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Sedona

Thursday, April 23, 2026 - Thursday, April 30, 2026 -- $1900 ★

Sedona’s breathtaking red rock landscapes make it a true life-list destination—not just for avid hikers, but for anyone who craves beauty, variety, and a touch of the mystical. With towering Ponderosa pine forests, iconic sandstone formations, and the famed energy “vortices” said to possess spiritual significance, Sedona offers a truly unique blend of nature, adventure, and intrigue.


Our trip begins in Phoenix, where we’ll meet and shuttle north to Sedona to set up base camp at a frontcountry campground. From there, each day will include a different guided day hike, providing a variety of perspectives on this striking desert landscape. Expect sweeping views, slot canyons, dramatic cliffs, and peaceful pine-shaded trails.


One full day will be dedicated to exploring Sedona’s famed vortex sites, for those curious about the area's reputed metaphysical energy. Another day we’ll head to Flagstaff for a full-day adventure on the Flagstaff Extreme Adventure Course — an exhilarating ropes and obstacle course set high in the treetops, perfect for your inner “American Ninja Warrior.”


With spring in full bloom, this is a prime time to experience Sedona—when wildflowers pop, temperatures are comfortable, and the red rocks seem to glow in the golden light. Whether you’re looking to boost your fitness, explore new landscapes, or just enjoy a week immersed in one of the Southwest’s most scenic regions, this trip is designed to be memorable, fun, and full of variety.



Topographical Map of Proposed Route

See Topo map


Weather

Weather is always an important factor when hiking, and spring is an ideal time to visit Sedona. Expect daytime temperatures to range comfortably in the 70s and 80s°F, making for excellent hiking conditions. However, nights can be cold, often dropping into the 30s, and on rare occasions, even below freezing.


It’s not uncommon for daytime highs to reach into the 90s, so bring ample sun protection. While the weather is typically sunny and stable this time of year, be prepared for a wide range of temperatures—from hot, dry afternoons to chilly, dry nights. Pack layers and a warm sleeping system.



Probable Trip Leaders

Rick Romine
Julie Quibodeaux
Any Other Guide(s) TBD

Cost

$1900 per person double occupancy. Here, double occupancy means that you will share a hotel room with another trip participant. Single room accommodations are available for purchase. You will also be responsible for transportation to and from Phoenix, AZ (PHX) as well as personal equipment, restaurant meals (typically 2 dinners) and any gratuities for guides. You may also be charged for any parking charges for leaving your car at the hotel all week if you drive.


Covered expenses include 1 hotel night, 6 nights in a front country campground, storage fees, 6 days of trail meals, airport transfers, ground transportation to/from/within the National Forest, National Forest permits, entrance fees and awesome guides.


Tipping: In order to keep our prices competitive with (and hopefully favorable to) other outfitters, we shamefully can’t pay our guides as much as we think they deserve. Like most other guiding services, we rely on the generosity of our participants to make up this shortfall by tipping the guides. Gratuity can comprise a significant and important part of a guide’s compensation. The industry recommended gratuity amount is 10-20% of the trip cost. Gratuities are always optional and based on level of satisfaction but generally account for 30-60% of their income through gratuities. Fitpacking supports tipping to the greatest extent possible while remaining tactful and professional. Guides are not permitted to solicit tips in any way other than doing an exceptional job supporting and providing exceptional customer service to our participants. If your guides have served you well, please support them with gratuities so they can continue living their extravagant lifestyles of eating powdered meals, sleeping in the dirt and pooping in smelly outhouses and small holes they've dug.



Important Notes about this trip


Although the trails can be rugged, our hiking distances are not overly aggressive. Furthermore, our hikes are day-hikes carrying relatively small amounts of weight. However, expect to carry at least 4 liters (8 pounds) of water to ensure that you're hydrated. Elevation changes are moderate or somewhat high -- there are climbs, making this trip sometimes challenging but still good for beginners.


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Itinerary
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Cost
Important Note
Difficulty (Please Read)
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Itinerary


Thursday, April 23, 2026

Fly or drive into Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX).

We will pick you up and bring you to Guide Emeritus Deb's house. Your flight must arrive by 2PM in order to get to the park in a timely manner. If you cannot arrive early or can save a significant amount by arriving later, please let us know and we may be able to make arrangments that work with your arrival time

We will assemble at: Guide Deb's House, 12419 S Suki Ct Phoenix, AZ 85044

Equipment shakedown. We go through your packs to make sure you're prepared for the trip equipment-wise.

Make-your-own trail mix bar. You craft your personal trail mix from a cornucopia of nuts, fruits, sweets and occasional wildcard items that we provide.

All the items that you won't bring on the trail will be set aside and put in storage at Deb's house

At around 3PM, shuttle to campsite: Manzanita Campground, Coconino National Forest, 5900 N State Rte 89A, Sedona, AZ 86336 Site(s) TBD

Shuttling will take about 3.5 hours

Guides prepare dinner in camp. On some trips with longer shuttle times, we may opt to go out for an opening dinner at a local restaurant. (Cost of restaurant dinner not included in trip price)

Camp at Manzanita Campground, Coconino National Forest, 5900 N State Rte 89A, Sedona, AZ 86336 Site(s) TBD


Friday, April 24, 2026

Vortex Day

Shuttle to Airport Vortex

Day-Hike 3.3 mile loop around airport, elevation 4830'

Visit Cathedral Rock Vortex

Start day-hiking at trailhead, elevation 4040'

Day-Hike 1.7 miles to Cathedral Rock, elevation 4964'

Day-Hike 1.7 miles back to trailhead, elevation 4040''

Visit Bell Rock Vortex

Day-Hike 3.4 mile loop around Bell Rock and Courthouse Butte

Base Camp at Manzanita Campground, sites TBD, elevation 6065'

Miles today: 10.1. Total miles: 10.1


Saturday, April 25, 2026

Shuttle to Bootlegger Picnic area and AB Young Trailhead, Rte 89A, elevation 5225’

Day-Hike 2.5 mostly uphill miles to a the East Pocket Lookout tower, elevation 7139’ to the East Pocket Lookout Tower and amazing views the valley below

Day-Hike 2.5 mostly downhill miles back to the trailhead, elevation 5225’

Base Camp at Manzanita Campground, sites TBD, elevation 6065'

Miles today: 5.0. Total miles: 15.1


Sunday, April 26, 2026

Shuttle to Brin's Mesa Trailhead, Forest Rd 152, elevation 4640'

Day-Hike 1.5 slightly uphill miles to trail intersection, elevation 4930'

Day-Hike 2.0 more miles on Brin's Mesa to Jim Thompson trailhead, elevation 4520'

Day-Hike 0.6 miles via Cibola Pass to a trail intersection, elevation 4520'

Day-Hike 0.5 miles via Devil's Kitchen to a trail intersection, elevation 4510'

Day-Hike 1.7 miles via Soldier Pass to a trail intersection, elevation 4930'

Day-Hike 1.5 slightly downhill miles back to the starting trailhead, elevation 4640'

Base Camp at Manzanita Campground, sites TBD, elevation 6065'

Miles today: 7.8. Total miles: 22.9


Monday, April 27, 2026

Shuttle to Sterling Pass Trailhead, off of route 89, elevation 4800'

Day-Hike 2.1 uphill miles over Sterling Pass, elevation 6000' and then downhill to Vultee Arch spur trail, elevation 5190'

Day-Hike 0.2 uphill miles to Vultee Arch, elevation 5310'

Day-Hike 0.2 downhill miles to the Vultee Arch Trail, elevation 5190'

Day-Hike 1.5 downhill miles to the Vultee Arch Trailhead, elevation 4800'

Day-Hike 3.6 miles back to the the shuttle vehicles, elevation 4800'

Base Camp at Manzanita Campground, sites TBD, elevation 6065'

Miles today: 7.6. Total miles: 30.5


Tuesday, April 28, 2026

Shuttle to Flagstaff for Flagstaff Extreme Adventures for a full adult course. This is where you can start your training for American Ninja Warrior!

Base Camp at Manzanita Campground, sites TBD, elevation 6065'

Miles today: 0.0. Total miles: 30.5


Wednesday, April 29, 2026

Break Camp. Pack everything into shuttle vehicle(s)

Shuttle to Harding Spring Trailhead, elevation 5440'

Day-Hike 0.8 steep uphill miles to Harding Spring with somewhat of a view, elevation 6190'

Day-Hike 0.8 steep downhill miles to the Harding Spring Trailhead, 5440'

Shuttle to Doe Mountain Trailhead, elevation 5030'

Day-Hike 0.6 steep uphill miles to Doe Mountain, elevation 5030'

Day-Hike 0.6 steep downhill miles to Doe Mountain Trailhead, elevation 4620'

End of hiking

Miles today: 2.8. Total miles: 33.3

Shuttle 3 hours back to Phoenix

Shuttle back to local hotel: TBD, To Be Determined

Gather your off-trail items from storage

Farewell dinner at a local restaurant (Dinner cost not included in trip price)

Stay in our local hotel (included in trip cost)

This is the official end of the trip. You are welcome to spend the night at the hotel, however if you drove and would like to get on the road or if you flew and would like to schedule a late flight (or a red-eye if this is a West Coast trip) you can definitely do so.


Thursday, April 30, 2026

Free breakfast in hotel

Take free airport shuttle or we will pay for a shared cab/Uber


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