Hiking the trails in Red Rock country is beautiful. But in spring, all the desert flowers and cactus are blooming and makes for incredible scenery. There are several good reasons to plan a Sedona trip for the spring time.  The temperatures are not as high as summer time so the hiking is more enjoyable and the spring flowers are blooming.  There is a wonderful variety of wild flowers and cactus to check out.

I hike in a lot of State and National Parks. This was the first time I came across such a sign at a hiking trailhead, I had to investigate. Apparently, in 2007, a gentlemen named Michael Boardley was attempting to hand out information on the Gospel of Jesus Christ at Mount Rushmore National Memorial when he was stopped by a park ranger for not have a permit. The next day Boardley attempted to get a permit but was denied. He then file a law suit against the Department of the Interior (they oversee national parks) claiming their action violated his freedom of speech. As the first amendment states, “Congress shall make no law abridging the freedom of speech.” Long story short, the National Park Service has instituted “new interim regulations that generally allow groups of 25 people or fewer to demonstrate or sell or distribute printed matter within parks’ designated areas without a permit.”

This very nice hotel is really located in Oak Creek but even they use the Sedona name in their address. It is an older hotel but the outside and at least my room were updated. Check in was very easy. I had made a last minute reservation and got a very good price for a weekend in this area. My room was on the second floor and there are no elevators, so if you have a lot of bags, you may want to request a room on the first floor to avoid carry up the stairs. These are exterior entrance rooms. I had a king size bed. Clean and comfortable. The shower was hot which is nice. I don’t know why I’m always surprised to get a hot shower. The room also had a microwave and iron for pressing clothes.  Breakfast was included but I left early and opted to eat on the road. I would definitely stay here again!

Address: 65 East Cortez Drive, Sedona, Arizona, 86351

Phone: (928) 284-2487

This is a very nice local hotel. The rooms are very nice and clean. They have a microwave and refrigerator in the room as well as wifi. There is no safe in the room. The staff are very friendly and check in was very easy.  They also have a wine bar just outside the lobby. The grounds are beautiful and very quiet. Another highlight is the heated pool and jacuzzi.  A unique quality other hotels in Sedona do not have is their own private view point that overlooks Sedona.  I would stay here again!

Address: 1105 Airport Rd., Sedona, Arizona, 86339

Phone: 928 239 9110