Sedona, Arizona is known for its red rock views, energy vortexes, and spiritual culture. But spend a few nights under these wide desert skies and you’ll quickly understand why it’s also earned a reputation as one of the most active UFO hotspots in the Southwest.
Locals and travelers alike have shared stories of glowing orbs, strange shapes gliding silently overhead, and unexplained lights dancing across the canyons. Some of the stories are decades old, others are as recent as last year. Whether you’re a believer, a skeptic, or just someone who loves stargazing, Sedona’s skies will keep you looking up.
Why Sedona?
The combination of dark desert skies, little light pollution, and the dramatic backdrop of red sandstone cliffs makes Sedona one of the best places in Arizona for nighttime skywatching. Pair that with a community that’s already tuned into metaphysical energy and open-minded exploration, and it’s easy to see why UFO stories thrive here.
From organized night tours with military-grade night vision goggles to spontaneous sightings on remote dirt roads, Sedona has a way of keeping its mysteries alive.
Top UFO Hotspots & Sightings Around Sedona
Bradshaw Ranch & Bradshaw Point
Ask any local about UFO lore, and Bradshaw Ranch comes up fast. Once a family property, it’s become a legendary spot for strange activity — glowing orbs, darting lights, and even whispers of interdimensional portals. Today, tours often gather at Bradshaw Point, a wide overlook with sweeping views that make it perfect for scanning the skies.
Secret Canyon & the Hidden Mountains
Tucked deeper into the canyons, there are stories of unexplained lights moving across ridges in the early morning hours. Some even claim strange craft or orbs appear with military helicopters nearby. While the more far-out stories talk of underground bases, the reality is that Secret Canyon is remote, quiet, and a prime place for seeing the stars without interruption.
The May 2024 Sighting
One of the most recent reports came in May 2024, when visitors filmed a strange light moving in the night sky over Sedona. The footage stirred plenty of debate online, but it was another reminder that these stories aren’t all dusty folklore — people are still seeing things they can’t explain.
From the Air
Even commercial flights out of Sedona have sparked conversation. A passenger’s photo from a departing plane showed what some believed was a UFO. Skeptics chalked it up to window reflection, but it’s a good reminder to keep your eyes open even before you land.
The “UFO Lady”
For those who’d rather not go it alone, Sedona has its own UFO celebrity: Melinda Leslie, often called the “UFO Lady.” She’s been leading night tours for years and claims more than 95% of her groups spot something unusual with the help of night-vision goggles.
Take a UFO Tour
If you want to stack the odds in your favor, guided tours are the way to go. Some of the best include:
- Sedona UFO & Vortex Tours — A blend of vortex lore, ghost stories, and night-sky scanning with military-grade gear.
- Center for the New Age UFO Tours — Run out of a downtown crystal shop, this tour guarantees you’ll see something, or your money back.
- Original Sedona UFO & Stargazing Night Tour — A smaller group experience that balances stargazing with UFO storytelling.
Tours typically run two to three hours, starting around sunset and stretching into the early morning. Bring water, warm layers, and an open mind.
The Skeptic’s View
Of course, not every light in the sky is alien. Many turn out to be satellites, planes, drones, or even lanterns released during celebrations. Others may be reflections or atmospheric tricks. But that’s part of what makes UFO hunting fun here: you never really know, and the mystery is half the experience.
Where to Stay While Chasing the Skies
If you’re planning a UFO-themed trip to Sedona, you’ll want a place that’s comfortable, convenient, and lets you recharge before those late nights under the stars.
At Arroyo Pinion Hotel, you’ll find exactly that. We’re a dog-friendly property, so you don’t have to leave your four-legged friend behind. Breakfast is included every morning, making it easy to fuel up before a hike or a night tour. After a long evening scanning the skies, you can relax by our pool, or rent one of our cabanas for a private spot to unwind.
Arroyo Pinion isn’t just a place to crash — it’s a basecamp for exploring everything Sedona has to offer, from vortex hikes to stargazing to the town’s best restaurants. And when you’re ready for your own UFO adventure, the best tour operators are just minutes away.
Heading to Sedona for the Fall Season?
Sedona’s skies have a way of stirring curiosity. Whether you join a guided UFO tour, hike out to Bradshaw Point, or just sit back and watch from the edge of town, you’re tapping into decades of mystery and storytelling that continue to this day.
So bring your curiosity, your camera, and maybe your pup — and let Sedona surprise you.
