As my trip to Sedona approaches, I've read a mention, more than once about wearing closed toe shoes and no sandals, while out hiking. We are packing light, and, it IS summer. Will sandals be a problem [ie: snakes, poisonous plants, etc.] for hikes? Also, where do we get red rock passes? None of us has ever been out in the miswest. Hope these questions don't sound too naive. Until my hip replacement, hiking was not part of my vocabulary! I'm excited to be doing more active sightseeing.

No, sandals are not appropriate for hiking. You should wear hiking boots. The terrain is very uneven and you need to dress appropriately for it. Bring lots of water, sunscreen, and wear a hat. Dress in layers. Be prepared in case you get stuck out in the wilderness overnight.

Go to www.redrockcountry.org and click on the link for passes and permits.

Wearing sandals when hiking is looking for serious trouble. Not only could there be snakes about but the trails can be rough and you will be on uneven ground. You will need a shoe/boot that gives you some traction and support.

I live in AZ and every year rescue teams have to go out and rescue people who did not use common sense. Carry water (plenty of it) and don't deviate from the marked trails.

Lois, look into Merrill hiking boots. They're very lightweight but give great support. Mr. Austin and I always travel light, usually with just one carry-on sized suitcase each, but we take an extra small bag that we stick our hiking shoes, rain jackets, etc. in. We check all the bags in and don't try to cram them in the overhead bins. Sorry, pet peeve escaping there!

Listen to Lori, not just about sandals. It is amazing how dehydrating the air is in that dry heat - imagine sitting inside your oven - that is what it feels like. We did not hike, but just being in the air turned me into a raisin. Hikers get into trouble because water is heavy to carry and they try to skimp on it. Have a safe trip.

Wow. Guess I have to rethink my packing. I was planning on wearing athletic sandals, with traction asnd ankle support, meant for hiking. To me, the only reason these wouldn't be acceptable would be because of dangerous critters, and not terrain. As for water, we never go anywhere without water, and that would go double for desert climates. We are aware of how important being hydrated is. Thanks for the responses. Will need to think this through. My hikes would be very limited, and certainly never off the regular paths. Thanks to all for the advice.

We bought the Red Rock Pass at our hotel. They also sell them at the Park Visitor Center.

I would also not wear sandals while hiking there.

Sandals are a big no. Besides the possibility of being bitten or stungy by something venomous, or being poked by something sharp like a cactus needle, you're going to get small rocks/dirt in between your foot and the sandal. You will have to stop constantly to remove rocks. And unless you're used to hiking in them for a several hours, blisters are a good possibility. I can't see any advantage to wearing sandals other than they're potentially a little bit lighter and cooler.

okay, no sandals, not even athletic ones! Thanks to all. I guess I needed the added lectures for sure! My daughters were already planning on taking hiking boots or, in one case, at least a good walking sneaker. I will ask at our hotel about the Red Rock Pass. how long is it good for? {I'm thinking a week?]

Like I posted before, go to www.redrockcountry.org. You will find all of the info you need.

I live here, and no sandals while hiking are not a good idea. During the summer, good sneakers that are not slippery will do just fine. No need for boots.

I give up! No sandals,not even athletic ones meant for terrain. I will grudgingly bring walking sneakers. Thanks Rizzo for the Red Rock site. That provided good information. Good to hear, from locals, what to do/expect, etc. Thanks to all.

I haven't broken down and bought hiking boots yet. I do alot of fitness hiking (jogging/scrambling to the top of Camelback and Pinnacle Peak in Scottsdale)and I wear lightweight athletic trainers.

There are frequently snakes and lizards sunbathing in the middle of the path and I've ended up with lots of little stickery things attached to my shoes.

I think you can get the Red Rocks Pass at the Circle K gas stations in the area but don't quote me on that.

Another reason for hiking shoes: Poison Ivy! (I found out the hard way after taking shelter under some trees during a heavy downpour).

Red Rock Pass is so easy to get; wait until you get to Sedona. Some hotels/inns GIVE you a pass during your stay. You will most likely stop at the visitor center for hiking maps and suggestions, etc, and they will sell the Red Rock Pass also.

We bought our pass from a vending machine in the parking lot for our first hike.

I think you've got the picture on sandals now. I love my hiking boots...their tread makes it possible to walk down steep rock faces without slipping, their higher sides have prevented many an ankle turn, and even the hard toes have saved a bruised toe or two. The toes of mine after 3 years of 1 week annual hikes are scuffed and gouged--how I've done that I have no idea, but it gives you idea what it might be like in sandals! LOL

More people get hurt from wearing the wrong footwear in the Sedona area than from any other cause. Why? First, the trails are often quite rough, it's easy to slip and fall, and sometimes hikers are a long way from help...if they break an ankle or a wrist. Second, sandals provide no protection from cactus needles. Third, never -- I mean NEVER -- hike alone. Fourth, always tell someone where you are going and when you expect to return. Fifth, if you have one, take along a cell phone and a map. Sixth, and supremely important, take plenty of water if you plan to hike in hot weather. Don't worry about snakes -- they don't want to mess with you -- and you don't want to mess with them. Never step over a log; step on, look down, then step down. Never reach above your head; always see where you are placing your hands. You won't pay any attention to what I say, but please try not to hike wearing shorts. You are just asking for trouble in the heat, the brush, and when you take a fall. The locals here in Sedona avoid midday sun and take a recess until cooler weather sets in. If you plan to hike between early July and mid September, remember we will be in the monsoon season -- morning sun, midday clouds, afternoon violent rain storms with plenty of lightning (and chance of forest fires) and downpour. We have had people disappear out here because they did not take precautions, only to be found dead months later because they did not realize that wilderness hiking can be dangerous -- it's not a walk in the park. I've lived here for almost 25 years, and I speak from experience.

There are hiking boots now that are relatively lightweight and breathable. You can find them online via the various closeout sites. Something with a nonslip (Vibram) sole comes in handy for walking downhill on slickrock. For uppers, Kevlar reinforced fabric uppers with waterproof leather and some breathability. Merrill is a good brand. I found some Timberlands at their outlet and they survived submersion in the Narrows with no problems.

Are there any jumping cactus in Sedona hiking areas? I still remember from years ago getting tangled up with a few of those just outside of Phoenix. A couple of them hit in spots where I didn't have heavier clothing on, & were a bit painful going in & pulling out.

The podiatrists love people who hike in that country with sandals.

Those toenail bruises, where the under side of the nail turns black, are long term. The nail usually comes off and by the time you grow a new one, a year has passed.

Then there are the blisters you get from going down steep inclines.

Also, lacerations and abrasions are fun, particularly coming back.

Heel bruises make the doctor's day. They are slow to heal and you keep coming back because they hurt.

Also sand gets in your socks and acts like sandpaper on the bottom of your fee.

Why not go barefooted? That will give the rescue people a reason to be there!

Oh yes. Complete the day. Take inadequate water and no sun screen.
That way you can make it a trip to remember!!