Heading to Scottsdale and Sedona - what to do?

[twobone]

What are your favourite outdoor/adventures/sightseeing in and around the Scottsdale and Sedona area?

Thanks

[porsche4life]

What do you like to do? There are TONS of things to do in those areas.

[Z-man]

If you are into dirt (ie: archaeology) then check out Montezuma's castle, Montezuma's well, and the Tuzigoot site outside of Prescott. The V-Bar-V Ranch has some ancient hieroglyphics that are worth checking out too.

Way up (east of the Grand Canyon and north of Flagstaff) is Wupatki National Monument and the Painted Desert. Another cool place to check out. Sunsets are sublime in the desert there.

The Pink Jeep red rocks tour is real fun as well, and there are tons of trails / hiking opportunities. Just be prepared - it is the high desert - and it can get very cold at night -- plan ahead with what you bring with you.

If you are interested in seeing nature at a slower pace, then check out the Verde Canyon railroad tour in Clarksdale -- it is a half-day slow train ride to nowhere. But along the way, there is lot of nature to take in -- we saw a pair of eagles soaring through the valley. While in Clarksdale - check out the "art district" community way up on the ridge.

-Z

[twobone]

Going with kids aged 8-18.

Personally, I like caves, mountains, cool hikes, history, etc.

[2porscheguy]

^ When are you going twobone?

[tevake]

If some extra driving is OK. The drive from Sedona to Phoenix can become a great road trip.
Driving south from Sedona, head for Jerome, old mining town with great view of the Verde Valley, then via 89A to Prescott cool historic town square with great old bars from the old west days. Highway 89 then heads over a couple of mountain ranges with great sweeping views, then down to the desert heading to Wickenburg. And on to Scottsdale.

This route will take at least twice the time it would take to just grind down on I 17 , but is an adventure in its self, including some of the best mountain driving roads in Az.

Also Oak Creek Canyon just north of Sedona offers some nice day hiking.

Cheers Richard

[sammyg2]

Good rock hunting areas, and there's plenty of leverite to be found.

[Dantilla]

I took a few glider lessons at a little gravel airport Northwest of Scottsdale. Can't remember the name off hand.

The Sedona area is one of my favorites.

[5String43]

Phoenix Botanical Garden is wonderful. So is the Musical Instrument Museum. It's huge and very interesting.

[chocolatelab]

There is a strange place on the way up the 17. Maybe half way to flagstaff.

It a hippy commune artist retreat. Cant remember name.

Sid, do you know?

1 hour east of Flagstaff is a huge meteor crater.

East of phoenix is the mountains that have the goldmine legends..Superstition Mountains.

Your hiking options this time of year are endless.

[Charles Freeborn]

If you're interested in Architecture - and specifically Frank Lloyd Wright, I would suggest this:

Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation

Just outside of Scottsdale.

[porsche4life]

Originally Posted by chocolatelab

There is a strange place on the way up the 17. Maybe half way to flagstaff.

It a hippy commune artist retreat. Cant remember name.

Sid, do you know?

Your hiking options this time of year are endless.

Sedona

Seriously, probably Jerome? Richard will know more about that area.

But there is tons of hiking up there! Oak Creek is awesome, even with the fires. There are some trout in the creek too if you are into that.

There are tons of hiking trails up there, but I haven't had time to explore up there much.

Near Scottsdale, there are tons of options too. The Botanical Gardens are really cool, more types of Cacti than you could ever imagine!

[Rick Lee]

Originally Posted by chocolatelab

There is a strange place on the way up the 17. Maybe half way to flagstaff.

It a hippy commune artist retreat. Cant remember name.

Arcosanti.

But go to Jerome instead. It's cold up there this time of year. It can be 80 in Phoenix and there can be 6" of snow in Flag. Be prepared.

[DonDavis]

The Phoenix Zoo and Papago Park are next to each other. Desert Botanical Garden is very impressive.
Papago Salado Attractions

Its an easy hike to Hole in the Rock, and its a great photo spot. There's lots of hiking trails, too. Stroll up to Hunt's Tomb ( its a White pyramid on a hilltop where Az first governor and his family are interred ), from there you can see the zoo and lots of Rams on the adjacent rocks ( they're behind the fences, but close enough for photos )

Spring training baseball starts this week.

Arizona Science Center in downtown Phx.

TGI Fridays in Chase Field is open to the public every day. It's a fun place for lunch for baseball fans.

I've been to Sedona many times, but usually brief day trips, or passing through. I can't offer any tips for there.

I think Montezuma's castle is worth a visit.

[DonDavis]

Oh yeah, Archery Range at Papago, too!

Papago Salado Association - Listing - Listing Detail

Papago Archery Association | Phoenix, AZ

[19-911-65]

I've done this a couple of times in Sedona...lots of fun in a Bi-plane:

Home

[Bugsinrugs]

Spring training is just getting under way. Giants are in Scottsdale I believe.

[flatbutt]

Originally Posted by sammyg2

Good rock hunting areas, and there's plenty of leverite to be found.

oh you funny,funny man.

[faverymi]

Best mexican restaurant . ELOTE. long long waits. but so worth it.

Another favorite SCHOOL HOUSE in neighboring town.

Go have a drink with the lady at dusk in the Enchantment Resort.

[LeeH]

If you're in Scottsdale on a Saturday, check out the longest running car show in the US. Just west of the 101 and Indian Bend. Hundreds of awesome cars every week. Starts at 4 but peaks around 6-7pm.