Hiking enthusiasts make Sedona, Arizona a top hiking destination. Take a trip to Sedona and discover what nature has to offer.

(TRAVPR.COM) UNITED STATES - January 17th, 2014 - Sedona offers visitors a wide variety of activities and journeys – jeep tours, boutique shops, spiritual journeys, and trips to the Grand Canyon among many other ways to pack vacations with sights and sounds.  However, Sedona also has some of the most beautiful hiking trails in the United States.  Sedona is located within the Coconino National Forest – a 1.856-million acre park of breath-taking scenery.  Sedona visitors can take leisurely walks or extreme hikes up into hills and summits of rock formations.  There are more trails than one could hike in two decades - trails of various difficulties and elevations, but each with majestic views and stunning sights.

Designated in 1908, the Coconino National Forest is one of the most diverse National Forests in the country, spanning nearly two million acres and containing incredibly diverse landscapes.  The area around Sedona is known as the “Red Rock District,” and it encompasses many of the famous red rock buttes and mesas, and canyons that have made Sedona famous.  The trails visitors can access from Sedona are open nearly year around due to the moderate climate.  There are over two hundred miles of hiking and biking trails that sprawl throughout this red rock region alone.  These trails vary in level and difficulty, so visitors can match the path they choose to their own skill levels without missing out on any sights in this beautiful National Forest.

One of the most popular and spectacular hiking destinations in Sedona is Red Rock State Park.  With over 250 acres, the trails that work through this area provide an opportunity to get up close and personal with some of the more recognizable Arizona wild – green meadows filled with native vegetation, rock formations, and of course hills of red rock.  Red Rock State Park offers educational sessions for both school groups as well as private groups for any interested in learning more about the area, as well as daily and weekly park events.

Perhaps two of the most popular hikes are Oak Creek Canyon and Devil’s Bridge.  Oak Creek Canyon is a spectacular sixteen-mile long gorge, framed by natural Arizona landscape with waterfalls and running water.   Oak Creek Canyon has miles of trails for biking and hiking with varying difficulty.  The flat paths have spectacular views and an ease of completion, but more experienced hikers can make their way to the floor of the Canyon.  Anyone who’s looking to spend a longer day out on the trials (but not necessarily a harder day!) might want to stop by Devil’s Bridge, the largest natural sandstone arch in the area.  There is an uphill incline that is unavoidable, but the trail eventually diverges into two.  One trail will take hikers to the base of the bridge on a much lighter path, and the other takes visitors up, up, up, to the top of the bridge for a spectacular view of the area.

Everyone needs a base of operations on any vacation, and a trip to Sedona is no different.  Visitors to Sedona who are interested in hiking; whether beginners or experienced trekkers, will benefit from a stay at El Portal Sedona Hotel.  The boutique hotel provides a plethora of amenities, but it is also has a full time hiking guide on staff ready to help anyone plan a day on the trails or take them on a guided hike. El Portal Sedona is a pet friendly hotel as well with enclosed pet patios with many rooms.  Many hiking enthusiasts take their pet with them on the hiking trails.  In addition to a welcoming basket of treats for your pet, El Portal will provide a list of dog-friendly parks and outdoor restaurants, as well as pet food and supply stores.

Whether guests want to spend the day out in the desert or simply take a picnic lunch out for a more leisurely hike, the staff at El Portal is there to help plan and arrange excursions.  With a prime location, wealth of knowledge, friendly help, and personalized concierge services for Sedona, the boutique hotel is ideal for the visitor that wants to spend time out on the trails.

About El Portal Sedona Hotel:

El Portal Sedona Hotel is a pet friendly Sedona hotel where guests can enjoy Sedona and area in historic yet luxurious surroundings.  Each guest suite includes a private entrance, patio, fireplace, whirlpool bath and free WiFi; featherweight cashmere blankets, luxury Egyptian cotton sheets, bath towels, premium down pillows and comforters for the ultimate in restful comfort. At this luxury inn guests have access to unique concierge services for Sedona and area. The owners strive to make a personal connection with all their guests. 

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