El Portal Sedona Hotel Hosts Guests for a Sedona Arizona Vacation of a Lifetime

SEDONA, AZ, October 24, 2010

At El Portal Luxury Hotel in Sedona, we know there is so much to do in and around Sedona. Our passion for the area has led us to discover all of the historic, cultural and natural wonders that make the area so special, and we share our knowledge with our guests on a daily basis. When you stay at El Portal, we help you plan each day trip, arranging everything you'll need to experience these amazing sights. And don't just book a night or two with us - here's a sampling of some of the ways you could fill a full five day trip.
Day one: explore the area around El Portal Luxury Inn on foot. Visit the shops next door at Tlaquepaque Village or take a short stroll down to Oak Creek and feed the ducks. Take an exciting jeep tour with our own Sun Country Adventures we would be happy to arrange it for you. After you've worked up an appetite, relax over dinner at Rene's or Oak Creek Brewery. Afterwards make yourself at home back at El Portal with a glass of wine around our campfire.
On your second day, prepare for a visit to the West's most amazing sights. The first stop on your day trip is Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument. Sunset Crater Volcano was born in a series of eruptions sometime between 1040 and 1100! Then head on to Cameron Trading Post; you can purchase handcrafted silver and turquoise jewelry, colorful handmade rugs, pottery, baskets and paintings from many tribes throughout the Southwest.
After spending time at the trading post, you arrive at the East Entrance to Grand Canyon Park. Take Desert View Drive (Highway 64), following the canyon rim for 26 miles, take in the magnificent vistas. The staff at El Portal Luxury Inn can assist you in deciding which route within the park is best for your excursion, as well as booking a train trip, a Custom Grand Canyon trip or a personal guide to accompany you. After taking in the spectacular views of the Grand Canyon, head back to El Portal in time for dinner.
On day three, take a short fifteen minute drive to the Palatki Ruins, where you can see 5,000 year old petroglyphs, and ruins left by the Sinagua Indians as early as 1100 A.D. There is a ceremonial site among the red rock cliffs that is an easy half-mile walk. Off to 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. Hike one of the many trails winding through manzanita and juniper to the banks of Oak Creek.
Revisit the ancient past of the Sinagua people at Tuzigoot Pueblo, located on the summit of a long ridge that oversees much of the Verde Valley. Get a glimpse into what was once a two-story structure that formed a thriving village.
The eclectic copper mining town of Jerome is next. This wild-west town has a rich history as a booming mining town, surviving several major fires, and becoming a virtual ghost town. Take in great views and the funky, western feel as you stroll through the shops and art galleries, visit the history museum and grab some grub at one of the local restaurants.
Head back through Cottonwood to Montezuma Castle, another wonderful example of the Sinagua legacy. Montezuma Castle is a five story high pueblo built under overhanging cliffs above Beaver Creek. It is one of the best-preserved Indian ruins in the Southwest. Eleven miles from the castle, you come to Montezuma's Well, a unique geologic feature that is home to unique species of animals, ancient Indian ruins and a 1,000 year old irrigation ditch still in use.
Return to El Portal and unwind with our ever-changing happy hour of cheeses, olives, bruschetta, assortment of cold meats, fruits, vegetables, tapenade and more.
Day four takes you north to the High Country, starting with Walnut Canyon National Monument. Start at the visitor's center and museum before taking in the panoramic views from the cliff edge and visiting the well-preserved, ancient buildings in the canyon walls. From here, you visit the Meteor Crater. Take in the stunning view of this natural wonder, and then head back on Hwy 40 East to Winslow, Arizona for lunch at Hotel La Posada. Go ahead, stand on the corner. You know you want to.
Carry on east to the Painted Desert and Petrified Forest National Park. This U.S. National Park is home to one of the world's largest and most colorful concentrations of petrified wood. We want to hear all about your day as you relax back at El Portal Sedona Hotel that evening.
No trip to Sedona would be complete without a hiking excursion in the gorgeous surrounding terrain. The staff at El Portal can help you decide on length, difficulty, elevation changes and scenery. A few of our favorites are Devil's Bridge, Wilson Mountain trail, Vulture Arch, and Boynton Canyon trail.
At El Portal Luxury Inn, we love sharing the wonders of Sedona and Arizona with our guests, and making a stay at our hotel an unforgettable experience. We invite you to take our trip - and have a wonderful Sedona Arizona vacation!

From the breathtaking mountains, sky and earth to the serenity and intimate peacefulness they offer... this spirit of timelessness and natural wonders which surround and fill us with a feeling of oneness... This spirit is the essence of the EL PORTAL, Sedona's luxury hacienda.