Top 10 free things to do in Sedona, from hikes to the Chapel of the Holy Cross

Sedona may be known for its luxury almost as much as its scenery. The city is full of elegant resorts and rejuvenating spas that enhance any getaway to red rock country.

Despite such opulence, you don’t have to drop a bundle to have a great time. Sedona is loaded with plenty of free things to see and do. Take advantage of the freebies during the day and then use those savings to treat yourself to a superb dinner. Maybe at a restaurant with a view of the famous formations.

After all, this is Sedona, and you want to savor every minute of your visit.

Here are some of the best free things to do in Sedona.

Uptown Sedona restaurants, shopping

The most obvious freebie is simply wandering the streets of Uptown, packed with shops, galleries, boutiques and restaurants.

More than just window shopping, you’re also treated to a skyline ringed by red cliffs. Public street art, telescopes and musical instruments are scattered through this walkable part of town. Don’t miss the rotating exhibitions in Sedona Art Center.

While many of the streetside parking spaces are metered, Uptown Sedona still offers abundant free parking. There are three all-day free lots (lots 1, 2 and 5) and four three-hour free lots (lots 3,4, 6 and 7). Most are just a block or so off the main drag. Look for the brown signs marked with a P.

Best free hikes in Sedona

There seems to be this myth that a fee is required to hike anywhere in Sedona but that’s not the case. While Red Rock Passes ($5 per day) raise money to improve and maintain trails, they are required at specific developed trailheads in Oak Creek Canyon, the Village of Oak Creek and Boynton Canyon.

Dozens of other trails are free. You can also bypass fees for the most popular trails by taking the free Sedona Trailhead Shuttle . The shuttles connect two large park and ride lots with four highly utilized trailheads — Cathedral Rock, Soldier Pass, Dry Creek and Little Horse.

The parking and the ride are free for shuttle users. Shuttles run year-round from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Thursdays through Sundays.

Details: 928-203-5152, sedonashuttle.com .

Visit the Chapel of the Holy Cross

One of Sedona’s most distinctive works of art isn’t found in a gallery but instead rises from the ground.

The Chapel of the Holy Cross was completed in 1957, built between two burly pillars of rock. High cliffs of salmon hues form the backdrop. The interior is simple and unadorned. A few benches, some tapestries and flickering candles create a meditative oasis, while soft sunlight streams through the floor-to-ceiling window. Enjoying a few quiet, peaceful moments during vacation is priceless.

Details: 780 Chapel Road. Free; donations are accepted. 928-282-4069, chapeloftheholycross.com .

Spin the prayer wheels at Amitabha Stupa and Peace Park

Sedona draws many on a spiritual journey, and the Amitabha Stupa and Peace Park is a serene destination. Set on 14 acres at the base of Thunder Mountain, the site is open from dawn to dusk for visitors of all faiths for prayer, healing and meditation.

The stupa, a Buddhist structure, is one of the oldest forms of sacred architecture on Earth. In West Sedona, take Andante Drive north to Pueblo Dive and turn left. Proceed 50 yards and park. Take the short walking path to the stupas, prayer wheels and meandering paths.

Details: 2650 Pueblo Drive. Free; donations are accepted. tara.org/amitabha-stupa .

Wander the shady courtyards of Tlaquepaque

Spend some time browsing the distinctive galleries at Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village. This feels like walking into a different land, in a different time.

Tlaquepaque is a collection of Spanish-style buildings reminiscent of a Mexican hamlet. Cobblestone walkways meander past vine-covered walls and beneath stone archways. Graceful Arizona sycamores shade the courtyards where shoppers stroll past splashing fountains and beds bursting with flowers.

Details: 336 State Route 179. 928-282-4838, www.tlaq.com .

See ancient Sinagua petroglyphs

The Crane Petroglyph Site contains the largest collection of petroglyphs in the Verde Valley. More than 1,000 images are carved into the cliff face on what was once the V-Bar-V Ranch. Stories are told here, mostly distant echoes from the Southern Sinagua people.

From the visitor center it’s a short easy walk to the site, where a docent points out individual figures and clustered carvings, discussing their significance. Most were created between 1150 and 1400. You will need a Red Rock Pass ($5; sold on site) but you can also use an America the Beautiful pass. Crane Petroglyph Site is a couple of miles down Forest Road 618, just off Interstate 17 near Beaver Creek.

Details: www.fs.usda.gov .

Drive Oak Creek Canyon

Sedona marks the termination point of one of the most beloved scenic roads in the state. That sounds like an invitation, especially this time of year.

Drive north through Oak Creek Canyon on State Route 89A to see a remarkable array of fall colors. The high-walled chasm gains over 2,000 feet in elevation on the way to Flagstaff. It curves past coral-hued cliffs, climbs through a vibrant forest and passes such landmarks as Slide Rock and West Fork Trail along the way.

Don’t forget to stop at Oak Creek Vista at the head of the canyon among the ponderosa pines. Native American vendors will have tables set up exhibiting their colorful handmade arts and crafts.

Visit the only McDonald's with blue arches

While Sedona contains some impressive natural arches (Devil’s Bridge, Fay’s Canyon and Vultee), the most famous may be attached to the front of McDonald’s in West Sedona.

Instead of the traditional golden arches, these are smaller, and a more tasteful blue-green color . They’re designed to blend into the natural landscape. Sedona demanded the change before allowing the fast-food behemoth to open its little burger hut. This is the only McDonald’s in the world sporting teal arches.

Sedona First Fridays art walk

Time your visit just right and you can sample even more of the artsy scene. Every first Friday of the month, Sedona’s prominent art galleries host an evening of openings, demonstrations and receptions. Refreshments and live music are featured at some locations. First Fridays in the Galleries takes place from 4-7 p.m.

Details: visitsedona.com .

Best sunsets in Sedona

Treat yourself to a free sunset view far from the crowds when you hike up the backside of Sugarloaf Hill in West Sedona. Barely a nub of bald rock and surrounded by far more imposing cliffs, this broad perch is not a difficult climb and makes an exquisite viewing platform of the town and the changing colors of the rocks. Remember to bring a flashlight for your hike back in the falling dusk.

In West Sedona, travel 0.5 mile north on Coffee Pot Drive, go left on Sanborn Drive for 0.2 mile, right on Little Elf Drive, then right on Buena Vista to the parking area.

For more information on free activities, the Visitor Center is at 331 Forest Road in Uptown. 928-282-7722, www.visitsedona.com .

Find the reporter at www.rogernaylor.com . Or follow him on Facebook at www.facebook.com/RogerNaylorinAZ or Twitter @AZRogerNaylor.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Top 10 free things to do in Sedona, from hikes to the Chapel of the Holy Cross