Adventure Collective
Scenic Sedona Hiking: Ruins, Red Rocks & Historic Jerome - Phoenix

Scenic Sedona Hiking: Ruins, Red Rocks & Historic Jerome

Sedonamoderate

Difficulty

moderate

Duration

12 hours

Fitness Level

Suitable for those with decent endurance and the ability to hike uneven terrain all day.

Overview

Explore Sedona’s red rocks, ancient ruins, and historic Jerome on a private 12-hour hiking tour. Enjoy stunning views and rich history on this unforgettable family-friendly adventure.

Hiking
Sedona, Arizona

Scenic Sedona, Ancient Indian Ruins, & Historic Jerome

12 Hours • Private, Personalized, Completely Flexible Tour Experience

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Adventure Photos

Scenic Sedona, Ancient Indian Ruins, & Historic Jerome photo 1

About This Adventure

Embark on a thrilling 12-hour adventure through Sedona's stunning landscapes and rich history. Explore iconic red rock formations, ancient Indian ruins, and the quirky Gold King Mine Museum. Enjoy a delicious dinner at The Haunted Hamburger with breathtaking views, making this tour a perfect blend of fun and education for families.

One of Our Favorite Tours

Duration

12 Hours

About

This is one our favorite tours and is very popular among families traveling through Sedona looking for something fun and educational to do for the day. This full day tour gives you the opportunity to see and experience virtually all the Verde Valley has to offer in one action packed day.

From the majestic red rock canyons and mesa’s of Sedona to historic Jerome, we share it all with you on this fun journey great for the family, especially those traveling with children. For there are many fascinating points of interest and historical stops that are sure to keep your entire family interested.

Your adventure starts with a morning pickup at wherever you are staying in Sedona. From there we shall embark on a journey that will allow you to experience the four main areas of Sedona: Uptown, Oak Creek Canyon, the Village of Oak Creek, and West Sedona. Within each area there are many incredible rock formations to behold, historical landmarks, and unique vistas to be discovered.

While out on your tour, you will have opportunities to stop and photograph many of Sedona’s famous red rock formations. This includes: Airport Mesa, Bell Rock, Boynton Canyon, Camel’s Head, Cathedral Rock, Chimney Rock, Cockscomb, Coffee Pot Rock, Doe Mesa, Lee Mountain, Lizard Head, Long Canyon, Mescal Mountain, Mingus Mountain, Munds Mountain, Pyramid Rock, Rachael’s Knoll, Red Rocks, Secret Mountain, Snoopy Rock, Sphinx Rock, Steamboat Rock, Twin Butts, and Wilson Mountain.

After absorbing all that Sedona has to offer, we then head to the ancient Indian ruin sites. There are literally hundreds of ruins scattered all around Sedona, many miles deep into the areas hidden canyons. Depending on the flow of your day, you have the ability to visit three unique ruins sites just outside of Sedona. Our personal favorite is Montezuma Well, though we may also visit Montezuma Castle and Tuzigoot National Monument on this tour.

Allow your family to revel as you see what it was like for early inhabitants to the area we now know as the Verde Valley make this area home. You will get to see four unique types of Indian architecture or building styles, each one unique in it’s own right. See or even walk through an ancient irrigation canal build by hand as a means to provide flood irrigation to their crops. Learn the importance of water to these early civilizations. While at one of the ruin sites, enjoy a picnic with your family at the very site where they used to grow their crops.

Next we head to Jerome, a historic copper mining town just West of Sedona. During its hay day, Jerome was one of the largest copper mining towns in the state employing over 15,000 people. In fact prior to Arizona becoming a state on February 14, 1912, Jerome was one of the wildest town in the west. While there, take a stroll down the historical past of our state as see you historical building, the “sliding” jail, and the Gold King Mine Museum.

The Gold King Mine Museum is a whacky take on museums. For located within it’s premises are hundreds of historic vehicles, an old sawmill, places to pan for gold, feed the farm animals, crack open your own geodes, and even see old mine shafts going into Cleopatra Hill. Rest assured, the mine shafts are all properly secured for the safety of visitors. The Gold King Mine is popular among families traveling with young children.

By now, we imagine you have worked up an appetite. So our next stop is dinner at The Haunted Hamburger. For those of you that love a good burger, they make the best burger in the state. While enjoying your meal, look east towards Sedona and see a 200 degree view of Sedona’s red rocks from the higher elevation vantage point of Jerome. Try their “Haunted Burger” and twice baked potato – so good!

After dinner, we meander back to Sedona and to your hotel. This is an on road vehicle based tour and typically lasts 10 – 12 hours.

What to Know

  • Lunch, Dinner, Water, and Any Admission Fees Are All Included In This Tour
  • Vehicle Based Tour
  • Hotel Drop-Off/Pick-Up
  • Duration: 12 Hours
  • This is not a group tour, this is private to your individual booking.

Adventure Tips

Bring plenty of water

Sedona’s dry climate requires you to stay well-hydrated, especially during longer hikes.

Wear sturdy hiking shoes

The terrain includes rocky and uneven surfaces, so supportive footwear is important.

Use sun protection

Apply sunscreen and wear a hat, as shade is limited on many trail sections.

Carry a camera with extra battery

Photo opportunities abound—capture red rock formations, ruins, and panoramic views.

Local Insights

Wildlife

  • Desert cottontail rabbits
  • Red-tailed hawks

History

The region features remnants of the Sinagua culture and mining history from Jerome dating back to the late 19th century.

Conservation

Visitors are encouraged to stay on designated trails to protect fragile desert ecosystems and cultural sites.

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Adventure Hotspots in Phoenix

Frequently Asked Questions

Recommended Gear

Hydration pack or water bottles

Essential

Keeps you hydrated throughout the long hike in dry conditions.

Sun hat and sunscreen

Essential

Protects skin from intense sun exposure during exposed trail sections.

summer specific

Hiking boots

Essential

Provides stability and comfort on rocky terrain and uneven surfaces.

Layered clothing

Essential

Allows easy adjustment to temperature changes between day and evening.

fall specific