This tour is priced low in appreciation of your past travels with us, and as an opportunity to get people together, so there are no return discounts or referral discounts on this particular tour. It is open to friends and family of past clients, if you'd like to bring somebody along. If you're new to Alpinehikers, please see our very similar Arizona Red Rocks itinerary.

After arriving in Phoenix, an easy 2 hour shuttle delivers you to Prescott, to our comfortable downtown hotel. Prescott, once the capital of Arizona, is a pleasant and walkable small town with a rich history, surrounded by ponderosa pine forests and rugged granite peaks. We'll spend 2 nights here before transfering to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, where some people will camp at the group campsite while others enjoy the comforts of the nearby canyon lodges. After 2 nights at the Canyon, we'll continue for 2 days and 1 night in Sedona, America's best kept secret, where striking red canyon walls and lush, riparian areas create an unforgettable landscape. We will return to Prescott for our final night. We'll have guided hikes each day, as well as plenty of opportunity for free time to explore the towns, museums and archeological sites along the way.

Just like our guided Switzerland trip, our days will start with a full breakfast at our hotel - your choice of eggs, pancakes, cereal, fruit, coffee, juice - which gives us the energy needed for the day ahead. Then we'll be out on the trail, exploring the wonderful landscapes Arizona has to offer. Although we will have strenuous hiking options, I envision keeping these hikes more in the moderate range. Each morning, you'll be handed a lunch to carry, and at a mid-point along the way we'll choose a beautiful spot to stop and enjoy our picnic.

We should finish our hike around 4 pm, giving you time to wash up, relax at the hotel, or perhaps do a bit of sightseeing on your own. Later, we'll enjoy delicious dinners together at our hotel or another local restaurant, with one cookout at the Grand Canyon and (numbers permitting) a farewell barbeque at Troy's house.

This tour can also be combined with our October 9-16 Arizona-Utah Grand Circle tour to the Grand Canyon North Rim, Bryce and Zion for a longer, 2-week Southwest tour. Please ask if you are interested.

Actual hikes vary depending on weather, ability and mood, but our itinerary will go something like this:

Day 1 The Arizona Red Rocks tour starts with arrival at the Phoenix airport, where you can transfer by shuttle to our meeting point in Prescott. Prescott is a charming small town tucked at the base of the Bradshaw mountains. Wander by Victorian homes and Old West bars in the quaint downtown shopping district. We'll have a welcome dinner and introduction to Prescott before settling in to our lovely downtown hotel. (Springhill Suites)
Day 2 Prescott, named one of the next great adventure towns by National Geographic Adventure, is surrounded by great hiking trails. One of my favorite hikes in Prescott is through the Granite mountain basin, a beautiful hike through forests of pine, oak and agave with the rounded boulders of Granite mountain towering thousands of feet above us. Return to Prescott for a 2nd night. (Springhill Suites)
Day 3 We'll transfer in the morning to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, just 3 hours away by van. The Grand Canyon is an extraordinary sight - one of the wonders of the world. Enjoy an easy walk along the rim of the canyon, with many beautiful views into this geologic wonder. Stay at a comfortable lodge at the rim, or those taking the camping option will have a tent and sleeping gear at the nearby group camp site. (Maswik Lodge or El Tovar, or camp)
Day 4 Our second day at the Grand Canyon gives us a chance for a full dayhike, so we'll get an early start to appreciate the beauty from below as we hike down into the canyon on one of many possible trails, perhaps Hermit Trail to Dripping Springs, a lush oasis 1000 ft below the rim. Return to the rim for a second night at the Grand Canyon. (Maswik Lodge or El Tovar, or camp)
Day 5 Leaving the Grand Canyon, we'll drive through Oak Creek Canyon to Sedona, one of the prettiest locations you'll ever find. Sedona is surrounded by a brilliant landscape of red buttes, natural arches, ancient archeological sites, and lush streams. The sunsets here are simply unforgettable! Stay in the impeccable Arroyo Roble Hotel, with fabulous views and situated an easy walking distance to Sedona's shops and restaurants. Enjoy a short hike, head out on a back-country jeep tour, or just relax in town. (Arroyo Roble)
Day 6 With towering sandstone formations in every direction, countless canyons and numerous creeks, we have many hikes to choose from today - a riverside walk through fall colors, or hikes to arches and tremendous views. At the end of our hike, we'll return to Prescott for a last night and a special dinner. (Springhill Suites)
Day 7 After breakfast at our hotel, we'll say our good-byes and leave for home. A shuttle van can take you back to the Phoenix airport.

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