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
Social
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.
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.7 · 7,662 reviews
Type
Scenic Spot
Website
gatewaytosedona.comHighlights
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?
My gf and I just read about the Sedona vortex, currently at the grand canyon, and leaving early morning. We want to stop in Sedona before going to the airport. We can spare 60-90 minutes. So far it looks like the airport vortex would be good. Any other tips or advice?
🚗 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
Hmm, never thought about going to the airport. Thanks for the tip!
Sunset at Airport Mesa in Sedona,AZ
From my trip a few weeks ago, first time in Sedona. The most amazing sunset I’ve ever seen from the Airport Mesa scenic lookout spot. No hiking required - easily accessible to anyone. Even cheap parking right next to it, just 2 or 3 bucks. If you’re a hiker, there’s an easy and…
✨ 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
Hi all, I am going to Sedona soon and would need some suggestions on where I should go. I am taking my parents, who are around 60 years old, so some easy hiking spots would be nice tho. Definitely looking for some restaurants and other spots besides hiking. Thank you!
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.
"Such a great hike! The views of the other vortex were absolutely stunning, and the surrounding scenery had an almost uncanny beauty—like nature showing off. I love taking a quick jaunt up to Sedona for those iconic red rock vistas, breathtaking landscapes, and that grounding touch of desert magic."
Amanda Kauffman
"This is a beautiful lookout option if you are unable to hike up to the vista at Airport Mesa down the hill or if that parking lot is full. They charge you $3 per passenger vehicle (more for RVs or commercial vans) to park here and walk over to the overlook. It’s nice there is a metal sign that labels the peaks and rock features you see from the overlook. Would give 5 stars if parking was free, lol"
The Painting Stoof
"Amazing! Easy 30 foot walk even for people with handicaps. Amazing views! Worth it. The drive up was a bit scary for a couple people in our group because of the steep drop on the right side."
smita lal
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.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit