Christmas week trip advice

Question

Family of 10 coming to Sedona week of Christmas. House rented. Ages between 6 and 64. Some like to bike, others hike. We will do some things together and others separately. Looking for suggestions on bike rentals and trails, unique hikes, and a place to have Christmas dinner! Any suggestions welcome. Some have been here before and others have not. We will have 4 full days and 2 half days. Thanks for your help!

Answer

Sedona is a fantastic destination for a family holiday, with plenty to do for all ages and interests. Since you’ll have a mix of hikers and bikers and a house rental as a base, you can enjoy a flexible itinerary combining shared activities and individual adventures.

Bike Rentals and Trails:

Bike Rentals: Local shops like Sedona Bike & Bean, Absolute Bikes, and Red Rock Bicycle Rentals offer a wide selection of mountain and road bikes, including e-bikes. They also provide helmets, maps, and sometimes guided options.
Recommended Trails: For families and mixed skill levels, consider Bell Rock Pathway, Courthouse Butte Loop, and Fay Canyon Trail. More advanced riders can try Long Canyon, Schnebly Hill Road, or the extensive network around Soldier Pass.
Scenic Rides: The Red Rock Scenic Byway (SR 179) is perfect for a leisurely road ride with beautiful views and minimal technical difficulty.

Unique Hikes:

Cathedral Rock Trail: Short but steep climb with incredible sunset or sunrise views.
Devil’s Bridge Trail: Iconic natural arch; moderate hike with rewarding photos.
Fay Canyon Trail: Family-friendly, shaded hike with rock formations and optional loop.
West Fork Oak Creek: Longer trail through a canyon; can be tailored to shorter or longer walks, very scenic and dog-friendly if needed.
Airport Mesa Loop: Easy loop with panoramic views, great for a relaxed afternoon walk and sunset.

Christmas Dinner Options:

Mariposa Latin Inspired Grill: Upscale restaurant with panoramic red rock views and a warm atmosphere, great for a festive family dinner.
Elote Cafe: Creative Mexican cuisine in a lively setting; reservations are essential during the holidays.
Cicada Restaurant: Mediterranean-inspired cuisine with a charming ambiance, perfect for a special evening meal.
House Rental Celebration: Since you have a house, you could also consider a catered Christmas dinner delivered by local services like Sedona Catering Company or hiring a private chef for a personalized family experience.

Suggested Itinerary Ideas:

Day 1 (Half Day): Arrival, settle into the house, short scenic walk nearby (e.g., Airport Mesa).
Day 2 (Full Day): Group hike (Cathedral Rock or West Fork Oak Creek), afternoon bike ride for interested family members.
Day 3 (Full Day): Morning bike ride on moderate trails, afternoon exploring Uptown Sedona shops and galleries.
Day 4 (Full Day): Optional separate activities (some hike Devil’s Bridge, others visit Red Rock Scenic Byway by car or e-bike), evening Christmas dinner.
Half Days: Short local hikes, scenic viewpoints, or casual biking before departure.

With four full days and two half days, you can balance active adventures with relaxed sightseeing, giving each family member options while still enjoying memorable group experiences.

Christmas week trip advice

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