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Tips for Memorial Day Weekend

 

Please take a moment this weekend to remember and honor the soldiers who gave their lives to preserve our freedom. Consider visiting the Sedona Military Service Park, where you can see the life-sized statue pictured above, Athena’s Prayer by local sculptor James N. Muir, and other exhibits honoring Sedona residents who served in the U.S. military. The park is located at 25 Northview Road, Sedona, AZ 86336

 

Each year, with the help of the Sedona Area Veterans and Community Outreach (SAVCO), Sedona conducts a Memorial Day Ceremony at the Posse Grounds Pavilion, located at 505 Posse Ground Road, Sedona, AZ 86336. The ceremony is open to all, and attendees are encouraged to arrive 30 minutes early to park and find seating.

 

Bugler Ron Wright, 2025 ceremony

This year's ceremony will be held Monday, May 25, 2026 and commence at 8:30 AM with a Skymaster flyover piloted by SAVCO Navy veteran Thomas McPherson. This year's guest speaker is long time Sedona resident retired Army Colonel Al Cornell. The ceremony will last 35-40 minutes. Afterward, the Elks Lodge located off Airport Road will host a $15 lunch with entertainment from 11 AM - 3 PM.

 

Get around town the easy way

Sedona is a popular place to visit over Memorial Day weekend. You can expect more people in town, more cars on the road and limited parking at popular trailheads. It’s a great time to ride the Sedona Shuttle, operating Thursday through Monday. Here are two convenient options:

  • Sedona Shuttle Trailhead Routes: Runs 7 AM to 5:30 PM, to and from popular trailheads like Cathedral Rock, Soldier Pass and Dry Creek Vista. Visit the Sedona Shuttle website to learn more. PRO TIP: The Park & Ride lot for Cathedral Rock Trailhead fills up by mid-morning and there is no other way to reach the trailhead with your vehicle. Plan to get there first thing in the morning or consider hiking one of Sedona’s 200 other gorgeous trails. Alternate hikes are suggested below.

  • Sedona Shuttle Connect: Runs 6:30 AM to 8:30 PM through June 29, 2025. Sedona Shuttle Connect can pick up and drop off almost anywhere in Sedona, on-demand, for just $2 per ride per person. PRO TIP: ride the Sedona Shuttle Connect to the trailhead Park & Ride lots when those lots are full.

  • You can also use Sedona Shuttle Connect to explore these off-the-beaten trailheads. Leave your car at the hotel, ride Shuttle Connect, and don't worry about parking.

    • Airport Loop

    • Sugarloaf trailhead

    • Mystic trailhead and Chapel Trail

    • Margs Draw trailhead

    • Thunder Mountain trailhead

    • Schuerman Mountain trailhead

    • Western Gateway

 

The truth about hiking in Sedona

Yes, some of the trails in Sedona are more popular than others. But here’s the biggest PRO TIP: all the trails in Sedona are beautiful. It’s true! Find your favorite trail this weekend instead of following the crowds. Start by checking out this list of curated trails, many of which have ample parking, restrooms, trash receptacles, and convenient connections with public transit.

 

Safety tips from a volunteer ranger

Even though we’re not quite into the heat of summer and temps in Sedona are forecast to be 20°(F) cooler than Phoenix, heat safety is still essential when enjoying the great outdoors. At the very least, make sure to bring the basics: one quart of water per person per hour, salty snacks, a sun hat and sunscreen. Here are more heat safety suggestions when preparing for your epic adventures.

 

 

Be a good neighbor

Be kind and respectful in Sedona. That includes the people you may meet around town, the trails and landscape, and the locals working in hospitality or living next-door to your short-term rental. Take a look at the City's Good Neighbor Brochure and follow these suggested guidelines if you really want to love Sedona like a local.

 

Check the U.S. Forest Service website for current fire restrictions. The safest thing to do is avoid fire altogether, but if you do build a fire, make sure it meets current fire restrictions and NEVER leave a fire unattended. Here are additional guidelines for outdoor safety.

 

Welcome to Sedona and enjoy!

 

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