Solo Travel Adventure to Sedona, Arizona

Traveling to Arizona in June is not for the faint of heart—or the heat-sensitive. Let’s just say the temperature and I had a conversation. But traveling off-season has its perks, and for women traveling solo, those perks usually look like fewer crowds, better pricing, and more flexibility. For me, the savings made the desert heat worth tolerating.

I booked my trip through Costco Travel, which bundled my rental car and hotel stay—always a win, especially when you’re a solo traveler and appreciate simplicity.  I based myself in Scottsdale at the retro-chic Hotel Valley Ho, which turned out to be both stylish and conveniently located. I could walk to Old Town Scottsdale, where the shops, restaurants, and galleries kept me entertained, and the pool scene came alive at night with a DJ and bar. It leaned more lively than serene—but sometimes solo travel calls for a little background noise and a good poolside margarita.

The on-site restaurant was excellent, though priced exactly how you’d expect in Scottsdale: upscale, polished, and not shy about it.

Scottsdale: Where the Wild West Meets Luxury Living

Scottsdale proudly calls itself “The West’s Most Western Town,” and that title isn’t just clever marketing. Cowboy culture is still celebrated here, especially during the annual Parada del Sol rodeo. But make no mistake—this is also a city that knows how to pamper.

With more than 200 golf courses, Scottsdale is a paradise for golfers, and TPC Scottsdale hosts the famously rowdy WM Phoenix Open. Non-golfers still show up—for the people-watching if nothing else. Scottsdale also boasts more destination spas per capita than any other U.S. city, making it a top spot for wellness tourism, especially appealing to women traveling solo who want relaxation without pressure.

One thing I learned quickly: Arizona is not a walking vacation unless you enjoy strolling next to highways. A car is essential. Scottsdale is beautiful but pricey, so I often drove outside town to stretch my food budget. The greater Phoenix area is packed with authentic Mexican food and food trucks, which made eating well—and affordably—easy.

The Thrill (and Anxiety) of Driving to Sedona

This trip was personal. On a previous visit to Tempe, I skipped Sedona due to time constraints—and regretted it instantly. This time, I wasn’t leaving Arizona without seeing it.

I made the drive from Scottsdale to Sedona, something solo travelers should think carefully about—especially when it comes to mountain roads and unfamiliar terrain. The drive is manageable, but if you have a fear of heights, be prepared.

As the road climbed, so did my heart rate. The twists, turns, and occasional sheer drop-offs had me gripping the steering wheel a little tighter than usual. Equal parts anxious and exhilarated, I reminded myself why traveling for women over 50 can be so empowering: every challenge overcome builds confidence.

With each curve came a view more stunning than the last.  Mile by mile, I felt that familiar travel magic. The kind that reminds you growth often lives just beyond your comfort zone.

First Glimpse of Sedona: Awe in Every Direction

Nothing—and I mean nothing—prepared me for my first glimpse of Sedona.  Massive red rock formations rose dramatically against the sky, glowing in shades of rust, crimson, and copper. It felt surreal, as if I had driven straight into a painting. Sedona’s iconic red rocks are more than 300 million years old, colored by iron oxide coating ancient sandstone and shaped by time itself.

There’s something deeply grounding about the landscape. Whether you subscribe to Sedona’s spiritual reputation or not, it’s impossible not to feel humbled standing before something so ancient and powerful. Moments like this are exactly why women traveling solo often describe travel as transformative rather than just recreational.

Turquoise Arches and Towering Red Rocks

Before my half-day group tour with Scenic Sedona Tours, I spotted one of Sedona’s quirkiest landmarks—the only McDonald’s in the world with turquoise arches instead of golden ones. The color was chosen to blend more harmoniously with the surrounding red rocks, which perfectly captures Sedona’s dedication to preserving its natural beauty.

The tour itself was a highlight. We explored Bell Rock, Thunder Mountain, Cathedral Rock, and more. Sedona is layered—spiritual, affluent, historic, and breathtaking. I admired some cliffs from below instead of hiking to the top (self-awareness counts as wisdom), and I didn’t feel like I missed a thing.

Sedona Living and Native American Roots

Driving through Sedona’s residential neighborhoods was an experience all on its own. Stunning homes nestled into red rock backdrops, panoramic views in every direction—it’s easy to see why the area is highly desirable, with median home prices around $1.2 million. Wake up to that view every day, and you might justify the price too.

Sedona is also rich in Native American history. The land was once home to the Sinagua, Yavapai, and Apache tribes. Ancient ruins, pictographs, and petroglyphs can still be found at places like Palatki and Honanki. These sites quietly remind travelers that long before Sedona became a destination for travelers and artists, it was sacred ground with deep cultural roots.

A Famous Pie and a Well-Timed Pause

On the drive back to Scottsdale, I stopped at Rock Springs Café in Black Canyon City, known for its pecan pie. It was a good place to stretch, regroup, and reflect.

Was the pie life-changing? Honestly, no. Was it still worth stopping? Absolutely. Solo travel teaches you that sometimes it’s not about the destination—or even the dessert—but about giving yourself permission to pause.

Why Solo Travel Still Matters

For women over 50 navigating independence, reinvention, or simply a new season of life, Sedona offers a powerful reminder of why women traveling solo continue to choose the open road. And for those women, this journey proves that adventure doesn’t have an expiration date.

Whether you’re drawn to Scottsdale’s blend of Western heritage and modern luxury, Sedona’s red rock magic, or the deep Native American history woven through the landscape, Arizona delivers experiences that are both grounding and exhilarating.

And truly—if you can handle summer heat, mountain curves, and an only-okay slice of pecan pie on your own, you can handle just about anything.