Let's face it, there's one main reason people come to visit Sedona: the beautiful Red Rocks. Sure, you can see them looking out your car window as you drive through Oak Creek Canyon, but it's not the same as being right up next to (or even on top of) them. The best way to see them is to let an experienced guide take you on a tour that we guarantee you will never forget.

Sedona's Jeep Tours are world famous. In fact Jeeps have become so synonymous with Sedona that Jeep films almost all of their commercials here. There are nearly a dozen Jeep tour companies here in Sedona, so it was pretty difficult to decide on the top company. In the end we have chosen Arizona Safari Jeep Tours. The thing that really impressed us about Safari was their commitment to education and preservation of the environment. Their knowledgeable guides will tell you all about the local plantlife and wildlife as well as how the rock formations came to be. They even have "critters" that they bring along on the tour. On our tour we had a little gopher snake named "Buddy". They also have tarantulas and several other species of nonpoisonous snake. If you're extremely critter-phobic you can ask them to leave the critters behind, but where's the fun in that?

If someone you know recommended you take a Jeep a tour, they probably suggested the Broken Arrow Tour. Named after the old Jimmy Stewart movie that was filmed there, it's the tour everyone recommends. But just because it's the most popular doesn't mean it's the best. The trail is always crowded, and there are better trails in trems of off-road action. The one we recommend is Arizona Safari Jeep Tours' Diamond Back Extreme. It's never crowded because very few of the other companies have Jeeps that can tackle such an extreme trail. If you've decided to take our recommendation of the Diamond Back Extreme, call them at (928) 282-3012. If it sounds too extreme for you, browse through all of Safari's tour listings, they have tours to fit everyone.

Although not as famous as Jeep tours, there is another great way to experience the Red Rocks: Hot Air Balloon. Sky High Balloon Adventures offers a wonderful, gentle, breathtaking flight with qualified seasoned pilots, including FAA certified beautiful balloons and top the line chase equipment essential for safety and comfort. And, most importantly, they have a perfect flying record.

Just west of Sedona is Clarkdale, home of the Verde Canyon Railroad. Their wilderness train takes you on a 4 hour tour through the Verde Canyon. In addition to the Red Rocks and clear waters, you will have a chance to see local wildlife, including nesting Bald and Golden eagles. Everyone here agrees that this tour is much better than certain other Northern Arizona Train rides. Make sure to make your reservation early, because they book up fast.