Red Rock Basecamp Tour

Red Rock Basecamp Tour

Camping Hiking Tours

4 Days, 3 Nights 27 MI / 43 KM

Trip Highlights

Our Red Rock Basecamp tour is an opportunity to hike the best of Sedona’s wild backcountry and have an all around outdoor experience, while still enjoying front country comforts like showers, swimming pools, cold drinks and elaborate meals. On this tour let us take care of everything, so you can focus 100% on exploring and enjoying the magical high desert world around Sedona. Enjoy wonderful outdoor cuisine, comfortable camping, iconic Sedona landscapes, other-worldly rock formations, amazing history, and must-do Sedona hikes!

In the mornings we’ll embark on a mix of carefully selected day hikes that acquaint you with the unique and amazing features of Sedona’s Red Rock Country: towering buttes, cliffs and other rock formations; deep canyons and rainbows of colored sandstone; spring-fed creeks; fascinating cultural and natural history; endless views and more! In the afternoons we’ll return to our camp next to Oak Creek to relax and read a book on the beach, enjoy a dip in our campground’s swimming pool, go for walks along the creek, or drive into Sedona to visit museums, shops and art galleries. At night we’ll feast on wonderful, outdoor meals and relax around a blazing campfire.

  • Check Mark Fantastic Sedona Hikes
  • Check Mark Creekside Camping
  • Check Mark Iconic Red Rock Canyons
  • Check Mark High Desert Wilderness
  • Check Mark "Secret Garden" of the Rim Country
  • Check Mark Wonderful Outdoor Cuisine
  • Check Mark Iconic Views

Book This Trip

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Trip Details

  • Trip Type

    Trip Type

    Camping Hiking Tours
  • Trip Length

    Trip Length

    4 Days, 3 Nights
  • Hiking Distance

    Daily Hiking Distance

    6-10 mi
  • Group Size

    Group Size

    2-6 Guests
  • Trip Begins

    Sedona, AZ
  • Trip Ends

    Sedona, AZ
  • Permit Info

    No permit required
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Is This Trip Right For me?

Sedona trips follow well traveled and built trails, but the nature of the landscape lends itself to sections of moderate heights exposure and consistent walking on rocky and sandy terrain. This trip has long hiking distances but with generally moderate elevation gains and light backpack weights. It is between a level 2 and 3 difficulty tour, tending slightly toward level 2.

Difficulty Level
2 of 5
Question Mark Learn More
Solitude Level
2 of 5
Question Mark Learn More
Hiking Distances
4 of 5

6-10 mi

Backpack Weight
1 of 5

10-15 pounds

Terrain
3 of 5

Moderately Rugged

Max Daily Elevation
4 of 5

Up to 2250 ft

Height & Exposure
3 of 5

Moderate

Trip Itinerary

Please Note: We always do everything in our power to follow the set itinerary, however it can change occasionally based on temporary access restrictions, weather, lodging/campground availability, guest ability/injury, natural events like fires and flooding, and other potential causes. Normal terms and conditions apply to trips with itinerary changes.

Day 1

Hiking Mileage: 8.6 miles

1-way Elevation Change: 1198 feet

Campground: Lo Lo Mai Campground

The first day of this Sedona hiking tour we experience one of Sedona’s gem hikes as we walk back in time on old wagon roads (now trails) to a red rock saddle that offers incredible views. The trail we hike, Hangover Trail, named for the overhanging rock that shelters part of the route from the sun, is a Sedona must-do. It involves exhilarating steps on pure sandstone up Schnebly Hill for vistas and panoramic views of the canyons below. This is a great hike to hear the history and story of T.C. Schnebly and his wife Sedona, for whom the town is named after. We’ll take our time returning to the trailhead to enjoy the downhill hiking and soak up the views.

After our hike we’ll head to our campground and set up camp. We’ll get “moved in” to our tents and enjoy some time to relax, swim, shower or explore Oak Creek before a fantastic dinner and campfire.

Day 2

Hiking Mileage: 8.8 miles

1-way Elevation Change: 2250 feet

Campground: Lo Lo Mai Campground

Today we’ll head north to conquer Sedona’s highest peak at 7,122 feet.

On the first few steps of this hike we’re immediately transported to an entirely new character of landscape – the ecosystem is lush, with tall, deciduous and coniferous trees. Towering red and white sandstone spires protrude from the mountainside and provide stunning views as we ascend to the summit of this glorious mountain.

On the summit we’re rewarded with arguably one of the best views the Sedona area can offer – a panorama of the beautiful Red Rocks surrounding us and Oak Creek Canyon below us! We’ll enjoy a wonderful, relaxing picnic lunch with endless Sedona views as our backdrop before hiking back to our trailhead.

We’ll shuttle back to our campground, relax for an hour or two, and then enjoy another outstanding outdoor dinner.

Day 3

Hiking Mileage: 7.5 miles

1-way Elevation Change: 500 feet

Campground: Lo Lo Mai Campground

Today is a more relaxing but iconic Sedona hike. We’ll walk 7.5 miles on one of Sedona’s most scenic hiking routes. We begin near Courthouse Butte and Bell Rock, two of Sedona’s most prominent and beautiful landmarks, and quickly climb several hundred feet into layered shelves of red rock sandstone. We’ll stop to appreciate and learn about all the different types and uses of desert plants in the area. Half-way into our hike we’ll reach Cathedral Rock, a stunning, nearly 1,000 foot tall sandstone monolith.

We’ll rest in the shade of cottonwood trees lining the banks of Oak Creek, along the northwest side of Cathedral Rock. Your guide will prepare a tasty lunch and share some of the native and indigenous history of the area – this very spot was once a fertile hunting ground. Nearby, petroglyphs hidden behind oak brush and manzanita tell the story of how deer were once hunted along the banks of this perennial stream.

After lunch we’ll complete our hike among the towering cliffs, sheer pinnacles and pristine canyons of Sedona. We’ll shuttle back to our campground, relax for an hour or two, and then enjoy another outstanding outdoor dinner.

Day 4

Hiking Mileage: 4.5-8 miles

1-way Elevation Change: 500-800 feet

We’ll finish our adventure with a beautiful loop hike around Mescal Mountain. This hike offers a mix of walking through pristine forests and slick rock sections with BIG, iconic Sedona views. We can extend our hike by heading up a quiet canyon or adding another shorter loop towards the end to add more mileage, depending on timing and the interests of the group. Either way this is an amazing hike and opportunity to see an entirely different side of the Red Rock District!

We will eventually return to Sedona proper to bring you back to your accommodations and say our goodbyes after an unforgettable 4 days in Red Rock country!

Trip Dates

Click on a date to register. You can also click here to request new dates or book through customer service.

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What's Included

  • Trip Included
    Roomy tent, supportive sleeping pad, and cozy sleeping bag
  • Trip Included
    Use of trekking poles
  • Trip Included
    All meals are included from breakfast the first day through lunch on the last day
  • Trip Included
    Trained hiking guide(s) with years of personal wilderness and hiking experience, medical certifications, and a passion for leading people into breathtaking landscapes. See Guide Bios.
  • Trip Included
    Transportation for the duration of the tour, beginning and ending in Sedona
  • Trip Included
    National Forest recreation passes
  • Trip Included
    Emergency equipment including a company-issued first-aid kit and communication device

What's Not Included

  • Trip Not Included
    Clothes, raingear, and footwear
  • Trip Not Included
    Sunscreen, toiletries and personal items
  • Trip Not Included
    Water bottles and a headlamp or flashlight
  • Trip Not Included
    Guide gratuity (industry recommendation is 10-20% of trip cost)

Accommodations

Premier Campgrounds

3 nights

On our basecamp tours we hand pick wonderful campgrounds that put us right in the action for exceptional hiking and camping vacations. They may be national park, state park, or private vehicle-accessible campgrounds. They may vary by trip date depending on availability and seasonality.

Fantastic Meals

14 Meals

Basecamp trips include meals for the duration of the tours beginning with breakfast the first day through lunch the final day. Meals are prepared by your guide(s) using fresh ingredients, exclusive Wildland recipes, and we adhere to all department of health outdoor cooking codes.

Comfortable Camping

Camping Amenities

What amenities do basecamp tours include? Cold and hot drinks, campfires (where/when allowed), camp chairs, access to showers, fresh food, roomy tents, comfortable sleeping pads, comfy sleeping bags, camp pillows and more! Camp comfortably, eat like royalty, and hike til your heart’s content!

Trip Logistics & FAQs

Where Do We Meet?

Your guide will conduct a virtual orientation meeting (via conference call) at 5:00 PM the evening before your trip begins to review the packing list, communicate the first day’s logistics and answer any last minute questions you have. Your guide will give you the phone number for this call during the pre-trip contact approximately 10 days before your trip start date.

Early on the morning of Day 1 your guide will pick you up from your accommodations in Sedona.

Click here to see a printable, downloadable trip information packet with more detailed guidance about flights, shuttles, recommended lodging and more.

Travel to Sedona

Travel to Sedona

ARIZONA SHUTTLE
Groome Transportation makes 13 dependable trips daily each direction between Phoenix and Sedona. The duration is 1 hour and 45 minutes. They pickup/drop off at Sky Harbor Airport and the Metro Center in Phoenix, and in Sedona they will drop you off and/or pick you up at your hotel for a small additional fee.

There is no shuttle service from Las Vegas to Sedona.

CAR RENTAL
Sky Harbor Airport in Phoenix and Harry Reid International Airportin Las Vegas have fantastic car rental facilities that are easily accessible and host a great variety of companies. We recommend checking Priceline.com as well for especially good deals.

The drive time from Phoenix to Sedona is approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes. From Las Vegas it is approximately 4 hours and 30 minutes.

ARIZONA EXECUTIVE TRANSPORT
Arizona Executive Transport offers private, reliable SUV service between Phoenix and Sedona. This option is best if you’re traveling in a group of 3 or 4. As Wildland Trekking guests, your one-way cost for up to 4 passengers is discounted. Simply type “Wildland Trekking Company” in the Discount Code Box at the bottom of the online registration page. The discount varies depending on the time of year. You can go to http://www.arizonaexecutivellc.com to make your reservations online.

Start/End Times

Your guide will inform you of the first day’s departure time in the pre trip contact. Generally, you can expect between 5-8am, although the exact time will depend on current weather and road conditions.We will drop you off at your hotel on the final day normally before 5 PM (this time is not guaranteed, as a variety of circumstances can influence our exact return time).

Safety Precautions

Your safety is our top priority. Our hiking tours are led by professional hiking guides, all of whom are wilderness-certified first responders or EMT’s, each with years of guiding and wilderness experience. Guides adhere to standardized risk management protocols in case of any potential or actual incident, and all tours carry an emergency communication device and comprehensive first-aid kit. Additionally we have a “24/7” system through which guides or guests can reach Wildland support personnel at any time.

If you have any further questions about safety, please contact us at 1-800-715-HIKE (4453) for more information.

Age Restrictions

Age restrictions on this trip are as follows:

  • 12 and older to join scheduled tours (mixed groups)
  • 5 and older to join private tours, with final approval and specific logistical requirements (such as porter or stock assist) determined on a case by case basis

Reviews

4.9 (33 reviews)
add a review
Matthew D
5.0
8 months ago

Absolutely recommend!

Absolutely loved my trip. Better than expected and Stephen and Kenny were the greatest guides - very tuned in to what the group wanted and altering the trip as possible to fit our needs, wants, and the weather. Absolutely recommend!

Jamie M
5.0
1 year ago

I would definitely do another trip with Wildland!

The Sedona Reck Rocks Basecamp trip was awesome. I liked that the hikes that were selected for this trip included various elevations, difficulty and scenery. The camp was right next to a beautiful stream so each day we got to come back to it and soak our tired feet. Our guide Chris was very professional and knowledgable. He had hot coffee and breakfast ready each morning which fueled us for the day. I would definitely do another trip with Wildland!

Michael K
5.0
1 year ago

Excellent

My 4th trip and perhaps my best. Good organization and execution at all levels.

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