Katie Lawrence is a Southeast Texas native who graduated 18th in her high school class with a GPA of 4.25. She attended college in the Houston area and began writing for OnlyInYourState in 2015.
Today, Katie writes, edits, and performs several other tasks for OnlyInYourState and has never been more passionate about a job before. Outside of work, you can likely find her curled up on with a hot cup of coffee, practicing yoga, baking, or exploring the beautiful Lone Star State (in particular, the vast and mystical West Texas desert).
When most people think about Arizona, the first thing that comes to mind is our iconic red rock landscape. Second only to the almighty Grand Canyon, Sedona offers better views of the terrain than anywhere else in the state. The Red Rock Scenic Byway is a 14.5-mile drive that passes straight through this magical little town, and it serves as the backbone of the adventure we’re about to embark on.
This thrilling road trip will take you off the paved path to see ancient ruins, zip line over an exotic wildlife park, ride an ATV through the high desert, and stop for lunch at a charming, family-owned café – all while taking in the unsurpassed beauty of the red rocks. The best part is that, since the drive is relatively short, you can take your sweet time exploring each stop. What are you waiting for?
Here’s a link to an interactive Google Map that will help guide you — now, let’s hit the road!
Thrill-seekers, our first destination has your name written all over it.
Just 20 minutes from Sedona in Camp Verde, Predator Zip Lines takes you soaring over the Out of Africa Wildlife Park. The two-hour course features five zip lines and a suspension bridge, not to mention aerial views of lions, cougars, tigers, and other amazing creatures that inhabit the park. All around you, the iconic red rocks of Sedona dare to stretch up toward the clouds, only serving to enhance the already unforgettable experience.
Afterward, we'll hop on the world-famous Red Rock Scenic Byway, also known as SR 179. This 14.5-mile route connects Interstate 17 with SR 89A, showcasing the picture-perfect landscape this area is known and loved for in the most jaw-dropping way.
Red Rock State Park, 4050 Red Rock Loop Rd, Sedona, AZ 86336, USA
Next up, it's time to see some beautiful nature at Red Rock State Park. This 286-acre preserve boasts endless opportunity for adventure, with a 5-mile network of shared-use trails meandering through lush riparian forests and along the banks of the crystal-clear Oak Creek. You'll also enjoy stunning panoramic vistas of some of the most famous natural landmarks in Sedona, including Bell Rock, Cathedral Rock, and Courthouse Butte.
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The next part of our journey will take you on a thrilling outing that's off the paved path.
Dating to between 1150 and 1350 A.D., the dwellings are surprisingly well-preserved, and thousands of petroglyphs cover the rock walls. Can you decipher their meanings?
All that adventuring sure works up an appetite, so let's grab some lunch at the Coffee Pot Restaurant.
Located on the scenic W State Route 89A, this charming, family-owned café has been a local favorite for more than 30 years. Its namesake is Coffee Pot Rock, a nearby rock formation that bears an uncanny resemblance to - you guessed it - a coffee pot.
The menu boasts a wide selection of Mexican and Southwestern-inspired cuisine, including a whopping 101 different types of omelets.
Coffee Pot Restaurant, 2050 W State Rte 89A, Sedona, AZ 86336, USA
You can chow down on fluffy French toast, overstuffed breakfast burritos, and pillow-soft scrambled eggs until 2 p.m. If you're in the mood for more typical lunchtime fare, options include burgers, sandwiches, and all sorts of Mexican specialty plates.
Our journey will soon draw to a close, but not without the most epic send-off imaginable.
Arizona ATV Adventures, the only guided ATV tour in Sedona, is our final destination. The three-hour adventure takes you on an exhilarating journey along 100 miles of trails, culminating with awe-inspiring views of the Verde Valley from atop the 800-foot-tall Skeleton Bone Mountain.
Would you travel off the paved path and embark on this Red Rock Country adventure? What’s your favorite destination on the trip? Tell us your thoughts in the comments section, then check out our previous article to learn more about the heart-pounding fun waiting for you at Predator Zip Lines.
