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Northern Arizona Bicycle Tour: Prescott & Sedona
Duration
6 days
Site savings
$38
From
$3,727 USD
Explore one of the most beautiful regions in the world. Cycle the legendary Skull Valley Loop through Prescott State Forest past giant Ponderosa Pines. Bike and hike the stunning Sedona Red Rocks with an idyllic view of the canyons below. Kayak the wild and scenic Verde River. Take in the wonderful Southwestern culture that draws influence from the local Yavapai Tribe. Prescott was recently named as Arizona’s Best Travel Destination, due to its sought-after hiking trails, beautiful lakes, and the wide variety of the city’s attractions. Chaparral, piñon, pine, juniper and Ponderosa pines dominate the landscape at different elevations and the awe-inspiring Martin Mountain puts Northern Arizona’s natural beauty on full display.
- CategoryLuxury
- TypeFully Guided
- Duration6 days
- Culture LevelFamiliar
- Skill Level2 - Novice
- Activity Level3 - Active
- Elevation2 - Moderate
- TerrainMixed
- Distance89.5 miles
- Avg. Daily Distance22.4 miles
Quick Stats
- Duration6 days
- Main DestinationUnited States
- Distance89.5 miles
- Avg. Daily Distance22.4 miles
- Elevation2 - Moderate
- TerrainMixed
Route Map (click to view larger image)
Itinerary Details
- Day 1Arrival
This afternoon, meet your tour leaders and head to tranquil Goldwater Lake. The lake is only twelve miles from your hotel in the quaint city of Prescott, named after the historian William Hickling Prescott, who initiated the theory that the original settlers of Prescott were of Aztec origin; however, it is now believed that they were the ancestors of Yavapai Indians. After your bike fitting, ride through Prescott National Forest, where chaparral, piñon, pine, juniper and Ponderosa pines dominate the landscape at different elevations. The legendary Hassayampa Inn, where you spend the next 2 nights, was named after the Hassayampa River, which means “the river that loses itself” in Apache. Lose yourself in the allure of the Inn’s stained-glass windows and masterful murals, which are still intact from its original opening in 1927. Dinner will be served tonight at the Inn’s very own Peacock Dining Room, which is consistently ranked as one of the best restaurants in Prescott. Afterwards, relax on the patio or explore the iconic Whiskey Row, a vibrant street that hosts a thriving nightlife scene.
- 11.8 miles
- Hassayampa Inn, Prescott
- Dinner
- Day 2Skull Valley Loop
This morning bike through the striking landscape of Skull Valley, a famous route that plays host to the Skull Valley Loop Challenge each September. The Skull Valley earned its name and notoriety due to the gruesome history that involved a large loss of life to the Yavapai Prescott Indian Tribe. The loop will take you on a spectacular adventure through the Prescott National Forest, putting Northern Arizona’s natural beauty on full display from the awe-inspiring 6,433-foot Martin Mountain to rare animals including the native javelinas predominantly found in the deserts of southeast Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona. After a delicious picnic lunch prepared by your tour leaders, continue riding through the scenic national forest or opt for the van shuttle back to the hotel. Dinner is on your own tonight with an abundance of eclectic options available in downtown.
Cycling Options: 40km (25 mi) or 86km (54 mi)
- 24.9 miles
- Hassayampa Inn, Prescott
- Breakfast and Lunch
- Day 3Clarkdale
This morning, travel to the town of Clarkdale on the banks of Verde River which is a gateway to the Sycamore Canyon Wilderness Area in the beautiful Verde Valley. Enjoy an early morning kayaking excursion to the Verde River, Arizona’s only federally designated Wild and Scenic River. The river carves into a glorious canyon that is populated with bald eagles, black bears, otters, and whitetail deer, offering glimpses of some of the nation’s most elusive creatures. The afternoon will lead you to the Copper State’s very own Copper Art Museum, where a tasteful lunch will be served. The incomparable collection of over 5000 works of copper art emphasizes architecture of Western Europe and North America spanning from 3500 B.C. to the present day. The museum is unique in its way of allowing visitors to touch the pieces of art. Later, travel to Sedona, nestled amid breathtaking views of the red sandstone adorned landscape. Once you check into the luxurious Amara Resort, experience their premium spa or head into town to peruse the local art galleries. The tour operator will host a private dinner tonight at one of Sedona’s iconic restaurants.
- Amara Resort, Sedona
- Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
- Day 4Upper Dry Creek
For today’s adventure, you will cycle out of town to the spectacularly scenic roads of Upper Dry Creek. The headwaters of Dry Creek flow south down the canyon and meander through Dry Creek Basin, eventually joining Oak Creek west of Red Rock State Park. The lush vegetation will be a stark contrast to that of Prescott with roads featuring Arizona cypress, alligator juniper, Douglas fir, and ponderosa pine. As with any red-rock area ride, views along this gently undulating route are picture-postcard quality offering a panoramic spectacle of color-saturated mesas and buttes. Dinner will be on your own tonight in Sedona where you have the option to select from the rich and buoyant culinary scene of Sedona guaranteed to cater to every taste. There is an array of restaurants offering fresh, healthy fare using local ingredients and nearby cultural influences. Post dinner, explore vibrant Sedona or luxuriate at the famous Amara resort.
Cycling Options: 19km (12mi) and 37km (23mi)- 11.8 miles
- Amara Resort, Sedona
- Breakfast
- Day 5Red Rocks Loop and Wine Tasting
Riding the Red Rock Scenic Byway is a destination experience by itself, as the unparalleled beauty of Red Rock State Park is in its full glory for the duration of the ride. Visit Javelina Leap Vineyard, one of Arizona’s best wineries for a tasting and lunch. The tasting takes place in the winery’s saloon style bar, which evokes feelings of Arizona’s Wild West history. Savor artisan cheese platters paired with their specially crafted wines in the secret garden area while you take in the incredible views surrounding you. Later, visit the rainbow trout hatchery, a popular spot for birdwatching. After lunch, you can choose to ride the van or your bike on your way back to the Amara. Tonight, a private farewell dinner for the group will be hosted in a private room with breathtaking night views of the majestic Red Rocks. Following dinner at the resort ,enjoy your last night of the trip by either unwinding at the resort or head into town to explore the town’s vibrant nightlife.
Cycling Options: 40km (25mi) and 80km (50mi)- 24.9 miles
- Amara Resort, Sedona
- Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
- Day 6Red Rock Hike and Trip Conclusion
Today will be quite the finale to your trip, as you experience the Red Rocks up close and personal with a hike. This is the best place to witness the breathtaking Red Rock vistas and the famous Cathedral Rock formation. After your hike, refuel with one final scrumptious lunch at a park gazebo before being transferred back to the Amara resort from where you can head to the Phoenix International Sky Harbor airport (PHX) or your next destination.
- Breakfast and Lunch