One of the most satisfying things to do in Sedona is visit the Indian ruins. There have been people living in the Verde Valley for thousands of years, but until relatively recently they remained hunter/gatherers. These early nomadic people harvested the various plants when in season, and thought the area to be the best shopping market around. Agave, manzanita, scrub oak, and pinon pine all provided food if one knew how to process it. Through trial and error they learned various uses, and through oral tradition, they passed it down.
They learned that by digging up the roots of certain yucca you could make soap, and by weaving strands of bear grass together they made baskets so tightly woven that they would hold water; later, heated stones could be dropped in to boil water. Snakeweed could be made into a poultice to be put on rattlesnake bites. In the old days elders truly carried the tribe’s wealth in the form of memories.
One staple food that grows all over the area is the prickly pear cactus. By throwing a few on a fire, the needles burn off and the whole thing can be eaten; the cooked cactus tastes a bit like a soggy French fry but it’ll keep you alive. The small fruit that grows on the prickly pear was priceless for flavoring to the early Indians. Visitors to Sedona can try prickly pear margaritas (and prickly pear cactus fries) at restaurants in Upper Sedona.
By examining artifacts the first Indians left behind, like arrowheads and eating implements, it is known that they relied on meat, as well as plants. As the ice age came to an end and the climate warmed up, the mega fauna—giant ground sloths, mastodons, camels, horses, etc.—became extinct (horses were later reintroduced by the Spaniards). The ancient hunters were then forced to hunt the smaller animals like deer and rabbits. Using a throwing device called an atlatl, and simple traps, they became quite efficient.
The first Indians of the Verde Valley left their mark on Sedona; how will their legacy impress you, the visitor?
Experience the wind ripping through your hair on a thrill ride over nature's wildest predators. Enjoy the adventure of a lifetime on a world-class zip line over Out of Africa Wildlife Park in Camp Verde Arizona! We are conveniently located less than 20 miles from Sedona, in the heart of … More
Experience the wind ripping through your hair on a thrill ride over nature's wildest predators. Enjoy the adventure of a lifetime on a world-class zip line over Out of Africa Wildlife Park in Camp Verde Arizona! We are conveniently located less than 20 miles from Sedona, in the heart of Northern Arizona's wine country, just minutes from tasting rooms and vineyards. From the top of the towers, you can see majestic red rocks, the San Francisco peaks, and the whole breathtaking Verde Valley including Cottonwood, Clarkdale and Jerome. Come join us for a Zip Line adventure that you'll never forget! Ride the most exciting zip line ever devised, over Out of Africa and soar over Lions, Tigers, Wolves, Hyenas, Bears, Jaguars and other natural predators!
Professionally Guided | Family-Friendly
Self-Guided | Family-Friendly
Family-Friendly | Activities
At sundown, all participants caravan 3 miles to a parking area with a dark sky. 3rd gen night vision goggles are distributed to see what can't be seen with the naked eye. Satellites, airplanes and UFOs are seen every night.
Personal UFO Tour: With 3 or more in a … More
At sundown, all participants caravan 3 miles to a parking area with a dark sky. 3rd gen night vision goggles are distributed to see what can't be seen with the naked eye. Satellites, airplanes and UFOs are seen every night.
Personal UFO Tour: With 3 or more in a party, the Sedona UFO Tour Guide comes to you with the gear and the information that has made Michael THE guide to hire for a UFO Tour.
Conversations with a Contactee: Michael will buy lunch and spend an hour sharing his ET contact story, and answering the attendees' questions.
Vortex Experience | Activities | UFO Tours
Western Experience | Family-Friendly | Activities | Native American Culture & Tours | Professionally Guided
Flagstaff Extreme Adventure Course is an elevated obstacle course set in the tall Ponderosa Pines. It is securely suspended between the trees at 15 to 60 feet off the ground. At Flagstaff Extreme, we believe the best family memories are usually ones that take place outdoors, so bring th … More
Flagstaff Extreme Adventure Course is an elevated obstacle course set in the tall Ponderosa Pines. It is securely suspended between the trees at 15 to 60 feet off the ground. At Flagstaff Extreme, we believe the best family memories are usually ones that take place outdoors, so bring the entire family! There are 5 adult courses and 1 junior course with obstacles ranging from tarzan ropes, to wobbly bridges, swinging logs, cargo nets, ziplines, and even an aerial surf board!
Come Play in the Trees and explore the outdoors like you never have before!
To see our availability or book a reservation, check out www.flagstaffextreme.com or give us a call at 888-259-0125!
(See our website for age and height restrictions)
Family-Friendly | Activities | Activities
Take a Hike! The Sedona Hiking App currently has over 110 trails, over four hundred miles of trail documented and available in the App. You can follow your location in real time and always know where you are on the trail. Visit and explore www.SedonaHikingApp.com for trail listings and … More
Take a Hike! The Sedona Hiking App currently has over 110 trails, over four hundred miles of trail documented and available in the App. You can follow your location in real time and always know where you are on the trail. Visit and explore www.SedonaHikingApp.com for trail listings and hike highlights with pictures from the trails.
Here's how it works: After you decide on the trails you'd like to experience, download the trails onto your device (with a network connection) and 'select' them as you do the hike. Click 'Take a Hike' to see the map. Everything you need is in each hike package, including driving directions This really is hiking for everyone. Easy, moderate, and hard day hikes to enjoy the grandeur of Sedona!
Check out our new Discovering Sedona Landmarks app!
Self-Guided | Family-Friendly | Activities | Native American Culture & Tours
Family-Friendly | Wedding Venue
Voted on Trip Advisor as the most popular Grand Canyon day tour. This is the best way to enjoy the Grand Canyon without doing any strenuous hiking. Nearly five millions people come to see the Canyon each year and many spend much of their time trying to figure out what to do. Our profess … More
Voted on Trip Advisor as the most popular Grand Canyon day tour. This is the best way to enjoy the Grand Canyon without doing any strenuous hiking. Nearly five millions people come to see the Canyon each year and many spend much of their time trying to figure out what to do. Our professional guides will make sure you get the most out of your trip. While touring in comfort you will learn about the geology and history of one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. The day tour includes short walks to some incredible "less-used" outlooks, a looking into some of the areas most impressive historic buildings, and time to browse resident art galleries and gift shops.
Professionally Guided | Lunch Included | Private Tours Available | Family-Friendly
Things to Do with Family | Self-Guided | Family-Friendly | Family Business
Family-Friendly | Native American Culture & Tours | Professionally Guided
Private Tours Available | Custom Options Available | Family-Friendly | Professionally Guided | Pickup from Hotel
Join us at the Blazin’ M Ranch for an evening of western activities, dinner, and an unforgettable show! The Blazin’ M Ranch features an authentic Western Themed Town located in Cottonwood, Arizona. You’ll find fun family activities and the best chicken and ribs in Arizona, along with … More
Join us at the Blazin’ M Ranch for an evening of western activities, dinner, and an unforgettable show! The Blazin’ M Ranch features an authentic Western Themed Town located in Cottonwood, Arizona. You’ll find fun family activities and the best chicken and ribs in Arizona, along with foil-wrapped potato, cowboy beans, our prickly pear coleslaw, flying biscuits and a delicious homemade dessert.
After dinner the Blazin’ M Cowboys entertain ya’ with their award-winning musical talents mixed with cowboy poetry and humor with a 1 hour show from 7:30pm - 8:30pm!
Family-Friendly | Live Entertainment | Western Experience | Activities | All Food
Family-Friendly
Family-Friendly | Professionally Guided | Pickup from Hotel
Vortex Experience | Native American Culture & Tours | Professionally Guided | Private Tours Available | Custom Options Available
Family-Friendly
Family-Friendly | Vortex Experience | Professionally Guided