does anyone have any info on private jeep tours in Sedona? some of the big companies offer them, for example Pink Jeep allows you to buy all 6 tickets and get a private tour. I was wondering if anybody could recommend a guide or tour company that doesn't charge an arm and a leg, and will take a party of just 2.

We were in Sedona in January 2006 and booked a 9am Pink Jeep tour. We were the only ones on the tour so we had a private tour by accident. We took the
Broken Arrow tour and it was great.

I was actually considering exactly that tactic...if we don't find a private company, I may try for Broken Arrow first thing in the morning.

Tour operators take their passengers on national forest land. To do this, they must have a license from the U. S. government. This requires them to obey certain rules, including staying on designated vehicular trails. Private tours arranged with these licensed tour operators can be arranged.

I was in sedona in early June.

I didn't take a jeep tour but hiked the Broken Arrow trail.

A few times I saw the Pink Jeep tours come by an terrorize the pasangers. It was funny to watch.

They go on a parallel road.

Why not hike it. Broken Arrow is probably the most scenic, isn't that long and isn't very hard. I thought it was among the best I did in two days of hiking.

we most likely will do a little bit of hiking. I'd still be interested in a 4-wheel tour. The reason I prefer private is partly about comfort, and partly because I'd like to cart around my photo gear, and stop when I want to and have time to set up tripod, and lens to take photos. This is heavy for hiking, and time consuming when there is a tour involved.

my understanding is some of the jeep tours don't stop for very long, if at all, so picture taking can be limited.

I don't know about comfort or being able to take photos.

They bounce around quite a lot and stop a few times.

While I only used my tripod at Antelope Canyon and sunset at the picnic area viewing Cathedral Rock, I do carry around a DSLR camera with one walk-around lens.

I really don't think the tripod helps much as it's pretty bright out. Not really needed at those shutter speeds.

I had my camera hanging from my neck all the time and took hundreds of photos. Even while hiking.

You can see them at:

www.travelwalks.com

At the bottom right select the 2007 Bryce Canyon, Zion, Sedona trip.

<stop when I want to and have time to set up tripod, and lens to take photos. This is heavy for hiking, and time consuming when there is a tour involved.>

Doubtful that you'll get that by scheduling one of the standard tours with any of the companies. Even if you go early and are lucky enough to be alone, they still have a schedule to keep and will only drive you around for however long the tour is supposed to be. I don't see how they would just stop whenever you wanted and give you as much time as you want.

There are really only 3 ways to get that: book a private tour and be ready to pay extra for that, rent a jeep on your own (and that's not cheap either), or hike at your own pace. There are some short/easy trails to hike in the area. If you're not out at sunrise/sunset, the tripod isn't going to be of much use.

Thanks everybody, I appreciate that you are trying to help, with all the suggestions.
yes, I had sunset, or possibly sunrise in mind when I asked about these jeep tours, as those are the best hours for photography. Yes, I know the group tours won't give me much time. I also know I don't want to be hiking down from a ridge after sunset, particularly. I also would like to use both my zoom lens, and my extreme wide angle. With polarizers or warming filters, this can mean a pretty slow shutter speed late in the day...hence the tripod. Yes, I understand a private guide will cost extra.

Hence my original question...I've seen one of the group companies (I think it was the Jeep Safaris of Sedona) that costs $149/hour. Its a tad steeper than I feel willing to pay. Does anybody have a guide they'd recommend who might charge a bit less? if that's the going rate, so be it...

The best sunset photos I got were at the Crescent Moon Picnic Area for the views of the Creek and Cathedral Rock and the view of Chimney Rock after a bit of rain and the sun was setting (taken from my motel patio).

Photos of both are on my web site.

I stayed at the Best Western Inn of Sedona. Excellent views from the pation just outside my room.

Have you looked into Red Rock Jeep, http://www.redrockjeep.com? They may be in teh same price range, as everything extracurricular in Sedona seems to be a bit pricey. You might also try A Day In The West, http://www.adayinthewest.com/groups_events.html

Adios y buena suerte,

Bit Devine

We were the only ones for the sunset Scenic Rim Pink Jeep tour.

starsville, how did you like the scenic rim tour? I've read mixed things about it. We were thinking of doing the combined Broken Arrow/Scenic rim, but most of the reviews seemed to say scenic rim wasn't worth it.

I enjoyed it. I wouldn't do both together. We did the Scenic Rim instead of the Broken Arrow because of my sister's injuries. We had a GREAT guide and really enjoyed it. One or the other, but not both.

years ago we did a pvt Jeep tour I think Pink Jeeps.It was for 6. We took the most extreme one they offered WOW!
Crazy driver had us driving up rocks and racing to the edge before falling over. Fun yes but scary.

Why don't you book the Scenic Rim tour and hike Broken Arrow.

I found Broken Arrow to be pretty easy and among the most scenic hikes I did in my two days in Sedona. Really nice.

Myer,
I just wanted to say your website is beautiful. You pictures are just amazing! I just wanted to let you know it was appreciated.

redrockglass,

Thank you.

Going to those places was/is a lot of fun.

I'm thinking theWeasel had the right idea with choice too. I'm looking at jeep rental, and Farabee Jeep Rentals has vehicles that have been customized for offroading, that are for rent for $145 for a half day. That's roughly the same cost as 2 tickets on the Pink Jeep tour, and a lot less than the $145/hour that having a guide would cost. I had been concerned that you can't take the rentals out on the trails, but according to Farabee's website you can.

Now I just have to talk to my husband (and driver) to find out if that's okay by him. I think it would be pretty fun, myself.

Meyer, your photos were stunning!! We are going to Grand Canyon, Vegas and Sedona in a few weeks. First trip out there. Several people had already told us they liked Bryce so much better. After looking at your photos, now I understand why!!! We will save Bryce for the next trip. Thanks for sharing them!