Tourist Attractions

What to Do in Sedona

Sedona is a wonderful place to visit; the weather in October is great and there are activities to suit all tastes. For those who enjoy the outdoors, there are literally millions of acres available for hiking, camping, fishing, and horseback riding. In addition, the Grand Canyon is 2.5 hours away,located near Tusayan, Williams and Flagstaff.

For the culturally inclined, Sedona has a lively arts scene; there are several active theater groups, opportunities to hear live music, and there are over 40 art galleries in town. There is fine dining restaunts, several wineries nearby, and an active nightlife scene. Sedona has it all, and the gorgeous backdrop of Oak Creek Canyon makes a visit a memorable experience.

For more information check out the Chamber of Commerce website, or call 800 288 7336.

Amara Creekside Resort/Amara Spa

The Amara Creekside Resort is a four star luxury hotel and spa located in uptown Sedona, situated next to the secluded and beautiful Oak Creek. All the spa amenities – massage, facials, body treatments, and special spa therapies – are designed to provide the maximum in comfort.

Camping in Sedona

For some, the perfect accompaniment to the Restorative Medicine Conference is a chance to get as close to nature as possible, and Sedona is the place to do that. US Forest Service campsites are plentiful at the four developed campgrounds in beautiful Oak Creek Canyon, they are inexpensive ($18 a night) and can be booked in advance on www.reserveusa.com.

Sedona's Best Hiking Trails...are trails that can accessed right from the Restorative Medicine Conference hotel.

The red rock canyons surrounding Sedona are famous the world around for their spectacular vistas. The remains of ancient wetlands, these crimson cliffs have been carved by the forces of nature into a most magnificent scenic masterpiece. Driving through this wonderland allows a cursory introduction to its beauty, but Sedona’s red rock landscape deserves to be explored on foot. Even short easy hikes will bring you into a land of wonder and beauty, planting memories which you will treasure, bringing you back again and again!

Hiking is the perfect activity suited to any vacationer, as there are a variety of trails for any level, from novice to adventurer. There are numerous trails to choose from, varying in length and difficulty, and most are interconnected, as the wonderful expanses of the Coconino National Forest surrounds the city. The variety is almost endless, with trails along the lush Oak Creek Canyon, to magnificent natural arches and mysterious Indian Ruins.

The year round moderate climate, with four distinct seasons and comfortable temperatures allow nature lovers the opportunity to enjoy it non-stop.

Margs Draw trail head - immediately behind our Sedona Hotels

The famous "Snoopy Rock" is at the end of Margs Draw Trail

Check availability and make your reservations today.
The most beautiful hiking trails in the world are calling you!

Best Hiking - Sedona Hotels with Hiking Trails

Better than driving and parking, there are a few hotels in Sedona that offer the hiker both accommodations and the opportunity to step outside their hotel and enter into the magnificent Coconino National Forest any time of the day. For those people who simply love the outdoors, Sedona is like a little piece of heaven, and these hotels make it just that much better. If you stay at one of the hotels that have direct access to these trails, you have no need to get in a car for a hike, morning or evening, or anytime. And one trail connects to many, so you can vary your experience from one trail to another.  

Trails with Direct Access from Sedona Hotels

Margs Draw Trail

Margs Draw Trail can be hiked from either of two Sedona Hotels, our Kings Ransom Sedona Hotel or the Comfort Inn Sedona, as it is only a short stroll from either to the Margs Draw trail head. You can walk out the door of your room and take a morning hike without getting in your car, a great convenience. From the entrance to the trail head, a short walk up a hill begins the trail and enters Wilderness. Shade is soon left behind and gorgeous red rock views open up as the trail winds its way north across a nearly flat expanse dotted with juniper, pinyon pine and Arizona cypress. In the spring, there is a profusion of wildflowers along the trail. In the fall, the scene takes on a nostalgic flair as the palette switches to autumn hues. Be sure and take your camera.

Return by the same route back to the Kings Ransom Sedona Hotel. The hike can be extended to the north using Huckaby Trail and to the south using Broken Arrow Trail.

Sedona Spring Wildflowers

General Hiking in Sedona and Sightseeing Information

Some of the more popular trails in the Sedona area include those that take you to some of the incredible rock formations that surround the city. These beloved monoliths have been given such names as Snoopy Rock (from Margs Draw Trail), Coffee Pot Rock, Cathedral Rock, Courthouse Butte and Bell Rock in recognition of their perceived shape and the hiking trails to and around them are well used and loved. Part of the reason that some of these trails are so popular is based on the belief that Sedona, AZ is surrounded by four strong energy vortexes. These vortexes are often a point of destination for those visitors seeking to immerse themselves in the healing energies.

In preparation for any hike, keep in mind you are in a desert climate and that some simple precautions should be taken to stay hydrated and be safe. A good pair of sneakers or hiking boots, plenty of water, sunscreen, a hat and a hiking partner are all recommended.

Overall, hiking in Sedona can't be beat. It’s a great way to walk your dog (the Kings Ransom Sedona Hotel is pet-friendly) or your kids. Hiking can be the perfect family outing filled with the exciting educational opportunities that only the great outdoors can offer.

Historic Walking Tours

The Kings Ransom Sedona Hotel is pleased to partner with Laura Vandergrift of Sedona Tours & Guide Services to offer you a variety of fascinating tours at bargain rates! Together we are offering some of the most popular historic tours with Laura as your personal guide extraordinaire! Here are the choices…you may want to take more than one while you are staying at the Kings Ransom Sedona Hotel.

Extensive knowledge of Arizona and the Southwest is the cornerstone of Sedona Tours & Guide Services. Explore Sedona's hidden treasures with a Certified Arizona Guide and Professional Tour Director. Laura Vandegrift will make your touring experience educational, fun and entertaining as you travel through this extraordinary area with its magnificent sunsets, dramatic red rock formations, verdant green vineyards, unique artists’ home/studios, high-country snow-capped mountains and historical rural and mining towns.

Here are the offerings available which include a $10 discount per night (maximum two nights) on any room at the Kings Ransom Sedona Hotel when you make a reservation with Sedona Tours & Guide Service, and 10% off each tour.

Verde Valley Ruins Excursion

Explore prehistoric Indian ruins with former Park Ranger and Certified Arizona Guide, Laura Vandegrift. Learn about the ancient Sinagua culture as you explore Montezuma Well, Montezuma Castle and Tuzigoot ruins. These extraordinary cliff dwellings and healing springs will enhance your visit to Sedona’s Red Rock country. Includes tour of Sedona. 5 hours.

Retail price $85 + tax and gratuity
When you stay at the Kings Ransom price: $77 + tax and gratuity

Historic mining town Jerome, Arizona

Explore the early prehistoric Sinagua culture at the well-preserved Montezuma Castle before heading over to the billion dollar mining camp turned art colony of Jerome. Jerome is situated atop Cleopatra Hill with magnificent views of the Verde Valley. This also includes a tour of Sedona. 5 hours

Regular price: $91.00 + tax and gratuity
When you stay at the Kings Ransom price: $82 + tax and gratuity

Uptown Sedona Historic Walking Tour

Hear the stories of the lifestyles and work that created this great community as you take a step back in time. Learn about the real cowboys and the “reel” cowboys as Sedona’s ranching community entered the Golden Age of Western movies. Also includes brief overview of the geology, turquoise and jewelry, and the shops of Uptown Sedona.

History/Farming
Learn how Sedona became the peach and apple center of the Verde Valley, as homesteaders conquered the rocky terrain to bring water to the farms and ranches.

Movies
Did you know that Elvis made a movie in Uptown Sedona? See the favorite hangout for stars like John Wayne, Henry Fonda, and Joan Crawford. Hear the stories of how the movie industry found Sedona.

Ranching
Walk through parts of Uptown where corrals were located and livestock roamed. Learn how cattle survived here in the high desert region of Sedona.

Where Does it Start?
In front of Canyon Breeze Restaurant Next to Bus Parking Lot in Uptown Sedona…our front desk staff will direct you to either walk or take a short drive.

Regular Price: $15 per person for one hour
When you stay at the Kings Ransom Price: $12.00 + tax and gratuity.

When you book any of these tours you will receive a $10 nightly discount at the Kings Ransom Sedona Hotel for up to two nights. Mention when you make your reservation that you are touring with Sedona Tours & Guide Services during your stay. Your discount will be taken when you check out.

About Your Sedona Tour Guide, Laura Vandegrift

For over 16 years, Laura Vandegrift has been working in the tourism industry in a variety of capacities – Tour Operator, Tour Director, Past President of the Arizona Guides Association, Operations Manager of a tour company, Founding Member of a national tourism organization, Teacher/Trainer for an international tour directing school, and Training Consultant with a major communications company. For more information go to www.sedona-tour-guide.com.

As a local tour guide, Ms. Vandegrift received her Arizona certification in 1993 and has been delighting visitors with her infectious love of the West. As Past-President of the Arizona Guides Association (AGA), she promoted the association at tourism functions, established membership in local Bureaus and Chambers, increased membership by enhancing recruitment efforts, built rapport and strengthened community relations, and introduced training activities for new guides. She continues her Public Relations activities promoting the AGA, the Sedona Historical Museum, and local affiliates at trade shows and community functions.