Arizona Red Rocks

Over a mile high, dotted with mountains and laced with red rock limestone canyons, Northern Arizona is a surprising and beautiful place. It's also our home for most of the year, and we've put together a loop of our favorite destinations in Northern Arizona: Prescott, the Grand Canyon, Flagstaff and Sedona. Blessed with an ideal climate and supreme natural beauty, Arizona is a wonderful family vacation spot, with abundant sun, easy hikes, cool lakes and a rich history. 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 rugged granite peaks. We'll spend 1 night here before traveling to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, where we can walk the stunning rim trail, and spend the evening watching the sunset along the Canyon's edge.

After 1 night at the Canyon, we'll continue to Flagstaff, where beautiful forests of aspen adorn of Humphrey's peak, Arizona's highest mountain at 12,633'. Then we'll travel through Oak Creek Canyon to beautiful Sedona, America's best kept secret, where striking red canyon walls and lush, riparian areas create an unforgettable landscape. We will return to Prescott for our final night.

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.

Due to the high summer temps in Arizona, we will keep most of our hikes in the moderate range. 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 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. How does this tour differ from our spring and fall Northern Arizona Highlights tours? On our Arizona Red Rocks tours, we do not take the Grand Canyon train from Williams to the Grand Canyon, and we move more often, including a night in Flagstaff, taking somewhat shorter hikes. We believe this is a more pleasant way to tour the region during the hot summer months.

Actual hikes vary depending on weather, ability and mood, 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 the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, just 3 hours away by van. The Grand Canyon is an extraordinary sight - one of the wonders of the world. Enjoy an easy walk along the rim of the canyon, or rent bikes for an easy and unforgettable ride, with many beautiful views into this geologic wonder. Stay at a comfortable lodge at the rim. (Maswik Lodge or El Tovar)

Day 3: 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. We'll stay the night in charming downtown Flagstaff. (Drury inn)

Day 4: We'll drive through Oak Creek Canyon to Sedona, one of the prettiest locations you'll ever find. Sedona is surrounded by a brilliant landscape of red buttes, natural arches, ancient archeological sites, and lush streams. The sunsets here are simply unforgettable! Stay in the impeccable Arroyo Roble Hotel, with fabulous views and situated an easy walking distance to Sedona's shops and restaurants. Enjoy a short hike, head out on a back-country jeep tour, or just relax in 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 - a riverside walk through fall colors, or hikes to arches and tremendous views. At the end of our hike, we'll return to Prescott for a last night and a special dinner. (Springhill Suites)

Day 6: After breakfast at our hotel, we'll say our good-byes and leave for home. A shuttle van can take you back to the Phoenix airport.