Rest & Relax...

• Amara Resort and Spa. This resort has a beautiful location right on Oak Creek. You know this is prime real estate in Sedona because the L'Auberge Resort (also highly rated and recommended) is right next door.
  

Amara offers the same great setting, with lovely creek views, just as it's more expensive neighbor, but for a much more reasonable rate. And the Amara Resort Fees (unlike some mysterious Resort Fees at other places) include things you actually care about , will use, and don't mind paying for, such as wireless internet, shuttle service to local shops/restaurants, and spa access. When making reservations, request a Creekside room with a balcony or patio view.


Eat...

• Barking Frog Grille. This recommended restaurant with the funny name combines familiar foods with a delicious southwestern twist. Try their entrée salad with smoked salmon prepared table-side or delight in the exceptional pork belly carnitas. The food and atmosphere are just right after a day spent in nature or the spa. They can accommodate families with children in the grille or you can dine in the adults-only section for a more relaxed atmosphere (same great menu and prices for either choice; the grille section includes a child’s menu). 

Shop...

• Tlaquepaque Village. Enjoy a stroll through the shops and patios of this lovely little shopping area.  This is a good place to get an overview of the many art types available in the Sedona area and pick up a souvenir to take home. You may want to pause for an ice cream cone if the weather is warm or eat Mexican food on the patio of the El Rincon Restaurant. The shopping village is located next door to the Los Abrigados Resort and there is plenty of convenient parking. 

Take your camera and a drive...

• Boynton Canyon. The ride from Sedona to the Enchantment Resort is wonderful. Out here you can see wildlife, find several picturesque photo spots, and better soak in the open red rock vastness that surrounds the city.
• Table Top Mountain. Be sure to drive up the hill to the airport. The views of the city below, watching the planes and helicopters taking off for tours, and the panoramas of the red rock country are not to be missed.
• Red Rock Scenic Byway. This scenic stretch of Highway 179 south of Sedona runs through the Coconino National Forest and the Village of Oak Creek. Plan to take your time and stop at the view spots to really appreciate the grand structures and monuments such as Bell Rock and Courthouse Butte.
• Oak Creek Canyon. This winding canyon road on 89A (heading north toward Flagstaff) is a scenic stretch passing several beautiful day use picnic spots, overnight campgrounds, hiking trails and vista points.

Take a hike...

• Broken Arrow Trail. 

This is an easy hike for a stunningly beautiful red rock canyon experience. The adjacent roads are used by the local Jeep tour companies, so you know this is an area worth exploring yourself. The trail is only 1.5 miles long, about 2.5 hours round-trip, (your hike can be extended on other connecting trails), but there is little shade so plan accordingly in the summer. There are some slight rises on the trail and several slick rock spots with “stairs” to climb, but generally a very easy trail.

Access to the trail head is convenient: Follow Morgan Road east to the end of the pavement, cross the cattle guard and continue for 80 yards to the parking area on the left. The adjacent dirt road continues past the parking area, but is only accessible as a jeep trail (and you may see the Pink Jeep Tours pass this way several times during the day). Mountain bikers also use this trail.

• Brins Mesa Trail.
  

This is an easy hike for picturesque views and wide-open land. The trail is conveniently located and easily accessed on a dirt road near town (accessible by all cars if you take it nice and easy over the ruts). The trail has several small rises, but it is not too steep to be enjoyed by almost everyone.

To reach the trail head, follow Jordan Road west about one mile to the dirt parking lot. The last quarter mile of the road can be a bit rough, so you can always park your car and walk the remaining part of the dirt road to reach the trail head. The trail heads in the area are well marked all around the central parking area. This particular walk is a fairly easy one, taking approximately 1 hour for the 3 mile trail. There are several other trails in the area should you want to challenge yourself a bit more.

See Sedona slideshow below.

• Get a Red Rock Pass. 

You will need to purchase a pass for most of the Sedona areas recommended here.You can purchase the passes for daily use ($5), weekly ($15), or annually ($20) at many of the locations you will visit such as trailheads, visitor centers, and vista points.

Passes can also be purchased online, by phone, or in person at most of the major tour companies and hotels in Sedona. If you don’t purchase in advance, just remember to purchase the pass at the first required location (many of them have pass vending machines) and then place the pass on your car dashboard as required each time you park in a location needing the pass.

According to the U.S. Forest Service, “A Red Rock Pass (or America The Beautiful Interagency Pass, Golden Age or Golden Access) is required when recreating on National Forest land in Red Rock Country, a high-impact recreation area. The pass must be displayed in the windshield of the vehicle. Vehicles parked on the National Forest in the red rock area that do not display a valid pass in the windshield are subject to receiving a citation. A pass is not required for incidental stopping to take a photograph or to enjoy a scenic vista (approximately 15 minutes or less)”.

• Rent a car (or Jeep!) 

Much of the beauty of Sedona is found outside of the downtown tourist areas. Plan to rent a car or SUV at least one day during your stay, or, take a jeep tour (such as Pink Jeep Tours). If you will be driving yourself, see the list of recommended scenic drives in the area to start your explorations. The recommended easy hikes listed are accessible by almost any rental car, but you will need to rent a Jeep or SUV  if you plan to leave the paved roads. A variety of rentals are available in Sedona.

• Get out of the city.
  

It would be a shame to visit Sedona and not get your sneakers just a little dirty in the red rock sand. Enjoy your beautiful resort amenities to their fullest, but make it a point to take a creek-side stroll, hike in the red mountains, or take a guided tour out into the wilds. This is some of the most beautiful country in the world, so take advantage of it!

• Keep costs low. 

Free or very low-cost hiking, camping, picnicking, art gallery walks, and city strolls are abundant throughout the Sedona area.  You can keep travel costs very low during your Sedona visit by doing some advance research and packing picnic foods.

• Research hikes.

Find excellent hiking information for all levels, including helpful maps and directions to trail head access, at the Coconino National Forest website.

• Bring necessities. 

Since you are likely going to be outdoors for a good portion of your Sedona trip, be sure to bring the basics: sunscreen, bug repellant, a hat, hiking boots, good maps, and water bottles. As with all hikes, easy or difficult, come prepared with the right tools for both comfort and safety. And remember that when your water is half gone, your hike if half over.