Things to Do in Sedona in September 2026: Red Rocks, Events, and Early Fall Adventures

September is one of our favorite times to experience Sedona.

Summer begins to loosen its hold on Northern Arizona, fall is right around the corner, and the calendar fills with outdoor activities, art, music, wellness experiences, and plenty of reasons to spend the day exploring the red rocks. September through November is also considered one of Sedona’s best periods for outdoor adventures thanks to more comfortable fall conditions.

If you are planning a Sedona getaway in September 2026, you can build a trip that feels completely different from a peak summer visit. Start early on the trails, spend the afternoon exploring town, and finish your day watching the changing light from somewhere unforgettable.

Here are some of the experiences we recommend adding to your September itinerary.

See Sedona From the Sky With Apex Air

We might be a little biased, but seeing Sedona from above is one of the best ways to understand just how enormous and varied this landscape really is.

From the ground, formations like Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock, Thunder Mountain, and Boynton Canyon each feel like their own destination. From a helicopter, you begin to see how the canyons, mesas, wilderness areas, forests, and red rock formations fit together.

Our Everything Sedona helicopter tour covers more than 20 miles and offers aerial views of landmarks including Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock, Snoopy Rock, Thunder Mountain, Boynton Canyon, and more. Day and sunset flights are available, which makes it easy to build a flight into either the beginning or end of your September itinerary.

Travelers who want to go deeper can choose longer experiences such as Ancient Sedona, which travels through Boynton and Long Canyons and provides aerial views of ancient ruins that are extremely difficult to reach on foot. Our longer Secret Wilderness and Mogollon Rim tours explore even more remote sections of Sedona and the surrounding wilderness.

September sunsets can be especially beautiful from the air. As the sun drops, the landscape shifts through shades of orange, red, rust, and purple, giving even familiar formations a completely different appearance.

Take Advantage of September Hiking Weather

Sedona has more than enough trails to fill an entire vacation, and September marks the beginning of one of the most popular seasons for getting outside.

Bell Rock, Cathedral Rock, Devil’s Bridge, and West Fork are among the area’s best-known trails, but there are options for nearly every experience level. Bell Rock Pathway is particularly approachable for travelers looking for something less strenuous, while Cathedral Rock provides a much steeper challenge with scrambling along the way.

September can still get hot, especially during the first half of the month. Sedona’s early September 2026 forecast includes daytime temperatures reaching well into the 80s, with some days approaching the low 90s, so early morning hiking is still a smart choice. Rain is also possible as summer weather patterns wind down.

Bring plenty of water, sun protection, supportive shoes, and layers for changing temperatures. The Sedona Chamber recommends planning hikes according to seasonal conditions and checking trail conditions or closures before heading out.

Join a Guided Red Rock Hike

If you would rather explore with someone who can explain what you are seeing, guided hikes are scheduled throughout September 2026.

Guided Red Rock Hikes are currently scheduled for September 5, 12, 19, and 26 from 7:00 to 9:30 a.m. The hikes combine time on the trail with information about Sedona’s geology, desert plants, and surrounding landscape. Registration is required in advance.

We especially like the idea of pairing a morning hike with an afternoon or sunset flight. Walking through the landscape first gives you an intimate view of the terrain, while flying over it later reveals just how far those formations and canyon systems extend.

Explore Sedona’s Art Scene on First Friday

Sedona’s creative side deserves some room on your itinerary too.

On Friday, September 4, several art-focused events are scheduled around town. Mountain Trails Gallery at Tlaquepaque is opening its Storytelling Wildlife & Animal Friends exhibition, while Tlaquepaque is also hosting live artist demonstrations as part of First Friday.

Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village is worth wandering even when there is not a special event taking place. Its courtyards, galleries, shops, and distinctive architecture make it easy to spend an afternoon exploring before dinner.

Sedona itself has more than 80 galleries, so travelers interested in Southwestern art, contemporary work, sculpture, jewelry, photography, and other mediums will find plenty to discover throughout town.

Visit the Sedona Community Farmers Market

For a slower start to a September morning, head to the Sedona Community Farmers Market.

The seasonal market at Tlaquepaque runs Friday mornings from 8:00 to 11:30 through October, making September a great time to stop by while it is still in its summer and fall location.

It can be an easy addition to a relaxed day in town. Browse the market in the morning, grab lunch, explore the galleries and shops nearby, and save the late afternoon for sightseeing.

Go Apple Picking at Slide Rock State Park

Slide Rock is usually associated with summer swimming, but September brings another seasonal tradition.

Apple picking is available at Slide Rock State Park during September and October depending on weather conditions. The park’s apple-growing history dates back more than a century, when the Pendley family established orchards in Oak Creek Canyon.

Even without a full display of autumn color yet, Oak Creek Canyon provides a different environment from Sedona’s open red rock country, with water, trees, canyon walls, and shaded areas creating a beautiful contrast.

If you are visiting specifically for peak fall foliage, however, September is generally a little early. Sedona’s most dramatic color change typically arrives later in October and into early November.

Experience Sedona After Dark

The red rocks get most of the attention during daylight hours, but Sedona evenings deserve a place in your plans too.

On September 9, the September events calendar includes New Moon Under the Sedona Sky, an evening experience built around the quiet conditions of the new moon.

Later in the month, Red Rock State Park is hosting a Moonlight Hike on September 26. Naturalists lead participants to an overlook for sunset and moonrise before returning by moonlight. Two routes are offered, approximately two and 2.5 miles long, and advance registration is required.

It is a completely different way to experience a landscape that most visitors only see under the Arizona sun.

Explore Sedona’s September Events

September 2026 also brings an eclectic mix of local events.

The Oak Creek Arts and Crafts Show appears several times throughout the month at different Sedona locations, including events beginning September 4 and September 18.

Visitors will also find live music, Sedona International Film Festival screenings, wellness experiences, yoga, sound healing, art demonstrations, and other events throughout the month. September 17 brings several notable options, including Fiddler on the Rock and the beginning of the Big Laughs Festival.

Because schedules can change, check the current Sedona events calendar while planning your trip, especially if there is a particular performance or experience you do not want to miss.

Make Time for the Verde Valley

If you have more than a couple of days in Sedona, September is also a great opportunity to explore beyond the city.

Nearby Verde Valley destinations include Cottonwood, historic Jerome, Dead Horse Ranch State Park, and the Verde Canyon Railroad in Clarkdale. The area is also known for its wine scene, making it easy to build a day around tasting rooms, scenery, and small-town exploring.

A day trip can provide a nice contrast to hiking and sightseeing around Sedona itself, especially for travelers staying four or five days.

Experience Sedona Before Fall Fully Arrives

September sits in an interesting place on Sedona’s calendar.

The days can still feel warm and distinctly Southwestern, but the transition toward fall has begun. Outdoor adventures become increasingly inviting, the event calendar picks up, evenings offer beautiful opportunities to get outside, and the changing seasonal light makes the red rocks especially photogenic.

Our favorite itineraries combine several perspectives.

Walk among the formations in the morning. Explore galleries, shops, and local events in the afternoon. Then leave the ground behind and see the landscape from above.

At Apex Air, our Sedona helicopter tours range from a quick introduction to the red rocks to longer flights through remote wilderness areas that are difficult to experience any other way. All of our helicopter tours feature forward-facing seating, and our aircraft are air-conditioned for added comfort.

If Sedona is part of your September 2026 travel plans, we would love to show you the view from our side of the red rocks.

Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Sedona in September

Is September a good month to visit Sedona?
Yes. September begins Sedona’s popular fall travel season, and fall is considered one of the best periods for outdoor activities thanks to generally more comfortable conditions. Early September can still be quite warm, so plan strenuous outdoor activities for the cooler portions of the day.

Will there be fall colors in Sedona in September?
September generally precedes Sedona’s peak fall color. The most noticeable changes tend to occur later in October and into early November, although September still marks the beginning of the seasonal transition.

Can I take an Apex Air helicopter tour at sunset in September?
Yes. We offer both day and sunset options on several Sedona helicopter tours, including Everything Sedona and Ancient Sedona. Availability varies, so advance reservations are a good idea when you have a specific day or sunset flight in mind.