Trip to Sedona, AZ

We went several years ago and enjoyed the Verde Canyon excursion train. -112.056409, 34.775906

http://www.verdecanyonrr.com/

We also enjoyed the Palatki Ruins. -111.902544, 34.914567

The Tuzigoot National Mounument. -112.027656, 34.770150

And Montezuma's Castle. -111.838363, 34.611420

I agree with the first reply as to riding the Verde Canyon RR and visiting Palatki. I'm not as big a fan of Montezuma's Castle and even less for Tuzigoot. (Montezuma's Well, however, is great.) If up around Flagstaff, don't forget Lowell Observatory, WalnutCanyon/SunsetCrater/Wupatki National Monuments. Best eating in Flag is Beaver Street Brewery, Picazzo's Pizza and Salad, and the more upscale Buster's. The drive from Sedona to Flag through Oak Creek Canyon is amazing. In Sedona, I'll suggest visiting Tlaquepaque with a meal at Oak Creek Brewery (or once again, eating at Picazzo's). Oak Creek Brewery's tuna filet sandwich is simply superb. Jerome: stay at The Jerome Grand Hotel and eat at the (upscale) The Asylum! In Prescott, I really favor the mid-priced Prescott Brewery and the pricier "Murphy's." For a real treat, stay and eat at the Hassayampa Inn. Evenings along Whiskey Row can be fun--or so I've been told. Driving from Jerome to Prescott is super but don't expect that you'll be doing highway speeds--ditto for Oak Creek Canyon between Flag and Sedona!

If you're driving past Winslow (I-40 an hour east of Flagstaff), you absolutely must visit and eat at La Posada! Staying the night in La Posada is strongly recommended as well. Other than the "Standin' on the Corner" area downtown, Winslow doesn't offer much more, but La Posada and the Turquoise Room Restaurant are an absolute MUST if you're anywhere near Winslow.

Shout (go to my POIFactory account and send a private email if you want) if you want more tips!

PS--Although on tourist railroads, I generally suggest going "coach," the Verde Canyon RR's upgrade to First Class Parlor Car is a smaller upgrade price than for most tourist RRs and I strongly suggest going First Class.

PPS--Although you don't mention your desires, day-hiking around Sedona's Red Rocks is super. Just be sure to buy and display a Red Rock Pass for parking at the various Forest trail heads. Oh yeah, if interested in a Sedona Jeep tour, the oddly named Pink Jeeps is probably the best of the lot from what I've heard. You may also want to drive yourself up Schnebly Hill Road--best views may be mornings for sunlit views.

PPPS--good golly, I just realized you're from Tempe--as much as I try to avoid driving down The Hill from Flag, I do have to do so when I have a craving for Culver's Frozen Custard or shopping at COFCO's Chinese grocery or at Trader Joe's! ...and if you're not familiar with driving through "round-abouts," the drive along SR179 from I-17 to Sedona will turn you into a pro.

From Craig (once upon a time, a NPS Park Ranger--once upon another time, a narrator/agent for Alaska's White Pass and Yukon Route RR)

The Sedona Chamber of Commerce publishes a high end glossy - "Experience Sedona 2009".

VisitSedona.com
SedonaChamber.com
SedonaFilmOffice.com

On your way to Jerome, have breakfast at Georgie's
517 N 12th St Cottonwood
928-639-0751.

A small place with great breakfast food.

Note: Maps do not reflect current EB road alignment between Oak Creek and I-17.(new construction)

South Rim of Grand Canyon is spectacular if you haven't seen it.

You must go to Slide Rock too.

If you plan to go in the water, check for water quality warnings regarding E. coli, etc.:

http://azstateparks.com/Parks/SLRO/water.html

Also, remember that its parking lots can fill quickly and long waits are possible.

Wickenburg? Really? There's not much there unless you have friends or family. I'd suggest spending extra time at one of your other locations or take in one of the other activities mentioned above. Don't get me wrong, it's a nice little town just not much to do.

Take a Pink Jeep Tour
http://www.pinkjeep.com/

204 North Highway 89A
Sedona, AZ 86336
(928) 282-5000

34.869442, -111.760859

There highest level tour is the Broken Arrow Tour. A bit expensive but a good time, especially if you don't usually do any 4 wheel driving.

Mention you are a returning customer when you book it. They give a discount for returning customers.

I should also suggest the Red Planet Diner.

Kinda goofy, but if you like astronomy, or believe you've been abducted by aliens, its worth a try. Even if you aren't hungry, stop by to check out their UFO fountain in front. The food isn't bad either though.

1655 W Highway 89A
Sedona, AZ 86336-5620
(928) 282-6070

34.862999,-111.789189

Sedona Tours provide some of the most picturesque and beautiful views in Arizona with a little something for everyone. Featuring the wonderous Red Rocks State Park, Sedona Arizona is a hub of amazing history, archeology and culture. While in town take a trip to the Sedona Heritage Museum or the monthly Gallery Walk.

http://explorearizonatours.com/sedona.php