You know that feeling when you're driving into Sedona and the red rocks just sort of smack you in the face? It’s overwhelming. But then you start looking for a place to stay, and reality hits. Most spots are either wildly overpriced tourist traps or "wellness retreats" that charge you $500 to sit in a crystal circle. That’s usually where Highlands Resort at Verde Ridge enters the conversation.
It’s an interesting place. Located in Cornville, just a stone's throw from Cottonwood and about 20 minutes from the heart of Sedona, it sits on a plateau overlooking the Verde Valley. Honestly, if you’re looking for a marble-floored five-star lobby where someone whisks your bags away the second you arrive, this isn’t it. But if you want a basecamp that doesn't feel like a cramped hotel room, it’s arguably one of the best values in the area.
People get confused about the location. Is it Sedona? No. Is it remote? Sorta. But the vantage point from Verde Ridge gives you a perspective of the Mingus Mountains that you just don't get when you're stuck in the "Y" intersection traffic in downtown Sedona.
The Reality of Staying at Highlands Resort at Verde Ridge
Let's talk about the setup. This is a vacation ownership resort, which basically means it's designed like an apartment. You get a kitchen. You get a living area. You get room to breathe.
I’ve seen plenty of people arrive here expecting a boutique hotel experience and feeling a bit surprised by the "condo" vibe. But then they realize they can make their own coffee and eat breakfast on a balcony while watching the sun hit the red rocks in the distance. That’s the trade-off. You lose the 24/7 room service, but you gain a home base.
The property itself is nestled right next to the Verde Santa Fe Golf Course. If you play, that’s a huge win. If you don't, it just means you have a lot of green space around you, which is a nice contrast to the high-desert dust.
What the Rooms are Actually Like
Most units are one-bedroom or two-bedroom villas. They aren't "ultra-modern" in that cold, minimalist way. They feel like a comfortable Southwest home. Think warm tones, sturdy furniture, and—thankfully—thick walls.
One thing most people don't realize until they get there is that the "Studio" units are essentially a hotel room with a kitchenette. If you’re staying more than two nights, do yourself a favor and get at least the one-bedroom. Having a full stove and a dishwasher changes the entire dynamic of a Sedona trip. You aren't forced to spend $80 on a mediocre dinner in town every single night.
The Logistics of the Location
Cornville is the "quiet neighbor." It’s where the locals actually live.
Staying at Highlands Resort at Verde Ridge puts you in a strategic spot. You’re about 15 minutes from Old Town Cottonwood, which has honestly become a better food scene than Sedona lately. You’ve got the Merkin Vineyards Tasting Room (yes, Maynard from Tool’s place) and some incredible wood-fired pizza spots.
Then, you’re 20 minutes from the Sedona city limits.
The drive up 89A from the resort is one of the most underrated stretches of road in Arizona. You’re climbing in elevation, the rocks are changing color, and you’re avoiding the massive gridlock that happens coming in from the Phoenix side (I-17 to 179). That alone is worth the price of admission.
Amenities That Matter (and Some That Don't)
The pool is the heart of the place. It’s heated. It’s open year-round. There is something fundamentally "Arizona" about sitting in a hot tub when it’s 40 degrees out and the stars are so bright they look fake.
- The Fitness Center: It’s functional. Don’t expect a CrossFit box, but for a vacation workout, it does the job.
- The BBQ Grills: These are actually high-quality. You’ll see families out there every night. It’s a very social, communal vibe.
- The Golf Access: Since it’s adjacent to the Verde Santa Fe course, you can walk over. It’s a par-71 course that’s surprisingly challenging when the wind kicks up through the valley.
One thing to keep in mind: this is a quiet resort. It’s not a party spot. If you’re looking for a loud poolside DJ and bottle service, you’re in the wrong zip code. This is where people go to recover after hiking Cathedral Rock or Devil's Bridge.
Why the Verde Valley is the "Secret" Move
Everyone fixates on the Sedona vortexes. And hey, they’re cool. But the Verde Valley, where the resort is located, has its own weird, deep history.
You’re minutes away from Tuzigoot National Monument. It’s an ancient Sinagua pueblo perched on a hill. It’s hauntingly beautiful and way less crowded than the mainstream spots.
Then there’s Jerome.
Jerome is a "ghost town" built into the side of Cleopatra Hill. It used to be a copper mining hub, and now it’s a vertical labyrinth of art galleries and haunted hotels. From Highlands Resort at Verde Ridge, you can see Jerome glowing on the mountainside at night. It’s a 15-minute drive that feels like going back 100 years.
Common Misconceptions About the Resort
I hear this a lot: "It’s too far from the hiking."
Not really. If you’re going to West Sedona for the secret trails, you’re actually closer than people staying in the Village of Oak Creek. You’re coming in from the "back way," which saves you from the nightmare that is the roundabout traffic.
Another one: "It's just for timeshare owners."
Nope. While it is a Shell Vacations Club property, you can book it like any other hotel through major travel sites. You might get asked to attend a presentation, but you can just say no. They aren't aggressive about it like some of the older resorts in Vegas or Orlando.
Comparing Values: Sedona vs. Verde Ridge
Let’s look at the math. A decent hotel in Sedona proper during peak season (Spring or Fall) will run you $400+ a night for a standard room.
At Highlands Resort at Verde Ridge, you can often find a full villa for nearly half that.
When you factor in the money saved by having a kitchen and the sanity saved by being out of the tourist crush, the "distance" argument disappears. You’re trading a 15-minute drive for a much higher quality of life.
Practical Tips for Your Stay
If you’re going to pull the trigger on a stay here, there are a few things you should know to make it actually work.
- Grocery Shop in Cottonwood: Don't buy your supplies in Sedona. The prices are hiked for tourists. Hit the Fry's or Safeway in Cottonwood on your way to the resort.
- Check the Calendar: The Verde Valley Wine Festival usually happens nearby. If you’re a fan of Arizona wines (which are surprisingly good, especially the Malbecs from this region), time your trip for that.
- The "Secret" Sunset: Don't go to the Airport Overlook in Sedona for sunset with 500 other people. Take a chair out to the edge of the resort property facing west toward Jerome. The way the light hits the valley is spectacular and totally silent.
- Internet Speed: It’s decent. I wouldn't try to host a 4K livestream, but if you’re "working from home" while on vacation, you’ll be fine.
A Note on the Environment
The high desert is fragile. The resort does a decent job with water conservation, but as a guest, you really notice the dryness. Drink twice as much water as you think you need. The elevation at Verde Ridge is around 3,300 feet. It’s high enough to feel it if you aren't hydrated, especially if you're coming from sea level.
Also, the wind. The Verde Valley acts like a funnel. Some afternoons, the wind will kick up out of nowhere. If you leave stuff on your balcony, it might end up in the next county. Just a heads-up.
Actionable Steps for Planning Your Trip
Don't just book the first date you see. The Verde Valley has distinct seasons.
- For Hiking: Target late March through May, or October through November.
- For Budget: January and February are surprisingly great. It’s chilly, but the crowds are gone, and seeing the red rocks with a dusting of snow is something you’ll never forget.
- For the Wine Scene: Late summer/early fall is harvest season for the local vineyards.
The most direct way to handle a stay here:
- Book a One-Bedroom Villa (minimum).
- Rent a car with a bit of clearance (you don't need a massive 4x4, but a standard SUV makes the backroads much more comfortable).
- Download the "AllTrails" app and look for "Verde Valley" hikes, not just Sedona ones. You'll find gems like the Lime Kiln Trail that starts very close to the resort.
Staying at Highlands Resort at Verde Ridge is about playing the long game. It’s for the traveler who wants the Sedona experience without the Sedona price tag or the Sedona headache. It’s comfortable, it’s quiet, and it puts you in the center of the "real" Arizona.