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Sedona and Vegas Vacation - Need Recommendations (1 Viewer)

Also, and I can vouch for this as I was there yesterday, the weather in Sedona is perfect right now so if you can get some hikes in. Here is a really good online ranking: https://www.earthtrekkers.com/best-hikes-in-sedona/

I've done most of those in the link, but I'll suggest three based on level of difficulty:
1. Bell Rock and Courthouse Butte Loop - very moderate hike of about 5 km. My wife and I usually do this hike on the second day of our anniversary weekend there as we're usually a touch hungover and it's just a pleasant, scenic hike. Get there early as parking can be a battle. It is pretty out in the open, though, so don't expect much shade and take precautions.
2. Airport Loop Trial - super convenient spot if you're in Sedona and slightly harder than the above suggestion.
3. West Fork Trial - I'd put this closer to "hard," but, to me, this is the best pure hike because it's geographically right at the spot where the red rock meets the pines. This is a very popular trail and parking around it is, to me, very dangerous if you don't get to the main lot so go early. It's up 89A so it's a slight bit of a drive. Also, note, you will get wet at points and could be in as much as a few feet of water.

Other hikes of note:
1. Cathedral Rock - If you're Catholic or religious at all, the church is beautiful and the hiking trail off of it is very good.
2. Devil's Bridge - The most popular hike and you go over the natural bridge. I've developed a fear of heights though as I've gotten older so I prefer the other hikes where you aren't a few feet from possible death.
 
taniasarah said:
Klimtology said:
Ok...

We're re all set for Sedona.

Star Gazing
Broken Arrow Jeep Tour
Vortex
Some Ruins - Not sure which ones yet.
Just need some more restaurant Recs.


Now we need some Vegas Recommendations..

Thanks again guys!
welding atlanta
:thumbup:
Click to expand...
We are a family of 4 planning our first trip west. We will be arriving in Las Vegas around noon. (traveling from the east coast.) We would like to then drive to Sedona for our first night. Is this too much for one day? I know it would have been a better idea to fly to Phoenix but we already have the tickets for Vegas and the cost of changing them and the rental car would be prohibitive. We think we are up to the challenge of a 4-5 hour drive after a flight but would love advice. Our original plan was to spend the first night in Vegas, then Sedona (2 nights), south rim Grand Canyon (2 nights), Page/Lake Powell (2 nights), then 2 nights total in Zion and Brice area then back to Vegas for 2 nights. We have to shorten this agenda by one day, thus the plan to not stay the first night in Vegas. Does this seem reasonable? Any advice would be appreciated.
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Yes.

But, that said, your itinerary otherwise sounds good as you're hitting some great spots, though it'll be a lot of driving - south rim to Powell to Bryce - Vegas is like at least 12 hours of driving.

Where you staying at the south rim? I'm not sure you need two nights there.
 
soothsayer said:
Osaurus said:
Klimtology said:
How about some good breakfast joints?
Click to expand...
Mon Ami Gabi is a must. Get a reservation right after they open and sit outside. Enjoy breakfast and the show on the Strip.
Click to expand...
Ordinarily this is correct, but right now with the F1 prep you can't even see the front of the Bellagio from the Mon Ami patio. The F1 stands are now blocking the view. It's a bummer. Still nice to be outside if the weather is good but not the same stellar experience.
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Forgot about that pesky upcoming race
 
Siegel’s Bagelmamia is a great breakfast spot in Vegas (if you like bagels). It’s up near the convention center. It’s become one of my favorites in recent years.

ETA: @soothsayer already mentioned it. Good call.
 
taniasarah said:
Klimtology said:
Ok...

We're re all set for Sedona.

Star Gazing
Broken Arrow Jeep Tour
Vortex
Some Ruins - Not sure which ones yet.
Just need some more restaurant Recs.


Now we need some Vegas Recommendations..

Thanks again guys!
welding atlanta
:thumbup:
Click to expand...
We are a family of 4 planning our first trip west. We will be arriving in Las Vegas around noon. (traveling from the east coast.) We would like to then drive to Sedona for our first night. Is this too much for one day? I know it would have been a better idea to fly to Phoenix but we already have the tickets for Vegas and the cost of changing them and the rental car would be prohibitive. We think we are up to the challenge of a 4-5 hour drive after a flight but would love advice. Our original plan was to spend the first night in Vegas, then Sedona (2 nights), south rim Grand Canyon (2 nights), Page/Lake Powell (2 nights), then 2 nights total in Zion and Brice area then back to Vegas for 2 nights. We have to shorten this agenda by one day, thus the plan to not stay the first night in Vegas. Does this seem reasonable? Any advice would be appreciated.
Click to expand...

Not sure if you've looked there, but Kanab is a day trip (45 mins to 90 mins) from Zion, Bryce, Page, and Grand Canyon (North Rim). Also has the wave in the area if you can score a permit, plus a bunch of other cool stuff.

ETA: Map of the locations. Just change "Cosmic Retreat" to "Kanab".
 
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We drove a rental car from Alabama to the Grand Canyon when my kids were 12 and 10 (so 11 years ago, wow). We stayed in Sedona for a few days and it was honestly my favorite part of the trip. Sedona is just beautiful. We did the Petrified Forest and the Painted Desert, which are nearby but not really Sedona. We went into the church that is carved in a mountain, and climbed Cathedral Rock. It was great. From there we went to the Grand Canyon, then on to Vegas before flying home.

Hope you have a great time!
 
Bumping this thread as we are in the initial planning stages of a trip out to Arizona in early October (No Vegas component). Will be just my wife and me. Thinking we would fly into Phoenix, rent a car and drive up to Sedona as our home base. We are planning for a Thursday to Monday trip.

Reading the thread, there are some great tips from Zow and others. Some of the things mentioned that would appeal to us:
-Pink Adventure Jeep tours (Broken Arrow tour route sounds like the one to take)
-Vineyards in Cornville
-Maybe seeing an old mining town like Jerome

This will be our first time to Arizona and we have never seen the Grand Canyon in person (except for flying over it). So we would like to drive up one day and do that. I'm also interested in trying to get up to Page to see Antelope Canyon... not sure how much would be involved in doing both?

Wife has had knee replacement, so an extensive amount of hiking isn't really a thing we would be doing (unfortunately).

We do like good food and drink. Not really looking for fancy. Like a good brewery with good food and drink (do like some of the Mexican options recommended). Some mentioned staying in Sedona or the Village of Oak Creek... What is the difference? Is one downtown more walkable than the other? Beyond location, we are open to hotel recommendations as well.

TIA
 
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Zow said:
Klimtology said:
Anyone familiar with tii gavo in sedona?

Tii Gavo | Enchantment Resort | Restaurants Sedona

Enjoy Southwest-inspired dishes at Tii Gavo while relishing in stunning canyon views. Open to the public June 1-Nov 16 for memorable dining experiences!
www.enchantmentresort.com www.enchantmentresort.com
Click to expand...
I've heard of it but never been. Nonetheless, here's my restaurant breakdown and suggestions. I'd note I've already given you breakfast.

General notes: I'd note that the general flavor of Sedona is a combination of Mexican food with New Mexican food (food utilizing a lot of green chile flavor). When in doubt, get the local fare. Also, anything by chef Lisa Dahl is going to be really, really good.

Lunch:
1. 89 Agave - newish Mexican restaurant recommended to me by Lisa Dahl that knocked my socks off. Really, really good. I got the tamale and it was fantastic and I've eaten there with others who all equally raved about their food. It's in the uptown shops area, too, so nice place to walk around a bit before or afterwards.
2. Tortas De Fuego - If you haven't had a torta before, do it. All of them are good. Tortas de Fuego has places both in downtown Sedona and Oak Creek (the Oak Creek one is newer and has better parking).
3. Creekside Bistro - Already on my breakfast recommendations, but I ate here yesterday for lunch and got the Maryland Blue Crab cake with the Gruyere soup. Was fantastic. And, again, the outside back patio seating is a delight.

Dinner:
1. Elote - the only "must try at all costs" place on this list. You're probably too late for reservations as they book out months in advance, but look into it if you can. It's in the main part of Sedona. To me this is "last meal" good and tied with Espiritu (Mesa) for best restaurant in the state.
2. La Cucina Rustica - Really nice place and just really good Italian food. It's a Lisa Dahl place. Highly recommend the sea bass if they have it.
3. Marisposa - Latin food that's really good. In the main Sedona area.

Other odds and ends:
- Jerome is a really fun spot close to Sedona. It's an old mining town that's literally falling over as it's built on the steep side of a large mountain. But, it's a really fun 1/2 day trip and worth just walking around. The Haunted Hamburger (Jerome is notoriously haunted and I take my family there every year for Halloween) is a staple and has a really pretty view.
- Drive up 89A during the day whenever you drive to Vegas. It's a really, really scenic drive (though if anybody gets motion sickness, take something). You'll go from the red rock terrain to the pines of the high desert/Flagstaff area. It'll take you into Flagstaff where you can stop (and maybe give me a waive hi) or you can just get right on the 40 to head west to Vegas.
- You're trip to Vegas is going to be at least four hours with not much in the middle (Seligman and Ash Fork are not worth stopping). Best place to stop for a bite is going to be in Kingman, AZ. The usual stop is the In-N-Out right off the freeway so if you've never had In N Out get that, but if you care to venture a bit get off at the next exit, Beale St., and go to either Bangkok Thai or Garilbaldi's (both are a left towards downtown). Now, don't be scared off by the area (you'll initially see some hillbilly shop with Confederate flags and other nonsense) nor the looks of both places, they're legit. The former is a Thai restaurant that I've eaten at literally hundreds of times and everything is brought in from Thailand. The latter is a local chef from NY and it's really good stuff for the prices. Any dish is great, but surprisingly his "Ultimate Cheesesteak" is the best cheesesteak in AZ and, even for lunch for like 16 bucks, he'll have specials that would be $50 in the heart of Vegas.
- I know you said no alcohol, but the vineyards in Cornville (just south of Sedona between Sedona and Cottonwood) are one of the most relaxed and peaceful places I've ever been.
- Unless you're heading to the Italian restaurant there which is surprisingly good, stay away from Camp Verde.

All right, I now feel like Chris Farley's Zagat's character from SNL.
Click to expand...

Zow said:
Also, and I can vouch for this as I was there yesterday, the weather in Sedona is perfect right now so if you can get some hikes in. Here is a really good online ranking: https://www.earthtrekkers.com/best-hikes-in-sedona/

I've done most of those in the link, but I'll suggest three based on level of difficulty:
1. Bell Rock and Courthouse Butte Loop - very moderate hike of about 5 km. My wife and I usually do this hike on the second day of our anniversary weekend there as we're usually a touch hungover and it's just a pleasant, scenic hike. Get there early as parking can be a battle. It is pretty out in the open, though, so don't expect much shade and take precautions.
2. Airport Loop Trial - super convenient spot if you're in Sedona and slightly harder than the above suggestion.
3. West Fork Trial - I'd put this closer to "hard," but, to me, this is the best pure hike because it's geographically right at the spot where the red rock meets the pines. This is a very popular trail and parking around it is, to me, very dangerous if you don't get to the main lot so go early. It's up 89A so it's a slight bit of a drive. Also, note, you will get wet at points and could be in as much as a few feet of water.

Other hikes of note:
1. Cathedral Rock - If you're Catholic or religious at all, the church is beautiful and the hiking trail off of it is very good.
2. Devil's Bridge - The most popular hike and you go over the natural bridge. I've developed a fear of heights though as I've gotten older so I prefer the other hikes where you aren't a few feet from possible death.
Click to expand...
:blackdot:
 
We were there in April...
  • Sedona was lights out -- miles better than I knew. Oak Creek Canyon is also a spectacular scenic drive.
  • We hiked Cathedral Rock, but it's probably not for the faint of heart. Nothing more than some vertical scrambling, but you're on exposed rock with big drops in a few places. Plenty of space to avoid the edges, but if you're afraid of heights it's way more to bite off than it sounds like when you're reading the description.
  • If you have kids, Bearizona might be worthwhile. They've got some cool animals (grizzly, jaguars, loads of black bears, etc -- all rescue IIRC).
  • We rented electric bikes in the Grand Canyon and did a 20 mile ride along the south rim. That was super cool and the e-bikes were a fun experience too.
  • We thought the impact crater and the observatory in Flagstaff were underwhelming.
  • Williams was a great place to get a good meal (lots of solid choices), but it's pretty tourist trappy and not worth going out of your way to see IMO.
 
We just went from Phoenix to Prescott to Sedona (passing through Jerome) back to Scottsdale two weeks ago.

Jerome is... interesting. :lol:

We hiked the West Fork Trail in Sedona. It's beautiful and the trail ends in a poor man's version of The Narrows in Zion. But just know when they say it's a 6.9 mile hike that that is a lie. If you go all the way in and back again it's closer to 10 miles.
 
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Parking is awful in Jerome, but seeing as it’s on the side of a a maintain, real estate is at a premium.

Love Sedona. Great place
 
Andy Dufresne said:
We just went from Phoenix to Prescott to Sedona (passing through Jerome) back to Scottsdale two weeks ago.

Jerome is... interesting. :lol:

We hiked the West Fork Trail in Sedona. It's beautiful and the trail ends in a poor man's version of The Narrows in Zion. But just know when they say it's a 6.9 mile hike that that is a lie. If you go all the way in and back again it's closer to 10 miles.
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Oh, shoot, I'm so sorry - I was going to give you recommendations and work distracted me. I was probably actually in the courthouses near you as I had multiple trials in Prescott Valley, Jerome (yes, they have a courthouse), and Cottonwood around the time you were there IIRC.

West Fork hike is great. We were surprised at just how deep some of the water crossings were.
 
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Dinsy Ejotuz said:
We were there in April...
  • Sedona was lights out -- miles better than I knew. Oak Creek Canyon is also a spectacular scenic drive.
  • We hiked Cathedral Rock, but it's probably not for the faint of heart. Nothing more than some vertical scrambling, but you're on exposed rock with big drops in a few places. Plenty of space to avoid the edges, but if you're afraid of heights it's way more to bite off than it sounds like when you're reading the description.
  • If you have kids, Bearizona might be worthwhile. They've got some cool animals (grizzly, jaguars, loads of black bears, etc -- all rescue IIRC).
  • We rented electric bikes in the Grand Canyon and did a 20 mile ride along the south rim. That was super cool and the e-bikes were a fun experience too.
  • We thought the impact crater and the observatory in Flagstaff were underwhelming.
  • Williams was a great place to get a good meal (lots of solid choices), but it's pretty tourist trappy and not worth going out of your way to see IMO.
Click to expand...
Should have came and hung out with me instead.
 
Al Czervik said:
Bumping this thread as we are in the initial planning stages of a trip out to Arizona in early October (No Vegas component). Will be just my wife and me. Thinking we would fly into Phoenix, rent a car and drive up to Sedona as our home base. We are planning for a Thursday to Monday trip.

Reading the thread, there are some great tips from Zow and others. Some of the things mentioned that would appeal to us:
-Pink Adventure Jeep tours (Broken Arrow tour route sounds like the one to take)
-Vineyards in Cornville
-Maybe seeing an old mining town like Jerome

This will be our first time to Arizona and we have never seen the Grand Canyon in person (except for flying over it). So we would like to drive up one day and do that. I'm also interested in trying to get up to Page to see Antelope Canyon... not sure how much would be involved in doing both?

Wife has had knee replacement, so an extensive amount of hiking isn't really a thing we would be doing (unfortunately).

We do like good food and drink. Not really looking for fancy. Like a good brewery with good food and drink (do like some of the Mexican options recommended). Some mentioned staying in Sedona or the Village of Oak Creek... What is the difference? Is one downtown more walkable than the other? Beyond location, we are open to hotel recommendations as well.

TIA
Click to expand...
I'm slammed at work right now but I can address a lot of this for you. Do let me know if the both of you golf.
 
Zow said:
Al Czervik said:
Bumping this thread as we are in the initial planning stages of a trip out to Arizona in early October (No Vegas component). Will be just my wife and me. Thinking we would fly into Phoenix, rent a car and drive up to Sedona as our home base. We are planning for a Thursday to Monday trip.

Reading the thread, there are some great tips from Zow and others. Some of the things mentioned that would appeal to us:
-Pink Adventure Jeep tours (Broken Arrow tour route sounds like the one to take)
-Vineyards in Cornville
-Maybe seeing an old mining town like Jerome

This will be our first time to Arizona and we have never seen the Grand Canyon in person (except for flying over it). So we would like to drive up one day and do that. I'm also interested in trying to get up to Page to see Antelope Canyon... not sure how much would be involved in doing both?

Wife has had knee replacement, so an extensive amount of hiking isn't really a thing we would be doing (unfortunately).

We do like good food and drink. Not really looking for fancy. Like a good brewery with good food and drink (do like some of the Mexican options recommended). Some mentioned staying in Sedona or the Village of Oak Creek... What is the difference? Is one downtown more walkable than the other? Beyond location, we are open to hotel recommendations as well.

TIA
Click to expand...
I'm slammed at work right now but I can address a lot of this for you. Do let me know if the both of you golf.
Click to expand...
Thank you! I golf but wife does not (no golf planned for this trip).
 
Al Czervik said:
Zow said:
Al Czervik said:
Bumping this thread as we are in the initial planning stages of a trip out to Arizona in early October (No Vegas component). Will be just my wife and me. Thinking we would fly into Phoenix, rent a car and drive up to Sedona as our home base. We are planning for a Thursday to Monday trip.

Reading the thread, there are some great tips from Zow and others. Some of the things mentioned that would appeal to us:
-Pink Adventure Jeep tours (Broken Arrow tour route sounds like the one to take)
-Vineyards in Cornville
-Maybe seeing an old mining town like Jerome

This will be our first time to Arizona and we have never seen the Grand Canyon in person (except for flying over it). So we would like to drive up one day and do that. I'm also interested in trying to get up to Page to see Antelope Canyon... not sure how much would be involved in doing both?

Wife has had knee replacement, so an extensive amount of hiking isn't really a thing we would be doing (unfortunately).

We do like good food and drink. Not really looking for fancy. Like a good brewery with good food and drink (do like some of the Mexican options recommended). Some mentioned staying in Sedona or the Village of Oak Creek... What is the difference? Is one downtown more walkable than the other? Beyond location, we are open to hotel recommendations as well.

TIA
Click to expand...
I'm slammed at work right now but I can address a lot of this for you. Do let me know if the both of you golf.
Click to expand...
Thank you! I golf but wife does not (no golf planned for this trip).
Click to expand...
We loved Slide Rock State Park near Sedona. Highly recommend.
 
Booked for early October. Staying at the Arabella Hotel in Sedona (it's cancellable, so let me know if not recommended).

Looking forward to it.
 
Al Czervik said:
Booked for early October. Staying at the Arabella Hotel in Sedona (it's cancellable, so let me know if not recommended).

Looking forward to it.
Click to expand...
Arabella is pretty nice. You're kind of in the middle of the Village of Oak Creek and Sedona proper. In other words, good location. Arabella used to have the best restaurant on its property (Elote), but they missed. I believe the new restaurant there is pretty good.

Speaking Elote, you should start looking into getting a reservation there.
 
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