Staying for (3) days in Sedona! Questions...

[NS Jeep]

Hey Guys,

Looking to stay in Sedona for (3) days in early November. I've done a little research on Jeep rentals in the area and Barlow's seems to be highly regarded based on favorable reviews on Trip Advisor's website. Would you guys recommend them as well or are there other businesses you'd care to suggest?

So, where I'm looking to be in the area for (3) days, I've got a decent amount of time to explore the trail system there. Not looking for anything too challenging as my GF can't take much in the way of rough off-roading due to medical reasons (back issues). Also, I don't want to put the rental Jeep in a situation where the likelihood of damage is probable. I simply don't want to take unacceptable risks with other people's property.

Popular recommendations seem to be Broken Arrow, Soldier's Pass, and Schnebly Hill Rd. Would those all be reasonable choices under the circumstances? I'll likely have more than enough time to do those along with others. Any other suggestions?

Oh! And just as important - restaurants! What are your favorites in the area?

Thanks!

 

[Linebacker]

Great time to wheel in Sedona. I think you have the good trails for moderate challenges. Broken arrow is probably the best. It offers easy to difficult depending upon which lines you choose. The Devil's Staircase is a challenge. Most folks run the trail so they go down it. If you're equipped with a rear locker, turn around and go up it. There are videos on YouTube of folks making the climb without lockers but there's lots of dust and wheelspin. Fun. You'll probably run Schnebly Hill from Sedona to where it joins I-17 to Flagstaff. The best views are if you turn around and head back down to Sedona. The attached pic was taken near the top of Schnebly Hill on the return trip with Sedona in the background. Barlow has, I believe, JK's lightly modded for the trails you're planning to run. You'll probably meet some Pink Jeep Tour JK's with six people in them and female drivers who can wheel 'em like Cindy does. When we're in Sedona we always like to take the very scenic Oak Creek Canyon north to Flagstaff and have a few and a good meal at the Beaver Street Brewery. Another great place and a bit of an institution in AZ is Oregano's. It's close to Northern Arizona University so you know the pizza is good. They have a full service menu with huge salads, pasta and great service. My fav salad is the Vino Bambino. It's a belly buster. You'll need a doggie bag. They're located right off 89-A the main drag into Flag. The address is 605 W. Riordan. Enjoy!

 

[bthomas]

Agree with the above, and will add that Nena Barlow has a great local reputation and her jeeps always look pretty good for rentals. Also Soldiers Pass is slated to be closed soon to all motorized traffic except one tour company that isn't pink and must have greased some pockets, so wheel Soldiers while you can, but remember the staging area is someone's side yard basically. As far as good places to eat, I got nothing, we usually camp up the hill and just run down to Sedona for a few hours and then head back up to the trees.

Edit: There is a 45 day appeal on the closure, so hopefully something changes.

 

[uberc4]

You may have issues with Soldier's Pass as they are trying to close that trail down to the public. Schnebly Hill is a pretty bumpy road (It does have awesome views at the to overlooking Sedona). Broken Arrow is gorgeous, but a lot easier than I expected.

Food: if you like omelettes, Coffee Pot Cafe. Picazzo Italian Kitchen had good pizza, the breakfast burrito from Cafe Jose was good too.

 

[Eugene]

Picazzo Italian Kitchen had good pizza...

Another vote for Picazzo.

 

[NS Jeep]

Thanks, for the advice guys! Wow, that's unfortunate the Soldier's Pass is going to be shut down. I hope it's still open by the time I get to Sedona. It looks like a well used trail from the vids I've seen on Youtube - maybe even a little too well used.

The Picazzo sounds perfect as my GF and I both enjoy Italian a lot. Would like to try a real good south-west/Mexican style restaurant as well. I'm not sure how well I'd be able to handle a burrito first thing in the morning - especially if wheeling afterwards. lol.

Barlow's Rentals sounds like a winner then. Unless of course I could manage to rent a Jeep from a rental car agency out of Las Vegas first. It'll save me some money not having to rent (2) vehicles while on vacation. Though, I'll do it if necessary.

 

[NevadaZielmeister]

Barlow's Rentals sounds like a winner then. Unless of course I could manage to rent a Jeep from a rental car agency out of Las Vegas first. It'll save me some money not having to rent (2) vehicles while on vacation. Though, I'll do it if necessary.

Just note that rental companies usually have an off road exclusion, including denial of collision waiver, meaning that you could end up paying all damage yourself. Just make sure you read the fine print.

I recommend renting from the local places in Sedona. Less hassle and total piece of mind.

 

[NS Jeep]

Just note that rental companies usually have an off road exclusion, including denial of collision waiver, meaning that you could end up paying all damage yourself. Just make sure you read the fine print.

I recommend renting from the local places in Sedona. Less hassle and total piece of mind.

Good point. I'm sure Barlow's will ultimately be my best option all things considered.