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Sedona Tourism Choices… FAQ. Been There. LOVED That. Hope YOU Will Too.
SEDONA TOURISM FAQ Best Hotels in Sedona? Sedona Activities? Sedona Tours? Locals and Sedona AZ Vacation lovers share tips, pictures, maps, weather info, top picks. Memorable ways to stay and things to do in Sedona AZ.
Sedona AZ Tourism FAQ - Answers to Common Questions and Uniquely Useful Inquiries
Get The Goodness: Your Questions Answered… Straight From The (Proverbial) Horse's Mouth
The Horse's… Huh?
You know… directly from the source (the front end, of course). "The horses mouth" speaks on this page as a collection of answers that come from a bunch of locals putting their best ideas together, along with those of some savvy Sedona AZ vacationers. Hence, we say:
Actually, this is true of the entire site. It's all Q.B.E. (Qualified By Experience).
Our standards for inclusion? Simple. If we wouldn't recommend it to our loved ones, it doesn't make the page. And, in case you're wondering, this is not stuff we're paid to say. We never accept any money for the suggestions we share with you, nor for inclusions on our picks lists.
Sedona Tourism FAQ
Ready to Get The Sedona Tourism Goodness?
Here's What You'll Find On This Page.
SECTION 1. The first section addresses the most commonly asked Sedona tourism "basics," including the Red Rock Pass, where to get picnic / grocery items, and driving directions.
SECTION 3. This is where you can ask specific questions of your own. If you don't easily find what you're looking for, just send us an email. We'll send you a speedy reply.
Type the airport code, "PHX" into the following field, then click the "go" button at the bottom right side. This will give you (printable) turn by turn directions to the Forest Visitor's Center.
This is a convenient stopping point in the Village of Oak Creek, when you're coming in from the south. I've used it as a logical reference point. Whether or not you stop there is your call, of course.
If you do, you can pick up a free Sedona map. And, if you like, you can also get a Red Rock Pass, free hiking guide and/or in-person answers to your specific questions.
2. Driving directions from Flagstaff airport?
Type "FLG" into the following field above and click "go."
Basically, the pass is a fee-based permit that keeps you from getting a fine when you park in the lots at Coconino National Forest scenic areas and trailheads.
They're very easy to find around town. You don't have to go to a visitor's center to get one. There are several self-serve machines sprinkled throughout popular areas.
There are a couple of ways to arrange to have one mailed to you in advance too, if you like.
Sedona offers 4 full service grocers, ALL with delis and produce sections.
3 of these are in West Sedona: New Frontiers is decidedly natural (lots of organic and health-conscious items). Safeway and Basha's offer "member cards" that result in discounted prices.
In the Village of Oak Creek, there's 1 full service option: Weber's IGA.
All of the above, except New Frontiers, offer a full selection of wine and liquor.
Also worth a mention, in West Sedona, up Airport Road, there's a Farmer's Market every Sunday from 12 to 4 (good local produce, etc.).
And, there's a very small, uber-healthy place called Rinzai's Market. It has a tiny selection of "everything," including organic produce. And, as an affirmation of the quality to be found there, I can tell you, it has earned a devoted local client base.
TIP: Looking for some vegetarian romance? Try ChocolaTree in West Sedona (especially in the garden). Even if you're not a vegetarian, stop there to pick up some of their delectable chocolates.
Here are some ideas to get your going in a good direction. These places are on just about everybody's "best of" lists.
A. WEST FORK: West Fork offers a mostly flat "wet" hike through Oak Creek Canyon's towering walls and lush green flora and fauna. You'll hear and see lots of birds during this fairly easy hike.
If you do the full hike, to the return point and back, it's about a 6 mile trek which crosses over the creek a few times. So expect to get your feet wet.
B. COURTHOUSE BUTTE: This is a mid-level challenge hike. It's a 4 mile "loop" trail with great Red Rock Sedona views of Bell Rock, Cathedral Rock, and Courthouse Butte itself. Click here for more details.
C. BELL ROCK: Near the Courthouse Butte trail, there's another option to do a shorter (about 1 mile) walk. Lots of folks enjoy this one for strolling around Bell Rock.
D. BOYNTON CANYON: There are a few options once you're on your way hiking Sedona in the Boynton Canyon area, which is located way to the west. At first, there'll be "evidence of humans," since the vista looks over Enchantment Resort. If you're up for continuing on, you'll find more "communing with nature" on your own, as the fellow hikers thin out.
There's also access from here to see some Native American remains. Note: Kindly leave all that you see just as you see it. You may happen upon pieces of pottery and things of this nature. Touching or moving them would be disrespectful.
E. FAYE CANYON (Bonus Pick): This trailhead is about a mile up from the Boyton Canyon trail. It offers great open vistas of what's named the Secret Wilderness area.
Hotels In Sedona. Things To Do In Sedona AZ. Vacation Guide.
4. Without hiking, where can I take in the "must see" scenery?
A. Do the Oak Creek Canyon drive.
B. Have a picnic at Crescent Moon (formerly Red Rock Crossing).
C. See the sunset at Airport Mesa and/or Crescent Moon.
D. Visit the Chapel of the Holy Cross, for wonderful scenery and interesting architecture. Atheists and people of all faiths can enjoy this Sedona landmark.
E. Drive or bike Red Rock Loop.
F. Spend some time at Slide Rock state park, celebrated by Life magazine as "one of the nation's 10 best swimming holes."
G. You might enjoy one (or both) of the $12 narrated Sedona Trolley tours. A great way to get an overview of many of Sedona's sweetest sights. Highly recommended.
H. For a picturesque setting, visit Tlaquepaque Sedona. There, you can stroll through cobble stone courtyards with flowers, fountains, sculptures, and ivy-covered adobe walls.
Hotels In Sedona. Things To Do In Sedona AZ. Vacation Guide.
5. What area should I stay in if:
A. We won't be using a car at all (non-drivers).
B. We'd like to enjoy cocktails (leaving the car behind).
UPTOWN: If you like the being where the action is, this is likely a good fit for you.
Uptown has the highest density of restaurants, cafés, shops, and tours stops. There are some galleries too. Here's a list of the Sedona lodging in that area:
NEAR TLAQUEPAQUE: This area is quieter. Tlaquepaque Sedona offers over 40 venues, including 5 restaurants (both casual and fine), shops and galleries. For more, you can walk a bit further to the Hillside and Hozho areas. A robust walk will get you to Uptown too.
The FREE RoadRunner Trolley will also usher you to all the above. Click here to see the route map.
Enchantment Resort Sedona ($$$$+) is no where near the action, but there's plenty to do onsite. And, according to Travel & Leisure Magazine, Enchantment's Mii Amo Spa is the #1 destination spa in the world!
Hotels In Sedona. Things To Do In Sedona AZ. Vacation Guide.
7. Which Sedona Jeep tours should we consider?
If you're a photography-buff, consider arranging a tour with A Day In The West. They (absolutely, undoubtably) know the best photo spots. If you like, you can arrange a custom tour with them.
Considering Pink Jeep Tours Sedona AZ? Their Broken Arrow offering is the most popular choice among Sedona AZ tours. It's thrillingly bouncy and scenic. Have a look at this collection of Pink Jeep videos to get a good idea of what you can expect.
TIP: Whichever way you choose to do a Sedona Grand Canyon tour, be sure to see the IMAX feature if you'd like a stunning visual treat along with a good informative narration. It lasts about a half hour and costs about $12.
Hotels In Sedona. Things To Do In Sedona AZ. Vacation Guide.
9. We'd like more info on the Grand Canyon. Also, we're interested in visiting other areas in Arizona, like Phoenix and Scottsdale. Maybe Tucson, too. Can you suggest resources?
The Grand Canyon page leads you to a wealth of information. It's basically, everything you need to know, including:
Tours from Sedona
Driving on your own
Tours that start and finish at The Canyon
A Grand Canyon photo slideshow
Ideas for things to do
Need-to-know notes
In-the-know tips
B. ALL ARIZONA INFO SITE
For an all Arizona tourism resource, here's one website that's is a real stand out: Arizona Vacation Planner.
It was created by a couple who know Arizona well. Jeff and Paula Hartgraves share their actual travel experiences, so, you'll find authentic insights along with comprehensive info and lots of sweet Arizona pictures.
Click here to see why we LOVE the Arizona Vacation Planner website (opens www.Sedona-Vacation-Planner.com in a new window). You'll see Arizona Tourism info for Phoenix and Scottsdale, Tucson, the Grand Canyon, Flagstaff, and, of course, Sedona AZ.
If you're interested, you can get another very good visitor's perspective on our hometown (Paula's mom lives in Sedona).
Note: As always at SedonaHappy.com, we did not accept any money for these inclusions. This is our way of "keeping it real," and offering info you can count on.
C. HOTELS & CAR RENTALS IN SURROUNDING AREAS
Here's another reference for a cleanly designed website that offers and easy way to get information, find discounted rates, and make bookings at Northern Arizona University Hotels, offering a wide range of services including hotel reservations, car rentals, and other travel tools!
The Real Sedona AZ Red Rock Heaven On A Down-to-Earth Site
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