Tours
The Ultimate Guide to Guided Tours
Sedona, Arizona, is a destination renowned for its stunning red rock formations, mystical vortexes, and vibrant arts scene. With so much to see and experience, guided tours offer an excellent way to explore this enchanting area. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover the various types of tours available in Sedona, including walking tours, bus tours, adventure tours, culinary tours, historical tours, and specialty tours. We’ll provide details on what each tour offers, including contact information and addresses, as well as insights into pricing, booking, and what to expect. Whether you’re seeking adventure, culture, or culinary delights, this guide will help you find the perfect tour to enhance your Sedona experience.
The Allure of Sedona
Sedona is a treasure trove of natural beauty and cultural richness. Its dramatic landscapes, coupled with a vibrant community of artists and spiritual seekers, make it a unique destination for travelers. Guided tours in Sedona offer visitors an opportunity to delve deeper into the area’s history, culture, and natural wonders, often providing access to hidden gems and expert insights that independent travelers might miss. From the mystical energy of Sedona’s vortexes to the culinary delights of local eateries, guided tours cater to a wide range of interests and preferences.
Types of Tours Available
Walking Tours
Walking tours are a fantastic way to explore Sedona’s charming streets and scenic trails at a leisurely pace. These tours often focus on specific aspects of the area, such as history, art, or nature.
1. Sedona Heritage Walking Tour
Overview: Discover the rich history of Sedona on this guided walking tour through the historic district.
Contact Information:
- Address: Sedona Heritage Museum, 735 Jordan Rd, Sedona, AZ 86336
- Phone: (928) 282-7038
- Website: sedonamuseum.org
Highlights:
- Visit historical sites and landmarks.
- Learn about Sedona’s pioneer families.
- Explore the old town’s architecture and heritage.
2. Sedona Art Walk
Overview: This tour takes you through Sedona’s vibrant art scene, visiting galleries and studios of local artists.
Contact Information:
- Address: Sedona Arts Center, 15 Art Barn Rd, Sedona, AZ 86336
- Phone: (928) 282-3809
- Website: sedonaartscenter.org
Highlights:
- Meet local artists and see their work.
- Discover a variety of art forms, from paintings to sculptures.
- Learn about the inspiration behind the artworks.
3. Red Rock Vortex Walk
Overview: Experience the mystical energy of Sedona’s vortexes on this guided walk through some of the most spiritually significant sites.
Contact Information:
- Address: Sedona Metaphysical Spiritual Association, 2675 W State Route 89A, Sedona, AZ 86336
- Phone: (928) 239- 4947
- Website: sedonaspiritual.com
Highlights:
- Visit key vortex sites and learn about their significance.
- Participate in meditation and energy healing practices.
- Enjoy breathtaking views of the red rocks.
1. Sedona Trolley Tour
Overview: The Sedona Trolley offers a classic introduction to Sedona with two scenic routes.
Contact Information:
- Address: 276 N State Route 89A, Sedona, AZ 86336
- Phone: (928) 282-4211
- Website: sedonatrolley.com
Highlights:
- Tour A covers the Chapel of the Holy Cross and other landmarks.
- Tour B includes a trip to Boynton Canyon.
- Learn about Sedona’s history and geology from knowledgeable guides.
2. Red Rock Magic Trolley
Overview: This tour offers several options, including a sunset tour and a tour to the famous Bell Rock.
Contact Information:
- Address: 252 N State Route 89A, Sedona, AZ 86336
- Phone: (928) 821-6706
- Website: redrockmagictrolley.com
Highlights:
- Enjoy scenic drives through Sedona’s iconic landscapes.
- Hear stories about Sedona’s legends and lore.
- Stop at picturesque viewpoints for photo opportunities.
3. Sedona Scenic Tours
Overview: This company offers a variety of bus tours that cater to different interests, including wine tasting and historical tours.
Contact Information:
- Address: 1650 State Route 89A, Sedona, AZ 86336
- Phone: (928) 282-5000
- Website: sedonascenictours.com
Highlights:
- Explore Sedona’s beautiful vineyards and taste local wines.
- Learn about the area’s rich Native American history.
- Enjoy comfortable transportation with expert guides.
Bus Tours
Bus tours offer a comfortable way to see the highlights of Sedona, especially for those who prefer not to hike or walk long distances.
Adventure Tours
For thrill-seekers, Sedona offers a range of adventure tours, including off-road jeep tours, helicopter rides, and hot air balloon flights.
1. Pink Jeep Tours
Overview: Known for their iconic pink jeeps, these tours offer a thrilling off-road adventure through Sedona’s rugged terrain.
Contact Information:
- Address: 204 N State Route 89A, Sedona, AZ 86336
- Phone: (800) 873-3662
- Website: pinkadventuretours.com
Highlights:
- Explore remote areas of Sedona’s red rocks.
- Choose from a variety of tour options, including the Broken Arrow and Scenic Rim tours.
- Experience the thrill of off-road driving with expert guides.
2. Sedona Air Tours
Overview: Take to the skies with helicopter or airplane tours that provide a bird’s-eye view of Sedona’s stunning landscapes.
Contact Information:
- Address: 1225 Airport Rd, Sedona, AZ 86336
- Phone: (928) 204-5939
- Website: sedonaairtours.com
Highlights:
- See Sedona’s red rocks, canyons, and vortexes from above.
- Choose from helicopter or fixed-wing aircraft tours.
- Enjoy commentary from experienced pilots.
3. Red Rock Balloon Adventures
Overview: Experience the magic of a sunrise hot air balloon flight over Sedona’s spectacular scenery.
Contact Information:
- Address: 105 Canyon Diablo Rd, Sedona, AZ 86351
- Phone: (928) 284-0040
- Website: redrockballoons.com
Highlights:
- Float above Sedona’s red rocks at dawn.
- Enjoy panoramic views and photo opportunities.
- Celebrate with a traditional post-flight champagne toast.
1. A Taste of Sedona Food Tours
Overview: This tour takes you to some of Sedona’s best eateries, where you can sample a variety of dishes.
Contact Information:
- Address: 175 AZ-89A, Sedona, AZ 86336
- Phone: (928) 963-1231
- Website: sedonafoodtours.com
Highlights:
- Visit multiple restaurants and food shops.
- Sample a range of local dishes and delicacies.
- Learn about Sedona’s culinary scene from expert guides.
2. Sedona Wine Adventures
Overview: Explore Sedona’s wine country with guided tours that include tastings and vineyard visits.
Contact Information:
- Address: 2200 W State Route 89A, Sedona, AZ 86336
- Phone: (928) 282-4800
- Website: sedonawinetours.com
Highlights:
- Tour local wineries and vineyards.
- Taste a variety of wines, from reds to whites.
- Enjoy scenic views and learn about winemaking.
3. Sedona Chocolate Lovers’ Tour
Overview: Indulge your sweet tooth on this tour dedicated to chocolate lovers, featuring local chocolatiers and dessert shops.
Contact Information:
- Address: 320 N State Route 89A, Sedona, AZ 86336
- Phone: (928) 282-4774
- Website: sedonachocolatetours.com
Highlights:
- Visit top chocolatiers and dessert shops.
- Sample a variety of chocolates and sweets.
- Learn about the chocolate-making process.
Culinary Tours
Sedona’s culinary tours offer a taste of the region’s best food and wine, showcasing local ingredients and gourmet creations.
Historical Tours
Historical tours provide a glimpse into Sedona’s past, from ancient Native American ruins to historic landmarks.
1. Honanki Heritage Site Tour
Overview: Explore the ancient cliff dwellings of the Honanki Heritage Site on this guided tour.
Contact Information:
- Address: 1146 State Route 89A, Sedona, AZ 86336
- Phone: (928) 282-3854
- Website: redrockheritage.com
Highlights:
- Visit well-preserved Sinagua cliff dwellings.
- Learn about the history and culture of the Sinagua people.
- Enjoy scenic views of the red rocks.
2. Montezuma Castle Tour
Overview: This tour takes you to Montezuma Castle, one of the best-preserved cliff dwellings in North America.
Contact Information:
- Address: 2800 Montezuma Castle Rd, Camp Verde, AZ 86322
- Phone: (928) 567-3322
- Website: nps.gov/moca
Highlights:
- Explore the ancient cliff dwelling and learn about its history.
- Visit the museum and visitor center.
- Enjoy the beautiful surrounding scenery.
3. Jerome Ghost Town Tour
Overview: Visit the historic ghost town of Jerome, once a bustling mining town.
Contact Information:
- Address: 403 Clark St, Jerome, AZ 86331
- Phone: (928) 634-1066
- Website: jeromehistoricalsociety.com
Highlights:
- Explore historic buildings and museums.
- Learn about the town’s mining history and ghost stories.
- Enjoy panoramic views of the Verde Valley.
1. Sedona Spirit Journeys
Overview: This tour focuses on Sedona’s spiritual and metaphysical aspects, visiting vortex sites and offering guided meditations.
Contact Information:
- Address: 1835 W State Route 89A, Sedona, AZ 86336
- Phone: (928) 282-7239
- Website: sedonaspiritjourneys.com
Highlights:
- Visit powerful vortex sites and learn about their energies.
- Participate in guided meditations and healing practices.
- Experience a deeper connection to Sedona’s spiritual side.
2. Sedona Wildlife Safari
Overview: Discover the diverse wildlife of Sedona on this guided safari tour.
Contact Information:
- Address: 1855 W State Route 89A, Sedona, AZ 86336
- Phone: (928) 284-9234
- Website: sedonawildlifesafari.com
Highlights:
- Spot native wildlife, including birds, mammals, and reptiles.
- Learn about Sedona’s ecosystems and conservation efforts.
- Enjoy scenic views and photo opportunities.
3. Sedona Ghost Tour
Overview: Explore Sedona’s haunted history on this spine-tingling ghost tour.
Contact Information:
- Address: 251 N State Route 89A, Sedona, AZ 86336
- Phone: (928) 282-2997
- Website: sedonaghosttours.com
Highlights:
- Visit haunted sites and hear chilling ghost stories.
- Learn about Sedona’s paranormal history.
- Experience the eerie atmosphere of Sedona at night.
Specialty Tours
Specialty tours offer unique experiences that are distinct to Sedona, such as ghost tours, wildlife safaris, and spiritual tours.
Pricing and Booking Information
Tour Pricing
The cost of tours in Sedona varies widely depending on the type of tour, duration, and level of exclusivity. Here are some general price ranges:
- Walking Tours: $20 – $50 per person
- Bus Tours: $30 – $70 per person
- Adventure Tours: $75 – $150 per person
- Culinary Tours: $50 – $100 per person
- Historical Tours: $30 – $60 per person
- Specialty Tours: $50 – $120 per person
Factors that can affect pricing include group size, season, and whether the tour offers exclusive access to certain areas.
Booking Process
Most tours can be booked online through the tour company’s website. It’s also possible to book through travel agents or at on-site registration desks. Here are some tips for booking:
- Book in Advance: Popular tours can fill up quickly, especially during peak tourist seasons.
- Check Cancellation Policies: Understand the cancellation policy before booking to avoid any unexpected fees.
- Group Discounts: Some tours offer discounts for larger groups, so inquire if you’re traveling with a group.
What to Expect
Preparing for Your Tour
To make the most of your Sedona tour experience, consider the following tips:
- Appropriate Clothing: Wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing. For outdoor tours, dress in layers and wear sturdy shoes.
- Necessary Gear: Bring essentials like sunscreen, hats, water bottles, and cameras. For adventure tours, specific gear may be provided or recommended.
- Physical Demands: Some tours require walking or hiking, so assess your fitness level and any accessibility issues. Check if tours are suitable for children or have age restrictions.
Benefits of Guided Tours
Knowledge and Insights
Local guides provide valuable knowledge and insights that enhance your understanding and appreciation of Sedona. They can share historical facts, cultural stories, and personal anecdotes that you wouldn’t get from a guidebook.
Convenience
Guided tours offer the convenience of having transportation and itineraries planned out. This is particularly beneficial for remote or logistically complicated destinations, ensuring you don’t miss out on key attractions.
Exclusive Access
Some tours provide exclusive access to areas or experiences not available to general visitors, such as private tastings, behind-the-scenes tours, or off-limits sites.
Pros and Cons
Advantages
- In-Depth Knowledge: Access to expert guides who can provide detailed information and answer questions.
- Convenience: All logistics are handled, including transportation and scheduling.
- Safety: Professional guides can ensure safety, particularly on adventure or wildlife tours.
Potential Downsides
- Less Flexibility: Tours have set schedules and itineraries, which may not allow for spontaneous exploration.
- Time Constraints: Time spent at each location is usually limited, which might not be ideal for those who prefer a slower pace.
Safety Measures
Tour companies in Sedona prioritize safety, particularly for adventure and wildlife tours. Here are some common safety measures:
- Professional Guides: Trained guides who are knowledgeable about the terrain and safety protocols.
- Safety Gear: Provision of necessary safety gear, such as helmets and life vests.
- Emergency Procedures: Clear procedures in place for handling emergencies.
Comfort Tips
To ensure a comfortable tour experience, consider the following tips:
- Stay Hydrated: Bring plenty of water, especially for outdoor tours.
- Snacks: Carry snacks for longer tours to keep your energy up.
- Sun Protection: Use sunscreen and wear a hat to protect yourself from the sun.
Final Thoughts
Sedona’s guided tours offer an unparalleled way to explore the beauty, culture, and history of this remarkable destination. From thrilling adventure tours and insightful historical tours to delicious culinary tours and spiritual journeys, there’s something for every type of traveler.
So, whether you’re planning your first visit or returning to discover more, consider booking a guided tour to enhance your Sedona experience. With expert guides, convenient itineraries, and access to exclusive experiences, these tours provide a comprehensive and enriching way to explore all that Sedona has to offer.
