Posted by: Lori Reinhold

Looking to escape the freezing weather and winter blues? A trip to Sedona might be just the answer. Winter is off-season in Sedona, meaning you’ll find lower prices, fewer crowds, and warmer temperatures than in other parts of the country. Winters in Sedona are mild, with temperatures ranging from the ‘30s to the ‘50s. While you’re here, you will enjoy sunshine, blue skies, and if you are lucky, a view of red rock country covered in a light blanket of snow. Whether you come to hike, golf, or simply soak up the rays, we promise you will enjoy your time in Sedona during the off-season. Here are our top picks for how to enjoy a pleasant desert getaway even in the heart of winter.

 Holiday Light Shows

Although the events are already past for 2017, Sedona is home to many festive holiday light shows, including the largest 3D light show in the United States. During the Sedona Northern Lights festival, jaw-dropping 3D lights are projected against the beautiful natural canvas of Camelhead Rock. Lights, art, and nature combine to create a spectacular show like nothing you have ever seen before. The Sedona Festival of Lights is another beloved Sedona tradition, in which over 6,000 lovely votive candles are lit in the Tlaquepaque Arts and Crafts Village. Tlaquepaque is always lovely, but its walkways, arches, and courtyards become especially beautiful when twinkling with holiday lights. The event also features live music, free cider, and a visit from Santa.

Skiing in Nearby Flagstaff

You will usually see some light snow Sedona during the winter months, but it usually melts pretty fast. If you want to go skiing or snowboarding, we recommend you make the short drive along Highway 89 to Flagstaff. It will take you less than an hour. There, where the elevation is 1,500 higher than in Sedona, you will find more snow and many excellent options for winter sports.

Beautiful Winter Hikes

One of the best ways to explore Sedona’s stunning red rock country is to take a hike. Sedona can get unbearably hot during the popular summer months, so a winter hike promises cooler countries and beautiful views of snow-capped canyons and cliffs. We recommend you try the Courthouse Butte Loop. It is one of the most popular trails in Sedona, but during the winter, you might just find that you have the whole trail to yourself. This 4.5 mile loop traverses the imposing Courthouse Butte, one of the largest in Sedona, and offers stunning views of iconic Bell and Castle Rocks. Sedona’s Herkenham Trail is another great choice for a winter hike and offers some pretty splendid views to boot.

Short Tee-Times at Golf Courses

Sedona and the surrounding area boast several world-class golf courses, many with stunning views of the surrounding red rock country. They are considered some of the bests courses in the country, so they can get a little busy during the high season. Luckily, you won’t have that problem in the winter. Visit Oakcreek Country Club, Sedona Golf Resort, or Canyon Mesa Country Club to enjoy short tee-times, a variety of courses, and stunning views.

Sedona Film Festival

Every February, the Sedona Film Festival attracts filmmakers and film lovers from all around the globe. Now in its 24th year, the Sedona Film Festival celebrates independent cinema and features everything from documentary shorts to foreign art-house films. The festival has even been ranked one of the best festivals in the country by MovieMaker Magazine. Tickets and festival passes are now on sale, so scoop one up now for you or the film buff in your life. We’ll see you there.

Sedona boasts over 300 days of sunshine a year, so you won’t regret choosing it as your next winter escape. During the off-season, you’ll still find breathtaking landscapes, plentiful outdoor adventures, and exciting events, just with smaller crowds and cheaper prices. Who can beat that?

Looking to escape the grey skies and cold this winter? Book a stay at the Alma de Sedona Inn for the perfect desert getaway.