FOLLOW THE RED ROCKS TO SEDONA
The route: Los Angeles to Sedona, Ariz., by way of Interstate 10 east, U.S. 60 north and Arizona 89 north.
Miles: About 380 miles one way from L.A. to Prescott, Ariz., then 62 miles more to Sedona.
Best time: The drive through the California-Arizona desert into the mountains of northern Arizona is best in spring, with colorful wildflowers giving way to verdant forests.
Why: Once you get off the interstate, a long, lonesome two-lane highway leads through desolate high desert and past striking giant saguaro cactus, then into crazy tight turns climbing through mountain forests until you reach aweinspiring, deep red rock canyons. And that’s just Mother Nature’s visuals; the towns of Prescott, Jerome and Sedona are precious in their own way.
Highlights: Prescott’s downtown Courthouse Square/Whiskey Row district oozes Western history; there are charming shops, restaurants and saloons. Have a drink at the Palace (www.historicpalace .com), which opened in 1877 and served such notables as Wyatt Earp and Doc Holliday. You’ll strike it rich visiting Jerome, an old mining town that sits precariously on a steep hillside. Jerome went from mining powerhouse to ghost town and is now an artsy tourist magnet filled with eclectic shops in buildings that
once housed bordellos and bars. Sedona is defined by its spectacular red rock mountains. Be sure to drive into the Coconino National Forest (www.fs.usda.gov/coconino) north of town: Deep red canyons and towering natural stone sculptures give way to pine forests.
Memorable stay: In the heart of downtown Prescott, the beautifully restored 1927 Hassayampa Inn (www.hassayampainn.com) has a lovely lobby with stained glass, murals and hand-painted ceiling beams. Our room felt a bit cramped but was a nice blend of old and new.
Memorable meal: Sedona’s Hideaway House (www.sedonahideawayhouse.com) offers red rock views along with terrific Italian food and a cheerful, friendly staff. Try the brick chicken entree and the ricotta cheese pizza with roasted peaches and caramelized pancetta.
Tourist trap or treat: “Uptown Sedona” is jammed with souvenir shops, tourists and traffic. Stick to the red rock canyons and you’ll be fine.
Plan to spend: About six hours for the drive to Prescott. From Prescott, it’s an hour to Jerome and 40 minutes more to Sedona. Give yourself at least a few days to enjoy the sights.