I am heading to phx labor day week-end and thought of going to sedone for a day. anyone can recommend trails to run on? what about a nice spa where we could go get a massage afterwards?
how far for the trail run? if it’s for marathon training and you need a long run, a great 17-18mile run is:
park at the IGA in Oak Creek on Verde Valley School Road (just off Hwy 179), run VVSR west probably 3-4 miles (you’ll see Cathedral Rock on your rhs), when it turns to dirt and you cross a creek ditch, be looking for the trail markers off to the right for Baldwin Trail, run in about a mile on BT and when you come to the signpost/Y in the trail, stay to the right, you’ll meander up over a small mnt and end up running along a beautiful stretch of the valley verde river, stay on BT all the way to Templeton Trail, go right on TT, this will take you back east and you’ll run up along the north side of Cathedral Rock (again, very beautiful), stay on TT until you see the sign for HT Trail, HT will take you northwards about a mile to a point where your cross under Hwy 179, when your on the east side of 179 take HT to the sign for Bell Rock trail, go south (R) towards Bell Rock, take the trail system to the parking lot for Bell Rock, then run south on the shoulder of Hwy 179 about a mile or so to VVSR and your car at the IGA.
That run is incredibly beautiful, the trails are well marked, and you’ll likely see mountain bikers along the way that can confirm directions for you. Carry at least 2 bottles of water/gatorade.
For a spa, go into the IGA and buy a 6-pack!
thanks for the info! couples questions… my runs are not that long yet, probably more like 13 i would guess. can i park closer to the trail head? I may just run in scottsdale and then drive to sedona for the day.
I was serious about the spa:-) like a maasage would be nice! any others fun stuff to do there? what about those hot air balloons?
yes, you could go up Hwy 179, turn L on Verde Valley School Road, drive down to where the road turns to dirt then look for the trail marker on your right. Just past the trail marker there is a parking area on the lhs of the road. park there then just run out on the baldwin trail to the templeton trail to cathedral rock, then turn around and run back to the car.
alternatively, you could go further up 179 to the Bell Rock parking area, and then just run around the network of trails there for a few hours.
i really don’t know anything about the spa options, i just go there on vacation occasionally (and do a lot of trail running while I’m there)
I went to Sedona a few years ago and we did a ton of hiking though not much running. There are so many trails in Sedona, you won’t have trouble being pointed in the right direction by a tourist information place. I don’t remember the names of the hikes we went on except for the Casner and Wilson Mountain trail hikes. Both are pretty tough and probably not the best for running since they are so steep.
We stayed at a really nice hotel that offered in-room spa services which I would definitely recommend, but I don’t remember them having an actual spa. I do remember a nice spa at the Sedona Raquet Club and I believe the Hilton added a very nice spa recently.
Have fun! Sedona is breathtaking.
Someone who posts here owns a B&B in Sedona, i cant remember who.
Anyone?
That would be me! I own a B&B in west Sedona.
Trail running here is totally awesome. Mountain biking can’t be beat. Swimming is great at the city pool. Road riding is tough with the mountains and no loops. All roads except 89 and 179 lead no where : ) so all road riding is out and back.
I run a few trails. A few right from the Inn. Up and around Chimney Rock. It gets tough and steep. Same for Devils Bridge which is right from here, also. I’ve run from 179 up to Three Sisters, too. That one hurt, alot. The altitude will effect you.
Let me know what you wish to do and on what day. My staff will treat you well. We can offer parking, water, directions, maps, and a bathroom.
Look into Fango’s Spa for a massage. Its close to our Inn.
Do a Pink Jeep tour!!! Hot air balloons go off at 4:45 in the morning, only! I’d also recommend a helicopter tour…they are totally awesome. Seeing the red rocks from the air is something you’ll never forget. In any case, be sure you book any tours early. They’ll all be slam full over the holiday weekend.
I’d also recommend that you spend at least one night in Sedona. It would be a shame to drive 2 hours each way from PHX.
hey thanks for all the info. I am not spending the night, but never been to sedona and wanted to check it out. I have a condo in scottsdale. 4:45 seems early for hot air balloon… do the helicopters go to the grand canyon? maybe i’ll just save that for some other time. I need to decide wheter to go sat or sunsay, maybe doing a long run after driving is not so good. I may just walk around, go to spa, eat… sound slike a nice place. does your place have a restaurant?
Sorry, no restaurant. We only serve breakfast to our 32 guests.
The helicopters don’t go directly to the Grand Canyon. Its a 2 hour drive from here. There is a tour company that will fly you, fixed wing, from here to the Grand Canyon Airport, helicopter you to the bottom of the Grand Canyon, boat you up the Colorado River, helicopter you back up to the airport , then fly you back to Sedona. I believe the cost is about $350/ person.
I’d not recommend a long run on trails with a 2 hour trip back to PHX. There’s tons of hiking, shopping, spas, sightseeing to do here. Its well worth a day trip if you plan ahead. Go to:
http://www.gatewaytosedona.com
You can plan your whole visit from there. I’d still recommend a Pink Jeep Tour.
thanks! I will look into the pink jeep tours then and run in phoenix. is it really 2 hours from north scottsdale? either way, I am sure it’s worth it!
Its 2 hours from our Inn to the PHX Airport. So maybe a few minutes less from Scottsdale.
I will be the first to vouch for the Staff at Zipp’s B&B and sing their praises. They are incredible and his property is beautiful. They allowed me and a friend to park at their place for a ride. They offered us water and bathrooms. When we returned they filled our bottles again and gave us towels to clean up in their bathroom. They offered us a dip in their beatiful spa with some incredible scenery. We looked at some of the vacant rooms and they were very nice. His property has definitley moved to the top of my list for my next visit.
Thanks again Zipp, sorry i missed you!
Thanks for the kind words. You are very welcome. I hope we can meet next time.