Sedona - 2008 Official Guide - (Page 14) offer a variety of entertaining ways to experience Red Rock Country — in Jeeps, airplanes, helicopters, hot-air balloons, dune buggies, even scenic railroads. Not only will you be awed by the sights, you’ll learn a lot about the area. Day tours to the Grand Canyon are also offered. GOLF & TENNIS If you’re a golf buff, tee it up at highly rated championship courses open to the public. But beware! You might end up taking more shots with your camera than your clubs. If you enjoy a short course, play a round on a couple of conveniently located executive courses. If tennis is your racket, Sedona serves up a good game year round. If you’re new to either sport or just want to hone your skills, many resorts offer professional instruction and scheduled competitions on top-quality courses and courts. Oak Creek KID ACTIVITIES When accompanied by a parent, kids can participate in almost every type of adventure that Sedona offers. But let’s face it, parents can be exhausting and sometimes kids just need a break from the grown-up scene. Fortunately, area resorts host kids-only camps and clubs designed specifically for the younger generation to enjoy, while the adults take a little “time-out.” Activities range from science and nature walks to treasure hunts, mini golf, arts and crafts projects, and kids cooking classes. See the directory for a list of resorts. Kids can also participate in the Junior Ranger program offered by Arizona State Parks. Call (602) 542-4174. BIRDING Sedona is situated at an elevation of 4,500 feet, at the upper margin of the Sonoran Desert. According to the Northern Arizona Audubon Society, this elevation, combined with a distinct change of seasons and rich riparian areas, results in a varied population of birds, which means good birding opportunities abound any time of the year. In April, avid birders flock to the Verde Valley Birding and Nature Festival, in Cottonwood, for three days of activities and educational programs celebrating and supporting our feathered friends. Call (928) 282-2202. Additional birding information is available at the Red Rock District Ranger Station, (928) 282-4119. Manzanita Campground water slide carved into Oak Creek Canyon, or roam and relax around Red Rock State Park, a haven of hiking, biking, water recreation and stunning red-rock vistas. For more water fun, visit Dead Horse Ranch State Park along the Verde River in Cottonwood. To catch up on Arizona history, head for Jerome Historic State Park in Jerome, Fort Verde State Historic Park in Camp Verde, or Riordan State Historic Park in Flagstaff. Arizona State Parks Passes are available for $5-$65 and may be purchased from all Arizona State Parks. For more information, call (602) 542-4174. EXTREME SPORTS It’s human nature to want to conquer Mother Nature. For those who are more content to surmount the world than just see it, Red Rock Country offers much more than a walk in its many parks. Adrenaline junkies can find jolts in a variety of forums, from riding endless miles of famed slick and steep mountain-biking trails, to kayaking the cool waters of Oak Creek and the Verde River, to canyoneering, to climbing the area’s more than 20 red-rock spires. Feel your pulse quicken as you take in the scenery from the back of a motorcycle or All-Terrain Vehicle. For a different kind of rush, make a run for the Sedona Marathon, whose 26.2 miles span the area’s scenic streets and forests. For more information, call the Red Rock Ranger Station, (928) 282-4119. TOURS & EXCURSIONS Sure, you can see some of the famous red rocks like Snoopy and Steamboat while walking down Sedona’s main street, and you can look down at winding Oak Creek from spots in the uptown area. But to see everything the area has to offer — pristine canyons, vortex sites, and ancient ruins — consider booking a tour. Local companies 14 Experience Sedona 2008 VisitSedona.com SedonaChamber.com SedonaFilmOffice.com Photos by Tom Johnson http://VisitSedona.com http://VisitSedona.com http://SedonaChamber.com http://SedonaFilmOffice.com
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