Sedona, AZ

Favorite Sedona Hikes

One of the benefits of living in Sedona (and the Verde Valley area in general) is that it is incredibly beautiful, and one of the best ways to experience its beauty to to hike through it. You can hike pretty much year-'round, but in the Spring the landscape fairly calls out to you to break away and enjoy Mother Nature's gifts. You could probably hike a different trail every day of the year if you wished, but there are a few that I think of as pretty hard to improve upon, and have become favorites.

• Devil's Bridge - overall one of the best bang-for-the-buck hikes in terms of views versus effort you'll ever find. It's only about a mile and fairly easy, with a short steep climb to the top of a dramatic red rock arch which pays off with stupendous views of the valley. Access it off Dry Creek Rd.
• Vultee Arch - another beautiful hike into a box canyon off of Dry Creek Rd. This one's about 1 1/2 miles each way, and takes you to another natural arch.
• Bell Rock and the Bell Rock Pathway - do part of it or all of it as time and your mood allow. This trail loops around Bell Rock and also has a loop around Courthouse Butte, or you can take it all the way to the Chapel area and the Little Horse Park trailhead. If you do that expect it to take a couple of hours. It's fairly level (except for Bell Rock itself, which has numerous trails - mind your step near the edges, as the prehistoric sandstone is soft and crumbles) and a great cool weather hike. It's also a favorite for mountain bikers, but it's broad enough that there's room for everyone. In summer, start early as there is zero shade. Pick up the trail just north of Bell Rock Blvd in the Village of Oak Creek.
• Speaking of summer, in hot weather the coolest hike is undoubtedly West Fork up in Oak Creek Canyon. It is also (justifiably) one of the most famous of Sedona's trails, so if you want to avoid the hoards, try to go mid-week. I had not been in years and went with a visiting friend this last summer, and was glad I did. I'd forgotten how truly wonderful it is. There's a short very easy portion that takes you down to the creek that pretty much anybody can enjoy at the Call of the Canyon entry (Zane Grey used the area as the location for his novel of that name). If you want to go farther, wear your old tennies because your feet will probably get wet, as the trail crosses the creek several times. There's plenty of shady spots and the creek to cool you. The entire canyon is about 12 miles but the most popular portion is the first 3 miles.
• Wet Beaver Creek - at least that's what we've always called it. I like to think of it as the less-crowded alternative to West Fork. It's another hike that's great in warmer weather as it follows Wet Beaver Creek, south of the Village of Oak Creek (take SR 179 under I-17 for a couple more miles to the trailhead parking area on the left). This is a great hike for wildflower lovers. Turns out that there are several trails that depart from this area, and the ones I usually take are Bell Trail and Weir Trail (1 1/2 to 2 hours). For the hardier hikers among you, pick up the Apache Maid and White Mesa trails.

If you're looking for a good guide book, I recommend Richard and Sherry Mangum's Sedona Hikes.

You will need a Red Rock Pass to park at any of these trailheads. Pick one up at the Sedona Chamber of Commerce near the 'Y' on Forest Road or click here for more places to purchase a pass. A final word: always carry plenty of water and wear sunscreen, year 'round. Happy Hiking!

Sedona Real Estate - Land is for the Buyer's taking!

The Sedona AZ Real Estate Market is seeing a strong buyer's market in the Vacant Land Arena. Currently there is a 7 year supply of vacant land on the market. What does that mean? It means that there is such an oversupply of land on the market, with such few buyers, that given at how slow the land sales are occuring, it will take 7 years to move all our current listings. So far, the median sold price of Sedona Land this year is at -$225,000. The same price it was in 2004! There have been only 9 land sales this year! So if you have always wanted to build your dream home in Sedona, now would be the time to jump into the Land Arena. There are reputable lender's out there - who will lend on vacant land. A buyer will have to put down around 20% to 25% - put then the rates are pretty good. And with all this dirt on the market - in many cases the seller's will carry the note. To discuss purchasing Sedona AZ land, I am available by cell at 800-975-5943, web - www.barbarabaker.com, and email at barbara@barbarabaker.com. You can follow me on twitter, facebook, or Linkedin. Happy Buying!

SEDONA REAL ESTATE MARKET STARTS TO REBOUND!Well some local experts beleive we have hit bottom in our pricing - and from our real estate statistic it seems that we are on the rebound! Currently we have sold 61 properties in Sedona since January with a median sold price of $401,000. Currently we have another 54 under contract with a median price point of $484,000. With current low interest rates, high seller motivation, home prices falling, and consumer confidence returning to our marketplace - it all adds up to a great start to the spring season! It's a great time to buy your dream home, an investment property, or a 2nd home. For all your buying needs please call me at 800-975-5943 or on the web at www.barbarabaker.com or via email at barbara@barbarbaker.com. Now is the time to take advantage of this great real estate market before prices rebound even more!

WELL, OUR MARKET IS HITTING UP - WITH MORE HOMES GOING UNDER CONTRACT SINCE 2006. IN FACT PENDINGS SALES ARE TRIPLE OF WHAT THEY WERE SINCE THIS PAST DECEMBER. WITH THE FEDS FINALLY GETTING IT RIGHT BY HELPING BANKS SHED THEIR TOXIC ASSETS - BANKS CAN NOW GET BACK IN THE BUSINESS OF LENDING. OUR MARKET IS STILL BEING DRIVEN BY FORECLOSURES AND SHORT SALES - BUT WE ARE SEEING MOTIVIATED SELLER'S DROPPING PRICES TO COMPETE WITH THAT INVENTORY. SO BETWEEN THE SHORT SALES, THE FORECLOSURES, AND SELLER'S MOTIVATIONS - OUR PRICES ARE COMING DOWN. LOCAL EXPERTS HERE PREDICT WE HAVE HIT BOTTOM- AND I WOULD AGREE. CURRENTLY IN SEDONA THERE HAVE BEEN 47 HOMES SOLD - BUT WE HAVE 43 PENDING.- FOR OUR MARKET THAT IS OUTSTANDING. AND BETTER YET, THE MEDIAN PRICE POINT IN JANUARY WAS $341,000 - AND IS NOW AT $424,000 - WHICH TELLLS ME.....IF YOU WANT TO BUY IN SEDONA, NOW WOULD BE THE TIME. DON'T WAIT.. WHY WAIT... NOW IS THE TIME. TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THIS RIPE TIME - BEFORE THE MARKET STARTS GOING UP AND PRICES YOU OUT OF YOUR DREAM! TO HELP YOU BUY RIGHT - I CAN BE REACHED AT WWW.BARBARABAKER.COM BARBARA@BARBARABAKER.COM. 0R 800-975-5943

1) Wilson Mountain - If you like long, uphill, strenuous hikes with jaw dropping views after hiking 5.2 miles and gaining 2400 vertical feet and topping out at 7000 feet; this hike's for you! Park at Midgley bridge & follow the signs. Summer sun makes this extra challenging.

2) West Fork - If you like a flat, out & back hike(3 miles one way) that's shaded by towering canyon spires and lush vegetation along a babbling brook; this is the hike. I've done this hike several dozen times. It's ideal for kids.

3) Bear Mountain - There are no real bears. But its 2.8 miles one way with an 1100' elevation gain. Park at the base of Doe Mountain which is around the corner from Boynton canyon and the Cockscomb.

4) Doe Mountain - The easiest uphill hike (.8 miles) that gains 400' elevation that offers the best panoramic views of Sedona.

5) Airport Loop - On the way up the hill to the airport, park and follow the signs. This is a flat 2.7 mile loop that circles the landing strip. Great views of route 179 & 89A entrances to Sedona. The airport has a restaurant but the best breakfast place is the Coffee Pot restaurant.

6) A.B. Young - I love strenuous uphill climbs with fire towers at the top. Park at Bootlegger campground which is north of Slippery Slide state park. Cross the creek and begin hiking 1.6 miles on the switchbacks up 2000 vertical feet.

7) Huckabee - Park at Midgley bridge north of Downtown Sedona and follow the signs then rock cairns (small rock piles) across Oak Creek. The 2.9 mile hike ends at Schnebly Hill Road.

8) Twin Buttes - When you get to the top of this 1.5 mile climb you will be looking straight down at the famous scenic chapel. Glancing over the edge will cause your hamstrings to quiver. Take Morgan road off 179. Look for the saddle at the Devil's dining room sinkhole.

9) Chicken Point & Submarine Rock - While you are on the broken Arrow trail that's 1.2 miles, visit both scenic points. This is a great area for mountain bikes, hikes, and pink Jeep tours.

10) Boynton Canyon - This 2.4 mile hike is off 89A at the end of Dry Creek road. It starts at the Enchantment resort. Try the outdoor patio & the best margaritas in Arizona.