May 13, 2025
To celebrate my mom’s milestone 80th birthday (a bit early), my family gathered in Sedona, Arizona, to welcome the New Year for a multigenerational Sedona adventure. This enchanting town, known for its stunning red rock formations and mystical energy, provided the perfect backdrop for a family trip spanning ages 13 to 80. Having previously visited Sedona with husband Brad during our pre-kids road trip and again on an unforgettable girls’ getaway in 2022, I was thrilled to share its magic with our extended family.
Where We Stayed
We rented two Airbnbs right next door to each other, which worked perfectly for our crew. Each family took turns cooking dinner, creating a fun rhythm of shared meals and family time—except for our one big celebratory meal out. This setup made evenings easy and relaxed, and it was nice to rotate who played chef each night while playing games and catching up.
Hiking Highlights for All Ages
Sedona’s diverse trails cater to all skill levels, making it ideal for multigenerational adventures:
- Big Park Loop: This 2.5-mile loop near Courthouse Butte offers easy terrain and breathtaking views—perfect for hikers from 13 to 80.
- Sedona Airport Loop Trail: A moderately challenging 3.3-mile loop with panoramic vistas, especially magical at sunset.
- Soldier Pass Trail & Cathedral Rock: My brothers tackled these more strenuous hikes for the payoff of epic views and fewer crowds.
- Boyton Canyon Subway Cave: While we didn’t Subway Cave on this trip, I hiked it on a girls’ trip in 2022 and we loved it. It’s a moderate 6 mile round trip.
We also visited Montezuma Castle National Monument, where there’s a short paved trail and a fascinating look at ancient cliff dwellings. While there, we met artist Joshua Ballze (@jurassic_paleoart_expo_jpx), who has ancestral ties to the area and had just installed new paintings in the visitors center.
Tip: I swear by the @alltrails app to choose hikes by difficulty, length, and popularity.
Mystical Moments
Several of us had our auras photographed and analyzed—a unique Sedona experience! I learned that my aura is orange, which means artistic and full of physical-creative energy. I was also advised to incorporate more mindfulness into my life, so I downloaded the free Insight Timer meditation app and am already loving the guided sessions.
Spa Day Bliss
A few of us indulged in luxurious spa treatments that were pretty dreamy. There are many spas, but try to make treatment reservations well in advance.
Pickleball, Disc Golf & Family Fun
There was lots of family pickleball—my mom’s a total pro and has been playing several times a week for the past decade. We ordered an affordable paddle and ball set on Amazon and left it behind for future VRBO guests.
Brad, as always, scoped out a local disc golf course (a beautiful one!) and often played early morning rounds with my mom—an unexpected bonding activity they both loved.
Dinner with a View
Our one night out was at The Hudson Sedona, an upscale restaurant with killer food, cocktails, and sweeping views of the red rocks. The atmosphere made it a perfect spot to toast to 80 amazing years of my mom’s life.
A Few Extras to Know
Sedona is full of fun and quirky shopping, from crystals and handmade jewelry to desert-inspired decor. But be warned—the traffic can get pretty bad during peak hours, especially midday. If you’re planning excursions or meals out, build in extra time to avoid frustration.
Final Thoughts
This was my third time in Sedona, and each visit brings something new—whether it’s a jaw-dropping view, a mystical surprise, or a meaningful moment with family. If you’re looking for a destination that offers natural beauty, spiritual energy, and activities for all generations, Sedona might be the perfect fit.
