Cultural remnants were left in Sedona Arizona by ancient peoples referred as the Desert Culture, the Anasazi and Hohokam groups. Researchers believe that the Hopi tribes descend from this Sedona Arizona area culture.

Indigenous to Sedona Arizona, the Sinagua, an agrarian society that dry farmed and traded in the Sedona Arizona area during 1100-1400 AD. Commerce in Sedona Arizona was not limited to nearby tribes, but as a hub, trading with Pacific, and South America groups. Sedona Arizona's area rich minerals, salt and copper were exported items. Peace among tribes prevailed during religious ceremonies that took place in the Sedona Arizona region.

Traces of these ancient civilizations of Sedona Arizona can be found in the great pueblos. The Palatki ruin, constructed by the Sinagua, located between Sedona Arizona and Clarkdale, depicts drawings of snakes and Kokopelli. 50 people or more may have resided in these pueblos. Honanki, another Sinaguan ruin near Sedona Arizona, held around 60 rooms.

Southeast of Sedona Arizona is Montezuma's Castle and Montezuma's Well. Cliff dwellings were also built in the Sedona Arizona region by the Sinagua. The Sedona Arizona area was originally occupied by the Hohokam.

Volcanic disturbances in Sedona Arizona drew the Hohokam to more fertile lands, the Sinagua settled in the Sedona Arizona area, building above ground dwellings. The Sinagua used the irrigation techniques of the Hohokam to tame Sedona Arizona. The Sinagua vanished from Sedona Arizona for reasons unknown.