And at the end of an exciting day, after taking in the views and capturing them on camera, a respite awaits at Hyatt Vacation Club® at Piñon Pointe. 

This is where Owners stay when they want a vacation that features a little adventure, a little serenity, and an abundance of natural wonders. 

In a place that calls itself “the most beautiful place on Earth,” you can bet there are Instagram-worthy shots at every turn. 

With an elevation of over 4,300 feet above sea level and a landscape dominated by iconic red rocks, Sedona makes it hard to take a bad photo. But some locations are so special that they can turn even an amateur shutterbug into a budding Ansel Adams.

We asked award-winning local photographer Zach Rohe to give the inside scoop on where — and how — to shoot the most memorable vacation pictures in Sedona.* 

“Great pictures are all about timing and location, not your camera,” Rohe says. “Today your phone camera is so good it can take anything.”

Rohe shared the best spots in Sedona to capture incredible images — and they're all within the sprawling Coconino National Forest.* For optimal light and minimal crowds, he suggests going at sunrise.

For all its gorgeous red rocks, Sedona doesn’t have those monumental arches like in Utah, but it does have Devil’s Bridge. The soaring sandstone arch is the culmination of a moderately difficult 1.8-mile roundtrip hike. 

“The hike to get there is really cool, but you can also access it with a Jeep^® tour,” Rohe says.

This nearly 5,000-foot-tall bell-shaped butte is one of Sedona’s famous vortex sites. Some believe these are ideal spots for problem solving and creative thinking.

“This is the iconic Sedona picture,” Rohe explains. “It feels very Wild West.” 

Native Americans believe Cathedral Rock, one of Sedona's most photographed spots, is the birthplace of humankind and a sacred site. It’s about the same height as Bell Rock, and its spires were formed by dikes that once fed a small volcano. 

While hiking to the top is challenging, you can still get great pictures from the start of the Little Horse Trail, about a mile away. Views of Cathedral Rock can be found everywhere from Oak Creek to West Sedona. 

Located on Munds Wagon Trail, Merry Go Round Rock can be reached via a four-mile hike up Schnebly Hill Road or by Jeep or ATV. This somewhat remote location mostly keeps the crowds down, although it is a popular spot in Sedona to take an elopement or engagement photo.

Rohe calls this the “tunnel shot” because of the way you can shoot through one rock formation to get a stunning framed view of Merry Go Round Rock.

“Everybody wants this picture, but the road is a good gatekeeper, it weeds people out,” said Rohe.

For any photographer, Rohe’s top recommendation to get the best shot in Sedona is to find your very own special place.

“Get off the beaten path and just look for cool rock formations. That’s what I do,” Rohe says. “Doing this sparks your creativity and helps us reduce the impact on the land from everyone flocking to the same places.”

A great picture is a combination of many factors, but it starts with a few key considerations.

• Be in the right location at the right time. 
  Then be patient. Find a unique point of view that’s meaningful to you.
• Plan for the Golden Hours. 
  According to Rohe, the best times to shoot are at sunrise and sunset. 
• Experiment with the weather. 
  Try cloudy days and the moments right after a storm, which can make for amazing light.

“It’s really about being in the right place and time and having the patience to wait for the perfect shot,” Rohe says.

Piñon Pointe is the perfect escape, offering both adventure and relaxation. See the magic of Golden Hour as the red sandstone formations take on a fiery glow with the rising and setting of the sun. 

• Inspired Activities & Experiences, our curated program of authentic explorations and things to do
• Outdoor heated pool***
• Two hot tubs
• Tennis court
• Grills and picnic areas
• Fire pit
• Activity center
• Fitness center with red rock views
• Private locker rooms with showers
• Steam room
• Pool table and table tennis
• Camp Runamuka playroom
• Pueblo Activity Center

Have a bite to eat or a drink at the adjacent stores at The Shops at Piñon Pointe.****

• The Art of Wine 
• Cold Stone Creamery 
• Sound Bites Grill 
• The View Coffee Café 
• Wildflower Bread Company

Start planning your trip to the Grand Canyon State today. 

Dena Roché is an Arizona-based travel and wine journalist who has traveled to more than 35 wine regions and 70 countries. She is a member of the prestigious Circle of Wine Writers and can be found on Instagram @denaroche.

Capture memories on your Sedona adventure — book your vacation today.

* No inquiry has been made into the off-site locations, activities, services, or events, or the qualifications, safety, or quality of the off-site locations, activities, services, or events, and WHV Resort Group, Inc. and HV Global Group, Inc. (collectively, “HVC”) make no warranty, express or implied, as to the condition, capacity, performance, or any other aspect of such off-site locations, activities, events, or service providers listed herein. Do not consider this an endorsement of or recommendation for any of the off-site locations, activities, services, events, or providers. Neither WHV Resort Group, Inc. nor HV Global Group, Inc. assumes liability for attendance at, or visits to, any off-site locations, or the products, activities, or services furnished by independent service providers. Additional fees and costs may apply. Activities and events are subject to change. Some activities or events may require the participant to be in good health and have a certain level of skill.

** Availability of activities and amenities may vary and is subject to change without notice. A reservation, fee, and/or waiver may be required for some activities and amenities

*** Lifeguards do not monitor pools or other areas with water amenities. Adults must accompany children at pools and other areas with water amenities at all times. Refer to resort signage and the property’s rules and regulations for additional guidelines, including applicable age restrictions.

**** These stores at the adjacent The Shops at Piñon Pointe are operated by  third parties and are not owned or operated by HV Global Group, Inc., WHV Resort Group, Inc., or their affiliates.