The Best Sports Attractions Near Sedona

Sedona punches well above its size for outdoor sports. The terrain is varied enough to keep any group busy, whether you're after technical mountain biking, flat-water paddling, or a round of golf with red rock views. Here's what's worth planning around.

• Mountain Biking on the Sedona Trail System — Over 200 miles of singletrack ranging from flowy beginner loops to technical expert lines. Hiline, Hangover, and Aerie are the standout rides. Sedona Bike & Bean and Over the Edge Sports both rent quality bikes and can point you to the right trails for your group's skill level.
• Rock Climbing — Sedona's sandstone offers sport and trad routes across all grades. Mescal Wall and the Coffeepot area are popular for beginners; Oak Creek Canyon has more serious multi-pitch options. Sedona Red Rock Guides runs half- and full-day instruction for groups.
• Kayaking and Tubing on Oak Creek — Slide Rock State Park is the classic tubing spot, and the creek runs fast enough in spring to make it genuinely fun. For flatwater paddling, Lake Mead and Watson Lake are within an hour's drive. Rentals are available in Sedona and Cottonwood.
• Hiking Cathedral Rock and Devil's Bridge — Cathedral Rock is a moderate 1.5-mile scramble with one of the best summit views in Arizona. Devil's Bridge is a longer out-and-back to a natural sandstone arch. Both are best done early morning before the heat and the crowds arrive.
• Golf at Seven Canyons or Sedona Golf Resort — Seven Canyons is a Tom Weiskopf design with dramatic canyon views and a private-club feel. Sedona Golf Resort in the Village of Oak Creek is more accessible and still delivers the red rock backdrop. Book tee times at least a week out in peak season.
• Off-Road ATV and UTV Tours — Several outfitters run guided ATV tours through backcountry trails not accessible by regular vehicles. Arizona Off Road Adventures and Sedona ATV Rentals both offer self-drive and guided options. Good for groups who want the terrain without the hiking.
• Skydiving over the Verde Valley — Skydive Arizona operates out of Eloy, about two hours south, but it's the closest full-service dropzone. For something closer, a few tandem operators run jumps from Cottonwood Airport with views of the red rocks on the way down.
• Fishing on the Verde River — The Verde River below Tuzigoot National Monument holds smallmouth bass, catfish, and occasional trout. Arizona Flyfishing guides run half-day float trips from Cottonwood. A valid Arizona fishing license is required and available online before you go.