Sedona itself is famous for its incredible red rock monoliths, buttes, luxurious resorts and New Age enthusiasts. However, it also has much more to offer visiting groups, including four-wheel drive (Jeep) trips into the awe-inspiring high country, and exploring the town aboard the Sedona Trolley.

The latter includes a stop at the inspiring Chapel of the Holy Cross, which is inaccessible by full-size motorcoach. A wealth of shopping opportunities await in the downtown area, as well as in the upscale Tlaquepaque arts and crafts village. Even a trip up the less-than-exotically-named Airport Road affords spectacular panoramic views of the area from scenic overlooks.

Finally, south of Sedona are even more great places to see and things to do. The quaint old mining center of Jerome almost became a “ghost” town after the copper mines closed in 1953, but its scenic location attracted a whole generation of artists and craftsmen who revitalized the community. 

Tuzigoot National Monument offers more fascinating prehistoric pueblo ruins. Train buffs are sure to enjoy a trip on the Verde Canyon Railroad, which operates exceptional half-day, scenic excursions through the beautiful Arizona wilderness. And to conclude the day, the Blazin’ M Ranch offers a tasty chuckwagon dinner, followed by an enjoyable evening of cowboy music and comedy presented by the house band.

How long does one need to stay in the area to see it all or at least most of it all?  I’d suggest four or five nights. Your group is sure to love it, and you for offering it to them!

Cowboy entertainment at the Blazin' M Ranch

Sedona Trolley Tour

Tlaquepaque Arts and Crafts Village in Sedona

Grand Canyon at Mather Point

Although not convenient for “hub & spoke” touring, I’d be remiss if I did not also mention that group accommodations during the springtime are also easy to come by in Grand Canyon Village, within walking distance of the canyon’s magnificent South Rim. Both the Yavapai and Maswik Lodges offer clean, comfortable and reasonably priced, motel-style units.

Even though the Grand Canyon National Park is easily reached on a day trip from either Sedona or Flagstaff, staying inside the park allows more time for guests to explore on their own, witness the sunrise or sunset over the canyon, ride the complimentary shuttle trip to Hermit’s Rest or simply contemplate the splendors of nature.

Also in the neighborhood are several other attractions that are surely worth including in your itinerary. Located east of the canyon and north of Flagstaff, the historic Cameron Trading Post is a landmark in the Navajo Nation. 

Next, don’t miss the splendid and easily accessible Ancentral Puebloan ruins of Wupatki National Monument. South of Flagstaff, one can follow the beautiful scenic drive through Oak Creek Canyon on State Route 89A en route to Sedona. 

Alternately, Montezuma Castle National Monument can be reached via I-17. Then it’s an easy drive north to Sedona via State Route 179.

Grand Canyon from the South Rim

Another view of the canyon

Wupatki National Monument

Recently on this site I have been touting some of the benefits of planning a trip to Phoenix and the “Valley of the Sun,” including last month’s coverage of the Cactus League spring training baseball season. However, I surely wouldn’t want to suggest visiting Arizona in the springtime without also including some time in the north/central part of the state. 

Conveniently located just a couple of hours north of the Phoenix area via I-17, this fascinating region encompasses the Verde Valley, Mogollon Rim, the colorful Sedona Red Rocks Country, and of course, the incomparable Grand Canyon. 

One of the advantages of using either Sedona or Flagstaff as a “base” for exploring everything the area has to offer is the convenience of being able to unpack and “settle in” for an extended stay. Although Sedona is more expensive, such is to be expected due to its widespread recognition as a very scenic, upscale resort community.  

I am partial to the Kokopelli Suites, a smaller property, conveniently located with very attractive accommodations, great service and attractive rates, which makes it an ideal location for a superior “hub & spoke” vacation. 

Flagstaff, the commercial center of Northern Arizona and home of Northern Arizona University, boasts a wide variety of lodging choices in every price range. My favorites include the full-service Radisson Woodlands Hotel for upscale groups, the Drury Inn & Suites in the moderate range, and the Aspen Inn Suites for more economy-minded travelers.

Bob Hoelscher, CTC, CTP, MCC, CTIE, is a longtime travel industry executive who has sold his tour company, bought a motorhome and is traveling the highways and byways of America.  He is a former chairman of NTA, and was a founding member of Travel Alliance Partners (TAP).

Well-known in the industry as both a baseball and symphony aficionado, Bob is also one of the country’s biggest fans of our national parks, both large and small.  He has already visited more than 325 NPS sites and has several dozen yet to see.  He is currently traveling the country to visit as many of those parks as possible.  His blog, “Travels with Bob,” appears periodically on The Group Travel Leader’s blogsite, “Are We There Yet”. 

Bob is available for contractual work in the industry and may be reached at bobho52@aol.com or by calling (435) 590-1553.

Cholla cacti and Sedona red rocks

Sedona Red Rocks Jeep Tour

Verde Canyon Railroad Excursion