Summer Fun in Sedona - 10 Ways to Cool Off in Sedona this Summer

Whether you're bringing the whole family, looking for a romantic getaway or an adventure in the red rocks, head to Sedona for cool nights and fun days! We've got 10 ways for you to beat the heat and COOL OFF in Sedona during this HOT summer. And remember, its always cooler up here! We're averaging 95-100 degrees right now in the sun. Head up Oak Creek Canyon and it gets even cooler. If you're hot, just jump in the creek or a lovely swimming pool at your hotel/resort of choice to cool off.

#1 Take a Jeep Tour!

Try a famous Pink Jeep Tour up Schnebly Hill Rd. for mind-blowing red rock vistas or climb red rock stairs on four wheels on the Broken Arrow Tour. Sign up for Pink Jeep's e-newsletter at http://www.pinkjeep.com/ and you'll receive insider info on deals, discounts and coupons to save money on their tours.

Want a real western experience? Hop on a Red Rock Jeep if you want to ride with the Cowboys & Indians of the real "out west." You don't have to wear your silver spurs or cowboy hat - just come ready to have fun!

#2 See the red rocks from above - there's no better way to see Sedona!

Sky Safari Helicopter & Biplane Rides take you up above Sedona where you come literally come eye to eye with the highest peaks and the lowest valleys of our scenic Red Rock Country. You will be in awe the entire time. I've actually flown in a Red Rock Biplane and I really mean it when I say you haven't seen Sedona 'til you've seen it from the sky!

#3 Rent a scooter and explore Sedona!

Sedona's going green! Save gas, save money and save the environment. There's is no Driver's License required to ride an electric bicycle so this is fun for the entire family! If you want more speed there is no better way to enjoy the magnificent red rock scenery than on a Vetrix Maxi-Scooter. You'll experience more on a Vetrix Maxi Scooter. It rides like a motorcycle with a top speed of 62mph, acceleration from 0 to 50 in just 6.8 seconds. Stop by The Electric Toy Store to take your pick of fun electric toys!

#4 Go WILD at Out of Africa Wildlife Park

Ride into the Serenghetti to feed giraffes, zebras, ostriches, wildebeests & more or enjoy their famous Tiger Splash show where the park's prize tigers play with their Trainers jumping into the pool. You've never seen anything like it.

Pick up a free copy of Kudos - they usually have a coupon in there for $2 off admission.

#5 Tee off at one of the most spectacular golf courses in America, Oak Creek Country Club.

You'll have a hard time keeping your eye on the ball golfing this magnificent award-winning course. When you're done, enjoy lunch at Mulligan's Grille on the Greene overlooking a beautiful pond. They've got "gourmet comfort food" that the locals rave about.

This par 72, 18 hole championship golf course was designed by the famous father and son team of Robert Trent Jones Sr. and Robert Trent Jones Jr., masterfully arranged in the grandeur of red rock splendor. The course consists of 145 acres, including three lakes.

#6 Head up Oak Creek Canyon to Slide Rock State Park & Grasshopper Point to cool off by Oak Creek.

Slide Rock State Park is by far one of Sedona's most popular attractions. Who needs a water park when you can slip and slide down a natural red rock waterslide carved into Oak Creek? Do some cliff-diving into beautiful pools of water, sunbathe on a bed of red rocks. Ah, that is the life!

If you're a little more adventurous, stop at Grasshopper Point and climb your way up to some brave and bold cliff-diving into a deep pool below.

When you're done, cast out a line and fish for some fresh local trout creekside or at the Rainbow Trout Farm. At the Trout Farm, you're guaranteed to catch one and then you can even cook it right then and there! The whole family can enjoy a picnic in this magical setting, tasting the fruits of your labor. Now that's FRESH fish!

#7 Experience the Real "Out West"!

Go on a horseback ride through the real desert of Arizona and finish it off with an authentic cowboy cookout at a real working cattle ranch, M Diamond Ranch. Cowboys serenade you by starlight - this is one to write home about!

#8 1st Friday Evening at the Galleries

On the first Friday of every month, the Sedona Gallery Association hosts the "First Friday Evening in the Galleries" event with artists receptions, wine and hors deourves at Sedona's finest art galleries. Mix and mingle with your favorite artists learning more about their inspiration and artistic process.

For more information go to http://www.sedonagalleryassociation.com/.

#9 Hike the Red Rocks!

Bell Rock Trail and West Fork Trail

I recommend you do this hike at sunset when it cools off and you can witness a spectacular Arizona sunset from the top of the bell. Wildflowers line Scenic Highway 179 leading to this easy hike where you'll get up close and personal with one of Sedona's most unique and well-known rock formations.

Our favorite Sedona hike is by far the Westfork Trail in Oak Creek Canyon. About halfway up the Canyon to Flagstaff, this mellow little hike criss-crosses Oak Creek for a total of 11 miles. The first 3 are a great "out and back" as you walk at the bottom of towering red rock cliffs, hopping stones to cross the creek back and forth, back and forth. Kick off your shoes and dip your feet in to cool off. If you're more adventurous, continue past the 3 mile point and you'll feel like you're the only human on the planet discovering "The Call of the Canyon" for the very first time.

#10 Day Trips Around the State

Sedona is centrally located within driving distance to the Grand Canyon, Jerome, Prescott, Flagstaff, many ancient ruins, State Parks and historical landmarks. Pack up the car and travel to Montezuma's Castle & Montezuma's Well (30 min. from Sedona) to get a real sense of this region's original settlers. Don't miss the Grand Canyon (1.5-2 hrs from Sedona), of course, and on the way stop to explore the famous Route 66 through Flagstaff (30-45 min. from Sedona). Jerome (30 min. from Sedona) was once a booming copper-mining town, now its a quaint hillside town where you'll discover unique art galleries, shops and restaurants like The Haunted Hamburger. Prescott or "Preskitt" as we locals call it was the original capitol of Arizona, home to plenty of Arizona history.

More on our 10 Ways to Cool Off this Summer below:

Explore Sedona.tv for videos and more information about all the tours & activities featured here and be sure to watch Channel 16 when you're in Sedona for a virtual tour of What to See & Do in Sedona!