View Northern Arizona Wineries Map in a larger map

Did you know that Arizona is home to 40 wineries and vineyards? It’s true. In fact, the Wall Street Journal recently acclaimed the Verde Valley as an emerging hotspot vying for Napa-like status¹. Prescott and the Verde Valley are home to hundreds of acres of vineyards, farmed by five distinct wineries. Go wine tasting in Arizona by taking winery tours to these Verde Valley area wineries, located within an hour’s drive between Prescott and Sedona in towns like Page Springs, Cottonwood and Jerome. Experience the wineries themselves or stay local and check out funky area wine bars where they serve Arizona wines. As the epicenter of Arizona wine country, the Verde Valley offers a tremendous opportunity for tourists and locals to taste some of the country’s best wines right here in one place.

Wineries:

Javelina Leap Winery and Vineyards
Tasting Room Open 11 AM to 5 PM Daily. Located 90 minutes from Prescott just outside Sedona in historic Page Springs valley on
the slopes of a volcanic mountain, overlooking Oak Creek.
1565 North Page Springs Rd, Cornville
(928) 649-2681
www.javelinaleapwinery.com

Page Springs Vineyards & Cellars
Tasting room open daily 11am-6pm. Nestled along the banks of the Verde Valley’s famous Oak Creek. Page Springs vintner Eric Glomski offers visitors unforgettable syrah, petite sirah, and more.
1500 North Page Springs Rd, Cornville
(928) 639-3004
www.pagespringscellars.com

Oak Creek Vineyards & Winery
Enjoy a spacious, gravious and newly renovated tasting room where you can sip wine, eat cheese and chat with the friendly staff. If you find something you love while you’re there, Oak Creek Vineyards offers a VIP Club and wines shipped right to you.
1555 North Page Springs Rd, Cornville
(928) 649-0290
www.oakcreekvineyards.net

Echo Canyon Vineyard and Winery
No scheduled wine tastings but visitors are encouraged to call or email for information. Visit their website for contact information and to order wines online. Located 90 minutes from Prescott.
3222 N Echo Canyon Rd, Cornville
Access via 2 mile dirt road
(928) 634-8122
www.echocanyonwinery.com

Granite Creek Vineyards
Open for tastings Friday-Sunday 1-5pm. Award winning, family owned winery located 20 minutes from Prescott in Chino Valley, Arizona. One of few U.S. 100% Certified Organic wineries.
2515 Road 1 East, Chino Valley
(928) 636-2003
www.granitecreekvineyards.com

Alcantara Vineyards
Tasting room open daily 11am-5pm. Taste 5 of Alcanterra’s outstanding wines. Check out Arizona winery tours and tasting with an outstanding selection of wines, made right here in Arizona.
7500 Alcantara Way, Cottonwood
(928) 649-8463
www.alcantaravineyard.com

Juniper Well Ranch Winery
Tasting room open every weekend from noon to 6PM. Juniper Well Ranch has planted over two acres of vineyards featuring the Spanish Tempranillo grape.  We are also growing Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Sirah, Pino Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc and Malbec, many which were first planted in 2004 and harvested in Fall 2008. Enjoy seasonal events, bring a picnic or purchase one of the winery’s cheese plates and enjoy the Fiesta Patio.
10080 W. Tough Country Trail, Skull Valley
(928) 442-3415
www.juniperwellranch.com

Verde Valley Wine Tasting:

Jerome Winery
Located between Prescott and Sedona in historic Jerome, featuring over 30 local wines. Want a good story paired with a good glass of local wine? Head to Jerome Winery just off the main strip.
403 N Clark St, Jerome
(928) 639-9067
www.jeromewinery.com

The Art of Wine
Wine tasting 7 days a week in Uptown Sedona. The Art of Wine is dedicated to selling wines as stunning as the red rock landscape. All of their wines are produced locally.
Pinon Pointe Shops
101 N Hwy 89A, B-9
(877) 903-WINE
www.artowine.com

Arizona Stronghold Vineyards Tasting Room
Tasting Room open 365 days a year.
Enjoy wines in a confortable, relaxing environment while exploring the eclectic shops, galleries, antiques, restaurants and cafes of Historic Old Town Cottonwood.
1023 North Main Street, Cottonwood
(928) 639-2789
www.arizonastrongholdvineyards.com

Pillsbury Wine Company North
Tasting Room Hours: 11am-6pm. Sun.-Wed.; 11am-8pm Thurs.-Sat., closed major holidays.
Serves delicious wines from Pillsbury’s vineyard in Cochise County and local wine from Freitas Vineyard in Cottonwood.
1012 North Main Street, Cottonwood
(928) 639-0646
www.pillsburywinecompany.com

Bitter Creek Winery
Located in historic Jerome. Experience exquisite hand-crafted wines while overlooking the Verde Valley.
240 Hull Ave, Jerome
(928) 634-7033
www.bittercreekwinery.com

¹_{Karp, H. (May 25, 2007), United States of Wine, Wall Street Journal}

Visitors are revving up to travel to North Scottsdale Jan. 15-22

Rev up your 2012 travel plans and come to the Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction in Scottsdale January 15-22. More than 250,000 classic car lovers from all over the world flock to WestWorld of Scottsdale each year for “the world’s greatest collector car auction”; will you be one of them? Even if you don’t have six figures of bid money burning a hole in your pocket, you can enjoy all that Scottsdale has to offer away from the action of the auction block.  Kick back at one of the area’s resorts or hotels, enjoy luxurious resort spa treatments, great restaurants and bars, first-class shopping and championship golf.  The entire destination is sure to please auto enthusiasts and their friends and families alike. Read our Visitor’s Guide to Barrett-Jackson to find out where to stay, eat, expected weather and how to get around North Scottsdale near WestWorld.

Hotels and Resorts near WestWorld

(with approximate rates during Jan. 15-22)

• Scottsdale Links Resort – Rooms from $259/night
• Hilton Garden Inn North Scottsdale – Rooms from $234/night
• Fairmont Princess Resort Scottsdale – Rooms from $399/night
• Scottsdale Marriott at McDowell Mountains – Call for availability 1-888-559-2575
• Zona Resort Hotel and Suites – Call for availability 1-888-559-2575
• Residence Inn Scottsdale North – Rooms from $269
• Sleep Inn at North Scottsdale Road – Rooms from $229
• La Quinta Inn & Suites Phoenix Scottsdale – Rooms from $165

5 Places Locals Like Eat in North Scottsdale

Weather Forecast

Average January temperatures you can expect around during Barrett-Jackson around the state:

                      High / Low (F°)
Scottsdale 66° / 41°
Phoenix 67° / 46°
Sedona 56° / 28°
Prescott 51° / 21°
Flagstaff 42° / 15°
Grand Canyon
South Rim 41° / 18°
North Rim* 37° / 16°
West Rim 64° / 39°
Below the Rim 56° / 36°
Tucson 65° / 42°
Lake Havasu 66° / 40°

*North Rim is Closed Oct – May

Getting Around

Wondering if you should rent a car when you arrive in Phoenix or take a taxi/shuttle? Take it from a local, cabs here are pricey and Phoenix and Scottsdale are very large, spread-out cities. We’d hate to see you get stuck paying expensive taxi fares every time you venture out to the car auction, restaurants, shopping and golf courses. Save the cab fare and rent a car at the Phoenix airport and enjoy exploring Scottsdale on your own schedule. Sure, you won’t save enough cash to buy one of the collector cars at the auction, but you could treat yourself to a “long drive” on the golf course!

The South Rim is the most popular destination at the Grand Canyon

Which should you visit – the South Rim or the West Rim of the Grand Canyon? It’s a question more and more visitors are asking each year. The answer depends on several factors and ultimately comes down to whatever makes the most sense for your vacation. Read on for some questions and answers to help you figure out what you expect to get out of you Grand Canyon visit, and choose the Rim that’s right for you.

#1 Where will your trip originate? Nevada or Arizona?

If your trip will originate from Phoenix, Flagstaff, Sedona or another Arizona city, you’ll most likely want to choose the South Rim. It will probably be a shorter drive by several hours and hundreds of miles, giving you more time to enjoy the views at the rim instead of a view of your steering wheel. On the other hand, if you’re starting from Las Vegas, it probably makes the most sense to see the West Rim. Just a 3.5 hour drive (122 miles) from the glittering desert oasis lies Grand Canyon West, home of the Grand Canyon Skywalk and dozens and dozens of tour options.

#2 How much time do you have to spend at the Grand Canyon? A half-day or 1-2+ full days?

Because the entire Grand Canyon – regardless of West or South Rim – is in a remote part of Northern Arizona, half-day driving trips to the Grand Canyon are nearly impossible.  Half-day Grand Canyon trips are do-able from Las Vegas, Williams, Flagstaff, Sedona and Phoenix when you book a helicopter or airplane tour.

Again, your origination point will influence whether you’ll see the West Rim or the South Rim. If you’re coming from Las Vegas and you have just a half-day to see the Grand Canyon, definitely plan on taking a helicopter or airplane tour and seeing the West Rim. The vast majority of Las Vegas helicopter and air tours land at the Grand Canyon West airport. If you’re coming from Sedona or Phoenix, you can take a helicopter tour straight to the South Rim. If you’re coming from Flagstaff or any other Arizona departure point, plan on driving 2 hours or more to the South Rim, then taking a 30- 45 minute helicopter tour from Grand Canyon Airport, located in the village of Tusayan.

If you have one full day to see the Grand Canyon, those driving from Las Vegas will likely choose the West Rim (a 10 hour day, including drive time) over the South Rim (an 18 hour day.) Likewise, folks coming from all points Arizona will likely want to visit the South Rim (a 12 hour day) versus the West Rim (an 16-20 hour day.)

Needless to say, if you have multiple days to see the Grand Canyon, either Rim – or even both – is do-able as long as you plan nearby overnight accommodations. The vast majority of visitors choose to stay overnight in or around the South Rim since there are far more lodging choices and room availability at the South Rim than the West Rim.

#3 What kind of view do you expect? Deep and narrow, or wide and expansive?

The South Rim views are the classic Grand Canyon views with which you’re probably familiar.  Wide, expansive, and panoramic – the Grand Canyon as seen from the South Rim is an almost surreal, unbelievable sight that will leave you changed forever. The view of the Grand Canyon from the West Rim is impressively deep, with narrower canyon walls plunging downward to the Colorado River below. Many visitors delight at the unique view of the Grand Canyon available only at the West Rim; the view from the Grand Canyon Skywalk. The view straight down through the glass cantilevered bridge offers a sometimes dizzying perspective on the Grand Canyon and the rocky chasm floor 4,000 feet down.

#4 What kind of activities do you want to do? Hiking, river rafting, a helicopter tour or train ride?

At the West Rim, one can drive or take a helicopter or air tour from Las Vegas, land at Grand Canyon West, walk the Skywalk, fly down to the bottom of the Grand Canyon in a helicopter, ride down the Colorado River in a pontoon boat, and go back up to the Rim for a horseback ride. At the South Rim, you’ll find helicopter tours, Jeep tours, bus tours, light walking and hiking, heavy-duty backpacking and overnight backcountry camping, and the ever-popular Grand Canyon Railway train ride. Upper and Lower Canyon river rafting trips typically end and begin, respectively, at Bright Angel Trail at the South Rim.

#5 Is your vacation budget a factor? Could cost make a difference?

The cost of seeing the West Rim differs from the cost of seeing the South Rim. In short, the South Rim is less expensive with regard to entrance fees, parking and shuttle costs (about $25.) The West Rim, which is not part of Grand Canyon National Park but is owned and operated by the Hualapai native American tribe; the Hualapai collect fees for entrance to the West Rim (a minimum of $43, not including tickets to walk on the main attraction, the Grand Canyon Skywalk.)

#6 Do you follow the majority or the minority of visitors?

Simply put, the majority of visitors come to the South Rim each year. Compare 4 million annual South Rim visitors to 200,000 visitors at the West Rim. There is a good reason people flock to the South Rim; it’s actually part of Grand Canyon National Park; it’s stunningly beautiful; it’s more developed by way of visitors centers and services; there’s more lodging nearby; you can hike, backpack and camp; it’s easier to access and is more centrally located for Arizona visitors; and it offers more activity and tour variety.

The West Rim is emerging as a destination so it offers fewer options for lodging, services, visitor centers and variety when it comes to activities and tours. Because it’s not a part of Grand Canyon National Park but actually owned and operated by the Hualapai Tribe on tribal land, Grand Canyon West is more a tour destination and pay-for-admission attraction than the National Park.  It’s proximity to Las Vegas, unique Skywalk attraction, beautiful rugged views and plethora of Las Vegas tour packages make the West Rim a fantastic choice for more and more of the Grand Canyon-bound each year.

Say Buh-Bye to limited airport options... Arizona's got several options to check into. Screenshot: Saturday Night Live Season 19 (March 19, 1994)

With the peak travel season for many destinations within Arizona soon upon us, many of our readers may be wondering which Arizona airport they should fly into. To help you quickly and efficiently arrive at your chosen getaway, we’re highlighting five Arizona airports that offer commercial service from major cities around the U.S.  And please, remain seated with your seat belt fastened until the pilot has turned off the Fasten Seat Belt sign. Thank yooooooouuuu!

1. Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport – It’s probably no surprise that we’d start with Phoenix Sky Harbor. Phoenix Sky Harbor, or PHX, is the 6th busiest airport in the world with nearly 39.5 million passengers arriving and departing each year.  1500 flights arrive and depart daily leaving no doubt that the Valley of the Sun continues to draw tourists, businesses and residents alike.  Most Arizona visitors fly into Phoenix, via 17 commercial airlines from hundreds of cities, domestic and international, and drive themselves to every corner of the state. Get more information on Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport flight status, parking and airport shuttles, Phoenix transportation options, maps and directions.
2. Tucson International Airport – The gateway to all destinations in southern Arizona, Tuscon International Airport (airport code TUS) is serviced by 8 commercial airlines, with over 60 flights departing daily, providing nonstop service to and from 15 destinations with connections worldwide. We suggest flying into Tucson if your travel itinerary includes popular tourism spots as Tucson (of course), Tombstone, Tubac or Bisbee.
3. Flagstaff Pulliam Airport – While Flagstaff Pulliam Airport is serviced by just one commercial airline, US Airways Express, and all flights connect through Phoenix before arriving in Flagstaff, it may make sense for you to exert a little extra effort to fly into this northern Arizona city if your main destination is Flagstaff, Grand Canyon, Sedona or any other northern town. With 6 daily flights arriving in Flagstaff (airport code FLG) via Phoenix from over 70 destinations worldwide, it’s easy to take a quick 1-hour flight into the heart of northern Arizona.
4. Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport – This new airport is a gem of a gateway and a best-kept Arizona travel secret. Serviced by Allegient Air and Spirit Airlines, Phoenix-Mesa Gateway (airport code AZA) is located in the southwest Valley with easy access from the Santan Loop 202 Freeway to all points around the metropolitan Valley area. Allegiant Air provides service between Mesa and  32 U.S. cities, and Spirit Airlines offers non-stop flights between Las Vegas and Dallas-Ft. Worth, with continuing services to 8 more destinations nationwide. Airfares on Allegiant and Spirit often present great savings opportunities, but you have to be flexible with your travel schedule, as not all flights run daily.
5. Prescott Ernest A. Love Field – We’re willing to bet you didn’t know you can fly commercially directly into Prescott, in the heart of central Arizona, but you can! Great Lakes Airlines offers daily direct flights to and from Prescott Ernest A. Love Field (airport code PRC) via Denver, CO, Farmington, NM and Los Angeles, CA, with continuing service to many other U.S. cities. Prescott’s Ernest A. Love Field is located just north of downtown Prescott and is minutes from all the Prescott and Verde Valley areas’ best lakes, hiking, museums, golf and birding.

Now that you know where to fly into for your Arizona vacation, please remain seated until the pilot has pulled all the way into the jetway. Use caution when removing luggage from the overhead bins, as bags may have shifted during flight. Thank you for choosing Arizona Travel Blog Air, have a fantastic day.

Mmm’buh-bye.

Photo credit: essygie on Flickr.com | CC 2.0 Some Rights Reserved

Because of it’s relaxed, open-minded small-town reputation, Sedona has become one of the most gay-friendly travel destinations in the US.  So it’s no wonder that this is the third year for the annual Sedona Pride on the Rocks Festival, coming up September 16 through 17 at the Hilton Sedona Resort & Spa.

Pride on the Rocks 2011

The festivities begin on Friday, September 16 with the Pre-Pride Party, hosted by Juniper Bar and Grille at the nearby Sedona Golf Resort and will feature a live DJ, complimentary snacks, fantastic views and cash bar. On Saturday, September 17, Pride on the Rocks Festival officially kicks off at noon at the Hilton Sedona Resort & Spa.  Activities will include a main stage with local and regional entertainers, a live drag show emceed by the fabulous Afeelya Bunz, numerous vendors and exhibitors, community outreach services, fantastic food and drinks and other events – all going until 6:00 p.m.

One of the main events of the weekend, the Private Pride Pool Party at Hilton Sedona’s luxurious 25-meter spa pool is sure to draw a beautiful crowd.  Admission is complimentary for guests with a festival pass. Attendees will be able to treat themselves to a Manicure and Martini moment, take part in the exciting pool games or simply cool off in the giant pool reserved for the Pride Festival community from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

As the sun fades behind the world-famous Sedona Red Rocks, Pride guests are invited to join a special Pride Night “Gay-la” at Hilton Sedona’s beautiful ballroom and outdoor event space.  This unforgettable party will feature a live DJ, drag show, dance floor and cash bar. The “Gay-la” starts at 8 p.m. and lasts until 2 a.m.

Admission for each Pride on the Rocks event is $10 per person. Perfect Pride Packages are also available for those who plan to attend all three events.

To book a stay at Hilton Sedona Resort & Spa for Pride on the Rocks, call 1.877.2REDROCK (1.877.273.3762) or visit www.hiltonsedonaresort.com. For additional information about the festival and to purchase tickets, visit www.sedonapride.org.

5 LGBT-Friendly Sedona Travel Tips

Keep the fun going after the festival, or any time of year with these five tips for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender individuals and couples visiting Sedona:

#1 – Stay at the Hilton Sedona Resort & Spa

Sedona has always been known as a warm and friendly destination, and Hilton Sedona Resort & Spa is no exception. As a TAG Approved® hotel, Hilton Sedona Resort & Spa meets six LGBT-friendly qualifications including treating heterosexual and domestic partners equally in personnel policies and employing staff who reflect the diversity of their community. If you’re coming to Sedona for the festival,  guests of the resort can be in the heart of all the action for special Pride rates starting at $139 on Friday and $179 on Saturday night. www.hiltonsedonaresort.com

#2 – Visit A Spa For You

A prime example of an emerging trend in spas, the one-person spa, A Spa for You Sedona Day Spa allows guests to experience owner/therapist Thea Draaisma’s complete, undivided attention in her quaint and warm Scandinavian-style sanctuary. LGBT travelers and couples can enjoy a signature Japanese Facial Massage or couples treatment in complete privacy and stillness. www.aspaforyou.com

#3 – Dine at Relics

Located at the historic Rainbow’s End in West Sedona (Highway 89A at Dry Creek Road) Relics Restaurant and Lounge is Sedona’s oldest continuously operating restaurant. Open to all, this full service fine dining restaurant with patio and lounge dining, entertainment, dancing on northern Arizona’s largest wooden dance floor has long been a favorite of the local LGBT community.

#4 – Expect Early Morning Hikes vs. a Late Night Club Scene

The number one attraction in Sedona is and always will be the red rocks. You won’t find restaurants, clubs or bars open past midnight (or even 10pm) in this small town. Instead, you’ll find friendly locals willing to join you for, or help you plan a sunrise hike, romantic picnic lunch or afternoon catnap on a rock, whether you’re venturing out on your own, with new friends or as a couple. If hiking isn’t your thing, try wine-tasting at any one of the half-dozen vineyards, wineries and wine-tasting rooms in the Sedona area.

#5 – Be yourself

Sedona is a small town, yes. But Sedona attracts visitors and residents open to a broad spectrum of spiritual, religious and political views, where meditation and self-discovery are vastly more popular pursuits than judging others and pointing out differences. Relax, slow your pace, experience Sedona with intention, spend time soaking up the magic of the red rocks and don’t worry a thing about being anyone but yourself.

Photo credit: CEBImagery.com on Flickr | CC 2.0

Today, we’re proud to present the second installment of a series we call Back(pack) to Basics with a general guide to Sedona, Arizona. We’ve included everything you need to know about visiting Sedona in a lightweight, easy-to-carry guide you can stuff in your “backpack” of travel resources and this year, visit the place USA Today hailed as The Most Beautiful Place in America.

General Information

Lay of the Land

Getting to Sedona
Most Sedona visitors fly into Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport because it is the closest major international airport to Sedona. From there, it’s best to rent a car and drive yourself to Sedona via I-17 to Highway 179 (exit 298) which is about a 2 hour drive. There are several Phoenix to Sedona shuttle companies offering daily scheduled trips for about $90 – $140 per person round trip.

Lodging

The peak seasons in Sedona, when lodging is at a premium and rates escalate, are January 1 – April 15 and September 15 – November 30. You’ll find the best bargains in the summer months and December, both of which are still fantastic times to visit Sedona. The average length of stay in Sedona is about 2.3 nights; you can see most of the sights in two days, but smart visitors will take advantage of many hotels’ “extra night free” programs, making Sedona their home base for additional day-ventures to the nearby Grand Canyon, Flagstaff and Verde Valley. You can find all the great lodging we describe on our guide to Sedona hotels, resorts and lodging, Sedona.net.

Hotels and Motels

A variety of hotels and motels are available all over greater Sedona. You’ll find both familiar brand hotel chains and independent properties. Prices range from $90 – $250 per night in the peak months and $70 to $200+ per night in the off-season.

Resorts & Spas

Sedona is home to some of the most world-renowned resorts and spas in the country. Indulge in a spa vacation or luxury creekside retreat, perfect for couples, honeymooners, girlfriends’ getaways and individuals (go ahead, you deserve it!) Rates range from $200 – $400 per night in the peak months and $130 to $200 per night (and up to $300 per night for the most upscale resorts) in the off-season.

Bed & Breakfasts

Boasting over 17 unique bed & breakfasts, Sedona is a haven for Europhiles who love the personal touch of a bed & breakfast. Innkeepers of these Sedona gems attract guests with uniquely decorated guestrooms, gourmet breakfasts, personal concierge service, and significant overall value. Whether you’re seeking romance and privacy, sightseeing guidance from an expert Sedona insider, or simply a one-of-a-kind accommodation you’ll remember and recommend for years to come, these bed & breakfasts are certain to fit the bill. Rates vary widely based on the size, amenities offered and demand for these charming inns, but you’ll find anything from $150 per night to $500 per night, based on the season and the style, from simple to luxurious.

Pet-Friendly
Sedona is pet-friendly. Several Sedona bed & breakfasts, inns and Sedona hotels cater to four-legged guests. Check out this list of dog friendly hotels in Sedona, which may or may not be complete, so don’t be afraid to call your hotel or bed & breakfast and ask if Spike or Fluffy can come along.

A pet friendly Sedona vacation goes beyond accommodations; check out these suggestions for Sedona pet friendly activities and restaurants that don’t just accept pets, they cater to them.

Dining

How to See Sedona…

There are many scenic viewpoints accessible by car that offer spectacular views of the red rocks of Sedona, BUT first be sure to pick up a Red Rock Pass ($5/day, $15/week) at one of many commercial vendors (stores, gas stations, hotels, etc.,) government offices and self-serve machines throughout the area. (Where to buy) A Red Rock Pass allows you to park, hike, picnic, and take photos on Coconino National Forest land.

…on a Guided Tour

Likely the most popular way to see Sedona, a Jeep tour from any one of nearly a dozen expert companies is a great way to see some of Sedona’s most breathtaking views, discover the backcountry, learn about Sedona’s history, geology and ecology, and bond with friends, family and other visitors. It’s also an ideal way for multi-generational groups to see Sedona together; a Jeep tour is exciting, yet safe, for kids and grandparents, teens and adults alike.

That’s not to say that a tour by Jeep is the only way to see Sedona from a different point of view. You may opt for other guided tours such as van tours; horseback riding; wine tasting tours; river rafting and kayaking adventures; railway tours; hot air balloon, helicopter and airplane tours; or guided vortex hikes. Every one of these tours satisfies a different interest, taste, ability and budget. And whether you’re seeing Sedona from the back of a horse, or down on Oak Creek, or high above the red rocks, each one of these tours changes your vantage point, so even if this is a return trip to Sedona, you can see it in a whole new light. Find a tour that’s right for you on our guide to Sedona tours, Sedona.net.

…on a Self-Guided Driving Tour

The following are loosely listed in order of how you might encounter them on a driving tour of Sedona, starting in the Village of Oak Creek off Hwy 179 and continuing to the “Y” at Hwy 89A, heading west and then doubling back along Hwy 179 toward Uptown Sedona and Oak Creek Canyon along Hwy 89A. Many include easy to advanced hiking in order to reach the best viewpoints, but several can be viewed from a parking lot or on the side of the road (be careful parking roadside; traffic in Sedona can be very busy.)

You can start this self-guided tour at any of the points below and simply go back to the top of the list and work your way down. Since most Sedona visitors begin their visit by entering the area from the south, (from Phoenix, off I-17) we’re starting our list there.

1. From the Village of Oak Creek on Highway 179, where you can pull into the Coconino National Forest parking lot for the Bell Rock Pathway to view Bell Rock and Cathedral Butte. This turnoff on the east side of the road is about 1.1 miles north of the National Forest’s South Gateway Visitors Center.

2. Return to Highway 179 and head north 2.8 miles to Back O’ Beyond Road, turning west off the Highway and see spectacular Cathedral Rock.

3. Return to Highway 179 and continue north 0.5 miles to Chapel Road, then 0.8 miles east on Chapel Road up the hill to the famous Chapel of the Holy Cross.

4. Continue on Highway 179 and go to the “Y” at the junction of Highway 179 and Highway 89A. You’re now in Uptown Sedona.

5. From Highway 179, take Schnebly Hill Road. This 38 mile winding and picturesque route ultimately ends at an intersection with Interstate 17. You may choose to go the entire way or turn around and head back down to Highway 179 – it’s up to you. (If you do go all the way up to Interstate 17 and want to come down a different way, you can either go south 38 miles to exit 298 and come back up to Sedona through the Village of Oak Creek on Highway 179, or head north on the 17 and come down Oak Creek Canyon 27 miles on Highway 89A.)

6. Back at the divergence of Highway 179 and Schnebly Hill Road, continue around the world-famous Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Shopping District and follow to the “Y,” a traffic circle at the intersection of Highway 179 and Highway 89A. An exit to the right of the Y will take you to Uptown Sedona, where you’ll find shops, hotels, galleries and restaurants with public free parking lots and on-street parking. Best to get out and stroll a while here… there’s too much to see from your car windows!

7. Leave Uptown and head west on Highway 89A 1.1 mile, turning south on Airport Road (keep your eyes out… there is no traffic light here.) A short, steep climb up the hill to Airport Mesa, home of one of Sedona’s vortex spots and perhaps the most popular scenic viewpoint at sunrise and sunset.

8. Return to Highway 89A and head through West Sedona where you’ll find more shops, dining, hotels and galleries. From Airport Road, travel 2 miles west to Dry Creek Road at which you make a right and head north up Boynton Canyon. Boynton Canyon is one of the most scenic of the box canyons that make Arizona Red Rock Country so famous. Boynton Canyon is also home to the renowned Enchantment Resort.

9. Back out on Highway 89A to the west 1.1 miles is Upper Red Rock Loop Road. Red Rock Loop, aptly named, creates a complete loop that passes through Red Rock State Park, one of Sedona’s most popular hiking, picnicing and photography spots. From here, many iconic photos of the view from Red Rock Crossing to Cathedral Rock have been taken.

10. Complete the loop on Lower Red Rock Loop and return to Highway 89A. From here, your trip doubles back 5.5 miles toward Uptown Sedona, and continues up Oak Creek Canyon. You’ll pass Midgley Bridge and Indian Gardens, both great places to stop and take photos. (If traveling north to south, you’ll enter Uptown Sedona about 7.1 miles from Slide Rock.)

11. Just 7.1 miles from Uptown Sedona is Oak Creek Canyon’s most popular attraction, Slide Rock State Park. With easy walking trails, wading in the creek and a natural waterslide, this park is open year-round but is most popular (read: crowded) in the summer months with visitors and families looking for some cool, natural water play. (If traveling north to south, look for West Fork about 2.8 miles from West Fork .)

12. Another 2.8 miles up Oak Creek Canyon on Highway 89A will take you to the trailhead for the West Fork of Oak Creek Canyon Trail, an easy 3-mile and extremely popular day hike. (If traveling north to south, look for West Fork about 6 miles from the Oak Creek Vista .)

13. Nearly 6 miles of winding switchbacks up Oak Creek Canyon on Highway 89A is the Oak Creek Canyon Vista. Look for a well-marked and ample parking lot on the east side of the highway. Don’t miss this opportunity to stretch your legs and view Oak Creek Canyon from its apex as it runs south. Breathtaking year-round, it’s a signt to behold in winter, fall, summer or spring. (If returning from I-17 in the north, the turnoff is about 8.3 miles down the canyon.)

14. From here, you can either turn around and head back down Oak Creek Canyon on Highway 89A south or continue 6.4 miles to the junction of 89A and Interstate 17. If you continue north toward Flagstaff and the I-17, you can either take I-17 south to Schnebly Hill Road or the full 38 miles to exit 298 and return to your starting point in the Village of Oak Creek.

…Through the Lens (Photography)

For viewing and photographing Sedona, the light is most dramatic early or late in the day; mid-day sun tends to flatten the view and soften the colors. Remember that days are short in the winter and long in the summer. Times for sunrise and sunset are listed below along with our Sedona weather tables.

…On Foot (Hiking)

Sedona offers both easy and challenging hiking, and the reward for those willing to make the effort is a chance to marvel at the beauty of Sedona unfolding below.

Best Easy Hike – West Fork Trail

West Fork of Oak Creek Trail is probably the most popular hikes in Sedona because it’s an easy hike and offers something new and uniquely beautiful every season of the year. Though easy, the trail does cross the creek in a number of places, so be prepared to walk across stepping stones or through some shallow water.

Rating: Easy
Distance: 3 miles
Time: 2 – 3 hours round trip
Map and Information: Coconino National Forest Service

Best Moderate Hike – Brins Mesa Trail

A convenient and picturesque trail, Brins Mesa leads hikers out into the open to delight in unobstructed views of spectacular red rock formations. Start your hike at the trailhead located about a mile from Highway 89A on Jordan Road in Uptown Sedona. Brins Mesa can be hot in the summer, so be prepared with plenty of sunscreen and water, as you would with all hikes. Turn around at the edge of Brins Mesa to return to the trailhead. If you have two cars, park one at the Jordan Road end and one at the Soldier Pass trailhead and do the whole trail one way.

Rating: Moderate
Distance: 3 miles – 4.1 miles
Time: 1 hour
Map and Information: Coconino National Forest Service

Best Difficult Hike – Schnebly Hill Trail plus Munds Mountain Trail

Schnebly Hill Trail features a moderate and steady climb toward several overlooks offering great views of Munds Mountain, Bear Wallow Canyon and the red rock formations beyond. With simple signage, it’s easy to continue onto Munds Mountain Trail, a steep, switchback ascent, climbing 500 feet in just over .5 mile. You’ll be rewarded by fine views over Jacks Canyon and the rim country all the way to the San Francisco Peaks near Flagstaff. Turn around where the trail flattens out as it emerges on the broad, open, flat expanse of the mountain top.

Rating: Difficult
Distance: 6.2 miles
Time: 4 hours
Map and Information: Coconino National Forest Service

Sedona Weather: Temperatures, Precipitation and Sunrise/Sunset Times

Sedona Temperatures and Precipitation:

Sedona Sunrise, Sunset Times and Length of Days:
based on the 1st day of each month

So, there you go! That’s our primer all the basics of visiting Sedona. Did we leave anything out? What else would you like to know? Feel fee to comment and we will reply!

Fourth of July Fireworks from Tempe 4th - Presented by Kiwanis Club of Tempe

Arizona is proud to present Fourth of July 2011 events all around the state. Here’s a vibrant burst of Arizona 4th of July events, listed by region or city, exploding all over our great state:

(All events below will occur on Monday, July 4, 2011 unless otherwise noted.)

Northern Arizona

• Grand Canyon – No fireworks in or around the National Park.
• Williams – Home Town Fourth of July. The celebration on July 4th and will include a fabulous parade, local BBQ, ice cream social and family activities. Visit www.williamschamber.org.
• Flagstaff – The 15th Annual Flagstaff Fourth of July Parade and Fire-Safe Fireworks – Celebrate the most spirited community events in Flagstaff. More info, visit flagstaffarizona.org
• Sedona – No fireworks in Sedona.
• Showlow – FreedomFest 2011 – Annual 4th of July Parade, festival events & the best fireworks display on the mountain. For more, visit showlowfreedomfest.com.

Central Arizona

• Tempe – Tempe Town Lake Festival or “Tempe 4th” on Tempe Town Lake. Produced by the Kiwanis Club of Tempe, this huge event at Tempe Beach Park opens at 4pm and will feature live music, family fun, a splash zone, an inflatable village, impressive food court and of course, the 60th Annual Kiwanis Club of Tempe Fireworks Spectacular – best fireworks show in the Valley – shot from Mill Avenue bridge. The spectacular family night Fireworks Show will be choreographed to patriotic and classical music and begins at 9:10pm. Get details on parking, tickets and attractions at tempe4th.com.
• Prescott – City of Prescott’s Fourth of July Celebration at Pioneer Park, located off Commerce near Willow Creek Road. All-day carnival, live music and the largest fireworks display in the tri-city area. Free admission for music and fireworks; pre-sale carnival wrist bands can be purchased for $12 or at the gate for $15. Fireworks show begins at 9:00 pm. For more information on tickets, attractions, events and parking, visit cityofprescott.net/events.
• Phoenix – Freedom Wireless Fabulous Phoenix Fourth is the largest free fireworks event in the state. Come down to Steele Indian School Park, 300 E. Indian School Rd. in Phoenix. Three stages of local entertainment, Kids’ World, classic car exhibit, food and refreshment vendors; the fun begins at 6pm. Expect large crowds and be sure to bring your blanket, lawn chairs and coolers. Even-bigger-than-before Fabulous Fireworks start sparking at approximately 9:30 pm.

Southern Arizona

• Tucson
  • ‘A’ Mountain Fireworks Show Desert Diamond/City of Tucson/Pima County fireworks show from“A” Mountain at Tucson Convention Center parking lot, with food vendors, beer garden, car show. Visit tucsonaz.gov for more information.
  • Let Freedom Sing’ Concert Arts Express celebrates America’s birthday with a concert of patriotic songs staged at Centennial Hall, University of Arizona. Visit arts-express.org for information.
  • Tucson Padres Star-Spangled Spectacular with Fireworks Tucson Padres vs Reno Aces holiday baseball game features All-American fun and food followed by a fireworks display at Kino Stadium. For information and tickets, visit web.minorleaguebaseball.com/index.jsp?sid=t549
• Benson – Benson July 4th Celebration Benson will celebrate the 4th of July with its annual parade, a water fight between volunteer fire departments, and a family dance at Lions Park. See bensonvisitorcenter.com for details.
• Marana – Star-Spangled Spectacular with Fireworks Arizona Pavillions hosts Marana’s fireworks show, with children’s fun, ice cream stations, live music, and beer garden. Learn more at marana.com
• Tombstone – July 4th Celebration with Fireworks Enjoy a family-style July 4th celebration with a round robin softball tournament, food booths, and street entertainment – all starting at noon. Free admission; sponsored by Knights of Columbus and Tombstone Vigilantes. Come to Medigovich Field and Allen Street at dusk for fireworks presented by the Tombstone Fire Department. Visit tombstonechamber.com for a map and details.
• Tubac – Tubac Golf Resort’s Independence Day Extravaganza with Fireworks Tubac’s annual fireworks celebration features family activities, food vendors, kids’ face painting, DJ and live music, fireworks, and special VIP packages for guests at Tubac Golf Resort & Spa – tubacgolfresort.com.

If you have additional events to share, please feel free to post them in our comments!

A federal judge has dismissed a lawsuit that sought to keep a northern Arizona tribe from severing its agreement with the developer of the Grand Canyon Skywalk.

Read the full article at AZCentral.com: Judge dismisses federal lawsuit over Skywalk.

About Grand Canyon Skyalk:

The Grand Canyon Skywalk is a partnership between the Hualapai tribe and entrepreneur David Jin of Las Vegas. The cantilevered steel and glass walkway that extends 8,000 feet above the canyon floor and 70 feet out from the rim is a $30 million attraction located approximately 120 miles east of Las Vegas, NV, and 72 miles northwest of Kingman, AZ. Attractions available at Grand Canyon West include The Indian Village with authentic dwellings, The Hualapai Market, and The Hualapai Ranch, a western town with horseback and wagon rides. Grand Canyon West is the only location throughout the entire Grand Canyon where visitors can access the river and water recreation activities at the bottom of the canyon via helicopter tours. Click here for nformation and how to purchase Grand Canyon Skywalk and other West Rim tours.

I will be traveling to Las Vegas for my nephew’s wedding in early August 2011. We would like to fly in early and stay at the Grand Canyon one or two nights and do the White Water rafting trip from the west rim down and the helicopter back up.

What is your recommendation on where we should fly in to?  Where is a good place to stay that would still have availability?  Is it better to stay at the South Rim and drive over to the West Rim?  We also still need to make flight & room reservations for Vegas.  I have looked at discounted flight/room packages on line.  Is there a way to get rooms in the Grand Canyon 1 or 2 nights and then Vegas the other nights?

We have never traveled to this area and would like to take in as much of the outdoors as possible.  Or as much as we can handle due to the heat in August!

 

Thanks for your help,
Lori L., Pensacola, FL

Hello Lori!

Thanks for your email.

I assume for the Las Vegas portion of your stay, you’ll either stay at or near the location of the wedding and will easily find Las Vegas accommodations that will suit your needs, has availability, etc. August is not the peak season in Las Vegas so you should have no trouble finding a room there.

You may need a total of 3 nights to really do this pre-wedding portion of your trip. This is big country out here… lots of driving, walking, and touring makes for quite action-packed, and thus tiring, long days. Depending on your arrival time (you’re smart to try to arrive early; from the east coast, you’ll be gaining time but still, flying cross-country can be tiring) you may want to spend one night in Phoenix or Scottsdale or Las Vegas, depending on which itinerary you choose, and rest up for the next few days of moderate-to-heavy driving, walking, rafting and touring.

Here are two ways to do this trip with handy links to options for hotels, tours and packages:

• Day/Night 1: Fly into Phoenix (one way). Stay overnight at one of the hotels near Phoenix Airport.
• Day 2/Night 2: Drive to the South Rim (4 hours.) See the South Rim and stay 1 night at one of these hotels near the South Rim.
• Day 3/Night 3: Drive to Peach Springs early (about 2 hours) and depart on the 1-day whitewater rafting. They’ll drive you back to Peach Springs. That night, stay at the Hualapai Lodge in Peach Springs.
• Day 4: Drive to Las Vegas (about 3 hours.)
• After the wedding and the Las Vegas portion of your trip, fly home from Las Vegas (one way.)

Or

• Day 1/Night 1: Fly into Las Vegas (round trip). Have some fun and stay the night in Las Vegas. I suggest you book a nice but budget-friendly hotel off the Las Vegas Strip for this quick overnight.
• Day 2/Night 2: Drive to Peach Springs, AZ very early (about 3 hours) for whitewater rafting all day. They’ll drive you back to Peach Springs. Stay at the Hualapai Lodge in Peach Springs.
• Day 3/Night 3: Drive yourselves to the South Rim (about 2 hours.) See the South Rim all day, stay in or near the South Rim that night.
• Day 4: Drive to Las Vegas (about 5 hours.)
• Fly the return round trip home from Las Vegas.

When you book your whitewater rafting through the Hualapai tribe (Hualapai Lodge and River Rafting Packages are available) do add on the Grand Canyon Skywalk. You might as well do it as long as you’re already paying for the rafting and other mandatory fees applied to being on Hualapai land.

The South Rim is the “real Grand Canyon” and will give you an unforgettable and different experience than the West Rim, with plenty of easy walking, light to moderate hiking, education, dining, etc. Staying overnight at the Rim may be very limited in availability if not sold out for your dates, but you should be able to find something Williams (about an hour south of the South Rim.)

You’ll probably book your Grand Canyon and Las Vegas stays separately, on two separate “packages”… e.g. your Las Vegas nights alone and then a Grand Canyon heli+rafting package through the Hualapai Tribe and/or a Grand Canyon South Rim flight+hotel package through a tour booking service such as Viator.com, AllGrandCanyonTours.com or AllLasVegasTours.com.

Enjoy your trip!
– ChristinaToo

Dear Arizona Travel: 

I am planning to visit Hopi country in late July and will most likely travel via Flagstaff from Phoenix. Could you please give me some advice on the best route and any other information relating to this? I only have a couple of days so want to make the most of it.I will most likely hire a car in Phoenix and drive north.

Thanks,

Richard L.

Hi, Richard!

First, directions to Hopi Country:
From Phoenix, take I-17 north right up to Flagstaff. It’s about a 2 hour drive.

www.hopiculturalcenter.com

Next, I assume you’ll be visiting the Hopi Cultural Center (www.hopiculturalcenter.com). The Hopi Cultural Center is located on the Second Mesa.

To get to the Hopi Cultural Center from Flagstaff: Take Highway 879A North to Townsend-Winona street. Turn right and proceed about 10 miles to Leupp road; turn left and continue north another 31 miles to the Kykotsmovi turn off (just past the Little Colorado River Bridge); continue north 48 miles to Kykotsmovi on Third Mesa. Approximately 92 miles from Flagstaff.

For your overnight lodging, you could stay at the Hopi Cultural Center’s lodge. Full disclosure:
I personally know nothing of the lodging there. But, if you’re aiming for a trip truly focused on immersing yourself in the Hopi culture, I think staying at their lodge absolutely makes the most sense!

I am much more familiar with Flagstaff and I lean toward encouraging you to make it your “home base” for two days based on a) my unfamiliarity with the Hopi Cultural Center’s lodge, and b) my own bias toward staying overnight in a more established city where there are greater options for dining and additional sightseeing. Our Flagstaff.com site has everything you need to know about Flagstaff hotels should you decide to go that route.

I hope you have a great time, Richard.  Feel free to keep us posted on how it goes!  I’d love it if you’d post comments or photos of your trip on our Facebook page at facebook.com/ariztravel!

Take care and enjoy your trip!
–ChristinaToo

PS: Readers – I need your help on this one! Have you stayed at the Hopi Cultural Center? Which do you recommend: lodging at the HCC or staying overnight in Flagstaff?