Day Trips from Sedona, Arizona

1. Antelope Canyon

• What is Antelope Canyon?
  • Antelope Canyon is a beautiful slot canyon located near the town of Page, Arizona, on lands belonging to the Navajo Nation indigenous American reservation.
• How was Antelope Canyon formed?
  • The canyon was originally formed due to flash flooding erosion of the regional Navajo sandstone.
• What are the different sections of Antelope Canyon?
  • Antelope Canyon is divided into two sections: Upper Antelope Canyon, also known as "The Crack", and Lower Antelope Canyon, referred to as "The Corkscrew".
• Is Antelope Canyon open to visitors?
  • Yes, portions of the canyon are open to the public as a tourist attraction, with guided tours offered throughout the year by the Navajo Tribal Park.
• What makes Upper Antelope Canyon special?
  • Upper Antelope Canyon provides excellent nature photography opportunities and can be accessed at ground level without the need for climbing.

2. The Apache Trail

• What is the Apache Trail?
  • The Apache Trail preserves the historic stagecoach route of the same name, named after the Apache tribe, and winds 40 miles through Arizona's Superstition Mountains.
• What path does the Apache Trail follow today?
  • The trail runs along the same route as AZ 88, meandering through rugged desert mountain terrain and passing by natural sites like Apache Lake and Canyon Lake.
• Is the entire trail paved?
  • No, the section between Tortilla Flat and Roosevelt Dam is unpaved and features steep cliff drops, making it a treacherous but stunning drive.
• What scenic views can travelers experience?
  • The trail offers magnificent scenery, including panoramic views of Theodore Roosevelt Lake and the Tonto National Forest.
• What historic sites can be found along the route?
  • The former copper mining towns of Globe and Goldfield are located along the trail, with sites like Lost Dutchman State Park, which provides trailheads into the Superstition Wilderness.

3. Bear Wallow Wilderness

• What is Bear Wallow Wilderness?
  • Bear Wallow Wilderness is home to some of the largest tracts of virgin ponderosa pine forests in the American Southwest, along with extensive areas of fir, spruce, aspen, and conifer forests.
• How is Bear Wallow Wilderness protected?
  • The wilderness area is part of the National Wilderness Preservation System, a program designed to protect rare and endangered flora and fauna across America.
• What outdoor activities can visitors enjoy?
  • Visitors can experience hiking, kayaking, canoeing, rock climbing, river rafting, and backpacking at various sites, including the scenic Bear Wallow Creek.
• What wildlife can be found in the wilderness?
  • The area is home to a significant population of black bears, as well as deer, elk, and various native reptiles.
• Are there trails for visitors?
  • Yes, there are five visitor trails that wind through the wilderness, including the Reno Trail, which provides access to the creek’s canyon.

4. Canyon Lake

• What is Canyon Lake?
  • Canyon Lake is one of four reservoirs constructed along Arizona's Salt River, originally created with the development of the Mormon Flat Dam in 1925.
• Where is Canyon Lake located?
  • Canyon Lake is the smallest of the Salt River lakes and is a popular stop along the scenic Apache Trail near Apache Junction.
• What outdoor activities can visitors enjoy?
  • The lake offers year-round opportunities for hiking, boating, scuba diving, and water sports such as jet skiing.
• What fishing opportunities are available?
  • Anglers can catch species such as rainbow trout, yellow bass, channel catfish, bluegill, and walleye.
• What facilities are available at Canyon Lake?
  • The recreation area features two boat launches, a designated swimming area, and several day-use picnic sites.
• Are there campgrounds near Canyon Lake?
  • Yes, both Tortilla Flat Campground and Canyon Lake Marina Campground offer marina services and overnight accommodations.

5. Flagstaff

• What is Flagstaff known for?
  • Flagstaff is one of the most picturesque cities in Arizona, set against the stunning backdrop of the San Francisco Peaks.
• What natural attractions can visitors explore from Flagstaff?
  • Flagstaff serves as a gateway for exploring major natural wonders, including Humphreys Peak and Grand Canyon National Park.
• What winter sports opportunities are available?
  • The Arizona Snowbowl ski resort, located at an elevation of 9,200 feet above sea level, offers skiing and other winter sports during the cooler months.
• What cultural attractions can be found in Flagstaff?
  • The city is home to cultural organizations such as the Flagstaff Symphony Orchestra, the Clifford E. White Theater, and the Studio Theater, which present performances year-round.
• What annual festivals take place in Flagstaff?
  • The city hosts popular events like the Flagstaff Music Festival, the Pickin' in the Pines Bluegrass Festival, the Flagstaff Mountain Film Festival, and the Northern Arizona Book Festival.
• What historical sites are located near Flagstaff?
  • Indigenous Pueblo sites can be explored at Wupatki National Monument and Walnut Canyon National Monument.

6. Grand Canyon National Park

• What is Grand Canyon National Park?
  • Grand Canyon National Park preserves one of the world's most magnificent natural wonders, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and recognized as one of the Seven Wonders of the Natural World.
• When was Grand Canyon National Park established?
  • The park was established in 1919 as the 15th national park in the United States.
• How large is the park?
  • Grand Canyon National Park spans 1.2 million acres and is one of the most-visited national parks in the country.
• How was the Grand Canyon formed?
  • The canyon was carved by the Colorado River over millions of years, exposing stunning rock layers formed during the Precambrian era.
• What accommodations are available at the park?
  • Visitors can stay in luxury accommodations along the South Rim, which offers access to family-friendly attractions such as the Grand Canyon IMAX Theatre and the Yavapai Geology Museum.
• What can visitors experience at the North Rim?
  • The North Rim offers a more secluded experience with lodges and campgrounds, providing easy access to breathtaking overlooks like Mather Point and the Yavapai Observation Station.

7. First Mesa

• What is First Mesa?
  • First Mesa is a unique attraction on the lands of the Hopi Reservation, showcasing the historic way of life of the Hopi indigenous tribe.
• What villages are part of First Mesa?
  • The site consolidates three ancient Hopi and Tewa villages: Walpi, Sitsmovi, and Hano, all located high atop a beautiful mesa with sweeping views of the Arizona landscape.
• What can visitors learn at First Mesa?
  • Visitors can step back over a millennium in time and learn about the villages' traditional ways of life, gaining a deeper appreciation for indigenous American culture and traditions.
• Is First Mesa still inhabited?
  • Yes, Walpi village still operates without running water or electricity and is showcased as part of guided walking tours overseen by the First Mesa Consolidated Village Office.
• What can visitors see at Second Mesa?
  • At Second Mesa, the Hopi Cultural Center features a beautiful art gallery where visitors can purchase one-of-a-kind indigenous artwork, including polychrome pottery and carved katsina dolls.

8. Jerome

• What is Jerome known for?
  • Jerome is a thriving artistic hub in central Arizona, once famous for being the site of Arizona's largest copper mine in the 19th century, producing over three million pounds of copper per month at its peak.
• What historic attractions can visitors explore?
  • Visitors can explore Jerome State Historic Park, home to the 1916 Douglas Mansion, which now operates as a living history museum.
• What is unique about Audrey Headframe Park?
  • Audrey Headframe Park showcases a 1918 mine shaft, which is covered by a glass viewing platform, allowing visitors to look deep into the mine.
• How has downtown Jerome changed in recent years?
  • The city's downtown district has been completely revitalized and is now home to beautiful art galleries, antique shops, boutiques, and delicious dining destinations housed in historic buildings.
• What nearby historic site can visitors explore?
  • Tuzigoot National Monument, located nearby, preserves an ancient indigenous pueblo set atop a scenic hilltop.

9. Kartchner Caverns

• What are Kartchner Caverns?
  • Kartchner Caverns are beautiful limestone caverns discovered in 1974 by Gary Tenen and Randy Tufts, known for their 2.4 miles of spectacular underground passageways.
• When did Kartchner Caverns open to the public?
  • The caverns have been open as a tourist attraction since 1998 and are available for guided tours.
• What are some highlights of the caverns?
  • Visitors can explore the Throne Room, home to one of the world's longest soda straw stalactite formations, and the impressive Kubla Khan column.
• What other features can be seen on guided tours?
  • Other major attractions include the Mud Flats, Cul-de-Sac Passage, and the stunning Strawberry and Rotunda Rooms.
• What wildlife can be found in the caverns?
  • During the summer months, the caverns serve as an important nesting site for endangered Myotis velifer bats.
• What outdoor activities are available at Kartchner Caverns State Park?
  • Above ground, visitors can hike scenic nature trails, including the 4.2-mile Guindani Trail.

2980 Arizona 90, Benson, AZ 85602, Phone: 520-586-4100

10. McDowell Mountain Regional Park

• What is McDowell Mountain Regional Park?
  • McDowell Mountain Regional Park is a 21,000-acre public park in Arizona’s northern Fountain Hills region, offering a prime location for seasonal outdoor recreation near Sedona.
• Where is the park located?
  • The park is situated along the western end of the McDowell Mountain range and reaches elevations of 3,000 feet above sea level.
• What outdoor activities are available at the park?
  • The park features a spectacular network of more than 50 multi-use trails for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding.
• Are there trails for competitive mountain bikers?
  • Yes, the park offers three mountain biking loop tracks with varying levels of difficulty, catering to both beginners and advanced riders.
• What wildlife can be spotted in the park?
  • The park is an excellent location for wildlife watching, home to species such as coyotes, deer, and javelina.
• Are there camping facilities at the park?
  • Yes, visitors can stay overnight at the park’s tent and RV hookup campsites, which include picnic tables, restrooms, showers, and campfire rings.

16300 McDowell Mountain Park Dr, MMRP, AZ 85268, Phone: 480-471-0173