This half-day trip covers a lot of territory in Sedona. As you drive along the Red Rock Scenic Byway in an open-air vehicle, you’ll witness notable sights including Bell Rock, Chapel of the Holy Cross, Oak Creek Canyon, and Airport Mesa. The trip also takes in some of the region’s intriguing vortexes.
Recent tourgoers strongly suggest this adventure, stating that they appreciated gaining a local’s perspective from their tour guide. Tours depart daily at 10 a.m., with pickup available from Sedona hotels in the Village of Oak Creek, Uptown Sedona, Oak Creek Canyon, and West Sedona.
Best Jeep: Pink Adventure Tours – Broken Arrow
Pink Adventure Tours is the only off-road outfitter licensed to travel Sedona’s Broken Arrow path, often known as the Road of No Return. One of the greatest Jeep excursions in Sedona, the rocky trip takes you into isolated regions of the Coconino National Forest and provides 360-degree vistas of the region’s iconic red rocks. Along the route, you’ll hear about Sedona’s history, including its presence in some of the most renowned Western films, and you’ll get the opportunity to step out of the Jeep to photograph Submarine Rock or Chicken Point.
Best Vortex: Arizona Safari Jeep Tours – The Vortex Experience
This top-rated trip brings tourists to Sedona’s legendary vortexes, making it suitable for both believers and skeptics. As you travel in the breathtaking desert terrain, your guide will provide comments on the history of the vortexes and the cultural beliefs around them. Recent tourgoers describe their experience as amazing, claiming it was one of the highlights of their vacation to Sedona.
This is a pavement-only trip, so there will be no off-roading. However, you should prepare for some walking on difficult terrain.
Best Kayak: OAC Tours – Kayak Tour on the Verde River
Kayaking along the Verde River is a popular way to enjoy the arid views (and cool down). It’s also pleasant at any ability level.
OAC Tours’ guided trips depart from Cottonwood (approximately 20 miles from Sedona) and cover three miles on the Verde River. Tour costs include all equipment and transportation to and from the launch location. To participate, children must be at least 5 years old and weigh 50 pounds, and all children under the age of 12 must kayak alongside an adult.
Best Wine: Sedona Vineyard Tours – Verde Valley Wine Tasting
This half-day journey will take you to three or four local vineyards and has received wonderful reviews from recent visitors. Rates also include a customized charcuterie board lunch with four artisan cheeses, Italian hard salami, a French baguette, fresh fruit, trail mix, chocolate, and bottled water. Visitors are invited to bring their own drinks as well.
Every day at 10:30 a.m., tours depart and pick up passengers across Sedona. Tasting costs (which are reduced) and gratuities are not included in the tour price. Private wine excursions are also offered.
Best ATV: Arizona ATV Adventures – West Sedona Canyon ATV Tour
Take an ATV trip across Skeleton Bone Mountain to explore Sedona’s west side. As you go down the valley, you will witness stunning landscape and may maybe sight some antelope. Tourgoers characterize the journey as safe and enjoyable, and many claim the views and terrain are breathtaking.
Tours leave many times daily. Riders must be at least 5 years old and weigh at least 50 pounds, while drivers must be at least 15.5 and hold a learner’s permit.
Best Hot Air Balloon: Red Rock Balloon Adventures – Sunrise Balloon Flight
This trip not only provides views of local animals and breathtaking landscape, but it also allows you to watch the sunrise from a hot air balloon.
The voyage lasts up to 90 minutes (depending on weather) and ends with a joyous toast; extra time is included for transportation to and from the launch place. Reviewers praise the staff’s professionalism and ability to make participants feel at ease, as well as the spectacular vistas.
Hot air balloon trips are provided every day, weather permitting, and bookings are necessary. Passengers must be at least 48 inches tall to ride.
Best Helicopter: Guidance Air – Anasazi Tour
Guidance Air’s helicopter tour offers a unique view on 700-year-old cliff dwellings. The flight’s highlight is Boynton Canyon, which has old Sinagua Indian cliff dwellings, but you will also view Devil’s Bridge, Secret Canyon, and the Mogollon Rim.
The flight was described as magnificent by reviewers, who also praised the pilot’s understanding of the desert area. Others wish the event had lasted longer, but still consider it a worthwhile investment. The Anasazi tour is also known as the Dust Devil tour on certain websites.
Best Grand Canyon: Great Venture Tours – Grand Canyon Deluxe Tour
If you want to take a day trip to the Grand Canyon but don’t want to drive, Great Venture Tours offers this option. This journey takes you to the canyon’s South Rim for breathtaking views and includes time to visit Grand Canyon Village.
Travelers praise tour guides and especially the views from the canyon. The price includes transportation from Sedona and selected Flagstaff motels. Arizona law mandates a booster seat for children under 4 feet 9 inches tall and a car seat for children under the age of eight. Great Venture also provides tours of Sedona and whitewater rafting on the Colorado River, among other activities.