The best tips for exploring Sedona by motorbike
Sedona is famous for its beautiful pine forests, stunning vistas and iconic red rock formations. Exploring Sedona by motorbike or car is one of the best ways to see the beauty of the natural landscape up close. In particular, Arizona’s Route 89A is a must-see scenic route which takes you through Oak Creek Canyon and Slide Rock State Park — four of Sedona’s most beautiful locations. Is this article, I will introduce you to these wonderful locations and will also share some tips for exploring Sedona by motorbike.
Tips for exploring Sedona by motorbike or car
Choose the right vehicle – motorbike or car
It’s important you have a suitable vehicle – be it a motorbike or car for your exploration of Sedona. The breathtaking landscapes, rugged terrains, and winding roads of Sedona demand a vehicle that can provide both comfort and versatility, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the mesmerizing beauty of the region.
An adventure motorbike is a practical choice for touring in Sedona. They’re extremely comfortable bikes with adjustable suspension, low pegs, and high bars designed to minimize pressure on your wrists, arms, neck, hips, and knees. You can also get features like cruise control and heated seats and grips to further enhance your ride experience. Adventure motorcycles are also able to handle rougher terrain and come with bigger fuel tanks, so they’re a great choice for touring short or long distances.
If you decide to explore Sedona by car, opt for a car that offers ample space. Sedona’s natural attractions and outdoor activities often call for carrying luggage like camping gear and equipment for hiking. A vehicle with a generous cargo capacity ensures that you have enough room to bring along everything you need for an unforgettable adventure. Additionally, Sedona’s terrain includes varying elevations and winding roads, making it wise to choose a car with good handling and maneuverability. Compact SUVs, crossover vehicles, or midsize sedans with good ground clearance are great choices.
Make sure that your motorbike or car is in a good condition. Apart from the daily maintenance, there are some steps that every driver should take before embarking on any long journey. I have seen many people who ignore their car maintenance and go on a road trip without any precautionary measures. The result is a disaster as half of the times they end up stuck in the middle of nowhere.
Familiarize yourself with insurance
The unpredictable nature of road trips and the unfamiliar terrain increase the risk of accidents or damage to your vehicle. Even with the most suitable vehicle, accidents can still happen. Before hitting the road in Sedona or anywhere else in Arizona, it’s wise to familiarize yourself with local resources like an Arizona car accident lawyer, because they can help you navigate the legal process should you find yourself in an unforeseen incident. It’s also mandatory to have a car insurance. Having valid insurance ensures compliance with the law and avoids legal complications. For me, a good insurance always offers peace of mind and it allows me to enjoy my journey without worrying about potential financial burdens.
Travel Insurance
Don’t forget a travel insurance for your USA trip. Heymondo is one of the cheapest travel insurances for backpackers and covers medical emergencies, theft, delays, cancellations, lost luggage, and more. For being a reader of Girlswanderlust, you’ll get a 5% discount on your next Heymondo travel insurance.
Create a budget
Creating a budget for exploring Sedona by motorbike is crucial to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience. Consider expenses such as bike or car rental, fuel costs, accommodation, meals, and activities. Bike rental fees can vary depending on the duration and type of motorcycle chosen. Fuel costs depend on the distance traveled and the bike’s fuel efficiency. Accommodation expenses can be managed by choosing from a range of options, including campsites, budget-friendly motels, or upscale resorts. Plan for meals by considering dining out or preparing meals yourself if camping. Lastly, allocate funds for activities such as hiking, biking tours, or visiting attractions like the red rock formations.
Budget Tip
Traveling to a country with a different currency? Avoid ATM transaction fees and pay in local currency with a Wise Visa Card or Revolut Maestro Card. I have been using these cards for several years and have saved a lot of money as a result. I recommend bringing both bank cards with you when you travel.
Pack smart and light
When preparing for a road trip through Sedona on a motorbike, packing the right things is crucial for a comfortable journey. Smart packing can also help you save money. An ideal way to pack every crucial thing is to make a checklist in the first place. Make it in advance so that you can add items on it from time to time as you remember them.
First and foremost, prioritize safety gear, including a helmet, riding gloves, sturdy boots, and protective clothing. Additionally, pack lightweight and versatile clothing suitable for changing weather conditions, including layers for colder mornings and evenings. Don’t forget to bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat to shield yourself from the desert sun. Pack a compact and waterproof backpack for carrying essentials such as water, snacks, a first aid kit, a map or GPS device, and a toolkit for any minor repairs. Finally, ensure you have a reliable and secure method of carrying luggage, such as saddlebags or a tail bag, to accommodate your personal items and camping gear if needed.
Sedona’s most beautiful locations
Now it’s time for the fun part! What are Sedona’s must-see locations?
Oak Creek Canyon
A 14-mile drive along route 89A, Oak Creek Canyon is a must-see destination near Sedona. The scenery en-route is stunning with Oak Creek Canyon itself situated on a beautiful, winding road that reaches the top of the Mogollon Rim, a magnificent 2000 foot-high limestone and granite cliff. Be sure to stop and admire the amazing views of the expansive forest below.
There are also plenty of road-side stops which give you an opportunity to check out Sedona’s iconic red rocks and historical sites.
Tip: the road is safe, but can get busy on weekends. Drive carefully and take the time to really appreciate the views.
Snoopy Rock
Better known as “Snoopy Rock,” the cartoon character rock formation is visible from Uptown Sedona – he is lying on his doghouse with Woodstock sitting on his nose. You can admire the cartoon monolith along State Route 89A anywhere in the shopping district of Uptown Sedona. A few travelers have even said that Lucy may be hiding out in the same formation. If you squint, you might be able to see the shape of her head. Whether it’s just one’s imagination or reality… I’ll leave it up to you to decide.
If you take a helicopter or Jeep tour – which is a possibility many prefer – the tour guides will point out the formations to you. The best viewpoints of the formations can be seen from the Sedona Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Bureau Visitor Center and in the parking lot behind the Sedona Arts Center on State Route 89A.
Slide Rock State Park
Carry on riding south down Route 89A, you’ll eventually reach Slide Rock State Park. This route is exceptionally beautiful as it winds through a number of striking bright pink pastel rock formations. You’ll definitely want to bring a camera and make stops along the way to admire Sedona’s natural beauty. Entrance into the park itself is $10-15 for motorbikes depending on the season. It’s worth it to view the park’s beautiful natural waterslides.
The Chapel of the Holy Cross
The Chapel of the Holy Cross, situated about 4 miles south of central Sedona, offers an impressive and peaceful experience. Here, you can embark on a moderate 1.3-mile out-and-back hike. The Chapel Trail which starts at the parking lot, boasts incredible views of the surrounding red buttes. If you’re seeking a less challenging option, a steep 0.1-mile path leads to the observation area at the chapel.
Please take into account that parking is limited and the area can become crowded during midday. Therefore, I recommend you to visit the chapel early in the morning for a more tranquil experience.
Tip: be very careful because the path can be rocky.
If you decide to stay overnight near the Chapel of the Holy Cross, I can recommend to discover the night sky as you’ve never seen it before in gorgeous Sedona. With this tour you can marvel at UFOs and other unexplained phenomenon, hear the tales behind what you see from your guide and use a 3rd generation night vision goggles to search the skies. The location of the tour is only a 15-minutes drive from the Chapel of the Holy Cross.
Accommodation in Sedona
When it comes to choosing accommodation in Sedona, it largely depends on your preferences and what you plan to do during your visit. Each area of Sedona offers its own unique charm and access to different attractions:
- Uptown Sedona: Located near the intersection of State Route 89A and State Route 179, Uptown Sedona is the bustling heart of the town. Here you’ll find a wide array of shops, art galleries, restaurants, and souvenir stores. Great accommodations in Uptown Sedona are Sedona Views Bed and Breakfast or Sedona Uptown Suites.
- West Sedona: Just a short drive west of Uptown Sedona, West Sedona offers a quieter and more residential atmosphere. This area is surrounded by picturesque red rock formations and provides stunning views. West Sedona is a convenient base for outdoor activities, including hiking and mountain biking. You’ll find a range of accommodations, from hotels to vacation rentals, in this area. I recommend staying overnight at Sky Ranch Lodge or The Inn at Thunder Mountain.
- Village of Oak Creek: Located about six miles south of Uptown Sedona, the Village of Oak Creek is another picturesque area known for its natural beauty. The Village of Oak Creek offers a range of accommodations, from resorts to vacation rentals, and provides a more relaxed and residential vibe. Make sure to have a look at the Red Agave Resort or Wildflower Inn at Bell Rock if you consider staying in the village of Oak Creek.
Conclusion
Exploring Sedona by motorbike or car is a wonderful experience! Please remember to choose the right vehicle that provides comfort and versatility for navigating. Familiarize yourself with insurance coverage and make sure to create a budget that includes expenses such as vehicle rental, fuel costs, accommodation, meals, and activities. Additionally, packing the right gear, including safety equipment and versatile clothing, is important for a comfortable journey. This way I’m sure that you can enjoy Sedona’s must-visit locations, such as Oak Creek Canyon, Snoopy Rock, Slide Rock State Park, and the Chapel of the Holy Cross.
If you have any questions about the above mentioned information, please let me know in the comment section below. I’m happy to help you. Safe travels!
Author: Daphne
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