Set out for Sedona and hike Courthouse Butte and Bell Rock
Our trip begins today in the Phoenix area. We meet our fellow travelers before heading for Sedona. As we travel north from the bustling city we watch as the world slows down and the ecosystems change from low Sonoran Desert full of saguaro cactus to high desert grasslands and finally a landscape lush with twisting pinion pines and rugged juniper trees nestled among Sedona's red rock formations. We acquaint ourselves with the grand scale of Sedona on our first hike around Courthouse Butte and Bell Rock. This evening, we set up camp on the banks of Oak Creek. We have access to bathrooms with running water and hot showers each night! Lunch and dinner included.
Hiking: 4.0 miles; Elevation gain/loss: +458'/-456' Van transfer: 2.5 hours
Red rock vistas on historic trails
After fueling up with a hot camp breakfast, we set off for a day of hiking and adventure. Our hike takes us along the historic Mund's Wagon Trail, once an avenue for moving wagons and cattle out of Sedona to the east. Mund's Wagon is now our gateway to the Hangover Trail. On the Hangover Trail, we hike exposed trails and steep slickrock with sweeping views of Mitten Ridge and Oak Creek. We enjoy lunch together before working our way down and back to the van. This afternoon, we have the option to explore Sedona's historic downtown or head back to camp and soak our feet in the cool refreshing waters of Oak Creek. All meals included.
Hiking: 8.2 miles; Elevation gain/loss: +1,875'/-1878'
Hike Wilson Mountain & enjoy a brilliant Sedona sunset
We wake this morning to the smell of freshly brewed coffee and a hearty guide-prepared breakfast. After breakfast we depart for a challenging and rewarding hike to the peak of Wilson Mountain (7,011') and the aptly named Sedona Overlook. Wilson Mountain is the highest peak in Sedona and consequently has sweeping views that make a hike to the summit that much sweeter. After a full day of hiking, our well-appointed basecamp beckons and invites us to relax in the late afternoon sunshine. As we settle in, our guide team is busy preparing appetizers and a delicious dinner. Later this evening, we take a short drive to one of our guides' favorite sunset-viewing spots - a colorful end to a brilliantly memorable day. All meals included.
Hiking: 8.6 miles; Elevation gain/loss: 2,924'; Van transfer: 1.5 hour
Explore Red Rock State Park and return to the Phoenix area
We break camp this morning and say goodbye to our creek-side home. After breakfast, we're off to beautiful Red Rock State Park, a 286-acre nature preserve rich in human history. We hike along the lush banks of Oak Creek, hike up to see The House of Apache Fires, and round out the morning with a tasty picnic lunch. En route back to the Phoenix area this afternoon, we stop for dessert at the locally famous Rock Springs Café before returning to the Phoenix area late this afternoon. Breakfast and lunch included.
Hiking: 3.7 miles; Elevation gain/loss: +483'/470' Van transfer: 2.5 hours