Red Rock Adventurer

Hiking Mileage: 7.5 miles 1-way Elevation Change: 500 feet Accommodations: Briar Patch Inn or Inn Above Oak Creek On our first day of this Sedona hiking vacation we’ll enjoy a hearty breakfast and then depart for the day’s hike. Our first trek will be a warm-up hike: 7.5 miles on one of Sedona’s most scenic hiking routes. We begin near Courthouse Butte and Bell Rock, two of Sedona’s most prominent and beautiful landmarks, and quickly climb several hundred feet into layered shelves of red rock sandstone. Half-way into our hike we’ll reach Cathedral Rock, a stunning, nearly 1,000 foot tall sandstone monolith. We’ll rest in the shade of cottonwood trees lining the banks of Oak Creek, along the northwest side of Cathedral Rock. Your guide will prepare a tasty lunch and share some of the native and indigenous history of the area – this very spot was once a fertile hunting ground. After lunch, we’ll complete our hike among the towering cliffs, sheer pinnacles and pristine canyons of Sedona. We will settle in to our lodging for an hour or two of relaxation, with the option to experience some of Sedona’s artisan shopping districts before dinner out at one of our favorite Sedona restaurants.

Hiking Mileage: 5.2 miles 1-way Elevation Change: 1850 feet Accommodations: Briar Patch Inn or Inn Above Oak Creek On our second day we’ll head toward one of Sedona’s most exciting hikes. We’ll drive into Dry Creek basin, the heart of Sedona’s red rock country. You’ll notice the Mogollon Rim to the north as it climbs some 2,000 feet above the surrounding area. Our hike takes us to a spectacular Sedona summit, 1,850 feet above us, and only 2.6 miles of hiking to get there. The hike is challenging and rewarding as we travel through ancient layers of sandstone and limestone. As our trail approaches the back of neighboring Fay Canyon, we may have a chance to catch glimpses of native dwellings tucked high into the cliffs. After a final push we reach the top of our ascent, and are rewarded with stunning views of the surrounding landscape, and an enchanting picnic lunch. We’ll take our time returning to the trailhead to enjoy the downhill hiking and soak up the views and serenity of the high desert wilderness. If we have time and our group is game, tonight we will head to the historic mining town of Jerome, Arizona (45 minutes away). Jerome, a 19th century mining town built on the side of a steep mountain, is one of the most unique places in America. Your guide will give you a walking tour of the switchbacking streets, staircase sidewalks, haunted buildings, and amazing history of this quaint Arizona gem. We will enjoy dinner in Jerome’s most historic and charming restaurant before heading back to Sedona.

Hiking Mileage: 8.8 miles 1-way Elevation Change: 2250 feet Accommodations: Briar Patch Inn or Inn Above Oak Creek Today we’ll head north to conquer Sedona’s highest peak at 7,122 feet. On the first few steps of this hike we’re immediately transported to an entirely new character of landscape – the ecosystem is lush, with tall, deciduous and coniferous trees. Towering red and white sandstone spires protrude from the mountainside and provide stunning views as we ascend to the summit of this glorious mountain. On the summit we’re rewarded with arguably one of the best views the Sedona area can offer – a panorama of the beautiful Red Rocks surrounding us and Oak Creek Canyon below us! After a picnic lunch overlooking Sedona, we will return back into Sedona. On the 3-day itinerary, we will bring you back to your accommodations and say our goodbyes after an amazing journey! If on a 4 day itinerary, we will return back to our lodge to relax before heading out to a delicious Sedona dinner.