packing for Sedona

[senorak Member Find all posts View Profile Close senorak]

We are leaving the end of next week for Sedona. This will be our first trip to the area...and I'd like some advice on packing. I know it will be HOT during the day....and a bit cooler at night. We plan on doing a Pink Jeep Tour (do we need to book before we go?); spending some time at "Slide Rock Park", and an overnight at the Grand Canyon. As for spending time in the parks...do we need hiking shoes (which none of us have right now)...or will sneakers suffice? Also, I would imagine wearing "older sneakers" while hiking...since the "red dust" will cover them? In looking up info on "Slide Rock"...everyone suggested wearing old sneakers/water shoes.
Also...do we need to bring "bug spray/wipes"?

We are staying at Sedona Springs Resort. I know they share some ammenities with their "sister resort", Villas of Sedona. Other than the pool area...what other activities are there at the resorts? My youngest loves mini golf/golfing (tho he is not bringing his clubs on this trip).

Thanks in advance for any advice!

DEB

[BILL_B Member Find all posts View Profile Close BILL_B]

Deb,

The difficulty of the trails varies considerably. On the easy to moderate ones sneakers will probably be OK. The real problem may be blisters caused by perspiration and wet feet. Get hiking socks that are designed to wick the moisture away to help avoid this problem. At this point it probably would be too late to invest in hiking boots as they really need to be broken in before any extensive use.

Also you will have to purchase a Red Rock Pass if you want to park at the trail heads or any other place in the parks. It should be available at the front desk of the resort, or if not, at the visitor center in town near the main intersection.

Pink Jeep tours can be booked when you get there. I think you and your kids would enjoy the Verde Canyon Rail trip http://www.verdecanyonrr.com/ If you do this I would suggest you skip the lunch and do your own beforehand as it is expensive and not that good.

At this time of year the evening temps should still be in the 70's until well after midnite so a light jacket, sweater or sweatshirt should be all you need to pack.

Have fun.

Bill

[TheDukeofPaducah Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close TheDukeofPaducah]

Regarding Sedona

Yes, it will be hot during the day in Sedona. However it is indeed an inspiring and beautiful place. I have hiked at both Sedona and Grand Canyon and I found that sturdy athletic sneakers were fine-you do need something with a thick sole and cushioning to resist loose rocks.

And I make one suggestion for a good day trip - the old mining town of Jerome is not far away ( Maybe 20 miles??) and it is a charming place. And i would suggest trying to visit some of the American Indian ruins in the Sedona area. There are several in the region. We especially liked the easy walk at the ruins down in the valley near Jerome.

TheDukeofPaducah

[senorak Member Find all posts View Profile Close senorak]

Thanks for the info! I forgot to mention that "Jerome" is on our "to do list". We are undecided about the train ride....with the overnight at the GC, jeep tour and other sight seeing...not sure if we will have time.
Does anyone know if the Sedona Springs has internet access...or wifi? DH needs to know if he should bring his laptop.

DEB

[katiemack Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close katiemack]

There is an internet access station in the main lobby at Sedona Springs...I believe it is complimentary 15 minute increments.

If you plan to do hiking, bring shoes that are definitely able to grip. Some tennis shoes are so smooth textured on the sole it is dangerous on the type of terrain on a trail. Lots of small pebbles, broken fragments of rock, fine particles...and it can act like it is ice underfoot. I know many a person who has sprained a foot or slipped and gotten hurt because of that effect.

Hat! Bring or plan to buy one....the sun is STRONG! Sunscreen and water are MUSTS. On a hike, be sure to have plenty of water. Trick: freeze a water bottle, it will melt and be refreshing as you walk along.

There may be rain/lightning as monsoon is coming into full bloom in the state. If you plan to hike, be aware of the sky, and how far away you are from your vehicle...you don't want to get stuck on a hill with storm overhead...lightning in the mountains is intense at times!

If you bring a small umbrella, you can use it as a sun shade or for rain if it swings thru.

Be sure you know the area you will be heading to...maybe check with Jane the concierge...it doesn't hurt to let folks know where you are going. Cell phones can be unreliable in certain mountainous regions.

Socks that wick away moisture will make the hiking more comfortable...and we often use a neck bandana as a water soaked air cooler around our necks.

Hiking in early morning, be alert for wildlife on the trails (read that, slithery things, coyotes)...walk on the trail and in group...we carry a large walking stick with us.

Temps have been in high 90s/mid 80s/ and hits the 70s or 60s in late night hours.

Humidity is on higher level due to monsoon, but better than what you would find on the East coast.


I will try to find out about laptop and access from the room for Internet.

[katiemack Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close katiemack]

Regarding internet at SS: AOL Dialup is possible from the room, but there is no WIFI...there is only the station in the lobby for access. Hope this helps

[senorak Member Find all posts View Profile Close senorak]

Thank you so much for checking on this for me, Katiemack! I think I will advise hubby to leave his laptop at home on this trip.

DEB