Sedona to Grand Canyon

8 Days • 7 NIghts • 367 Miles • 23,122'+ • $3,950.00

Arizona is home to Grand Canyon National Park, the red rock formations of Sedona, and countless old Mining and Ghost Towns scattered about the mountains.

On this cycling tour we meet up in Prescott, Arizona, a two hour drive north of Phoenix. After spending a day riding in this charming historic mining town, we ride over Mingus Mountain into the Verde Valley, passing through Jerome State Historic Park on our way to Sedona. We spend three days in the red rocks of Sedona before riding up to Flagstaff, home to alpine forests. From here it's on to Grand Canyon National Park! Ride the scenic rim and go for a hike along the Bright Angel Trail.

Day 0 - Prescott, Arizona - Sunday - Arrival

This Arizona bike Tour meets in the historic mining town of Prescott. If you are flying, we suggest you fly into Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport the day before the start of the tour and then take the shuttle bus to Prescott.

If you do arrive the day before the start of the tour and would like to ride on your own, we suggest a ride out to Skull Valley and back. It is a 40 mile ride up and over the mountains and back.

40-54 miles / 3,412 ft. elevation gain

After the ride, explore the historic town of Prescott. Whiskey Row is full of some of Prescott's oldest history. The street is named Whiskey Row because of the large number of saloons in one place. This high number of saloons was primarily due to the gold rush culture that drew all kinds of settlers, cowboys, prospectors, bawdy girls, gamblers, and outlaws to the town. Nowadays, Whiskey Row is known for it's art galleries, candy shops, and of course its famous saloons. One stroll around this particular block will show you how full of life and history this town actually is.

Day 1 - Prescott to Sedona

We meet in the town of Prescott at 8:00am the morning of the Tour. After setting up bikes and a brief orientation, we will ride to Sedona, which the visitor center says is the most beautiful place on earth. Decide for yourself after experiencing it's beauty and mysticism for 3 days.

We start the ride by making our way out of Prescott using backroads, before tackling the 10 mile climb to the top of Mingus Mountain. From there we have a fast descent into the historic copper mining town of Jerome, once known as the wickedest town in the west. This is a great place to stop for lunch and explore the town, before heading downhill into the Verde Valley. We'll pass wineries, saloons and ranches on our way into Sedona from the south, before riding into town through the stunning red rock that brings visitors from all over the world.

We spend the next three nights at the Los Abrigados resort in the Tlaquepaque Art Village. Enjoy Art displays, shopping, dining, and exploring the sculpture gardens in this enchanted village.

79 miles / 6,300 ft. elevation gain

Day 2 - Sedona Scenic Loop

Enjoy a scenic loop ride around Sedona, as we circle it's massive red rock cliffs and spires. After the ride, explore the artist shops, breweries and dining options of Tlaquepaque Art Village next to our hotel. Sedona is known for it's artist community and fine dining, and it is all within walking distance in this beautiful village.

45 miles / 2,932 ft. elevation gain

Day 3 - Layover Day - Sedona

No trip to Sedona is complete without getting out on its famous trails. Come with us on a specatular hike along Mystic Trail and the Broken Arrow Trail system. Or maybe you'd rather take a Pink Jeep tour? Or you could hike to Devil's Bridge. Or lounge at Sliderock State Park. Or rent a mountain bike and try out some legendary trails on your own. Perhaps end the day with a wine tasting tour among the red rocks in the sunset.

Day 4 - Sedona to Flagstaff

Today we depart Sedona and ride to Flagstaff. Flagstaff sits at 7,000' elevation. The ride starts by climbing up a narrow canyon as we gain altitude, eventually reaching the plateau that Flagstaff rests upon. Once we reach town you have a choice: chill out at the hotel with a 28 mile ride, or head east toward Morman Lake for an out and back ride of 75 miles on a quiet forest road popular with local cyclists.

End the day exploring downtown Flagstaff, before having dinner in one of the many restaurant choices within walking distance.

28-75 miles / 4,985 ft. elevation gain

Day 5 - Flagstaff to Grand Canyon National Park

Today we saddle up and head out for the Grand Canyon! On the way out of town, we ride along the outskirts of the volcanic San Francisco Peaks, winding through pine forests, before cresting a desert like plain expanding north before us. After a fun descent, we will shuttle a short section of highway before hoping back on the bikes to ride the bike path into Grand Canyon Village.

We will be staying right on the rim of the Grand canyon for the next three nights. This is an amazing place to watch the sunset or a starry sky, and you can walk to the rim of the canyon, the Bright Angel Trail, the best restaurants, and shuttle buses to all the rim view points.

59 miles / 1,698 ft. elevation gain

Day 6 - Layover Day - at the Grand Canyon

The Grand Canyon! What more needs to be said. Take a day off to explore the park. Hike one of it's famous trails. Take the park shuttle to various viewpoints. Take a mule ride into the Canyon. Take a helicopter ride. Explore the historical lodges and have coffee sitting on the rim. Ride your bike around the park and explore the scenic vistas. If you haven't visited the Canyon before you are in for an amazing experience.

Day 7 - Grand Canyon National Park - Scenic Rim Viewpoints

Ride the Grand Canyon National Park rim drive! There are many scenic viewpoints to stop at along the way. It's much better on a bike than in a car! We will ride east along the rim to Desert View. Climb the stone tower for a bird's eye view of the canyon before riding back along the rim to Grand Canyon Village.

After the ride, take a short hike along one of the Canyon's famous trails. Or if you'd rather hike all day, you may wish to skip the ride and descend further into the canyon. Just remember, all hikes start downhill and the climb is on the way out. It's a 5,000' climb from the bottom of the canyon back to the rim, not recommended in one day!

Tonight we have a farewell group dinner at the lodge. Afterwards, maybe a star gazing party at the rim? Tomorrow we will depart back to Prescott.

70 miles / 3,795 ft. elevation gain

Day 8 - Shuttle to Prescott / Phoenix

Enjoy one last sunrise along the rim of the Grand Canyon before shuttling back to Prescott. We depart the Grand Canyon at 8:30 am and arrive in Prescott around 11:30 am. If you are flying out of Phoenix you can catch a shuttle here to the airport.

Meals:

Lunch on ride days is always included, unless the ride is optional. On this Tour 1 group dinner is included and riders are on their own for the remaining, with suggested seating times for those wishing to dine with others. A continental breakfast is always included of Greek yogurt, a selection of natural cereals, Bagels, cream cheese, etc. Hot breakfasts are on your own and require eating early in the Lodges.

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