Top five nature activities

Whether it’s hiking in pine forests or peering into endless canyons, this Arizonan city is home to boundless cultural and nature-filled adventures. Words: Fiona Tapp

1 RIDE WITH SEDONA JEEP TOURS Embark on an adventure through desert vistas on a tour of the Broken Arrow Trail. These off-road Jeeps easily scale enormous red rocks, inch down near-vertical descents, and offer unforgettable views.

2 HIKE ADOBE JACK TRAIL By Sedona standards, this 1.7 mile hike is fairly easy. The route includes Mogollon Rim, winding mesquite and cypress forests (popular with cyclists), and striking views of red rock. It also intersects with numerous other trails, Coyote and Grand Central.

3 GO HORSEBACK RIDING See the Southwest from the saddle: experiences include a gentle cowpoke group ride led by an experienced wrangler and a more bespoke, personalised private tour. It’s a great way of taking in the area’s scenery.

4 TAKE A HOT AIR BALLOON RIDE There’s nothing quite like climbing into the basket of a hot air balloon, hearing the roar of the flames above you and gently soaring upwards away from the desert floor — it’s well worth the early pre-dawn wake-up call to witness the sunrise from high above Sedona. Afterwards, enjoy a celebratory toast or even a Champagne breakfast.

5 GAZE AT STARS AND RED ROCKS Book one of 40 atrium rooms at Ambiente, a Landscape Hotel and experience the purported healing properties of the Sedona landscape for yourself. A stay in one of the atriums, which naturally blend into the surrounding forest, offers private rooftops for a spot of stargazing and a wealth of views including Coconino National Forest and Red Rock formations.