It’s the weekend, or your weekday version of it, and you want to get out of town. So you get together with friends, or one very special friend, and point your car south. Maybe you have a destination in mind, maybe not. It doesn’t matter, the gas tank is full and any direction will do. Off of the 215 you get onto routes 93 and 95 and set the cruise control.

All it takes is four or five hours on the road and you can be in another world. If you’re looking for offbeat outdoor adventure, then Flagstaff is the place for you. If cool waters, unique shopping and a day spa is more your style, then Sedona, another hour south, is your destination.

Your first decision will be whether to take Route 93 and deal with the slow moving traffic at the Hoover Dam or to avoid it and stick to the 95. If you take the 95, bear left at route 163 towards Laughlin and Route 40.

A few hours more and you’re in Flagstaff, the gateway to the Grand Canyon and the high country. Surrounded by national forest, Flagstaff sits at the foot of Mount Humphries, the highest peak in Arizona. Beautiful day hikes and scenic drives abound. Lodging is reasonably priced in the usual roadside motels such as Motel 6 and EconoLodge. If you must have a softer bed and finer accommodations, try the Sled Dog Inn or the Conifer House.

If you arrive in town after noon, the outdoor adventure will have to wait. Getting caught in the wilderness after dark is bad. Besides, after a long drive, dinner and some relaxation is just the ticket. For a true western experience, try Black Bart’s Steakhouse for broiled steaks and old time entertainment by the Black Bart Singers. If you’re in the mood for something different, Flagstaff has plenty of restaurants and cafés serving up a dining experience for any taste and budget. For nightly entertainment stop by one of the local hotspots or catch a movie at the local Harkin’s theater.

Flagstaff is in the middle of the Coconino National Forest, with the San Francisco peaks and several national monuments close by. You can enjoy a rim walk at Walnut Canyon National Monument, or head north to the Sunset Crater National Monument and take the loop road into Wupatki National Monument.

Stop for a picnic and continue up the loop road and return to route 89 for a beautiful drive back to Flagstaff. Other outdoor fun includes the famous Snowbowl Scenic Skyride. This is a fast ride to the top of Mount Humphries, which provides an incredible 70-mile view of the surrounding area, including views of the Grand Canyon. After Labor Day, the Scenic Skyride is only open Friday through Sunday. If you visit on a weekday and you’re the rugged type, you can take the four-mile hike to the top of the mountain. After all the outdoor stuff, don’t forget other local attractions such as the Lowell Observatory, the Flagstaff Arboretum and of course a stroll through the antique shops and stores which feature works by Native American artists.

Whether it’s your ultimate destination or just a day trip from Flagstaff, Sedona is the next stop south on 89A. The short drive from the high country into the red rock canyons is breathtaking. Stop at the Oak Creek Canyon Vista turnout for picture-taking opportunities.

If you’re dry and dusty and ready for a break, stop at the Pine Flats Campground at the bottom of the hill to cool yourself in the pure waters of Oak Creek (local’s hint: Pine Flats offers a less crowded alternative to the famous Slide Rock Park further south).

You won’t find your usual selection of roadside motels in Sedona. For a reasonable rate, consider the Matterhorn Inn or the Sugarloaf Lodge. For a more pampered experience and a bigger budget try the Cozy Cactus B&B and the Oak Creek Terrace Resort.

Sedona is known for famous local artists, a center for spirituality and as a hang out for the really rich. The high-end resorts and spas in this town are plentiful and if you want to be spoiled like the filthy rich for a day or two, try the Adobe Grand Villas, L’Auberge De Sedona or Los Abrigados. Surrounded by the beauty of the red rocks, these spa resorts offer amenities that will invigorate your body and soul.

For breakfast, lunch or dinner, Sedona offers everything from casual to chic to fine dining. The main attraction no matter where you dine is whether there is a view of the crimson canyon walls, which loom in every direction. If weather permits, find a location with outdoor dining and an unobstructed view.

One special recommendation is to have lunch creekside at the L’Auberge Restaurant on Oak Creek. Stroll across the forested grounds of the resort and dine beside the bubbling waters. The natural beauty and delicious menu choices will make this a memorable experience. Afterward, continue your explorations with a leisurely drive down 89A where galleries, shops and cafes dot both sides of the highway.

If lounging and relaxing is driving you nuts, there are plenty of outlets for your adventurous side. Hot air balloon and helicopter tours will give you an exhilarating and unique view of the canyons. And if you want to keep your feet (or wheels) on the ground try a jeep tour, canyoneering or horseback riding. For the best experience and for your safety, contact one of the local tour companies.

Scenic Drives
This entire area of Arizona is one non-stop scenic drive! No matter where you go, you really can’t go wrong. All of the drives listed here are within 30-60 minutes from Flagstaff or Sedona. You can take a few hours to explore or all day if you choose. So, to pursue adventure from the comfort of your climate-controlled car, here are some ideas. Please refer to the available resources for directions and daily weather and road conditions.

Montezuma Castle
Crooked into a limestone recess above Beaver Creek, Montezuma’s Castle is one of the best-preserved cliff dwellings in North America. This five-story, 20-room dwelling was an apartment building for prehistoric Sinagua Indians. A paved loop trail takes you through the shade of ancient sycamores and past the ancient cliff dwellings.

Desert Canyon Scenic Loop
With this 25-mile loop you’ll enjoy a scenic desert country drive through crimson canyons where you’ll discover remarkable Indian ruins and charming southwest ranches.

The Red Rocks and Sycamore Canyon Scenic Loop
This route takes you into the heart of red rock country. Nestled at the foot of the canyon cliffs, this route offers the option of four scenic side trips that will lead you to some of the most exhilarating features for which the area is famous.

Red Rock Loop Road
This 13-mile loop just south of Sedona provides access to several popular hiking and biking trails. It is very easy to lose yourself in the many spur roads, which lead you to the foot of the canyons. Bring your swim trunks and cool off in Oak Creek. This route also provides access to Red Rock State Park.

By Casino Connection Staff

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