When you drive to Sedona, Arizona, the scenery immediately brings attention. Towering rock formations, shaped by wind and water for millions of years, create a dramatic background. Famous rock formations include Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock and Snoopy Rock, each with its unique shape and local folktales. They are all famously photographed, especially at the sunset when the red cliffs shine.

Hikers love this area because they vary in the degree of difficulty it offers. Bell Rock is a favorite among hikers and offers panoramic views, but Snoopy Rock, resembling the beloved Peanut character, adds a whimsical touch to the scenery. Cathedral Rock, Coffee Pot Rock, and Courthouse Butte are a few others.

I have been to Sedona about 10 times and during all four seasons. Every time I see something new. Rocks never disappoint, the sun, clouds, thunderstorms and snow give the rock another perspective. I was there last summer and it was hot. It’s 3,200 feet taller than Phoenix, but is usually much cooler. No matter the season, there’s a lot to do in and around Sedona.

Not only is the views spectacular, but the area is filled with a wide variety of restaurants, hotels and many outdoor activities. It’s just a 2-hour drive from Phoenix’s Sky Harbor Airport.

For those who want to surpass scenic oversights, the Pink Jeep Tour offers a thrilling way to explore the terrain. A guided off-road adventure that brings you closer to Sedona’s unique geological wonders, the tour guide excels as it shares insights into Sedona’s history, geology and wildlife. You can see pink jeeps everywhere around Sedona. The signature bright pink vehicle stands out when traversing rocky trails.

We tackled steep slopes and bumpy trails, providing a new perspective on each turn. All the new views were more unbelievable than last time. This guide pointed out the plants used by Indigenous tribes and how iron oxide gives rocks a deep red tint.

One of the highlights of the tour was the chicken point. This is a scenic oversight that shows off the spectacular views of Sedona. I navigated the broken arrow trail known for its narrow roads and steep drops. The guide, which handled extremely bumpy trails, drove Jeep locations that the vehicle had no idea they could navigate.

During the journey he pointed out a hidden form of rock formation. Each was named after an object or person. His storytelling and knowledge created both educational and exhilarating experiences.

There was extra time left on one of our pink jeep tours, so our guide took us to an old movie that came out of town. John Wayne filmed two films there. The saddle is tall1944, and Angel and Badman1946. It was a few yards away and looked like an old western set, except for a well-maintained golf course. By the end of the tour it was clear why Sedona’s rock formations continued to attract visitors.

For those who want to experience the rock formations in an unforgettable way, the Pink Jeep Tour is truly worth a ride. Prices and durations vary. A quick overview tour can take an hour and a half or take an 11-hour tour to the Grand Canyon and beyond. Prices vary from $79 to $283.

The “bump” speed ranges from 2 to 5. If you have certain physical limitations or are prone to moving intoxication, consult a Pink Jeep Tour before booking. We took some tours of different lengths – broken arrows, scenic rivers.

Just above the road is Slide Rock State Park, which is accessible by the highway. Naturally charming, the park is known for its rock formations carved in the slippery waters along Oak Creek. My daughter and friends love it as they slide into the stream on smooth rocks. The background is stunning with red rock cliffs surrounding the park.

In future columns I will write about interesting shopping, a wide range of dining options, and the famous chapel of the cross surrounded by the cliffs of Sedona.

Did you know that you can tour our own amazing Smoky Mountains on a Pink Jeep Tour? In 2019, our first Pink Jeep tour arrived east of the Mississippi River at Pigeon Forge. It’s a great way to see the many wonders of our scenic mountains.

How to get to Sedona: It’s easy now. Allegiant Airlines fly directly – no stops – and only 4 hours twice a week to Sky Harbor in Phoenix. You can’t beat the price! You can jump out of Knoxville and climb and view Sedona’s rocks within eight hours. This is very feasible given the fact that Arizona time is three hours behind Knoxville.

Melanie Staten is a public relations consultant with her husband Vince.