Itinerary
B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner
Thursday, 26 Sep 2019: Arrive Phoenix, AZ; Welcome Dinner (B,D)
Welcome to Phoenix, our gateway to Arizona’s stunning Red Rock Country. Schedule your arrival no later than 5:00pm and take local transportation to the hotel. If you arrive earlier in the day, go exploring or relax until the start of the tour. We will meet in the lobby of the hotel at 6:00pm for introductions and then depart for our Welcome Dinner to get better acquainted. Overnight Phoenix - 1 night
Friday, 27 Sep 2019: Montezuma Castle National Monument; Afternoon Hike (B)
We are off to Sedona this morning. We travel along the highway that is also known as the Old Black Canyon Trail, passing mining towns that were once bustling with gold prospectors and are today quiet ghost towns. Our first stop is Montezuma Castle National Monument. From the trail are dramatic views of the ancient five-story cliff dwelling that was once home to the prehistoric Sinagua people. We continue our journey north, this time along the Red Rock Scenic Byway, where towering sandstone rocks frame our arrival into Sedona. We head out for an afternoon hike after checking into our hotel. The Sedona Airport Loop Trail is a moderate 3-mile hike with views of Thunder Mountain and the rock formations Coffeepot, Pyramid and Cathedral Rock.
Saturday, 28 Sep 2019: Small Group Hikes; Free Time in Sedona (B,L,D)
The best way to experience the beauty and grandeur of Red Rock Country is to venture into its wilderness along one or more of the many hiking trails that are found here. The trails range from easy to strenuous with diverse terrain and elevation, offering something for every hiker. Today, your Tour Leader will help you choose a hike based on your desired level of challenge and pace and match you with others with similar experience and interests. Regardless of the trail chosen, there will be some amazing opportunities to view wildlife in its natural habitat, lush vegetation, and unparalleled scenery. You may even experience vortex energy! We return to our hotel mid-afternoon with time to relax and explore Sedona.
Sunday, 29 Sep 2019: Tuzigoot National Monument; Jerome State Historic Park (B,L)
We begin our morning with a leisurely drive to Tuzigoot National Monument. Here we find the remains of a Sinagua settlement from the 12th century. One trail leads to a constructed overlook of Tavasci Marsh, an important location for migratory bird gatherings, and the second circles through the ruins to the summit. The panoramic view from the top looks over layered cliffs and ridges in all directions. In the distance are large colorful spoil heaps from old copper mines around the historic town of Jerome, a former mining boom town. We’ll explore the history of mining in the Jerome area with a stop at the Douglas Mansion, a home built by mining mogul James Douglas, and in the town of Jerome itself. Our hike today is in navigating the winding streets of Jerome, known as “America’s Most Vertical City.” Perched at a 30-degree incline on Cleopatra Hill, each street winds up the mountain forming a town of tiers. After spending time visiting the quaint shops and artist galleries in Jerome, we head back to Sedona for the evening.
Monday, 30 Sep 2019: Free Morning in Sedona; Return to Phoenix; Farewell Dinner (B,D)
How would you like to spend your final morning in Red Rock Country? Perhaps you’d like to squeeze in one more hike. Or glide above the canyons of Coconino National Forest at sunrise in a hot air balloon. You can pamper yourself at a spa that will leave you relaxed and restored. The Sedona Gallery Art Walk highlights many of Sedona’s top galleries and the Tlaquepaque Arts and Crafts Village is the place to browse for unique souvenirs and artisan-crafted creations. There is no shortage of experiences to fill your time. We'll return to Phoenix late this afternoon. After checking into our hotel, there will be time to refresh before we come together one last time for our Farewell Dinner.
NOTE: If interested in a balloon ride this morning, reservations must be made months in advance (cost not included and must be paid directly to the balloon concession supplier). Your Tour Manager will provide more details about this optional activity and help coordinate interested travelers once you’ve reserved space on this tour.
Tuesday, 1 Oct 2019: Return home from Phoenix
Our adventure together has come to an end. Make your return flight to depart Phoenix at your convenience.