However, most people in Sedona dress casually.
11. Sport-Specific Clothing (Golfing, Yoga, Biking, Hiking, Etc)
Sedona is a hub for all sorts of adventures!
If you are specifically planning activities like golfing, a yoga class, biking, and more, make sure to bring gear specific to that sport!
Outdoor Accessories To Bring To Sedona, Arizona
12. Sun Hat
The weather in Sedona is sunny and clear almost year-round! It is in the desert after all.
Protect your skin in style with a cute hat! Our favorites are from Gigi Pip. They have felt styles and straw styles (+ more!), and are perfect for any given season. Here are some of our favorites:
- The Monroe Rancher
- Bre Straw Pork Pie Hat in Natural (pictured above)
- The Dahlia Boater Hat
13. Sunglasses
Along with a hat, sunglasses will protect your eyes from the harsh rays.
We really like these ones from Goodr. They stay on your head even on strenuous hikes, even when trail running! They are inexpensive too, so you don’t have to cry if they break.
14. Warm Hat
Coming to Sedona in the late fall, winter, or early spring? The mornings are quite cold, so it’s important to bundle up!
We like to pack at least one or two beanies with us on our trips. They will keep you warm as you walk along Soldiers Pass trail for sunrise, or if you’re sitting outside enjoying an evening sunset.
15. Packing Cubes
If you like to stay organized on trips (like me!), we highly recommend using packing cubes!
Using them, you can sort out your clothes by type (shirts, pants, underwear, etc) or by outfit.
We also pack an empty packing cube on purpose, to use for dirty laundry. This way, they stay separate in your bag!
16. Hair Ties
Arizona can get windy, especially on Sedona hikes that have cliffside views of the desert!
Pack a few extra hair ties in your bag to tame those flyaways.
17. Small Wallet / Waist Pack
Generally speaking, Sedona is considered a safe place. However, we don’t recommend leaving valuables in your car anywhere you park. This includes backcountry trailheads.
For comfort, pack a small waist pack to keep cash, cards, and keys on hand. If you don’t want your items visible, you can also opt to get a small neck wallet, and tuck it away under your jacket or in your shirt.
18. Cash & Debit/Credit Card
Most places around Flagstaff, Phoenix, and Sedona take credit cards. However, in small towns outside of Sedona, you may encounter cash-only transactions!
Pack both cash and cards in your wallet to prepare for any situation. ATMs are common in bigger Arizona cities.
19. Travel Insurance (Optional)
As stated above, Arizona is generally a safe place to travel. However, in today’s world, travel circumstances change so quickly! If you are concerned about your trip being interrupted, it’s a safe bet to purchase travel insurance.
Travel insurance can cover things like a health emergency, travel changes, and even more specifics if you want. This one is up to you and your comfort level.
You might also consider: How To Build Your Own DIY Car Emergency Kit
Tech For Your Sedona Packing List
20. Camera
Some of the best Southwest photography locations are located in Sedona.
Don’t forget to capture those moments and bring a camera! It doesn’t have to be a fancy one either.
Smartphones now take just as high-quality images – read all about our smartphone landscape photography tips!
Want To See Our Setup? Read Our Complete Travel Photography Gear List
21. Drop-Proof Phone Case
If you are planning to spend an extended amount of time around cliffs, rocks, or sandstone trails, it’s essential to keep your gear protected!
We can’t even count how many times our phone has dropped out of our pocket in the dirt or rolled away on the trail. It’s better to be safe than sorry! (Especially when hiking to the Birthing Cave in Sedona.)
I recently bought this inexpensive phone case with a strap sling, and it’s been a life saver to keep my hands free on the trail!
22. Power Bank
Have you ever been stuck in an unfamiliar place with a dead phone? Trust us, it’s not fun! Especially in a place like Sedona, where cell service is few and far between.
Pack a pocket-sized power bank and an extra phone charging cable. This way, you have power on hand when you need it.
23. Extra Cords or Chargers
Because Berty and I travel a lot, we’ve learned that outlets in hotels or Airbnbs aren’t always in the most convenient places!
This is why we bought 6ft phone charging cords on Amazon. When the only outlet is clear across the room, it’s a lifesaver!
Outdoor Gear To Bring To Sedona
24. Area Maps of Sedona
One of the most essential items you need to explore Sedona is a map of the area!
Paper maps can be easily acquired at visitor centers or a tourism information center in Sedona.
These will mark out the major roads in the area and popular hiking trails, campgrounds, and other interesting features.
Make sure to pick up at least these maps:
- Red Rock State Park Map
- Sedona Area Maps (downtown, shuttles, parking)
Not a paper map person? Download some of our favorite hiking apps and road trip apps to help you navigate on the go and save your favorite spots.
25. Binoculars
Red rock formations dot the landscape in all directions – why not bring a pair of binoculars to see them better??
These ones by Nocs Provisions are waterproof, come in tons of fun colors, and have hooks so you can easily add straps.
26. Arizona Plant Book
I’m a HUGE fan of identifying plants, and I’m constantly taking pictures of plants and looking them up in books later.
We especially this book called Plants of Arizona by Anne Orth Epple, but you could also download a plant ID app if you don’t want to pack any books.
27. Retractable Hiking Poles
Hiking poles are a great idea for hikes in Sedona that require a little more elevation or distance.
Pack them on trails like list long hikes here.
We especially love these Black Diamond retractable poles. They can easily fit in a suitcase and are made of super-durable carbon fiber.
28. Paracord Bracelet
For peak preparedness, double up on emergency gear that’s also a fashion statement!
A Para cord bracelet that doubles as an emergency rope is great to have on slightly more challenging Sedona hiking trails.
We never recommend getting too close to an edge (especially if you’re hiking the Devil’s Bridge trail), but if you do (and drop something!!) you’ll be glad you had some rope!
29. Day Pack
Pack up all your hiking gear and snacks in a daypack.
We like to choose one with comfortable shoulder straps and made of a water-resistant material.
30. Sunscreen
Arizona is no stranger to the sunshine!
Make sure to put some sunscreen on your Sedona packing list, especially if you are visiting in the summer months.
31. Bug Repellent
Mosquitoes are a nuisance in the summertime! This is especially true on nearby lakes or pools of still water, as they are a breeding ground for these pesky insects.
Pack some bug spray for use in the mornings and evenings (which is peak time for mosquitos).
32. Water Bottle
Being properly hydrated can be the difference between a bad trip and a great one!
Pack a wide-mouth bottle for easy cleaning and filling on the go. Additionally, you could pack a water bladder, so you can have easy access to water on the hiking trails.
33. Snacks
Snacking is such a customizable thing – you can get as fancy or as cheap as you want!
Personally, we like to visit a local grocery store and pick up some seasonal fruit, nuts, or dried meats. Other times, we bring our own coffee and make Aeropress brew mid-hike if we’re going on a sunrise excursion. The choice is yours!
Read More: 15 Easy Hiking Snacks To Bring On The Trail
34. Headlamp
If you are planning any kind of early or late adventure, it’s important to add a headlamp to your Sedona packing list. Definitely bring it if you are planning to hike Cathedral Rock at sunset. By the time you return to your car, it will already be dark!
35. First-Aid Kit
First-aid kits are one of those things you hope to never use, but are SO grateful to have in an emergency! Make sure it covers the basics like hand sanitizer, bandages, and ibuprofen.
If you know you’re going on a more strenuous adventure, it’s essential to pack a first-aid kit tailor-made for adventurers. This kit by Adventure Medical Kits is the perfect size for 2x day hikers!
Sedona Packing List (By The Seasons)
In addition to all of the above items, here’s what to specifically pack for Sedona based on the seasons.
What To Pack For Winter in Sedona (December, January, February)
The desert can get quite cold…actually REALLY cold in the winter months.
Depending on what time you visit, you may see a dusting of snow on top of the rocks, but it’s still quite easy to get around the area.
Sedona weather in winter averages between the mid-30s and low-60s, which means bundling up is essential.
You’ll want to pack plenty of extra layers during this season and add these to your Sedona packing list:
- Waterproof Hiking Boots (for snowy hikes)
- Tech-friendly touch gloves
- Buff
- Down jacket
- Towel (for the car)
- Extra Trash Bags (for wet shoes)
- Long pants
- Sunscreen and sunglasses (yes, still in winter)
Read More: 10 Best Winter Road Trips on the West Coast
What To Pack For Spring in Sedona (March, April, May)
Spring in Sedona is one of the most popular times to visit the park. Between spring camping, hiking, and new desert blooms, it’s one of our favorite times to visit Sedona!
You’ll find that there will be a mix of sunny and cloudy days. You can almost always expect the mornings and evenings to be cold and the afternoons to be warm.
Temperatures average between 60-80 degrees during the day, and the 40s at night.
Here’s what we suggest adding to your packing list for Sedona in spring:
- Light sweaters and jackets
- Long pants
- A mix of long and short sleeve t-shirts
- Lightweight boots for hiking
- Sunscreen
- Protective hat
- Sunglasses
What To Pack For Summer in Sedona (June, July, August, September)
Most of the main list here outlines what to bring to Sedona in summer, seeing as it’s a popular times to visit the area.
Arizona locals to Phoenix and Scottsdale often travel to Sedona to escape those scorching summer temps in the big cities!
If you are extending your time to activities outside of the town and surrounding parks (like camping, river floating, etc) here’s what to add to your packing list for the summer:
- Flip flops or water sandals
- Quick-dry Shorts
- Swimsuit
- Beach Games / Volleyball
- Cooler
- Beach Blanket
- Camping Chairs
- Bonfire Supplies: Firestarter, paper, matches, wood (make sure your area doesn’t have an active fire ban in place)
- Sun shelter (if you’re staying in place for a while)
What To Pack For Fall in Sedona (October, November)
Sedona in the fall is a unique and peaceful time of year. It’s also the season with less rain, which means the skies are clearer for more vivid sunsets.
Expect to pack a few extra layers for some late evenings out. Think warm and cozy!
Add these to your packing list if you’re visiting Sedona in the fall:
- Camp slippers (like these Tevas)
- Extra warm Socks
- Jean Jacket / Light Jackets
FAQs about Packing For Sedona, Arizona
How do local people dress in Sedona, Arizona?
The name of the game is LAYERS. Locals know that the high desert climate of Sedona can change rapidly throughout the day, so they are ready for anything.
To dress for typical Sedona outfits, always have an extra bottom and top layer, either in your day hiking backpack or in your car.
What should you wear to dinner in Sedona, Arizona?
Sedona is a casual, laid-back place. Some even say that Sedona is a town for hippies and granola girls!
Unless you have reservations and fine dining Sedona restaurants like Mariposa or Dahl & Di Luca Ristorante, you don’t have to worry about a specific dress code.
Is it cold in Sedona in winter?
Honestly, that depends on where in the world you are traveling from! Compared to the majority of the United States, winter weather in Sedona is mild and dry.
It’s not uncommon to see a light dusting of snow on the red rocks during the deep winter months (December, January, and February).
Average winter temperatures in Sedona are around the low-60s during the day and the mid-30s at night.
What should I wear on a hike in Sedona?
Hiking in Sedona is very different from our familiar territory of hikes in the Pacific Northwest. There are two distinct differences.
- Always bring sun protection. This looks like a sun hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a rash guard or sun shirt!
- Bring low-traction boots! Sandstone is common in Sedona, and the flatter your shoes, the gripper they can be on the rocks!
Additionally the altitude in Sedona is quite different from the PNW! The elevation is 4,350 feet above sea level, which means if you feel more out of breath than usual, that’s perfectly normal!
Did we miss anything on our Sedona packing list? Have any additions to make? Leave them in the comments below!
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