Bell Rock Trail Sedona or Airport Mesa Overlook Sedona
Iconic overlook offering breathtaking sunset views and magical stargazing over Sedona's red rock landscape.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Unforgettable colors
Bell Rock Trail Sedona or Airport Mesa Overlook Sedona
Best Time
Unforgettable colors
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Iconic overlook offering breathtaking sunset views and magical stargazing over Sedona's red rock landscape.
"This spot is perfect for watching the sunset and stargazing, offering truly stunning views."
🚗 Secure Your Parking
Arrive 15-20 mins early for sunset to snag one of the limited spots. Parking is $3 per car.
🪑 Bring a Chair for Sunset
To guarantee the best seats for the sunset show, bring a portable chair and settle in early.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Sunset Spectacle
Airport Mesa Overlook
Witness the red rocks ablaze with color as the sun dips below the horizon. A truly unforgettable vista.
Celestial Canvas
Airport Mesa Overlook
Experience the magic of Sedona's dark skies. Perfect for stargazing with or without a camera.
Panoramic Red Rock Views
Airport Mesa Overlook
Soak in sweeping views of Sedona's iconic red sandstone formations from this elevated vantage point.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Sunset & Stargazing Savvy
Quick Vortex Visit
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Easy vortex to see for 1 hour?
🚗 Secure Your Parking
Arrive 15-20 mins early for sunset to snag one of the limited spots. Parking is $3 per car.
🪑 Bring a Chair for Sunset
To guarantee the best seats for the sunset show, bring a portable chair and settle in early.
Sedona from the airport overlook
Sunset at Airport Mesa in Sedona,AZ
✨ Stay for the Stars
Don't leave right after sunset! The stargazing here is truly magical and worth the wait.
🥾 Short Hike Option
Explore easy trails around the overlook for different perspectives of the stunning landscape.
First time in Sedona, need suggestioin
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Secure Your Parking
Arrive 15-20 mins early for sunset to snag one of the limited spots. Parking is $3 per car.
🪑 Bring a Chair for Sunset
To guarantee the best seats for the sunset show, bring a portable chair and settle in early.
✨ Stay for the Stars
Don't leave right after sunset! The stargazing here is truly magical and worth the wait.
🥾 Short Hike Option
Explore easy trails around the overlook for different perspectives of the stunning landscape.
🍽️ Dine with a View
There's a restaurant nearby if you want to combine your visit with a meal.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the breathtaking sunset and magical stargazing opportunities at Airport Mesa Overlook, calling it a 'must-do' for its accessible, stunning red rock views. While parking can be challenging during peak times and there's a small fee, the unforgettable vistas and unique vortex energy make it a highly recommended stop for most travelers.
"Sedona Airport Road is one of those highlights that feels like a must-do for anyone visiting the area. We’ve taken this road occasionally at night just to stargaze, and every time it’s been magical. The Sedona sky is breathtaking after dark — even if you don’t have a fancy camera to capture the stars, the experience of seeing them in person is unforgettable.
Beyond stargazing, this spot is also perfect for watching the sunset. The colors across the red rocks and horizon are truly stunning. If you have a little extra time, take a short hike around the area — the trails are easy enough for most people and offer incredible views from different angles.
What makes this place special is how accessible it is while still offering those “once in a lifetime” kind of views. Whether you’re there for the stars, the sunset, or just to soak in the Sedona landscape, Sedona Airport Road is something everyone should experience at least once."
Shannon
"A very popular lookout, primarly at sunset and for stargazing due to the relative elevation and lack of light pollution. Of course elevated overlook of Sedona's beautiful red rock landscape helps. It's usually very busy at sunset, and parking is $3 a car, parking is abundant though."
David Taylor
"Great place to watch the sunset. Amazing views of the city. Parking lot is right across the street. It does get really busy right before sunset so bring a chair and get there 15-20 minutes early and you’ll have the best seats."
Anthony Tribuzio
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Airport Mesa Overlook is located off Airport Road in Sedona. It's a well-marked scenic drive. You can drive your own vehicle up to the overlook.
Currently, there is no direct public transportation to the Airport Mesa Overlook. Driving your own vehicle or using a ride-sharing service is the most common way to access it.
For a short visit (60-90 minutes), driving directly to the Airport Mesa Overlook is recommended. Be prepared for potential parking challenges during peak times.
The Airport Mesa Overlook itself is considered a vortex site. You can feel the energy by walking around the overlook area.
Yes, Airport Road and the overlook are generally accessible year-round, weather permitting. Always check local conditions before you go.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, there is a parking fee of $3 per car to access the Airport Mesa Overlook. This fee helps maintain the area.
The overlook is generally open from sunrise to sunset for scenic viewing. For stargazing, it's accessible after dark, but be mindful of safety.
No, parking cannot be booked in advance. It's first-come, first-served, so arriving early is key, especially for sunset.
If the parking lot is full, you may have to wait for a spot to open up, which can take a significant amount of time during busy periods.
The $3 parking fee is typically a standalone charge and not covered by general park passes. It's a specific fee for this overlook.
📸 📸 Photography & Views
Sunset offers dramatic lighting on the red rocks, making it prime time for photos. Early morning provides softer light and fewer crowds. Stargazing photography is also popular after dark.
You'll get panoramic views of Sedona's red sandstone hills, the town of Sedona, and the surrounding landscape. It's a 360-degree vista.
While the view is stunning, capturing a truly exceptional sunset photo might require some photography skills and a good camera, but even phone cameras can capture the beauty.
Tripods are generally allowed, but be considerate of other visitors, especially during crowded sunset times.
Experiment with different vantage points along the overlook. The main viewpoint is great, but walking a bit can reveal unique compositions.
🎫 🌟 Vortex & Energy
Yes, Airport Mesa is widely considered one of Sedona's most accessible vortex sites, known for its uplifting energy.
For a quick vortex experience, 30-60 minutes is often sufficient to feel the energy. For sunset and stargazing, plan for longer.
Visitors often report feelings of peace, clarity, heightened awareness, and a sense of well-being at vortex sites.
The entire overlook area is considered a vortex. Many find the main viewing platform and surrounding paths to be particularly potent.
Absolutely! The overlook is a perfect spot for quiet contemplation and meditation to connect with the vortex energy.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting slightly before sunset to avoid the biggest crowds and allow children to enjoy the views in a more relaxed atmosphere. The $3 parking fee is per car, making it an affordable family outing. While stargazing is amazing, it might be late for younger children, but the sunset itself is a memorable event for the whole family.
⏱️ Day-Trippers with Limited Time
To maximize your limited time, aim to arrive outside of peak sunset hours if possible. Even a brief stop offers a significant visual reward and a taste of Sedona's unique landscape and spiritual atmosphere. Just be mindful of the parking situation if you visit during the popular sunset window.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Experiencing the Sedona Vortex
Many people visit Airport Mesa specifically to experience this energy. While the entire overlook is considered a vortex, some find certain spots along the walking paths to be particularly potent. It's a place where you can simply sit, breathe, and feel the unique vibrations of Sedona.
If you're on a tight schedule, even a brief visit of 30-60 minutes can be enough to feel the subtle yet powerful effects of the vortex. It's a great way to quickly tap into the spiritual essence of Sedona without needing to embark on a long hike.
Sunset and Stargazing Magic
Beyond sunset, the overlook transforms into an exceptional stargazing spot. Due to its elevation and relative lack of light pollution compared to the town below, the night sky here is often clear and filled with countless stars. It's an experience that many find truly magical and unforgettable, even without specialized equipment.
To make the most of these experiences, arriving early is crucial. Securing a good viewing spot for sunset and then staying after dark for the stars offers a dual treat. The $3 parking fee is well worth the unparalleled views and the chance to witness these natural wonders.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit