Hiking in Sedona is the best way to see Arizona up close and personal. The views are amazing no matter where you're standing, even if it's back in your hotel room--and really there is something great about seeing the rock spires from afar set against starlight or sunset or a clear blue day. Hiking, though, is a way to see this natural beauty up close and to have the chance to really study it. Oftentimes, you can sign up for hiking tours or get information about the different hikes available via your hotel. Some hotels will even offer package deals that include lodging plus admission to a local tour--check with your hotel for details.
Hiking is the best way to appreciate your surroundings, or to lose yourself in them. More than a few people describe hiking in Sedona as comparable to going to another planet. The red rock formations look like an otherworldly Martian landscape. It's a completely immersing and even transcendent experience.
Types of Hiking in Sedona
Not all hiking trails take you to the red rock towers. There are also hikes along various streams. There are horseback riding trials in the open space. If you go to a popular area such as Slide Rock State Park, you will find a number of trails which you can take on your own--there's no need for a tour guide.
You can also find guided hikes, where a licensed guide will tell you the history of the area, as well as information about plant and animal life. If you do go on a hike alone, you should be sure to bring plenty of water and even food. It can get quite hot, and remember: this is the wilderness. There are no convenient rest stops. On these hikes, you may travel very far before you even realize it. A common mistake made by novice hikers is to get too far out without estimating how much time and energy it will take to get back.
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