Horsin' Around From Southwest Inn at Sedona
Posted by Craig Phelan on Fri, Jun 10, 2011 @ 03:24 PM
When people think of Sedona, they usually think of the red rocks and Oak Creek Canyon. This is all true; however, just 20 minutes away is the Verde River.
I went horseback riding with A Day In The West, which is actually one of many jeep tour companies in Sedona. They picked me up at my hotel (Southwest Inn) and we drove to Dead Horse State Park in Cottonwood, Arizona where we met our horses. We rode for over an hour, crossing the Verde a couple of times which is rather exciting while on horseback. Our guide filled us in on some of the history of the area and suggested some other areas that are must see's. For Indian history, Tuzigoot National Monuent, located not far from the Verde Canyon Railroad (another adventure for a second trip), is only about 5 miles from Dead Horse Park. Going back toward Sedona, there are two of many ruin sites, Honanki and Palatki Indian ruins. If you go about 18 miles south of Dead Horse, you can see Montezuma's Castle and Montezuma's Well (which were fabulous, in my opinion).
Also, A Day In The West offers an all-day experience which includes a jeep tour, horseback ride and dinner at Blazin M Ranch (which I was torn between this and horseback ride only). Given more time in my stay, I might have chosen this route. Later in my stay, I did in fact have dinner and a show at the Blazin' M Ranch. It was the first family entertainment I have seen in many years! Grandparents and grandchildren all seemed to enjoy themselves. The grandparents sang along to the old cowboy songs and the grand kids enjoyed a mischevious ranch hand. It was a great time!
Call the Southwest Inn at Sedona for more information 800-483-7422.