Arizona Red Rocks - Guided Hiking Tour

Blessed with an ideal climate and supreme natural beauty, Northern Arizona is an ideal hiking destination for spring and fall trips. It's also our home state, where we spend 9 months of our year, and we're excited to share the beauty of our home area. After arriving in Phoenix, an easy 2 hour shuttle delivers you to Prescott, to our comfortable downtown hotel. Prescott, once the capital of Arizona, is a pleasant and walkable small town with a rich history, surrounded by ponderosa pine forests and towering granite peaks. We'll transfer in the morning to Williams, where we'll catch the vintage Grand Canyon Railway train to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. After 2 nights at a comfortable lodge at the South Rim, we'll finish with 2 nights in Sedona where striking red canyon walls and lush, riparian areas create an unforgettable landscape. We'll have guided hikes each day, as well as plenty of opportunity for free time to explore the towns, museums and archeological sites along the way.

Our days will start with a full breakfast at our hotel - your choice of eggs, pancakes, cereal, fruit, coffee, juice - which gives us the energy needed for the day ahead. Then we'll be out on the trail, exploring the wonderful landscapes Arizona has to offer. Each morning, you'll be handed a lunch to carry, and at a mid-point along the way we'll choose a beautiful spot to stop and enjoy our picnic. We get a lot of compliments on our imaginative lunches - making them something to look forward to as well!

We should finish our hike around 4 pm, giving you time to wash up, relax at the hotel, or perhaps do a bit of sightseeing on your own. Later, we'll enjoy delicious dinners together at our hotel or another local restaurant. There are many great restaurants to choose from, and our dinners will all feature fabulous food.

Actual hikes vary from trip to trip, but our itinerary will go something like this:

Day 1
The Arizona Red Rocks tour starts with arrival at the Phoenix airport, where you can transfer by shuttle to our meeting point in Prescott. Prescott is a charming small town tucked at the base of the Bradshaw mountains. Wander by Victorian homes and Old West bars in the quaint downtown shopping district. We'll have a welcome dinner and introduction to Prescott before settling in to our lovely downtown hotel. (Springhill Suites)

Day 2
We'll transfer in the morning to Williams, Arizona, the gateway to the Grand Canyon, where you'll board the vintage Grand Canyon railway train for an historic ride on their panoramic observation deck to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. The Grand Canyon is an extraordinary sight - one of the wonders of the world. Enjoy an easy walk along the rim of the canyon, with many beautiful views into this geologic wonder. Stay at a comfortable lodge at the rim with a gourmet dinner at the historic El Tovar lodge. (Maswik Lodge or El Tovar)

Day 3
Our second day at the Grand Canyon gives us a chance for a full dayhike, so we can appreciate its beauty from below as we hike down into the canyon on one of many beautiful trails. One of the Grand Canyon's classic hikes leads down the South Kaibab trail into the canyon for fabulous views from Ooh Aah Point. Return along the gorgeous rim trail for a second night at the Grand Canyon. (Maswik Lodge or El Tovar)

Day 4
Leaving the Grand Canyon, we'll have the option to explore the Anasazi ruins at Wupatki, near Flagstaff, or hike through the Aspens along Humphrey's Peak, Arizona's highest mountain at over 12,000 ft. Then we'll wind through Oak Creek Canyon to Sedona, one of the prettiest locations in the Southwest. Sedona is surrounded by a brilliant landscape of red buttes, natural arches, ancient archeological sites, and lush streams. The sunsets here are simply unforgettable! Enjoy a short hike through one of Sedona's stunning red rock canyons, visit the surprising Arizona wine region of nearby Page Springs, or just relax in Sedona and enjoy the beautiful views from town. (Arroyo Roble)

Day 5
With towering sandstone formations in every direction, countless canyons and numerous creeks, we have many hikes to choose from today. We enjoy the quiet hike over Sterling pass to Vultee arch, through forests of pine and juniper, with beautiful views all day. Return to Sedona for a second evening. Our hotel here is the impeccable Arroyo Roble Hotel, with fabulous views and situated an easy walking distance to Sedona's shops and restaurants. (Arroyo Roble)

Day 6
We'll have time for an optional morning hike before leaving Sedona. Our route will take us through the mountainside mining town of Jerome, now a noted artists haven. We'll return to Prescott, named one of the next great adventure towns by National Geographic Adventure, where one of our favorite hikes is through the Granite mountain basin, a beautiful hike through forests of pine, oak and agave with the rounded boulders of Granite mountain towering thousands of feet above us. Return to town for a farewell dinner. (Springhill Suites)

Day 7
After breakfast at our hotel, we'll leave for our post-trip destinations. A shuttle van can take you back to Phoenix.