Stage your red-rock hiking expedition at this new outdoors-centric stayover.
The mission at Mountain Modern Sedona? Cater to the outdoor traveler. Designed as a hopping-off point for wilderness extracurriculars, the resort features a mountain bike tune-up and washing station; in-room gear walls for hiking poles, helmets and backpacks; complimentary wellness programming such as sound baths, yoga and sunrise ceremonies; pet-friendly perks including a private park, doggie itineraries and dog beds; and Wise Guides, a team of outdoors-focused concierges laden with locals-only tips. Mission: Accepted! From $229/night, 95 Arroyo Pinon Dr., Sedona, 928-282-1414, mountainmodernsedona.com
Swimming Hole Spotlight: Slide Rock
Definitely not remote, certainly not hushed, Slide Rock is nature’s waterpark, luring the overheated summer crowds with an 80-foot-long sandstone waterslide. Powered by the swift flow of Oak Creek and made slippery by soft algae clinging to the streambed, Slide Rock offers a rousing ride for all ages. And for lazy loungers, there are deep whirlpools perfect for a refreshing soak.
azstateparks.com/slide-rock
Fee: $30/vehicle day-use permit
If You Go: Slide Rock State Park, 6871 AZ-89A, Sedona
3 Sneaky-Good Sedona Hikes
Boynton Canyon Trail
The resort’s West Sedona locale positions it for unfettered access to trailheads, like the 6.6-mile, pine-shaded Boynton Canyon Trail – a short (and traffic-free) drive from the hotel. $5/vehicle day-use permit, fs.usda.gov/r03/coconino
Fay Canyon Trail
A lesser known but just as stunning hike, the 2.3-mile Fay Canyon nestles 5 miles behind the hotel and gifts hikers with all the Sedona goods: cool canyons, red-rock formations and leafy canopies. $5/vehicle day-use permit, fs.usda.gov/r03/coconino
Bear Mountain Trail
Like Fay Canyon, Bear Mountain Trail is 2.3 miles, but the short distance is made strenuous by steep terrain with an 1,800-foot elevation gain. The good news: The strenuous hike is rewarded with a spectacular 360-degree panorama. $5/vehicle day-use permit, fs.usda.gov/r03/coconino/recreation/trails/bear-mountain-trail-no-54
