Sedona, Arizona

Red Rock Crossing

The Ideal Trip 
Recommendations

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Rest & Relax...
  • Hilton Sedona Golf Resort and Spa. This resort and spa is located in the quiet Village of Oak Creek. The Hilton Sedona Resort and Spa offers a great setting and plenty of amenities. 

My Top 5 favorite activities and amenities at the Hilton Sedona Golf Resort and Spa:
  1. eforea Spa
  2. Outdoor fireside patio dining
  3. Private balcony or patio in all rooms
  4. Beautiful and relaxing pool
  5. Blue Water Café poolside dining

 Travel Tips

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.


View the Sedona slideshow below:
Hiking in Sedona

Read More: Sedona's Best