The 3 Best Walking Tours in Sedona
Sedona’s striking red rock formations, mystical energy, and quirky small towns make it a fantastic place for walking tours. While many visitors stick to scenic drives or hiking, there’s a lot to gain from exploring on foot—with a twist. Whether you’re intrigued by ghost stories, love hunting for clues, or just want a fun way to learn about Jerome’s past, Sedona offers memorable experiences that get you off the beaten path and into the stories that make this area special. These guided walks are perfect for those who prefer engaging, hands-on adventures that go beyond typical sightseeing.
In this guide, we’ll look at the best walking tours in Sedona that cover everything from haunted history to scavenger hunts. Each offers a different flavor—some full of ghostly encounters, others playful and puzzle-based—so you can pick one that suits your mood, interests, and pace. Let’s explore what each tour has to offer.
Quick Overview
Our top picks include Jerome Ghost Walk, a spooky tour in Jerome supported by the Jerome Historical Society with a focus on ghost-hunting gear. Next is Main Street Ghost Adventure, which combines history, paranormal exploration, and a lively nighttime hike with advanced ghost-detecting tools. Lastly, for a more interactive and family-friendly experience, the Jerome Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour and Game provides a fun, self-guided puzzle adventure through Jerome’s streets. Now, let’s dive into the details of each.
1. Jerome Ghost Walk
At number one, the Jerome Ghost Walk takes you through one of Arizona’s most haunted towns, Jerome, with a focus on paranormal investigation. This tour is unique because it combines storytelling with actual ghost-hunting equipment, such as EMF readers and Spirit Boxes. During the approximately one-hour walk, you’ll visit haunted spots like Haskin’s House, where spirits are said to linger, and hear stories backed by the Jerome Historical Society archives.
What makes this tour stand out is its emphasis on using top-notch gear to actually try and find spirits. The guide shares detailed stories about the town’s ghostly residents, blending history and legend seamlessly. Guests consistently praise Courtney, who is described as engaging, knowledgeable, and passionate—making the experience both fun and informative. The tour costs $45 per person and offers excellent value for those interested in supernatural stories supported by authentic equipment.
While some reviews mention the equipment’s activity level can vary, most agree that the experience’s authenticity and the guide’s storytelling make it worthwhile. The inclusion of exclusive access to Haskin’s House adds a layer of intimacy to the ghostly hunt.
Bottom line: If you’re interested in ghost stories with a chance to use ghost-hunting tools, this tour offers a well-supported, spooky experience that combines history and paranormal fun.
2. Main Street Ghost Adventure: Walking Tour in Jerome with Ghost Hunting Equipment
Coming in second, the Main Street Ghost Adventure is a lively, approximately one-hour night walk that explores Jerome’s haunted past. This tour is offered multiple times daily, making it flexible to fit into any itinerary. What sets it apart is the combination of historic storytelling and the use of advanced ghost-hunting equipment, like EMF detectors, as you visit places like the Sliding Jail, known for housing Arizona’s most notorious criminals.
This tour emphasizes atmosphere, allowing you to soak up Jerome’s storied streets while participating in paranormal investigations. Your small group will explore historic locations, including the J.C. Penny building, with an eye for the supernatural. It’s perfect for those who enjoy a mix of history, spooky tales, and the thrill of hunting spirits. The tour is very well-reviewed, with one reviewer noting, “We got to talk to several spirits, and one even followed us back in the van!”
Costing $44.95, this experience offers good value, especially for those interested in combining a physical walk with high-tech ghost-hunting. It’s ideal for curious travelers who want an interactive, energetic, and slightly eerie adventure.
Bottom line: This tour blends Jerome’s colorful past with paranormal exploration, making it a perfect choice if you want a night hike that’s both fun and a little spooky.
3. Jerome Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour and Game
Finally, if you’re after something more playful and less haunted, the Jerome Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour and Game offers a fresh take on exploring the town. This self-guided, smartphone-based hunt challenges groups of two to six people to solve 17 clues while visiting landmarks like the Sliding Jail and Jennie’s Place. It takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes, giving you plenty of time to enjoy Jerome at your own pace.
What makes this tour appealing is its interactive format—perfect for families, groups, or travelers who prefer an engaging challenge over a guided narration. It encourages you to learn about Jerome’s past while competing against other teams through a points system on a leaderboard. The reviews highlight its fun factor: “It was nice to be self-guided and go at our own pace, while having a competitive goal.” It costs $24.50, making it a budget-friendly option that still delivers a memorable experience.
This scavenger hunt is suitable for those who want to combine sightseeing with a game, especially if you’re traveling with kids or a group that enjoys friendly competition. The challenge is accessible for varying fitness levels since it’s mostly walking and puzzle-solving.
Bottom line: For an adventurous, family-friendly way to explore Jerome, this interactive scavenger hunt offers fun, learning, and a bit of friendly rivalry at a reasonable price.
How to Choose Your Ideal Walking Tour in Sedona
When picking your walking tour in Sedona or Jerome, consider your interests and what kind of experience you’re after. If you love ghost stories and want to use paranormal equipment, Jerome Ghost Walk or Main Street Ghost Adventure are great options. Both suit those curious about spirits and history, but the former emphasizes ghost-hunting gear and exclusive access, while the latter offers a lively night-time adventure.
If you prefer something interactive and family-friendly, the Jerome Scavenger Hunt provides a fun way to explore at your own pace. It’s ideal for groups, kids, and travelers on a budget.
Practical considerations include budget (most tours hover around $25-$45), time (all around one to one-and-a-half hours), and fitness level (mostly walking, with some slightly active puzzles). Book early, especially during peak seasons, to secure your spot and ensure the experience matches your expectations.
The variety of walking tours in Sedona and Jerome means there’s something for every adventurous spirit. For ghost enthusiasts, the Jerome Ghost Walk and Main Street Ghost Adventure rank highly for their unique gear and engaging stories. The Jerome Scavenger Hunt offers a playful and interactive experience perfect for families and groups.
No matter which tour you choose, early booking is wise to ensure your preferred time slot. Each one provides a fresh lens on Jerome and Sedona, whether through the lens of ghostly spirits or clever clues. Pick the one that best matches your curiosity and energy level, and enjoy exploring these fascinating towns.