El Portal Sedona Hotel: The Ideal Base for Trips to the Grand Canyon

Considered one of the seven natural wonders of the world, the Grand Canyon is a breathtaking geological treasure that draws over five million visitors from across the globe each year. With its steep, multi-hued rock walls that contain nearly two billion years of history and sweeping vistas that span miles, a visit to the Canyon is a can’t-miss experience—yet staying overnight in or near Grand Canyon National Park can be challenging, as the area can become very crowded and the limited hotel options fill up quickly. Staying in Sedona offers the perfect alternative, allowing visitors to avoid the tourist congestion while accessing the Grand Canyon in less than two hours by car.

Day trips from Sedona to the Grand Canyon

If you plan to leave Sedona around 8-9 a.m., you’ll be able to arrive at the South Rim of the Grand Canyon with ample time to take in all the spectacular views, check out the visitor centers, do some shopping, and return to Sedona by early evening. On your drive to the Canyon, there are many other attractions you may want to visit, including:

• Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument. Located just north of Flagstaff, Sunset Crater is a cinder cone within the San Francisco Volcanic Field. Maintained by the National Park Service in close conjunction with nearby Wupatki National Monument, Sunset Crater features various hiking trails and walkways—some of which are pet-friendly—through the surrounding ponderosa pine forest.
• Cameron Trading Post. Established in 1911 near a suspension bridge over the Little Colorado River, the Cameron Trading Post historically served as an important commerce center for the Navajo and Hopi people who lived in the area. Today, it is a fun cultural experience at the gateway to the Grand Canyon, where you’ll find an extensive selection of handcrafted jewelry, rugs, pottery, and other one-of-a-kind items. There’s also a convenience store and restaurant serving a beloved local specialty known as the Navajo Taco.

Let El Portal arrange your Grand Canyon tour

Through our personalized concierge services, El Portal is happy to book Grand Canyon tours and excursions that suit your schedule and interests. From guided tours to rafting the Colorado River, we are proud to partner with a variety of premier tour companies offering a range of experiences. For instance, our partners include:

• First Class Charter & Tours. This small, private group tour company specializes in scenic tours via a luxury SUV and/or by helicopter. With their 8-10-hour excursion from Sedona, you will be picked up at El Portal and driven through beautiful Oak Creek Canyon and the ponderosa pine forests of Flagstaff before arriving at the South Rim. There, your expert guide will share the history and geology of the area as you enjoy the breathtaking views. This excursion includes lunch at the historic El Tovar Lodge, as well as the option to add hiking and/or a scenic helicopter tour.
• Great Venture Tours. This company provides a variety of Grand Canyon experiences, including a full-day luxury coach tour with pick up in Sedona, Colorado River rafting tours that range from serene to extreme, and a Grand Canyon Sunset Tour with a gourmet dinner at the Bright Angel Lodge.

After a long day of enjoying the awe-inspiring beauty of the Grand Canyon, return to the tranquility of El Portal and unwind in our courtyard with your favorite beverage. To learn more about day trips from the Grand Canyon and other adventures easily accessible from Sedona, visit https://elportalsedona.com/exploring-sedona-and-grand-canyon/ or give us a call at 800-313-0017!

Wide Open Spaces for You to Discover

The amazing fall weather makes Sedona a perfect outdoor playground with plenty to do, explore, discover! Visitors and locals alike can experience so many outdoor activities, including but not limited to:

• hiking
• biking
• adventure tours
• wine tours
• state parks & historical sites
• golfing
• festivals – ours are outdoor!
• climbing
• fishing
• and more!

At El Portal Sedona Hotel we are dedicated to providing an extraordinary lodging experience for our guests and their pets in unpretentious luxury. We are a AAA Four Diamond Hotel with personalized concierge services for the Sedona area, we will help you with any tours, hikes – all things to do in Sedona!

“We stayed two nights with our elderly dogs in the beautiful Garden Court Room…with an enclosed outside patio for the comfort of the doggies, which we all appreciated. … Soothing to the body and the soul, and we recommend this hotel whole-heartedly.” (Tripadvisor review).

Remember, pets stay free and receive a welcome basket with a blanket, treats, and waste bags.

Call now 1.800.313.0017 or book online – there’s room to roam here!

Hike the Mystical Red Rocks of Sedona

Nestled amongst crimson canyon walls is one of the most beautiful places on earth – Sedona Arizona. Known for our 400+ hiking trails, Sedona is surrounded by 1.8 million acres of wide-open spaces! So come, visit Sedona, and stay with us at El Portal Sedona Hotel.

Our hiking trails are open and are truly breathtaking! From beginner to expert – there is a trail for everyone; and Steve and staff can help you choose the perfect trail for you and yours! A few of our favorites… (listed from easy to difficult) Margs Draw, Fay Canyon, Deadman’s Pass, West Fork Trail, Airport Loop, Boynton Canyon, Broken Arrow Trail, Doe Mountain Trail, Devil’s Bridge, Wilson Mountain Trail, Cathedral Rock, and Bear Mountain Trails.

Sedona’s trails offer solitude, serenity, and an opportunity to explore the unspoiled beauty of the countryside (please practice “Leave No Trace” principles). There are amazing ruins, pictographs, and petroglyphs to see and learn about as well, not to mention the intense spiritual vibes and high concentration of vortexes (sites that are believed to strongly emit energy that promotes healing and meditation)! It’s not about to hike or not, it’s about how many you can hike!

El Portal Sedona Hotel – call for your room 1.800.313.0017, or book online!

Vacation in Sedona!

The most frequent comment from our guests when they leave is “there is so much more to do and see in Sedona than we thought and a night or two just isn’t enough!” So when you take a trip to Sedona, book for at least two or more nights.

You ask what is there to do? Well, here are just a few of the things to do when you visit Sedona:

Grand Canyon National Park – The Grand Canyon is an easy day trip from Sedona, just over 90 minutes. If you leave around 8:00 or 9:00 in the morning you can see all the great views, doing some shopping for mementos, and still, be back in Sedona by 6:00 pm.

Hike Sedona – Hiking in Sedona is what it’s all about! With over 100 trails in the area; from easy to difficult, along (even through) water, with elevation change, canyon, and mountain trails, there is definitely a trail for you.  

West Fork Trail of Oak Creek Canyon – This trail is touted as one of the best trails in Arizona and one of the top 10 trails in the United States. It is only 6 miles round trip, rated easy-moderate, pet friendly, and has spectacular views.

Jeep Tours of Sedona – Taking a jeep tour of the Sedona countryside is exhilarating, fun and breath-taking! The area has a number of jeep tour companies, with tours from 1 hour to a full day.

Golfing in Sedona – There are a variety of gorgeous golf courses in and around the Sedona/Oak Creek Canyon area, each one unique, challenging, and fair – plus the views are amazing! With plenty of options to choose from, whether you are interested in a championship course or a relaxing par 3, it is all right here.  At elevations ranging from 5,000 to 7,000 feet above sea level, Northern Arizona presents golfers with a completely different set of challenges, landscapes, and price points. And with our concierge services, we can book you a tee time or two!

Arizona State Parks  – There are a number of state parks to visit in the area; Fort Verde State Historic Park, Dead Horse Ranch, Slide Rock, Red Rock, Homolovi, Jerome, Riordan Mansion State Historic Park, and Verde River Greenway State Natural Area to name a few.   
Vortex/Spiritual Tours – Sedona is a place of profound peace and spiritual renewal. Spiritual gurus worldwide are drawn to the area’s mystical vortexes, which are sites of enhanced energy that facilitate meditation, prayer, reflection, and healing of the body and mind. The Sedona area is unique because it contains all of the different types of vortexes and tours aplenty. There are numerous spiritual retreats, healing experiences, and psychic readings to choose from for a life-changing experience, rejuvenation of the spirit.

Dining in Sedona – You will find excellent restaurants in Sedona and the Verde Valley. Coffee shops, fine and family dining, pet friendly and casual dining; Mexican, American, Italian, French, Latin, Asian, BBQ, bistros, pubs, and more! From breakfast to dessert, and everything in between!

The Sedona Spa Experience – There are a variety of day spas, spas with fitness centers, and alternative wellness and healing centers. In our magical Sedona desert setting, be transported to a space of pure tranquility and limitless well-being.

Other things to consider when planning your trip to Sedona are helicopter rides, hot air balloon excursions, rafting the Colorado River, shopping, kayaking, wine tours, Indian Ruins, museums, theatre events, and more!

El Portal Sedona Hotel – pet friendly, family friendly, romance, solo, groups … Book now 1.800.313.0017.

Road Tripping Arizona’s Verde Valley

The Verde Valley is a lush region in central Arizona. The striking landscapes, the historical sites, the vineyards that line the Verde River all make this a must-do road trip!

• Stunning state parks. The Verde Valley is home to a variety of state parks that preserve the region’s profound natural beauty and provide havens for outdoor enthusiasts. One of the most famous is Slide Rock State Park in Sedona’s Oak Creek Canyon, with its natural water slide – making this a fun stop for the whole family.Red Rock State Park is a 286-acre nature preserve that encompasses trails, verdant meadows, and a riparian habitat teeming with plants and wildlife along the banks of Oak Creek. As the name suggests, the park is also an excellent place for viewing the awe-inspiring red rock formations for which Sedona is known. Hikers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders will enjoy exploring this nature preserve. Dead Horse Ranch State Park is across the Verde River from the town of Cottonwood. It has over 20 miles of trails, and 3 lagoons – making it a beautiful place to truly explore the natural environment of the Verde Valley.
• The Red Rock Scenic Byway. Beginning just off of I-17, this seven-and-a-half mile stretch of road traverses the spectacular scenery of the red rocks leading into Sedona. As the byway winds through the Village of Oak Creek and through the piñon pines of the Coconino National Forest, it offers several pull-offs and scenic viewpoints from which travelers can marvel at the landscape. Famous sites like the Chapel of the Holy Cross and Sedona’s famous vortexes at Bell Rock and Cathedral Rock are also located along this road. The Red Rock Scenic Byway has been deemed “Arizona’s First All-American Road,” indicating that it is uniquely American and considered a destination in itself.
• Historical Heritage Sites. Built by the Sinagua peoples, who were ancestors of the Hopi, the Palatki and Honanki Heritage Sites were the largest cliff dwellings in the area when they were inhabited between 1150 and 1350 A.D. These fascinating remains are just minutes from Sedona. The Palatki Heritage Site includes three trails: one that leads to the cliff dwellings, one that takes visitors to a view of the dwelling, and one leading to pictographs created by the various groups of indigenous peoples that occupied the Verde Valley. It is one of the most well-preserved cliff dwellings in Arizona with five-stories and 20-rooms. Montezuma Castle is an impressive testament to the ingenuity of the Sinagua peoples. After admiring the structure, visitors can journey to the nearby Montezuma Well, which was an underground cavern that collapsed and filled with water. At 55 feet deep and 368 feet wide, the well is a lush desert oasis and a fascinating ecosystem that hosts a variety of rare plants, animals, and insects.
• Adventures on the Verde Canyon Railroad. The Verde Canyon Railroad launches from Clarkdale into the wilderness of the remote Verde Canyon, where Arizona’s beautiful high desert meets the pristine riparian. Passengers enjoy a close-up view of the canyon’s stunning vistas of raw unspoiled nature. The Railroad offers a variety of special rides, such as Starlight Tour, Wild Splendor, and Ales on Rails.
• The Verde River. Park your car and take a trip down the Verde River. A diverse landscape surrounds this clear spring-fed river. Tour companies offer a variety of canoe, kayak and paddle board tours – perfect for exploring the river and its bounty. The fishing is excellent with rainbow trout, largemouth bass, crayfish, sunfish, channel catfish and more.
• Charming & haunting small towns. Outside the sprawling metropolis of Phoenix, Arizona is dotted with historic small towns. Cottonwood and Clarkdale are two such towns. The small but bustling walkable center of Old Town Cottonwood is packed with an eclectic collection of restaurants, art galleries, antique shops, and tasting rooms where visitors can sample the wines produced along the Verde River. Clarkdale was founded in 1912 as a home for the miners of nearby Jerome and their families. It is the home of the Arizona Copper Art Museum, as well as a plethora of historic buildings and houses from the turn of the twentieth century. Located on a hilltop at 5,200 feet elevation, the tiny town of Jerome towers above the Verde Valley, offering stunning views and a tapestry of galleries. This historic copper mining town was founded in 1876 and was once the fourth largest city in what is now Arizona. It has since been dubbed the “Largest Ghost Town in America,” attracting many purveyors of the paranormal with ghost tours and allegedly haunted destinations like the Jerome Grand Hotel (a former mental institution). Jerome is now a thriving artist community, with galleries, restaurants (try the Asylum – it’s eerily good), and hotels inhabiting the town’s nineteenth-century buildings.
• Wineries and Vineyards. Thanks to the region’s sunshine, temperate climate, and location along the banks of the Verde River, the Verde Valley is home to several award-winning vineyards and wineries. Founded by hands-on winemakers who are passionate about developing this vibrant new wine region, these vineyards produce exquisite varietals to suit any palate. With tasting rooms and restaurants, this is a must do on a Verde Valley road trip.
• The small city of Sedona has long attracted tourists with its landscape of towering red rock formations and numerous opportunities for hiking and outdoor exploration. Spiritual gurus are drawn to the area’s vortexes (sites where the strength of the earth’s energy is believed to promote healing and renewal). In recent years, Sedona’s arts scene has grown exponentially, leading The New York Times to call the city “a new west enclave of galleries.” From painting to sculpting to jewelry making, several different mediums of amazing artwork are represented at Sedona’s many galleries and art festivals. Dining in Sedona is as eclectic as the art and as diverse as the landscape!

Sedona is a must-see destination on any road trip through the Verde Valley, and El Portal Sedona Hotel offers an ideal “home” for experiencing all that the city and the surrounding area have to discover. Located within walking distance of uptown Sedona and Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village, El Portal offers a unique lodging experience for guests and their pets. El Portal is a AAA Four Diamond Hotel, voted Best Pet Friendly Hotel in the US by 10Best.com and USA Today, and has been named one of the best hotels in the Southwest by Condé Nast Traveler. The pet friendly hotel offers guests and their canine companions unpretentious luxury in a serene setting. To book your Verde Valley Adventure, call 1.800.313.0017 or reserve online.

 

 

Spring Events in Sedona, Arizona

Spring has sprung, the grass is riz, I wonder where all the birdies is?

Yes, spring is just around the corner – finally! It seemed a long time coming but the birds are singing, the grass is coming, soon the flowers will be blooming!

With spring comes a number of events and festivals here in Sedona. From food to birding to art, these events are sure to please and educate!

Book your rooms today at El Portal Sedona Hotel 1.800.313.0017 for these fun festivals!

March 23, 2019, is the Sedona Food Truck Festival, from 11:00-5:00 pm. Held at Posse Grounds Park. If good food, good music, and good beer are on your list of favorites, then this event is for you. 20+ food trucks will be on site, each truck will have a $5 sampler menu plus more, $5 beer will be for sale and a live band will be sure to keep you entertained. Admission is free.

March 23, 2019 is the Sedona Stumble Trail Run too! This is Sedona’s ONLY trail run. It is a 5K & 10K. This Race will sell out! All race finishers will receive a medal. Trophies will be given to age group winners as well. Timing will be provided by Run Flagstaff for this event. For more information call 928.282.7098.

Sedona Wolf Week is March 25-30, 2019. Founded by Plan B to Save Wolves & Apex Protection Project this event was created with the mission to change the way people see wolves through education & entertainment. Wolf Week is a diverse program of speakers, performers, school presentations, arts, entertainment, concert, fundraisers, a wolf co-existence panel and social interactions with the Plan B & Apex Protection Project Ambassador Packs. For a complete schedule and to register: www.sedonawolfweek.org

April 20:  Celebration of Spring. This is more than just an egg hunt, this is a Celebration of Spring! From 9:00 am– 2:00 pm this fun, action-packed event for families and all those in the community that enjoy spring and the beautiful outdoors. Inflatable toys for kids, face painting, carnival rides and much more are included with the $5 admission fee for the youth attendees. The Easter bunny will be on hand for picture taking. Handicapped accessible. For more information call 928.282.7098.

April 26 – 28: Sedona Spring Artist Open Studios Tour presented by the Sedona Visual Artists Coalition. This is a free, self-guided event celebrating the arts in the greater Verde Valley that runs from 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. daily. The tour provides a unique opportunity to meet over 50 artists in their private studios, working in a variety of mediums. Maps and informative brochures will be available in a number of locations or at their website. For more information, email Mike Upp or call 503.789.4437.

April 25-29: Verde Valley Birding & Nature Festival. Held in Cottonwood, Arizona this festival is known as the friendliest birding festival!  Why? It may be the uniqueness of the trips, the knowledge of the leaders, and the value and satisfaction that the participants receive. Festival participants get to choose from over 60 field trip, hikes and walks in one of Arizona’s richest birding habitats birding during the peak Spring migration season!

El Portal Sedona Hotel is a gorgeous pet friendly Sedona hotel where there are no pet fees! We have hotel suites ready for you and your pet. Room 1 is designated for smaller pets, while rooms 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9 are fine for all size pets.  Rooms 3, 4, 5 and 7 have fenced pet patios. Pets must be well-behaved, and on a leash at all times. Pets receive a “Welcome Basket” with a blanket, doggie bags and treats! Book your room online or call 1.800.313.0017.

Bringing Philosophy Outdoors to the Majestic Natural Beauty of Sedona – Finding Meaning in Sedona’s Red Rocks

Sedona, Arizona has long been recognized as a mystical place ideal for soul-searching and revelation. Visitors from all over the world are drawn to the awe-inspiring beauty of Sedona’s towering red rock formations, as well as the area’s profound sense of peace and multitude of vortexes—spots where the power of the earth’s energy is thought to elicit spiritual renewal. Sedona Philosophy Experience (SPEX) is an innovative outdoor exploration led by academics that know how to make philosophy fun and meaningful. Guests have an opportunity to ponder life’s great questions and engage in philosophical dialogue while they explore Sedona’s captivating natural landscape. 

Offering a variety of philosopher-guided hikes, SPEX gives visitors the unique chance to contemplate the meaning in their lives while traversing the hiking trails of stunning Red Rock State Park. As a designated environmental education center, Red Rock State Park aligns with SPEX’s mission of advancing environmental and philosophical awareness. Additionally, the trails in Red Rock State Park—which are recognized as some of the most beautiful in the world—offer unparalleled access to the serenity of Oak Creek. Under the shade of the trees that line Oak Creek Canyon, the creekside Kisva (Hopi for “shady water”) Trail stays cool even in the heat of summer.

All SPEX guides are professional philosophers who live in Sedona and northern Arizona and know the region intimately. The company’s founders were inspired to start SPEX after realizing that philosophy was practiced almost entirely within academia and inside classrooms and few efforts were being made to extend philosophical discussions to the general public. As a result, philosophy has suffered from the common misconception that it is a dry or intimidating subject – or that you need some sort of formal training to do philosophy. But as Andrea Houchard, Ph.D., one of the founders and guides for SPEX says, “philosophy is for everyone and philosophy is fun. It is relevant to every person’s life—happiness, friendship, love, death, life, beauty—these things matter to all of us, and there is no better place to think about them than among Sedona’s magical red rocks.” 

The personalized nature of SPEX hikes distinguishes them from other guided hikes. “Many traditional guided hikes are transactional and information-oriented,” says Dr. Houchard. “Our hikes, on the other hand, are about the unique experiences of each of our participants.” As they explore Sedona’s breathtaking scenery, SPEX participants have the special chance to reflect on and talk about humanity’s place in nature, as well as their own experiences and what matters most in their lives. It creates an opportunity for individuals to heal, reflect, and explore. Though it may leave the red rocks behind, you can carry the insights from a SPEX hike wherever you go. 

 

SPEX offers group hikes at Red Rock State Park every Saturday from 8:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Hikes are limited to eight people, so participants are encouraged to sign up online to reserve a spot. The cost is $110 per hiker. Private hikes ($135/person at a two-person minimum) may also be arranged by calling 928-274-8737 or emailing andrea@sedonaphilosophy.com. SPEX conducts special events throughout the year, such as for Earth Day. To learn more, visit http://sedonaphilosophy.com.

Recognized for the unique and transformative experiences that it offers, SPEX has gleaned support and recommendations from local businesses, including El Portal Sedona Hotel. Located near the best of what Sedona has to offer, El Portal provides a peaceful and relaxing haven for guests participating in SPEX and the area’s numerous other activities. El Portal has been named a AAA Four Diamond Hotel, one of the top hotels in the Southwest by Condé Nast Traveler, and has received Trip Advisor’s Certificate of Excellence Award.

Contact us at 1.800.313.0017, www.ElPortalSedona.com, or info@ElPortalSedona.com

10 Reasons to Road Trip Arizona’s Verde Valley in the Fall

In the Verde Valley – a lush region in central Arizona – autumn is a particularly vibrant season. From fall colors to historical sites to the vineyards that line the Verde River, the Verde Valley’s striking scenery and moderate fall temperatures makes this worthy of a road trip

For travelers seeking a dynamic autumn adventure, here are ten reasons to road trip around the Verde Valley:

1.   Stunning state parks. The Verde Valley is home to a variety of state parks that preserve the region’s profound natural beauty and provide havens for outdoor enthusiasts. One of the most famous is Slide Rock State Park in Sedona’s Oak Creek Canyon. In the fall, the trees that fill the canyon erupt into shades of crimson, amber, and deep green. Adding to the fall spirit is the park’s apple orchard, which was planted in 1912 and is still cared for by park rangers.

Red Rock State Park is a 286-acre nature preserve that encompasses trails, verdant meadows, and a riparian habitat teeming with plants and wildlife along the banks of Oak Creek. As the name suggests, the park is also an excellent place for viewing the awe-inspiring red rock formations for which Sedona is known. Hikers, mountain bikers, campers, and horseback riders will enjoy exploring this nature preserve amidst the comfortable fall weather.

Dead Horse Ranch State Park is across the Verde River from the town of Cottonwood. The property contains over 20 miles of trails, 3 lagoons – making it a beautiful place to truly explore the natural environment of the Verde Valley.

2.   Charming small towns. Outside the sprawling metropolis of Phoenix, Arizona is dotted with historic small towns. Cottonwood and Clarkdale are two such towns. The small but bustling walkable center of Old Town Cottonwood is packed with an eclectic collection of restaurants, art galleries, antique shops, and tasting rooms where visitors can sample the wines produced along the Verde River.

Clarkdale was founded in 1912 as a home for the miners of nearby Jerome and their families. It is the home of the Arizona Copper Art Museum, as well as a plethora of historic buildings and houses from the turn of the twentieth century.

3.   The Red Rock Scenic Byway. Beginning just off of I-17, this seven-and-a-half mile stretch of road traverses the spectacular scenery of the red rocks leading into Sedona. As the byway winds through the Village of Oak Creek and through the evergreen piñons of the Coconino National Forest, it offers several pull-offs and scenic viewpoints from which travelers can marvel at the landscape. Famous sites like the Chapel of the Holy Cross and Sedona’s famous vortexes at Bell Rock and Cathedral Rock are also located along this road. The Red Rock Scenic Byway has been deemed “Arizona’s First All-American Road,” indicating that it is uniquely American and considered a destination in itself.

4.   Wineries and Vineyards. Thanks to the region’s sunshine, temperate climate, and location along the banks of the Verde River, the Verde Valley is home to several award-winning vineyards and wineries. Founded by hands-on winemakers who are passionate about developing this vibrant new wine region, these vineyards produce exquisite varietals to suit any palate. With tasting rooms and restaurants this is a must do on a Verde Valley road trip.

 

5.   Historical Heritage Sites. Built by the Sinagua peoples, who were ancestors of the Hopi, the Palatki and Honanki Heritage Sites were the largest cliff dwellings in the area when they were inhabited between 1150 and 1350 A.D. These fascinating remains are just minutes from Sedona. The Palatki Heritage Site includes three trails: one that leads to the cliff dwellings, one that takes visitors to a view of the dwelling, and one leading to pictographs created by the various groups of indigenous peoples that occupied the Verde Valley.  As one of the most well-preserved cliff dwellings in Arizona, the five-story, 20-room is not to be missed!

Montezuma Castle is an impressive testament to the ingenuity of the Sinagua peoples. After admiring the structure, visitors can journey to the nearby Montezuma Well, which was an underground cavern that collapsed and filled with water. At 55 feet deep and 368 feet wide, the well is a lush desert oasis and a fascinating ecosystem that hosts a variety of rare plants, animals, and insects.       

 

6.   Haunting Jerome. Located on a hilltop at 5,200 feet elevation, the tiny town of Jerome towers above the Verde Valley, offering stunning views and a tapestry of color during the fall. This historic copper mining town was founded in 1876 and was once the fourth largest city in what is now Arizona. However, after World War II, demand for copper plummeted, and Jerome’s population decreased from 15,000 to under 100. It has since been dubbed the “Largest Ghost Town in America,” attracting many purveyors of the paranormal with ghost tours and allegedly haunted destinations like the Jerome Grand Hotel (a former hospital). Jerome is now a thriving artist community, with galleries, restaurants (try the Asylum – it’s eerily good), and hotels inhabiting the town’s nineteenth-century buildings.

7.   Grand Canyon. Although the Grand Canyon is not located in the Verde Valley, this majestic natural wonder is less than two hours away. Tourist season at the Canyon peaks during the summer, and by fall, visitors will be able to enjoy its splendor with fewer crowds and cooler weather. Temperatures during the fall range hover around the 70s, perfect for exploring the trails, shops and sights.

 

8.   Adventures on the Verde Canyon Railroad. The Verde Canyon Railroad launches from Clarkdale into the wilderness of the remote Verde Canyon, where Arizona’s beautiful high desert meets the pristine riparian. Passengers enjoy a close-up view of the canyon’s stunning vistas of raw unspoiled nature. The Railroad offers a variety of special rides, such as the Sedona Fall Colors Tour, Starlight Tour, Wild Splendor, and Ales on Rails.

9.   The Verde River. Park your car and take a trip down the Verde River. A diverse landscape surrounds this clear spring-fed river. Tour companies offer a variety of canoe, kayak and paddle board tours – perfect for exploring the river and its bounty. The fishing is excellent, stocked with rainbow trout, large mouth bass, crayfish, sunfish, channel catfish and more.

10.  Sedona. The small city of Sedona has long attracted tourists with its landscape of towering red rock formations and numerous opportunities for hiking and outdoor exploration. Spiritual gurus are drawn to the area’s vortexes (sites where the strength of the earth’s energy is believed to promote healing and renewal). In recent years, Sedona’s arts scene has grown exponentially, leading The New York Times to call the city “a new west enclave of galleries.” From painting to sculpting to jewelry making, several different mediums of amazing artwork are represented at Sedona’s many galleries and art festivals. Dining in Sedona is as eclectic as the art and as diverse as the landscape!

 

Sedona is a must-see destination on any road trip through the Verde Valley, and El Portal Sedona Hotel offers an ideal “home” for experiencing all that the city and the surrounding area have to offer. Located within walking distance of uptown Sedona and Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village, El Portal offers a unique lodging experience for guests and their pets. El Portal is a AAA Four Diamond Hotel, a recipient of TripAdvisor’s Certificate of Excellence Award, and has been named one of the best hotels in the Southwest by Condé Nast Traveler. The pet friendly hotel offers guests and their canine companions unpretentious luxury in a serene setting. 

Contact Information:
El Portal Sedona Hotel
95 Portal Lane,, Sedona, AZ 86366
info@elportalsedona.com
800.313.0017
elportalsedona.com

Arizona State Parks & Trails – Best in the U.S.!

We would like to share this with you –  our (Arizona’s) State Parks System won the Gold Medal for the Best Managed in the USA by the National Recreation and Park Association! At El Portal Sedona Hotel we couldn’t agree more! We think our State Parks here in Northern Arizona are some of the best in the world! 

“This Gold Medal win is not just about the staff of Arizona State Parks and Trails,” said Sue Black, Executive Director of Arizona State Parks and Trails. “This is about everyone in Arizona who contributes to our success or gets to enjoy our beautiful parks. It’s a huge honor to be considered the best-managed state park agency in the country, and we hope everyone will get out and see these amazing parks first-hand.”

What is the criteria for this award? State park systems must demonstrate “excellence in long-range planning, resource management and innovative approaches to delivering superb park and recreation services with fiscally sound business practices.” (Source: NRPA).

In the Sedona area, we have three amazing parks, Red Rock State Park, Slide Rock State Park and Dead Horse Ranch State Park. These all have terrific programs, events and activities for young and old, locals and visitors. One event is the Verde River Day at Dead Horse Ranch State Park this Saturday, a day filled with free activities and park entrance fees waived!

Red Rock State Park offers a multitude of hikes including moonlight hikes, archaeology, geology, and ethnobotany hikes. The have a great ranger program for the kiddos too.

Slide Rock State Park has the amazing natural water slide, as well as great hiking and history.

When in Arizona, come to Sedona, stay with us at El Portal Sedona Hotel and visit our wonderful State Parks!

About El Portal Sedona Hotel 
Located in the heart of Sedona, the boutique hotel has received numerous awards including being voted The Best Pet Friendly Hotel in the USA by 10best.com and USA Today, awarded AAA’s Four Diamond Rating, among others. The Sedona hotel offers personalized concierge services for the Sedona area including day trips to the Grand Canyon, hikes, mountain biking, jeep tours, wine tours, kayaking, rafting, golfing, dining, shopping, museums, and more. Through a special agreement guests have access to two swimming pools, a full gym and Sedona Spa located next door at Los Abrigados.