This Jeep Safari Tour Through Sedona’s Western Canyons Region is an Unforgettable Adventure

It was a sunny yet cold Friday morning in January in Sedona, and an open-air Jeep picked us up at Amara Resort, where we were staying in Uptown. Bundled up in our winter coats, scarves, gloves, and anything else to keep warm, we were greeted by Lea, the friendly, outgoing tour driver with Arizona Safari Jeep Tours. After we boarded the custom open-air Jeep, buckled up, covered ourselves with blankets our guide provided, and headed towards Sedona's Western canyons region, excitement grew, and we knew we were in for an unforgettable adventure in Arizona. As far as Sedona sightseeing tours go, this may be one of the best.

Per journalistic integrity, we disclose that the writer of this piece was invited on this tour as part of a press trip hosted by GV Public Relations, with expenses covered. However, all opinions and thoughts expressed in this piece are their own.

As we drove through Uptown towards Western Sedona, our Arizona Safari Jeep Tours guide gave us an overview of what to expect on this tour, along with her expertise as an off-road driver, something she had been doing since childhood. Her vivacious personality also broke the ice from the get-go, and we were entertained by her tales of growing up in the area, some of her off-roading stories, and her expert knowledge of Sedona and its OHV trails and culture. We knew we were in good hands on this off-road Jeep tour in Sedona.

Once we headed off the main road, Lea steered the Jeep toward the direction of the Outlaw Trail, a 23-mile trail popular for off-roading. Of course, we were in a vehicle that could handle the rough terrain, and I definitely wouldn't recommend taking your own vehicle out on this trail unless it's a 4WD with high clearance or an OHV.

Our airplane-style seatbelts kept us safely inside the Jeep as Lea drove the Outlaw Trail, which was extremely rugged in parts. She expertly handled some small but steep hills, slowing the vehicle down to maneuver over the rocks and dips. There were times when the Jeep tipped to one side or another, jostling us around in the process, so I was grateful we were all belted in. It's all part of the fun anyway, right?

Along the trail, Lea occasionally stopped the vehicle to point something out in the distance and tell us a story. For example, she told us about Robbers Roost, tucked into the side of a mountain. Also known as the Shaman's Cave or Hide Out Cave, it was once a place for robbers to hide, and you can either hike to it or take a 4WD to get there and enjoy spectacular views.

At another stopping point, she pointed out Bradshaw Ranch in a small valley between Hartwell and Loy Canyons. Although it now belongs to the federal government and no trespassing is allowed, it once belonged to Bob Bradshaw and was a popular filming location for many years. As legend has it, however, Bradshaw Ranch experienced its fair share of paranormal sightings, including UFOs and strange lights. If you have access to The History Channel, you may be able to catch Bradshaw Ranch featured in the series "Beyond Skinwalker Ranch."

As an animal lover, one of my favorite stops was to watch a cow on the side of the road. Lea told us that cows from a nearby ranch will roam the area, and other wildlife can be found as well.

We continued on along the Outlaw Trail for a while until we arrived at an overlook. Not only did we enjoy the landscape views, but Lea pulled some dowsing rocks out for us to use as she talked about the vortexes, which are just as famous as the red rocks of Sedona. If you're unfamiliar with Sedona's vortex sites, these areas are known for their energy, sought out by those interested in spirituality and wellness. They are considered sacred areas, and apparently, a good way to test for vortex energy is to use dowsing rods, which Lea gave us a tutorial on how to hold before we used them. Typically made of copper, the rods can also be used to detect water and minerals. It was fascinating to see the rods move in my hands towards the area where our guide told us was a vortex.

As we headed towards the last section of the trail, our tour guide told us another fun story. In 1968, Elvis Presley was staying in Sedona to star in the American Western comedy "Stay Away Joe," which was filmed at Bradshaw Ranch. While there, he insisted that telephone lines be installed through the remote canyon so he could call family members. And the telephone lines are still here. We got to see them as we drove through the canyon towards the end of the tour. So, if you're an Elvis fan, this is just another reason to take a tour with Arizona Safari Jeep Tours!

From start to finish, our tour of Sedona's Western canyons was an unforgettable adventure. Between the stunning landscapes seen from inside an open-air vehicle as it moved along off-road trails and our knowledgeable, entertaining guide, Lea, I highly recommend taking a tour with Arizona Safari Jeep Tours. It's an incredibly unique way to see Sedona!

Looking for more things to do in Sedona, Arizona? Plan a day trip or a week-long adventure using Only In Your State’s itinerary planner. As for places to stay, I highly recommend the luxurious Amara Resort. Located in Uptown along Oak Creek, the property feels secluded while within walking distance to the heart of Sedona.