Towering red sandstone formations, glowing a brilliant orange when illuminated by a setting sun… You will only find this beauty in Sedona, Arizona, and, having visited there last year, I thoroughly recommend the experience. These red rocks provide the perfect backdrop for enjoying the outdoors in any way you like, ranging from historical sites to trails carved for hiking, biking, and Jeeps.

First, if you are looking for a near-perfect place to stay, check out the Enchantment Resort. The view from the hotel, nestled right in the red rocks, will truly enchant you.  Plus, the hotel has a large outdoor pool, quality restaurants, and even trailheads on resort property leading up into the rocks.

The hiking in Sedona is some of the most memorable and worthwhile ever. Begin with the Boynton Canyon Trail, starting on the Enchantment Resort property.  Make sure you start your hike relatively early in the day – the longer you wait, the hotter it will get. The first section of the trail travels along the sides of the red rocks, where the sun will warm you.  But as the trail eventually becomes enclosed underneath a canopy of trees, the temperature cools significantly. The trail’s most strenuous section is near the end, when you need to clamber up some loose rocks to reach the top. A sign will mark the end of the trail, and you will once again be in the sunlight with an incredible view of the rocks.

Up for a real challenge?  Consider Bear Mountain. Taking up most of your day, this difficult trek is not for the unfit or occasional hiker. You will need to pack snacks and much more water than you think you will need. Good leg strength and balance will be a bonus as you will need to climb up and over tons of large rocks. The trail passes through various rock layers and formations, providing many changes of scenery, direction, and atmosphere.  At the top, you will surely find yourself exuberant under a beyond-gorgeous view.

Looking for an easier hike?  Try the second hike on resort property.  Only lasting about a half hour, it will take you up to a vortex site, right next to a tall, chimney-shaped rock formation. If you enjoy spiritual pursuits, you should definitely try this one. Vortex sites are believed to be spiritual locations where the energy is right to facilitate prayer, meditation, and healing. They supposedly “interact with a person’s inner self.” You will feel at ease with nothing but the sound of wind around you and the occasional notes of an authentic Native American tribal flute.

If you grow tired of hiking, have no fear – Sedona has more in store. Although I did not get to try the area’s mountain biking trails, they are rumored to be excellent. Perhaps you would like to try something less athletic and rent a Jeep for the carved-out “Jeeping” trails along the red rocks.  This is not something for the faint-hearted; there are points at which the steepness is almost ridiculous.  The famous “staircase” on one of the trails is an extremely steep hill filled with jutting out boulders that the Jeep has to descend.  You will definitely feel the adrenaline rush.

Not the adventurous type?  Check out the ancient history of Sedona. At Palatki, not far from the Enchantment Resort, you can take a guided tour through ancient preserved ruins.  You will also have the chance to see clearly visible hieroglyphics on the red sandstone walls of the cliffs.

Sedona’s various opportunities make it the ideal vacation for anyone seeking cool outdoor activities. Whether you would like to explore your adventurous side or slow things down a little, Sedona offers it all, right in the center of those incredible red rocks.