The Heart of Redrock Country | Sedona, Arizona

Trip Highlights:

• Explore Sedona with exquisite dining, inspired art galleries and a plethora of outdoor activities.

• Take in stunning views of imposing sandstone arches, hidden canyon walls, and delight in the sweet aroma of desert wildflowers.

• After full days of hiking, relax, with wine in hand, at one of Sedona’s premier luxury resorts.

Soaring spires painted red against a backdrop of snow- covered peaks and endless blue sky, characterize the magical desert scenery of northern Arizona. Our desert trek focuses on the quiet, off the beaten paths of Sedona, Arizona, a popular town with an established reputation for exquisite dining, inspired art galleries and a plethora of outdoor activities. For outdoor enthusiasts, the region offers some of the most unique topography found anywhere in the world.

We’ll enjoy stunning views of imposing sandstone arches, feel the cool breath of hidden canyon walls painted with desert varnish, and delight in the sweet aroma of desert wildflowers warming along the banks of perennial streams.

By day, we explore the enchanting desert landscape, hiking on hidden back country trails that spiderweb throughout the region. By night, we relax, with wine in hand, at one of Sedona’s premier luxury resorts.

Spring is our favorite time to explore the desert, for many reasons. Cabin fever aside, anxious little streams cascade from the region’s high alpine peaks and breathe new life into an otherwise arid land. Dry, sandy riverbeds become refreshing bubbling brooks, and the entire region springs alive with blossoms of every color, a sight that only a beholder can truly appreciate. Non-coincidentally, we timed this year’s tour to coincide with the height of the springtime bloom.

Ryder-Walker offers this exclusive trip using the best accommodations in two different locations in Sedona. One is walking distance from downtown galleries, restaurants and shops, while the other is secluded and private. Because all of our hikes loop back to our accommodations, we are able to go light and enjoy the desert scenery without the encumbrance of a heavy backpack. Hiking days are moderately challenging, and the scenery remains breathtaking. At the end of the day a comfortable bed, hot shower, a good meal, a glass of local wine or beer, and the company of other hikers awaits.

Sedona is an eccentric little oasis surrounded by wilderness areas and home to eclectic shops, galleries, and mystical vortex seekers. Despite the popularity of the region, local efforts by the United States Forest Service and concerned citizens in some areas have combined to maintain a pristine world of infinite hiking possibilities. Some of the trails that we follow see relatively little foot traffic, while others lead to popular hiking destinations that everyone should see at least once in their lifetime. Hiking days are moderately strenuous and follow footpaths that traverse rocky mountain trails, smooth sandstone formations and sandy washes.

We experience a range of high end accommodations and enjoy dinner in the company of the group, and some nights offer a dining experience away from our accommodations at one of the many fabulous local restaurants in town. Breakfast is a buffet taken at your leisure. Lunch is a picnic enjoyed on a high bluff with spectacular views, or in a hidden canyon surrounded by quiet echoes and stunning rock formations.

Learn more about the Western U.S.-Desert Southwest destination

Trip Itinerary