Recommend: Hiking boots, sun screen, backpack for water bottle, and long pants…read more Park and ride shuttle parking lot filled up before 10AM. Go early if you are a morning person. This will help to finish the hike before noon. If you are not a morning person, download the Sedona shuttle app, follow the shuttle into the lot for a parking spot. The trail up to the cathedral rock can be narrow and steep at some sections. Going up is more difficult than coming down based on our experience. The view at the top - spectacular!

I've climbed some impressive trails in my day... but Cathedral Rock clearly woke up that morning…read moreand chose violence. Sharon and I decided we were obviously elite athletes, so naturally we set out to hike it. About a quarter mile in, our lungs filed a formal complaint. Now to be fair, the trail doesn't exactly ease you into things. It basically looks at you and says, "Oh... you thought this was a walk?" From there it's steep rock, scrambling, and a steady reminder that gravity is very real. We stopped. We rested. We evaluated several recent life choices. And then we kept going. At some point along the climb it hits you: this might be the only hike where the staircase goes straight up the side of a postcard. I made it as high as I reasonably could before deciding that discretion is sometimes the better part of valor... and oxygen. So we turned back. And honestly, that's when the best part of the experience happened. As we paused on the way down, we chatted with hikers from all over North America heading up and down the trail. Every single person asked the same thing: "How far did you make it?" Not a single raised eyebrow when we said we didn't summit. Meanwhile I had been judging myself like I'd just been cut from the varsity team. From where we rested, the view over Sedona was absolutely gorgeous. Calm. Expansive. Peaceful. One of those views that makes you stop talking for a minute and just take it in. Also, small public service announcement: I originally thought this hike led to the famous chapel built into the red rocks. That would be Chapel of the Holy Cross... which is a very different destination and a much easier visit. Definitely double-check your notes before committing to this particular adventure. The trail is challenging, the scenery is spectacular, and the experience has a little bit of magic to it. Five stars for a hike that reminds you the goal isn't always the summit... sometimes it's just appreciating the view from exactly where you are.

Actually just visited this spot yesterday, it was really neat. Definitely a hidden gem in Sedona,…read morecan't wait till that restaurant is built out. We took some great pics, and like they said, you really cant get that particular angle of that mountain peak anywhere. Best of all, there was no charge to visit, shopping center was really enjoyable too, definitely stop in on your next trip to Sedona.

"Dagot'ee" (Welcome) and "Ashoog" (Thank you)…read more These are the greetings in the White Mountain Apache Language that you will likely feel when you visit Fort Apache Historic Park for it is a captivating destination that unveils the rich tapestry of history. Walking its grounds connects one to what happened in the past. It was a military outpost in the late 19th century site from the 1800s. This park honors the legacy of a turning point in history between the Apaches and the US Cavalry. Exploring the preserved buildings from over a century ago, over twenty in total, tell their tales. A museum and cafe also sit among the remnants of an Indian boarding school run by the Bureau of Indian Education. Quarters that sheltered officers and barracks for the ranks, with an old graveyard too, show both hardships and triumphs of those who made this place home. Each structure recounts stories of the Apache and soldiers who coexisted through changing times. Today, Fort Apache stands as proof of history that came and links cultures still alive. If you love history like me and want to learn about the life of the Apache tribe from the past to the present, this should not be missed. I, myself, frequent the park every time I pick up my mails since the post office is housed in one of the old structures. Outside the post office, you can also pet friendly dogs of families staying in those barracks. They love to get some treats too.

Fort Apache is a "must see" for those desiring to learn more about western expansion in the 1800s…read more Many buildings are well-restored and so many others remain from that period that you can imagine how the fort was "back in the day". Most interesting is that the Apaches welcomed the US Army into the stunning valley. One registers at the museum for a nominal fee and then you are free to roam all the property including the original site where the commanding officer lived as well as the continuously functioning US Post Office. And, do not miss lunch in the Arrowhead Cafe. The menu is brief but the food is yummy and freshly prepared. Adjoining the cafe is a shop for products made by Native Americans, even handmade clothes and fabrics to make some. We've lived the Arizona for 40 years and should have come much sooner. Also, a school has been on the property since 1920 and has been continuously occupied since then.

This cave is located in Newberry National Volcanic Monument. Since it is super popular, you have to…read moremake reservations on their website so that it's not overcrowded and to limit the disturbances to the cave. It gets pretty busy so make sure to set an alarm when the tickets get released. It's a 2.2 mile out and back cave, although if you're too tired or scared you can always turn around and head back. The deeper in the cave I went, the fewer the visitors. The process is pretty straight forward. Once you get checked in at the parking lot entrance, park and walk to the orientation tent where they ask if any of the clothing you are currently wearing has been to another cave (to avoid the spread of white nose syndrome in bats) and also some basic orienteering. They also have flashlights for rental if you forgot. These are really powerful flashlights so I highly recommend it since your cellphone light isn't going to cut it. It gets pretty chilly in there so bring jackets even if it's hot on the surface. The cave flooring is pretty even although there are some dips you might trip on if you're not prepared. No scrambling or anything strenuous. Very fun!

This is the largest lava tube in Arizona and although a bit remote, very popular! I came here on a…read moreSaturday and there were many, many cars in the parking lot. It's a big lot, so there was still plenty of spaces, but I was concerned my cave experience would be full of noisy people. The entrance is a bit narrow and difficult to get down, but that is the hardest part. It runs for 3/4 of a mile underground and is a pretty unique experience to have. There were many times where I could just stop walking and turn off my light and not see anybody ahead or behind me, kind of felt like you were just floating in space! Cool natural feature not to miss if you're in the area!

My friend and I stopped to see the Montezuma Castle first. This Well is only a couple miles up from…read morethe Castle. It is another short trail loop to see the Well and it's FREE (no entry fee). It's a amazing site when you reach the top of the well with the view of the well and dwellings. There is a board with some facts. The best part though was there was a wonderful, very friendly Park Ranger stationed at the top to answer any questions and to talk about the Well and surroundings if interested. She also told us of the hidden path to actually go down onto the well. We were there around 3pm, on a Monday and there were no crowds at all. A must see!

This is the place I wanted to keep to myself...from my last visit years ago(2019)...I'm glad it…read morestill hasn't gained much popularity , maybe because it is a little bit of the way compared with the montezuma castle which was pretty crowded when I visited. The trail started from the parking lot where the Ranger station is. It's a loop! You are supposed to do it counterclockwise by passing the ranger station first. it was about 75 feet you will be at the overlook it's a bit steep and def took my breath away. The rest part of the trail was more smooth you will see all interesting desert plants along the way. It was 60 degrees but with the Arizona sun, it still got hot even I only wore a camisole top and I saw someone holding an umbrella:p To go down to the water, I was told it is about 100 steps... please be realistic about your capability. however, I must missed the stairs going down. I think it is a monument however it is free to visit without pass required!

First off, some of the signs pointing to the entrance of this place are flat out incorrect. Second…read moreoff, it's not worth it to buy a $5 pass. The main attraction really is the mansion so just buy a $18 pass which gives you access to the mansion tour as well as the outside grounds (which is what the $5 pass gives you access to). As for as museum goes, the subject material isn't that interesting: it's about a random wealthy family. Imagine a 100 years into the future we have a museum about a random millionaire. Our tour guide, Marco, was fantastic and great at answering questions for our little group of 4. The mansion really is just a showcase of how a wealthy person's home from the early 1900's. You get a glimpse into their business and personal lives as well as the type of furniture employed in the household. The tour was interactive and nice. The self guided tour is just literally walking around the mansion so there isn't too much to see but it makes for a nice, short walk. Overall, I think that there are more interesting museums out there. But if you're looking for a super quiet museum to browse, this would be the place.

Brenden did an EXCEPTIONAL job giving us a private tour of the mansion. He was full of facts and…read morestories. The artifacts & history packed into this mansion are so cool! You really got a sense of who these people were and how well they lived. The grounds are stunning and we really enjoyed the outside self guided tour. We were there two hours and I'd go back in a heartbeat!

What an incredible experience! How these indigenous peoples lived and built their homes on the…read moremountain sides was fascinating. I'm in awe of how they had to traverse these mountain sides to get food, water and to other sides of the village. Well worth the experience. It costs the admission to get into the park only. I think it was $12.00 but worth every penny. *strong note here* MANY stairs to go down and back up and your at a higher altitude so bring water, sun clothing especially if it's summer or hot out and take breaks climbing. Know your limits and enjoy!

I love this spot and hope more people can come visit this amazingness!…read more This was my second time here and this site truly amazes me. I loved taking the hike around the cliff dwellings. There are a few trails here where you can see different perspectives of the dwellings and I recommend that you do both of them. One lets you walk basically right through them and the other trail gives you a further view so you really get both perspectives. Super neat history, site, and overall spot. Your annual park pass if you have one will get you in here too. Definitely recommend this place!

This Memorial is located within the Green Valley Park, across from the stage. You can see it from…read morethe playground. This is a reverential memorial to the people that gave their lives while serving in the United States Armed Forces, and in the Merchant Marine. The plaques on each wall are moving. Definitely worth stopping by.

I'm embarrassed to admit that I'n just now learning how Snoopy Rock got its name but now that I…read moreknow, I'm glad we made it a first Sedona climb. As we progressed in the hike we progressively noticed that this is not exactly your traditional Sedona hike. We pushed to the "top", well as high as we could go without bouldering, but we noticed that increase in elevation meant decrease in cairns and markers. About 3/4th of the way up they virtually disappeared. Everything became...unclear That being said, although a moderate hike, this trail is perfect for newer boulders and those who love exploration. Pro tip: make sure you have all trails handy when hiking!

Nice almost flat walk on a fairly well marked trail from the parking lot up to close enough to…read moreSnoopy for us to hold a little dog ceremony. One of Pearl's 11 puppies of 4 months old, all of whom were placed in good homes across the country, got away and was struck and killed by a car. So we brought mom and the dad, Oyster, up to Snoopy for a farewell ceremony for Brutus. A worthy send off for a special puppy.

Decided on a Sunday drive to Payson. After lunch we drove to Monument Peak Loop Trailhead for an…read moreeasy hike as it was 82 degrees. The parking lot is very small. We shared it was four other vehicles. The trail signage is perfect. The hike is partially shaded but more sun then shade. It is an easy 3.4 miles. If you take the loop counter clockwise, the beauty is in the last mile. We truly enjoyed this hike and recommend it for something easy and close to the city