A DAY TRIP TO THE RED ROCKS

from Sunseeker - Summer 2022 West Coast Edition

by nonstoplife

CHANGING THE GAME IN MESA

Just two hours north of Phoenix, Sedona delights with scenic views, outdoor adventure and more

By Teresa Bitler

Vistas of red rocks abound in Sedona

Surrounded by red rocks and nearly 2 million acres of national forest, Sedona is one of the most beautiful spots in the state. It’s also a great escape from the triple-digit heat of Phoenix. On a day trip, Allegiant passengers can hike, take a jeep tour and shop for one-of-a-kind finds.

HIKE TO DEVIL’S BRIDGE

One of the most popular hikes in the area, Devil’s Bridge Trail crosses the iron-tinted earth to the top of a 50-foot-high arch. The hike ranges from an easy, 3.6-mile journey to a moderately challenging 4-mile or strenuous 5.8-mile trek depending on the route you take to the trailhead. Whichever way you go, the trail ends with a heart-pounding climb up a natural staircase to the arch. The Instagrammable views are worth the workout, though.

Want other options? The Hike House, a hiking outfitter in Sedona, can recommend hikes based on preferred distance, difficulty, and how much time you have.

TAKE A JEEP TOUR

Don Pratt launched the very first Jeep tour ever in Sedona in 1960. Today, while vendors all over the world offer Jeep tours, Pink Jeep Tours still delivers one of the best experiences. Allegiant passengers visiting Sedona for the first time will want to book the company’s scenic Broken Arrow Tour, which includes a steep descent down The Road of No Return.

Pink Jeep Tours also offers ancient ruins, vortex, wildlife and winery tours. For those who would rather drive themselves, several Sedona vendors rent out Jeeps and ATVs for the day and provide a map of the best nearby trails.

Go off road to see even more

TlaquepaqueArts & ShoppingVillage

SHOP AT LOCAL GALLERIES

Sedona attracts artists, who sell their paintings, sculptures, photographs and other works in the galleries lining State Routes 179 and 89A. Popular galleries populate the downtown area and The Shops at Hyatt Pinon, but Allegiant passengers won’t want to miss the Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village.

Inspired by the Tlaquepaque shopping district on the outskirts of Guadalajara, Mexico, the Sedona shopping center features Spanish colonial architecture, stone-paved plazas and sycamore trees overhead. It also has more than 50 boutiques, art galleries and specialty shops.