SUV needed for Sedona?

[falmouth3 Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close falmouth3]

My sister has told me that in order to enjoy everything there is to enjoy in Sedona, that you need an SUV. As we normally drive a compact, and enjoy the fuel economy, I was wondering how essential an SUV will be.

BTW, on Priceline, the prices for an SUV at some rental places are as inexpensive as the smallest economy car. But I know the gas prices will more than make up the difference between the extra cost of the compact or mid-sized car.

Sue

[joycapecod Silver Contributor Find all posts View Profile Close joycapecod]

It all depends on what you want to do. I've rented both SUV, mid-sized cars, and even a mini-van and found all to be fine. The SUV was mostly for comfort since I had two really tall people with me on one trip.

I've never taken to off road except with the Pink Jeep tours...even when we went to Monument Valley we had a regualr car.

Joy

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

You will find the gas cost very high for the SUV for certain. Gas prices in AZ are ranging from $2.93 to $3.25 right now, and it is anticipated to go higher.

An SUV is not necessary to enjoy Sedona. But if you are wanting to do an off road day trip, there are several companies in the area that rent off road vehicles for the day, and you might prefer to do that.

Many folks just like to be passengers and let Pink Jeep or other tour companies take them to the trails and sights.

Depending upon the need for passenger room, or for 4 wheel drive due to planned winter driving, you should decide what you need.

The many sights of Sedona are easily accessed off paved roads.

When will you be traveling to Sedona and what are your plans for the area, Sue?

[falmouth3 Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close falmouth3]

Thanks, I found it hard to believe that we would really need an SUV. We won't be there until Sept. I've lived in Rochester, NY; Maine, and now Boston and my compact gets me wherever I've needed to be in the snow. I certainly don't expect to see snow in Sedona in early Sept. But I didn't know how much off road traveling we might expect to do in Sedona.

If all goes well, we will be bringing my mother with us and there will be some things that she won't be able to do because she's very frail. For sure we're planning on a pink jeep tour or with a competitor. Also we want to do a hot air balloon ride. I've already told Mom that she won't be going on those with us. A day trip to the Grand Canyon because Mom has never been there is in the plans.

I figured on a trip to Jerome, and beyond that, I don't know. Suggestions are certainly welcome.

Thanks for your help so far.

Sue

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

Jerome is an easy day trip, and offers some neat distant views of the Sedona area, as well as a variety of shops and eateries.

You might want to consider a day trip to Prescott, or Flagstaff.

Your mother will enjoy the day at the Grand Canyon, and if you like trains, the Grand Canyon RR offers some nice packages, leaving from Williams (about 1 1/2 hr drive from Sedona). AAA members usually get some discounts when you call and ask for package prices, and if you have anyone in your party who has a Golden Parks pass, they will waive the park admission fee.

Call 1 800 The Train to get info.

I used to recommend the Verde Canyon RR near Jerome, for a day's excursion, but they have gone too commercial for my tastes. The touches that made the train trip fun and personal have been stripped away, replaced by machines and overpriced gimmicks.

But if you want to explore it, here is a link: Verde RR

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

We rented a regular car and did quite a bit. We went to Prescott for a day and browsed around the stores. We visited Jerome (Jerome is an old mining town on the mountainside south of Sedona); a lot of history there, but the visit to the actual ghost town gave me the creeps. The ghost town is not the part where you can browse in the stores, that was great with all the plaques describing the buildings..it further down a dirt road. Looks like a junk yard and small town with old cars.
I can't remember the name of the route we took from Sedona to get to Jerome, but it wasn't the highway and the views were beautiful. The road reminded me of driving the Amalfi Coast...lots of turns and way up high!
We went on a tour to the Grand Canyon and watched the sunset. There were only 12 of us and it was a geological tour. Very interesting!
We also went on the pink jeep tour..great fun! The hot air balloon (Northern Lights) was okay...it was my first time and I expected something exhilarating.; not so much...
Verde Canyon was nice, but would not do it again. We also went to the church (Chapel of the Holy Cross) and the airport...the views from both those places were gorgeous.
I would have liked to do some hikes, but we were with other people who did not want to, so..next time.