A Guys’ Guide to a Weekend in Sedona, Arizona

When you’re celebrating your 180th birthday you gotta do it up right. My college friends Dave and Russ and I take a trip together nearly every year. This year we all celebrated milestone 60th birthdays. Russ (aka The Chicago Window Guy) had just purchased a home in Sedona, and he wanted to check the progress of the upgrades he was making. Boom, birthday weekend in Red Rock country. A weekend wasn’t nearly enough, so here are my top reasons why I love Sedona and can’t wait to go back.

After flying into Phoenix we we spent some time with America’s Pastime. We caught a Diamondbacks game with great seats behind home plate, great selection of refreshments, and greatest of all…Chase Field is air conditioned.  The D-backs won, and so did we.

Driving to Sedona: Red Rocks and Blue Skies

Sedona is a short (and beautiful) 2-hour drive from Phoenix. Sedona has been called a cathedral without walls, and now I understand why. As you approach the town it feels sacred, as if mysterious forces are emanating from those red rocks. People come here from all over the world for the mystical vortexes and natural healing powers. We came for the ATVs and beer.

Eatin’ dirt on an ATV adventure

We booked a revved-up ride with Arizona ATV Adventures, the only guided tours in the area. Our guide Taylor was awesome, a cool kid leading us on the 3-hour tour through the desert, up n’ down mountains, and past herds of pronghorn antelope. We were all first time riders but it won’t be our last. 

Hiking West Fork Trail

This 6-mile hike is amazing, as you wind your way through the cliffs and canyons in Coconino National Forest. It helps to download AllTrails as there are plenty of overlapping trails that intersect. There’s parking and restrooms at the trailhead. The views are stunning, especially early or late in the day (it’s also easier to get a parking spot then).

This golf course is beautiful even if your game isn’t

One of America’s most scenic golf experiences, Sedona Golf Resort is a challenging 18-hole public course nestled between massive red rock mesas. It’s like golfing in the Grand Canyon. After that round I’m not sure “bragging rights” is an accurate description of best score.

The Greatest IPA I’ve ever had

I like IPAs. Love them when they’re just right. And this one is. The Tower Station IPA from Mother Road Brewing just up the road from Sedona in Flagstaff. Route 66 runs through Flagstaff, and John Steinbeck famously named the iconic highway “the mother road” in the Grapes of Wrath. This beer is one of the tastiest, most refreshing IPAs in all the land, with a perfect mix of citrus, hops and hue.

Tlaquepaque.  Hard to say, easy to love.

While shopping isn’t really our thing, this arts and shopping village is a good wander. While it’s challenging to pronounce at first, Tlaquepaque means “the best of everything.” It’s styled like a traditional Mexican village and has been a landmark since the 70s. 

The “don’t look down” rush of Devil’s Bridge

This was the final hike of our visit and we definitely saved the best for last. It’s 6 miles roundtrip and one of the greatest hikes you’ll ever do, leading to a breathtaking, daredevil view. Pro tip: if you can time your hike so you get there around sunset, the light in the canyon is spectacular. 

And no joke, bring water. Everywhere you go.

There are so many reasons why I love Sedona. Here’s one more: If you’re up for the drive, add to your Arizona adventure with a trip to the stunning Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend, a 3-hour drive north of Sedona. You’ve seen them used in screen savers, and for good reason. They’re breathtaking.