Reader Ride - Northern Arizona

Extreme elevation changes, serpentine stretches of blacktop, and awe-inspiring scenery are the rule, not the exception in Northern Arizona. In a loop-ride of just over 300 miles, one can sample most of what makes this region world-famous. Visit a mining town, ride along the south rim of the Grand Canyon, buy Native American jewelry on the Navajo Reservation, dine in the pines of Flagstaff, and gape at the Red Rocks of Sedona  -  all in a one-day adventure or leisurely spread over a weekend.

Sedona, which is a great place to start, is a magical town nestled amid monolithic red sandstone spires that are the stuff of southwestern legend. Sedona boasts a range of lodging and dining that accommodates a full spectrum of tastes and budgets. There are both chain hotels and 5-star resorts; fast food and gourmet eateries. The area's premium accommodations include L'Auberge de Sedona, a luxury resort on the Oak Creek, and the more secluded (and exclusive) Enchantment Resort surrounded by red rocks. Sedona has been the backdrop for many western movies and TV commercials, and it may well be the most famous small town in the Southwest.