Driving through Sedona, AZ, for an afternoon. Any ideas about thing to do?
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Posted on Dec 20, 2010
9 Answers
Montezuma Castle National Monument (www.nps.gov/moca is just 40 minutes south of Sedona of I-17. It's an amazing feat of 1,000 year old architectural engineering.
Posted Dec 20, 2010
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Stop at the National Parks Visitors Center on the right/north side of Hwy 179 a couple of miles from the exit off I-17 for maps and info. If the weather is good -- which it is most days -- stop at Bell Rock on Hwy 179 and walk up the groomed trail for a great view. Continue along 179, which is an All American Highway because of its unique setting, to the Chapel, a small monument built into the rock face, with another fantastic view over the town. Tlaquepaque is a pretty "village" styled after the colonial town in Mexico, located at the roundabout/curve where 179 crosses Oak Creek and heads into town on Hwy 89. Gardens, shops, restaurants worth a visit. At the double roundabout where 179 joins 89, go east into Uptown, a touristy strip of shops and galleries, the main part of Sedona. Top tour is an off-road jeep trip, but if you're a hiker, just pick a trail and diy. Best bets for eats: Oak Creek Brewry in Tlaquepaque for good food/beer; Elote on 179 for southwest cuisine (dinner only); WildFlower at Pinon Point 179/89 roundabout for sandwiches/salads. Need more? Just ask.
Posted Dec 21, 2010
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There are wonderful restaurants, art galleries, shopping malls, and new age experiences in the area but my best advice: find a hiking trail, any trail, and get on it. The beauty of the red rocks and elegant structures will mesmerize you. I am from Arizona, and visit Sedona frequently...it never fails to overwhelm me.
Posted Dec 22, 2010
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I hope you have hiking boots because there are some wonderful natural views out there if you're willing to leave the road by even just a few hundred yards!
Posted Dec 24, 2010
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As tacky as this sounds, the Pink Jeep tour would not still be in business after 35 years if it wasn't worth it. I have been through Sedona so many times and always laughed it off. Finally I took someone else on the tour and was sold.
Posted Dec 27, 2010
Add a commentMy kids and I did the Pink Jeep tour last March and it was a blast. The guides are very skilled and knowledgeable. One thing, though, my back hurt for a couple of days afterwards and I'm not one of those complainy types either. We also stopped at the Montezuma Castle on the way into town. It didn't take more than an hour to take in that sight. You can easily do both. Wear sunblock!
Posted on Dec 30, 2010
I third the Pink Jeep tour! Make sure you do (at least) the Broken Arrow trail!
Posted Jan 03, 2011
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..if you are into biking, the options are endless. Also Tlaquepaque (a unique shopping area) is a great place for a break.. has a good breakfast, coffee shop too!
Posted Jan 11, 2011
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