Arizona Leisure vacation and travel guide

Sedona Arizona Pictures & Red Rock Photo Gallery

Originally written by Tony Subia

Updated by AZ Leisure Staff Writers on

Sedona, Arizona is one of the Southwest's most photogenic destinations, where towering red sandstone formations, dramatic skies and the green ribbon of Oak Creek create constantly changing landscapes. This Sedona photo gallery features iconic views of Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock, Courthouse Butte, Coffee Pot Rock, Airport Mesa, the Chapel of the Holy Cross and other scenes throughout Red Rock Country.

The photographs featured here are by Sedona landscape photographer Mike Koopsen, whose work captures the area's changing light, monsoon storms, rainbows, sunsets and distinctive rock formations. These photographs remain the copyrighted work of Mike Koopsen and may not be reproduced without permission. Selected photographs are available as fine-art prints through Mike Koopsen at Art Studio Prints.

Explore 27 photographs of Sedona's red rock landscapes, famous landmarks and changing desert light. The gallery begins with the Chapel of the Holy Cross and includes views from Airport Mesa, Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock, Courthouse Butte, Coffee Pot Rock and other scenic locations around Sedona.

Chapel of the Holy Cross surrounded by red rock formations in Sedona Arizona

Panoramic red rock view from Airport Mesa in Sedona Arizona

Rainbow over Rabbit Ears red rock formation in Sedona Arizona

Cathedral Rock glowing at sunset in Sedona Arizona

Storm clouds over Cathedral Rock in Sedona Arizona

Colorful sunset over Cathedral Rock and Sedona red rocks

Rainbow over Bell Rock in Sedona Arizona Red Rock Country

Aerial view of Bell Rock and surrounding Sedona Arizona landscape

Cathedral Rock viewed from Red Rock Crossing near Oak Creek in Sedona

Courthouse Butte red rock formation near Sedona Arizona

Bell Rock landmark surrounded by red rock scenery near Sedona Arizona

Coffee Pot Rock formation rising above Sedona Arizona

The Cockscomb red rock formation in Sedona Arizona

Panoramic Sedona red rock view from Cathedral Rock

Lee Mountain and surrounding red rock landscape near Sedona Arizona

Cathedral Rock illuminated by warm sunset light in Sedona Arizona

Coffee Pot Rock viewed from Airport Mesa Overlook in Sedona Arizona

Golden light illuminating Sedona Arizona red rock formations

Colorful sunset over the red rock landscape of Sedona Arizona

Cathedral Rock at sunset in Sedona Arizona Red Rock Country

Moonrise over Cathedral Rock in Sedona Arizona

Sunset over Wild Horse Mesa and Sedona Arizona red rocks

Sunset colors across Sedona Arizona red rock formations

Evening sunset over Sedona Arizona Red Rock Country

Rainbow over Courthouse Butte near Sedona Arizona

Ancient cliff dwelling among the red rocks near Sedona Arizona

Ancient Native American cliff dwelling in Sedona Red Rock Country

Sedona Landmarks Featured In The Gallery

The photographs highlight many of the landmarks that define Sedona's Red Rock Country. Cathedral Rock and Bell Rock are among the area's best-known formations, while Airport Mesa provides broad panoramic views across Sedona. Courthouse Butte, Coffee Pot Rock and the Chapel of the Holy Cross add distinctive shapes and architectural interest to the landscape.

  • Chapel of the Holy Cross: Landmark chapel built into Sedona's red rocks and known for dramatic architecture and expansive views.
  • Cathedral Rock: One of Sedona's most recognizable and photographed sandstone formations.
  • Bell Rock: Distinctive bell-shaped formation south of Sedona near the Village of Oak Creek.
  • Courthouse Butte: Massive sandstone formation rising beside the Bell Rock area.
  • Airport Mesa: Elevated viewpoint offering broad views of multiple Sedona landmarks.
  • Coffee Pot Rock: Unusual rock formation named for its resemblance to an old-fashioned coffee pot.
  • Red Rock Crossing: Classic Cathedral Rock viewpoint along Oak Creek.

Sedona Photography By Mike Koopsen

Mike Koopsen is a Sedona-based landscape and nature photographer whose work has documented the American Southwest and destinations around the world. His photographs have appeared in books, magazines, newspapers, brochures and other publications. The images on this page remain copyright Mike Koopsen and may not be copied or reproduced without permission.

Selected Mike Koopsen photographs are available as archival fine-art prints on paper, canvas and metal through Mike Koopsen at Art Studio Prints.

Sedona Photography Tips

Sedona's red rocks change dramatically with the weather and angle of the sun, so the same formation can look entirely different from one hour to the next. Sunrise and late-afternoon light often bring out the richest colors in the sandstone, while summer monsoon clouds can create dramatic skies, rainbows and changing light similar to several scenes in this gallery.

  • Airport Mesa: Excellent for broad panoramic views, sunrise and sunset photography.
  • Red Rock Crossing: A classic location for photographing Cathedral Rock with Oak Creek in the foreground.
  • Bell Rock area: Offers multiple viewpoints of Bell Rock and Courthouse Butte.
  • Chapel of the Holy Cross: Combines distinctive architecture with dramatic red rock surroundings.
  • Sunrise: Often provides softer light, cooler conditions and fewer visitors.
  • Late afternoon and sunset: Warm low-angle light can intensify Sedona's red and orange sandstone colors.
  • Monsoon season: Summer thunderstorms can produce dramatic clouds and rainbows, but photographers should monitor lightning and flash-flood conditions.
  • Stay on established trails: Protect fragile desert vegetation and avoid creating new paths for a photograph.

Sedona Arizona Pictures FAQ

What Are The Most Photographed Places In Sedona?

Popular Sedona photography subjects include Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock, Courthouse Butte, Airport Mesa, Coffee Pot Rock, the Chapel of the Holy Cross and Oak Creek Canyon.

Where Is The Best Place To Photograph Cathedral Rock?

Red Rock Crossing is one of the classic locations for photographing Cathedral Rock, particularly when Oak Creek and surrounding vegetation can be included in the foreground.

Where Can You Get Panoramic Pictures Of Sedona?

Airport Mesa provides broad panoramic views across Sedona and several surrounding red rock formations. It is particularly popular around sunrise and sunset.

Where Can You Photograph Bell Rock?

Bell Rock and nearby Courthouse Butte can be photographed from several viewpoints and trails along the State Route 179 corridor south of Sedona.

What Is The Best Time Of Day For Sedona Photography?

Early morning and late afternoon generally provide attractive low-angle light that emphasizes the color and texture of Sedona's sandstone formations. Sunset can also produce dramatic color and silhouettes.

Can You Photograph Sedona During Monsoon Season?

Yes. Summer monsoon storms can create dramatic clouds, rainbows and changing light, but photographers should closely monitor lightning, heavy rain and flash-flood warnings.

Where Is The Chapel Of The Holy Cross?

The Chapel of the Holy Cross is located at 780 Chapel Road in Sedona. The chapel is built among the red rocks and is one of the area's best-known architectural landmarks.

Are There Ancient Cliff Dwellings Near Sedona?

Yes. Archaeological and heritage sites in the greater Sedona and Verde Valley region preserve evidence of Indigenous communities that lived in the area centuries ago. Visitors should never climb on ruins, touch rock art or remove artifacts.

Who Took The Sedona Pictures On This Page?

The landscape photographs featured in this gallery were taken by Sedona photographer Mike Koopsen.

Can These Sedona Photographs Be Copied Or Reproduced?

No. The photographs remain copyrighted by Mike Koopsen and may not be copied, republished or reproduced without permission.

Are Mike Koopsen's Sedona Photographs Available As Prints?

Selected Mike Koopsen photographs are currently available as fine-art prints through Art Studio Prints.

Where Can I See More Pictures Of Sedona And Arizona?

Arizona Leisure includes additional galleries featuring Oak Creek Canyon, Sedona aerial views, Sedona winter scenery, Northern Arizona, the Grand Canyon, Flagstaff and other Arizona destinations.

Related Pictures

Arizona Pictures
Mike Koopsen Photo Gallery
Tempe Arizona Pictures
Arizona Flora Pictures
Cactus Flower Pictures
Sedona Pictures
Grand Canyon Pictures
Northern AZ Photos By Koopsen
Flagstaff Picture Gallery
Hoover Dam Pictures

Additional Sedona Area Information
Map & Directions Oak Creek Trail
Oak Creek Canyon Map & Directions
Oak Creek Canyon Photos By Koopsen
Oak Creek Canyon Vista Point
Sedona Aerial Photos By Koopsen
Sedona Winter Photos By Koopsen
Verde Canyon Railroad


The Wonder Of Sedona & Oak Creek

 

 

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