El Portal Sedona Hotel - Your Sedona Hiking Headquarters

SEDONA, AZ, December 04, 2010 (Press-News.org) Sedona, Arizona offers some of the most spectacular hiking anywhere in the world, and now is the perfect time to take advantage of the cool, clear weather and gorgeous views while out on the trail. Nowhere else can you find hikes that offer everything from Indian ruins to wooded hikes near Oak Creek, natural stone bridges, towering red rock canyon walls, and mysterious energy vortexes.

Visitors to Sedona who are interested in hiking; whether beginners or experienced trekkers, will benefit from a stay at El Portal Sedona Hotel. This luxury boutique hotel specializes in accommodating those who want to take advantage of everything Sedona has to offer. El Portal owner, Steve Segner, is an avid outdoorsman who has hiked extensively in the Sedona area for years. He and the staff at El Portal personally sit down with guests and assist them in mapping out the ideal hiking routes based on ability and what they most want to experience. El Portal staff can send guests off on their own with a picnic lunch, or arrange for guided combination jeep and hiking tours.

Sun Country Jeep Tours allow guests to connect with the Sedona landscape in a unique way, exploring seldom seen parts of the area. Sun Country tour guides work with visitors to incorporate yoga or Qi Gong, meditation and ceremony if desired on customized hikes. Guests can experience full moon hikes, sunset hikes, hikes to high places, exhilarating and challenging hikes, as well as gentle hikes suitable for beginners.

One of the most popular hiking destinations in the area is Sedona's majestic Red Rock State Park. The park is a 286-acre preserve and environmental education center with breathtaking scenery of red rock and flowing water. There are many trails to choose from, winding through Manzanita and juniper to the banks of Oak Creek. El Portal staff can help you choose a selection of hikes to fill whatever time you'd like to spend.

Another favorite trail in the area leads to Devil's Bridge, which is considered the largest natural arch in the Sedona area. It is fifty-four feet high, has a thickness of five feet and spans over 45 feet. From atop the cracked and fractured sandstone arch are dramatic views of the canyons, mountains and red rock cliffs. The trail utilizes natural rocks as stairs to the top of the arch, making the trail suitable for hikers of most abilities.

For those who want a longer day on the trail, Segner recommends the Wilson Mountain trail, which provides excellent views from its higher elevation of 7,122 feet. This is a strenuous hike of at least 10 miles and an elevation gain of 2,200 feet, but is a great choice for a less populated trail with spectacular views.

These are just a few of the trails available to Sedona visitors. Hiking enthusiasts staying at El Portal can return at the end of the day to their well appointed suite and relax on the patio with a glass of wine, or perhaps take advantage of a spa treatment or soothing massage at Los Abrigados Resort and Spa, located just steps away from the hotel.

Located in the heart of Sedona, El Portal Sedona Hotel is a luxurious twelve suite, pet friendly bed and breakfast. Each guest suite includes a private entrance, patio, fireplace, whirlpool bath, entertainment center with DVD, wifi, telephone, fax and more. Experience the dramatic views, relax in our romantic courtyard, shop the gift shops and galleries of the renowned Tlaquepaque arts and crafts village, or hike the red rocks. Guests at El Portal have access to uniquely personalized concierge services throughout their stay Come to El Portal for your memorable Sedona Arizona vacation!