At a Glance
Immerse yourself in the allure of Sedona’s red rocks and desert magic, beautifully adorned with vibrant formations of the enrapturing red rock terrain. Hike fascinating landscapes, behold gorgeous locally created arts and crafts, enjoy delectable cuisines, and encounter lovely vistas on this 4-day walk of Arizona’s Sedona.
Your adventure begins in Phoenix, after which we will shuttle to Red Rock State Park. Traverse the park, and navigate the Kisva Trail, soaking in the colours and scents of cottonwood, sycamore, Arizona alder, ash trees, and even a variety of birds. Witness nature’s paintbox of reds and oranges splashed onto cliffs and buttes before going to dine at one of Sedona’s longest-standing haunts. Behold the renowned Cathedral Rock and experience Sedona’s desert hues decorated with deep canyons, pine forests, and red-rock scenery. Hike ...
Trip Highlights
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What's Included
- All meals as specified in itinerary
- All luggage, airport, hotel transfers and shuttle transfers as specified in itinerary
- 3 nights accommodation in hotels on a twin share basis
- Professional guiding: two support vans, 6:1 guest to leader ratio on average
- Hiking, sightseeing and activities as stated in the itinerary
- Park and other entry fees
- Comprehensive travel planner with detailed pre trip information
- Expertise and services of our experienced Trip Leaders
- Snacks and beverages between meals
- Van shuttles to support a variety of route options
- All gratuities at hotels and restaurants
Itinerary
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TWO HIKING OPTIONS: On the first day of the trip, meet with your tour leaders at 9:00 a.m. at the entrance to the Sheraton Phoenix Downtown located at 340 N. 3rd Street in Phoenix, AZ. Please, ensure you arrive wearing your hiking clothes and come with your luggage and a daypack containing your rain gear and anything else you may want for the day’s hike (your luggage will be transported to your first night’s accommodations). Hello, Arizona! After our meeting in Phoenix, we head south of Sedona to Red Rock State Park, a 286-acre nature preserve. This park is the perfect introduction to this gorgeous region! On arrival, we savour a sumptuous lunch before heading to the trailhead to meet a research geologist who shares the geological history of the rock formations decorating our surroundings as we hike. Our routes take us through a prosperous riparian habitat along Oak Creek. The trail, Kisva, reflects its meaning in Hopi, “shady water,” as it follows a rippling creek adorned by cottonwood, sycamore, Arizona alder, and ash trees. To catch spectacular views of the riparian habitat below and multiple layers of rock in the distance dating back hundreds of millions of years, we make our way to the highest summit in the park, the Eagle’s Nest. From this vantage point, we also get impressive vistas of Cathedral Rock, one of Sedona’s most famous landmarks. |
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Following that, we head to our hotel, Sky Rock Sedona, a groovy boutique hotel majestically seated atop a hill that provides magnificent views of Sedona’s red-rock landscape. Settle into your room and relax in the pool or perhaps soak in the breathtaking scenery from the hotel’s terrace. Later, we convene for a welcome reception followed by a delicious dinner exposing us to the flavours of Southwestern cuisine. |
Sky Rock Sedona, Sedona
Lunch, Dinner |
THREE HIKING OPTIONS: We enjoy breakfast and take a short shuttle for a morning hike among Sedona’s peaks, juniper, and pinyon pine forests. While this is technically considered an “in-town” hike, you will feel worlds away as you navigate the spectacular landscape of multicoloured spires, monoliths, and sandstone formations. The tender terrain underfoot allows you to look up and appreciate the exceptional views of natural features such as Crimson Cliffs, Mogollon Rim, Battlement Mesa, and Submarine Rock. If you’re up for it, there is a chance to cover more miles after lunch. You can continue hiking while admiring the rich burnt orange, red and white hues colouring the neighbouring peaks, buttes, and fantastic panoramas of Oak Creek Canyon. Or you may prefer to take a quick shuttle to explore Sedona’s lively town centre. Peruse the many art galleries, cafes, and shops here or visit the colourful Tlaquepaque (pronounced Tla-keh-pah-keh) Arts & Crafts Village to learn about Native American art techniques and materials. You will find many Kachina dolls, jewelry, tapestries, and paintings created by local artists. You have the rest of the afternoon to lounge poolside on the hotel’s vast terrace or spend more time in Sedona, getting to know the town. In the evening, we convene for dinner at a favourite local restaurant. |
Sky Rock Sedona, SedonaBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
THREE HIKING OPTIONS: Today, prepare to explore some spectacular Sedona terrains! We go into the Red Rock-Secret Mountain Wilderness, part of the Coconino National Forest just north of Sedona. Our exploration begins at a trailhead beneath Mescal Mountain, an acclaimed geological landmark. Trek through low-growth forests and navigate a ridge line till you arrive at a giant red rock amphitheater that reveals wide-open panoramas and desert scenery. |
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If you’re still up for more exploring, you can visit Boynton Vortex—a famous Sedona energy vortex—on your own. (Tour leaders are prohibited from guiding to the Boynton Vortex.) Sedona has four vortexes, each believed to have its unique energy. After getting your aura on kilter and soaking in the stunning views, you can shuttle back to the hotel or continue Aerie Trail and then up to Doe Mountain for sweeping 360-degree views of Sedona. In the evening, we gather together for a final dinner and make a toast to our fantastic time in Red Rock Country. |
Sky Rock Sedona, Sedona Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
TWO HIKING OPTIONS: For our final desert excursion, we visit another of Sedona’s energy vortexes, Table Top Mountain, also known as Airport Mesa. Some believe that these vortexes are areas of concentrated spiritual energy mounting up from the earth, which is sometimes noticeable across the nape of the neck and the shoulder blades. Vortexes are typically identified by twisted tree trunks and what resemble swirling rock formations. Airport Mesa is an Upflow area whose energy is conducive to contemplation and meditation. If you’d rather not participate in this hike, you can stay at the hotel and enjoy a slow morning. At midday, we convene for a wholesome lunch after which we say our goodbyes—bid farewell to your acquaintances, new friends and tour leaders. Then, we shuttle to Phoenix, where our trip ends. NOTE: This itinerary is provided as an example only – prevailing conditions and local arrangements may cause variation. |
NoneBreakfast, LunchDates & Prices
Please contact us for private departures and group bookings. Single Supplement is available on request.
More Info
- The departure and finish point is Phoenix, Arizona
- Major commercial flights provide convenient access to Phoenix. The nearest airport to Phoenix is Phoenix International Airport which is 4.5 miles away. Other nearby airports include Phoenix esa Gateway (AZA) (25.4 miles), Tucson (TUS) (113.7 miles) and Flagstaff (FLG) (119.7 miles).
Sedona enjoys a mild climate during the fall, winter and spring months. Temperatures don't typically soar until late May or June, but sun protection, including a hat with a wide brim, is essential any time of year. A light sweater or jacket is recommended for the evening, when temperatures can drop abruptly. Although Sedona is located in the desert, rain and cooler temperatures are possible at any time (it's even been known to snow in the spring and fall), so it's a good idea to bring breathable rain gear and warm layers.
The routes on this trip are rated Levels 1-3.
Level 1, 2-5 hours, 3-8km (2-5 miles), Maximum Elevation Gain 244m (800 ft)
Level 2, 2-4 hours, 6-11km (4-7 miles), Maximum Elevation Gain 396m (1300 ft)
Level 3, 3-5 hours, 8-14km (5-9 miles), Maximum Elevation Gain 610m (2000 ft)
Level 4, 4-6 hours, 10-18km(6-11 miles), Maximum Elevation Gain 914m (3000 ft)
Level 5, 5-7 hours, 11-21+ km (7-13+ miles), Maximum Elevation Gain 1219m (4000+ ft)
Onlyluxe Travel acts as travel agency and work with different tour operators.
Payment Detail
All pricing is in Australian dollars and are quoted on a per person twin share basis. A supplementary price is available (see below). Bookings are not confirmed until full payment and the signed Booking Form has been received by Onlyluxe Travel.
A non-refundable 30% deposit is payable within 7 days of your booking, with the final balance due 120 days prior to departure. If a booking is made 120 days or less before departure, the full payment is payable immediately. Last minute bookings are payable before arrival. Failure to pay on time may result in automatic cancellation of a booking with cancellation penalties payable to Onlyluxe Travel. If you pay by credit card or PayPal a surcharge will be added to the total price.
Single Supplement
All accommodation is twin share. Single guests will share with someone of the same gender. If a single room is demanded, a supplementary price of will apply. The supplementary price refers to our quotation and needs to be stipulated at the time of booking.
General Cancellation Policies
- Outside of 120 days monies will be refunded less 30% of full fee
- Within 120 days prior to arrival all monies will be forfeited
- No refunds will be given in the event of non-arrival, any unused services or unused nights due to flight or weather disruption
- We strongly recommend guests protect themselves with travel insurance and medical insurance
Please Note: Cancellations must be advised in email and will take effect from the date they are received.
Liability
The participant agrees to indemnify Onlyluxe Travel, and its servant, tour operator and agents, in relation to any liability, loss and damage which the tour operator, or its servants and/or agents may incur as a result of the participants, negligence or misconduct during the tour.
Smoking is not permitted on the bus, or in tents or in other accommodation being used by tour operator at the time that a trip is being conducted.
Child Policy
Please consult travel consultant on age limit.
Changes to Itineraries
Local conditions may necessitate changes to sightseeing, walking and driving routes, camping and accommodation locations. While every effort will be made to provide the services and experiences as offered in our brochure, on our website, and in our trip letters, we reserve the right to vary your itinerary. In the event that we are forced to change your arrangements, substitute arrangements of a similar standard will be provided. The tour operator will not be liable where interruptions to itineraries are caused by weather conditions, technical problems to transport used by the tour operator, industrial action, political or civil commotion or other circumstances beyond our control. We refer you to the conditions regarding travel insurance.
Changes in Prices
While we will do its utmost to honour its pricing unforeseen circumstances may mean that prices may be subject to change without notice.
Pre-Existing Medical Conditions and Age Limits
You need to advise Onlyluxe travel and the tour operator on any pre-existing medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability that might reasonably be expected to increase the risk of your requiring medical attention, or that might affect the normal conduct of a trip and the enjoyment of other trip members. Onlyluxe Travel and the tour operator may require an assessment of your medical condition from a qualified medical practitioner. If you fail to adequately notify the tour operator of any pre-existing medical conditions and/or disability, the tour operator reserves the right, at its reasonable discretion, to cancel your participation in a trip at any time, including after the commencement of your trip, with no right of refund if your medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability could be reasonably expected to affect the normal conduct of the trip and the enjoyment of other trip members.
Cancellation by The Tour Operator
The tour operator is at the mercy of nature in all her beauty and all her fury. The tour operator will under no circumstance knowingly place at risk the health and well-being of our guests and guides. In the case of natural threats, acts of God and the like (e.g. bushfires, impassable snow, etc) the tour operator may need to cancel a tour with very little notice. In some cases, this can occur after the tour has commenced. The tour operator reserves the right to cancel any tour up to 60 days prior to departure if the minimum number requirement is unable to meet for a tour. If the tour operator needs to cancel for any reason, the cost of the tour or any other costs associated with travel to the designated pick up point, overnight accommodation, meals, etc will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore we strongly recommend travel insurance be taken out prior to travel.
Force Majeure
'Force Majeure' means (without restriction) any event which Onlyluxe Travel or its third party providers could not, even with due care, foresee or avoid. Force Majeure covers events such as, but not limited to, adverse weather conditions, fire and all similar events beyond our control. In the case of Force Majeure Onlyluxe Travel will not accept liability, and reserves the right to change and cancel trips.
Evacuations
In rare circumstances, due to injury or unforeseen illness, the tour operator may need to evacuate you from a remote part of the walk. Helicopter evacuations are expensive and in most cases will be at a cost to the customer.
For Australian residents, under the Australian Government Medicare Act, it is prohibited for any domestic travel insurance product to provide any financial reimbursement with regard to ambulance or air ambulance services. We therefore strongly advise our customers to take specific ambulance cover through their health insurance provider. Evacuation cost will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore it is also strongly recommended that our customers take out travel insurance to cover (amongst other things) the costs associated with evacuation.
Travel Insurance
In view of the heavy cancellation penalties applied to cancelled reservations in certain circumstances, we strongly recommends suitable travel insurance be purchased at the time the holding deposit is paid. We recommend insurance cover that covers any loss which may be suffered due to cancellation. We also strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance against loss of baggage and medical expenses.
