The Original Sedona UFO and Stargazing Night Tour

REVIEW · SEDONA

The Original Sedona UFO and Stargazing Night Tour

  • 4.5269 reviews
  • 1 hour 45 minutes (approx.)
  • From $155.00
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Operated by Sedona UFO Tours LLC · Bookable on Viator

Traveller rating 4.5 (269)Duration1 hour 45 minutes (approx.)Price from$155.00Operated bySedona UFO Tours LLCBook viaViator

Sedona at night can feel like a movie set—until you see the stars up close. This Original Sedona UFO and Stargazing Night Tour blends guided UFO stories with real dark-sky viewing, using upgraded military night-vision goggles that change how the sky looks. You’ll chase the best angles across a short route near Fay Canyon and other nearby landmarks, and the pace is built for getting results before the sky fades.

What I like most is how hands-on it is. You’re not just told to look up; you’re given the gear (and heaters in winter) so you can actually pick out constellations and bright objects. I also like that the experience stays small (up to 6 people), which makes it easier for the guide to keep everyone together and oriented.

One thing to consider: you follow the guide in your own vehicle to each stop, and there are no restrooms at the viewing area. If you hate standing on uneven pavement, or if you arrive late, the whole timing can fall apart fast.

Quick hits: what makes this UFO and stargazing night tour work

The Original Sedona UFO and Stargazing Night Tour - Quick hits: what makes this UFO and stargazing night tour work

  • Military-grade night vision goggles help you see far more than you would with the naked eye
  • Three separate viewing spots, including one adjacent to Fay Canyon
  • Heaters in winter and required closed-toe shoes for uneven ground
  • Small group size (max 6) for better flow during stargazing
  • UFO storytelling tied to what you’re seeing overhead, from guides such as Shay and Chey (names that show up often)
  • A stop-and-go route that passes key Sedona points like Red Rock crossing and Crystal Magic, without detouring to the stupa

Why Sedona’s sky + UFO storytelling is such a good combo

The Original Sedona UFO and Stargazing Night Tour - Why Sedona’s sky + UFO storytelling is such a good combo
Sedona is famous for daytime views, but at night it turns into something else. The tour leans into that shift: instead of one viewpoint and a quick lecture, you get multiple chances to look up and re-orient as the sky darkens. That matters because the “best” view can depend on clouds, light pollution, and where you can safely park.

The UFO theme is also not just for show. The guide ties the stories to what people are likely to notice in the sky—bright points, moving lights, and familiar “things you can’t explain” moments. Even if you’re a skeptic, it’s still a fun way to learn the sky’s basics: how objects appear, why “satellites” look different from aircraft, and what constellations you might be seeing as the night fills in.

What really sells it, though, is the equipment and the staging. You use upgraded night-vision goggles and you get help aiming and explaining. You’ll spend less time guessing and more time actually noticing the sky.

You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Sedona.

Price and what you get for about $155 per person

The Original Sedona UFO and Stargazing Night Tour - Price and what you get for about $155 per person
At $155 for roughly 1 hour 45 minutes, you’re paying for two things that you don’t get on a typical stargazing walk: the night-vision goggles and the guided “where to look” experience. The goggles are a big deal. They’re not just novelty gear; they’re the centerpiece that turns the night sky into something you can interpret instead of vaguely admire.

Also, this isn’t a huge bus-and-cattle-call tour. With a maximum of 6 people, you’re usually able to hear the guide clearly and keep up without sprinting from place to place.

Your money also covers small practical comforts:

  • Heaters in winter
  • A free gift for all travelers
  • A planned route through areas with good viewing angles (and time to use the gear at each stop)

Where the value becomes personal is in what you expect. If you want quiet astronomy only, the UFO narrative is part of the package. If you want a mix—stars plus stories plus gear—then the price starts to make sense fast.

Price and what you need to know about logistics (car, timing, and the meeting point)

The Original Sedona UFO and Stargazing Night Tour - Price and what you need to know about logistics (car, timing, and the meeting point)
The meeting point is at Sedona UFO Tours LLC, 1890 W State Rte 89A Suite D. The tour runs on a tight schedule, and you’re expected to check in about 30 minutes early. Late arrivals are handled strictly, and if you miss departure timing, you may be treated as a no-show with no refund or reschedule.

Most importantly: there’s no private transportation. You’ll drive your own vehicle and follow the guide to each viewing location. That means you need a car (no Uber/Lyft/taxi for getting you there), and you’ll want to keep your phone volume up so you don’t lose the convoy.

Because you’ll likely be walking on uneven pavement, gravel, or dirt, closed-toe shoes are required. And since there are no restrooms at the viewing location, plan accordingly before you meet up.

The route that sets up better night-sky viewing: Thunder Mountain to Crystal Magic

The Original Sedona UFO and Stargazing Night Tour - The route that sets up better night-sky viewing: Thunder Mountain to Crystal Magic
A big part of why this works is the short “hops” across the Sedona area. You don’t just stay parked in one spot; you move to keep improving your view chances.

Along the drive, you pass several recognizable waypoints:

  • You’ll see Thunder Mountain as the guide leads you toward the first viewing area.
  • You pass by the road that takes you toward Fay Canyon, and your first stop sits adjacent to that area.
  • You go by Red Rock crossing on the way to the viewing site.
  • You also pass Crystal Magic, and the next viewing spot is set near Cultural Park Place and later in the direction of the Crystal Magic area.

There’s also a clear note about the route: you pass the street someone would use to visit the stupa, but the tour does not go there. So don’t plan your evening around that detour.

Why this route choice matters: in Sedona, even a small change in parking location can shift what you can see through haze or cloud edges, and it can change how much stray light reaches you. Three stops also gives your brain breaks. You look, you react, and then you get a fresh setup.

Military night-vision goggles: the real star of the show

The Original Sedona UFO and Stargazing Night Tour - Military night-vision goggles: the real star of the show
This tour uses upgraded military night-vision goggles, and they’re issued so you can actually use them as a group. One pair is provided per two adults over age 11. Kids 10 and under share with an adult, and children can’t physically hold the goggles due to cost.

The sharing setup is smart—and it also explains a common “how was it?” detail. You won’t each get a personal pair at every moment, so you’ll take turns. There’s also a practical safety reason for the design: many people can’t hold their neck craned upward for long, so sharing helps you rotate without everyone suffering from neck strain.

Two more gear notes matter:

  • Adults over 18 get an approved star pointer, which helps you aim without wasting time.
  • Flash photography is not allowed, and audio/video recording isn’t permitted. The goggles are sensitive equipment, and the rules are there to protect them and keep the night distraction-free.

What you should expect to notice through the goggles is more than “cool dots.” People often leave talking about how much more they can pick out—stars, recognizable patterns, and bright objects like the Andromeda Galaxy (which has come up as a highlight). Even with clouds or moonlight, the goggles can make the night feel sharper and more “there.”

At each stop: what you do, what you’ll hear, and what could disappoint you

The Original Sedona UFO and Stargazing Night Tour - At each stop: what you do, what you’ll hear, and what could disappoint you
You’ll move through three viewing locations. At each one, your rhythm looks similar: park, gear up, look up, listen, then move on when the guide calls it.

Stop 1: Adjacent to Fay Canyon (your first “wow” moment)

This is where you settle in early. The area is near Fay Canyon, and once you’re parked, you get your goggles and start scanning. It’s a good kickoff spot because you’re not rushed immediately into the next move—you get time to adjust to how night vision feels and how the guide wants you to look.

If the sky is cooperative, this stop tends to be where you notice the biggest difference from the naked eye: more stars, clearer patterns, and less “what am I looking at?” confusion.

Stop 2: Near Cultural Park Place (stories plus re-aiming)

The second stop near Cultural Park Place keeps the viewing going while the sky shifts. This is a useful strategy. As night progresses, your target objects change with your position and the timing of darkness. Your eyes also adjust—so the second site can feel better even if the first was already impressive.

This is also where the UFO storytelling becomes a full thread. The guide shares accounts of UFO activity over Sedona and connects the narrative to what you’re seeing.

Stop 3: Near Crystal Magic Psychic Center (the last chance to catch something)

Your final viewing spot is in the Crystal Magic area. By then, you’ve had time to learn the “how to look” rhythm: listen for the cues, use the pointer if you have one, and take short turns with the goggles.

This last stop is also where weather effects show up most. If clouds are breaking, you may get clean windows. If the moon is bright, the Milky Way can get harder to see with the naked eye (and even through goggles, the sky won’t look the same as a totally moonless night).

Then you follow the group back to the original meeting point and the night ends.

The two real-view enemies: clouds and moonlight

The experience is weather-dependent and is designed to run every night when possible. But if clouds roll in, they can limit Milky Way visibility. On at least one tour, a cloudy night still delivered mysterious lights in the distance, and a voucher to return was offered. So if the view is imperfect, don’t assume the night is a write-off.

Comfort details: chairs, standing time, and winter warmth

The Original Sedona UFO and Stargazing Night Tour - Comfort details: chairs, standing time, and winter warmth
You should plan on standing or slow movement. The tour requires being in position to look up for stretches, and the terrain can be uneven. Closed-toe shoes aren’t optional for a reason.

Seating is limited. On one night, there were only a handful of chairs compared with the group size, and people were standing for much of the time. That doesn’t mean you can’t find a way to rest, but it does mean you should go in expecting that you’ll be on your feet for a while.

Winter gets a helpful upgrade: heaters are provided during colder months. That can make a big difference when you’re waiting for dark-sky moments to develop.

One more comfort tip: take your time with posture. With night vision, you may want to point your eyes upward rather than forcing your neck back continuously. If you’re sharing a goggle, rotate often and use short viewing bursts.

Guides, stories, and how to handle the UFO angle

The Original Sedona UFO and Stargazing Night Tour - Guides, stories, and how to handle the UFO angle
The guide energy is a core part of the experience. Names like Shay and Chey show up with consistent praise for enthusiasm and storytelling style. The best guides do two things: they keep the group oriented and they make the sky explanations feel practical, not like a dry lecture.

Also, the UFO content is part of the show’s identity. Some people love how strongly the guide connects UFO sightings to what you see overhead. Others can leave with doubts if the claims sound too bold or if they wanted more strictly scientific sky talk. If you want only astronomy, you might find the UFO narrative takes too much time.

Here’s the balanced way to approach it: treat the stories as a layer on top of sky viewing. You can still enjoy the constellations, the night-vision wow factor, and the “how the sky works” cues, even if you hold your own opinion about the UFO conclusions.

Extras you’ll notice: Alien Tour Shop & Cafe

This tour includes access to Alien Tour Shop & Cafe as part of the overall experience. That’s a nice add-on because it gives you something to do if you want a quick browse before or after the stargazing segment.

It also helps make the tour feel like more than a parking-lot stop with gear. You get a theme-driven night out in Sedona with a physical place attached to the activity.

Who should book this tour—and who should skip it

This tour is a great fit if you:

  • Want night vision gear and not just a basic stargazing walk
  • Like stories with your science, especially UFO folklore mixed into sky-watching
  • Prefer a small group (max 6) over large crowds
  • Are comfortable driving your own car and meeting at a fixed location

You may want to skip it if:

  • You have difficulty standing or walking. The viewing setup isn’t described as wheelchair-friendly, and it involves uneven ground.
  • You need on-site restrooms. There aren’t any at the viewing locations.
  • You hate rules around photography or recordings. Audio/video and flash are not permitted.

If you’re bringing a group, note that sharing goggles is built in. That can work well, but it also means you shouldn’t expect every person to look continuously through the goggles at the same time.

Should you book the Original Sedona UFO and Stargazing Night Tour?

If you want a night with real equipment and a guide-driven plan, book it. For the price, the upgraded military night-vision goggles and the multi-stop route are the core value. Add winter heaters and a small group size, and it’s an experience that feels designed for getting actual sky time rather than “drive-by stargazing.”

Book with care if you’re strict about only scientific explanations, or if clouds and moonlight are a deal-breaker for your expectations. The tour depends on weather, and the sky can be affected by light and cloud cover. Still, that’s also part of the magic of stargazing: even on imperfect nights, the night-vision view and the guided hunt for what’s up there can be memorable.

FAQ

FAQ

Is the tour really in Sedona, and where do I meet?

You meet at Sedona UFO Tours LLC at 1890 W State Rte 89A Suite D, Sedona, AZ 86336. The activity ends back at the same meeting point.

Do I need my own car?

Yes. There is no private transportation. You’ll follow your guide to the viewing locations in your own vehicle, not by taxi, Uber, or Lyft.

What’s included with the tour?

The tour includes upgraded military night-vision goggles (1 pair per 2 adults age 11+), heaters in winter, a free gift to all travelers, and access to Alien Tour Shop & Cafe. An approved star pointer is provided for adults over age 18.

Are there restrooms at the viewing locations?

No. There are no restrooms at the viewing locations.

Can I take photos or record video during the tour?

No. Audio and video recording isn’t permitted at any time, and flash photography is also not permitted due to the equipment.

What should I wear and bring for comfort?

Wear closed-toe shoes since you may walk on uneven pavement, gravel, or dirt. Plan for standing, and in colder months, the tour provides heaters. If you think you’ll have trouble standing or walking, this may not be the best fit.

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