Was thinking of AZ in late Sept. Would like to do hiking, biking, sitting by the pool and spa. Also interested in the history of this area. Would it just be better to stay in Sedona vs scottsdale? How long is the drive from Scottsdale to Sedona? And is it cooler this time of year? Also any good hotel recomendations for a medium price range with spa and pool?

SEDONA!!!! Hands down. IMO the area around Sedona is about the most beautiful place in the US. Scottsdale is part of the big city Phoenix metropolitan area. Sedona is still a fairly small town.

It would be about a 4 hour drive from Scottsdale to Sedona. Temperatures in Sedona in late Sept should be about 75 during the day, down to maybe 45 at night. There are dozens of hiking / biking trails around Sedona. The visitors bureau supplies maps. Late Sept should be perfect hiking/biking weather. It will be much hotter in Scottsdale, probably in mid-90's.

My wife and I have visited several times for our anniversary. We have stayed primarily at B&B's, so not sure about hotels. Here is a link to information on Sedona:

http://www.gatewaytosedona.com/

I would think that most hotels would have a spa / pool.

I thought Sedona was breathtaking, as well. I thought it was only a 2 hour drive from Scottsdale, though? I guess it depends on traffic and how fast you drive. It took me only 2 hours.

Sedona handsdown over Scottsdale ... it's only a couple hour drive at the most from Sedona to Scottsdale. The temperatures will be a bit cooler (i.e., more pleasant) in Sedona vs. Scottsdale for the end of September.

Opops! Of course it is only a 2 hour drive from Scottsdale. That is what I meant to type but perhaps my subconscious (or is that unconscious) took over, since it is 4 hours from Tucson. Sorry for the confusion

Sedona is one of the most over-rated places on earth.

Scottsdale is not wonderful, but the Phoenix area has some of the finest resorts and spas in the world. Do a day trip to Sedona if you are curious, but it is not worth the stay.

Stephy,
I think the reason that you're getting such definate replies is that these are VERY different locations.

We were in both Scottsdale and Sedona this summer and I have a trip report on our experiences which you should be able to find by searching for "The Boulders and Sedona Arizona trip report"

Sedona is great for hiking and the landscape is very lovely, it is quite unlike anywhere else. Sedona is cooler than Scottsdale because of the elevation check weather.com for averages.

In Sedona we stayed in a house a friend had rented but when I looked into the resorts none of them looked great. Many of them had very mixed reviews but I don't have any personal experience. Sedona is also a new age mecca...a vortex zone (!) and it's full of hokey shops and alot of touristy pseudo Native Americana which I tried very hard to ignore.

Scottsdale is much more for the spa thing...there are lots of Spas and malls and resorts. You should check the rates I think they may go up sometime in the middle of September.

We stayed at the Boulders on a very cheap rate through AAA ($99 plus the $30 resort fee. If you just want to relax it's great. It has a lovely spa (Golden Door) and wonderful Sonoran Desert landscaping.

They are very different locations we enjoyed each for different things. Hope this helps!

Yeah, Stephy, come on down to Sedona and buy some crystals, get your aura read, and remember to bring your beads and tye-dye. I think the Grateful Dead swung by here a few decades ago, some groupies and DeadHeads got lost in the desert, and the place hasn't been the same ever since.

You don't have to be a New Ager to feel inspired by the surroundings of Sedona. Yes, you can find tacky shops, but what tourist spot doesn't have those? Also available are very high-end stores. Shopping is not high on my list anyway. The scenery of this area allowed us to step back, take a breath and just enjoy the amazing beauty of Nature.

I grew up in the Scottsdale/Phx area and spent many years vacationing in the Sedona area. Boy...it is so sad what has happened to Sedona!!
The town itself is very touristy...but the surrounding area is still beautiful.
If you go up into Oak Creek Canyon there are some terrific hikes. There is also a very nice little lodge with terrific food....no spa facilities...but very relaxing spot.
Garlands Oak Creek Lodge....www.garlandslodge.com

Scottsdale? Well...keep in mind it is a city & the surrounding area for miles & miles & miles is DESERT. Not the best hiking.
Yes, there are amazing resorts.....the AZ Biltmore (it has a Phoenix address) is really a wonderful historic gem, with a nice spa & pool.

BUT, when I head back to Arizona...what is the place that I'm drawn to? Sedona, Oak Creek, Jerome (ghost town)..........
..........
..
yes, it is possible to get past the crystal crap!!

Thanks for all your responses. Sedona sounds like a good place to appreciate nature and that is what I want to do. Crystal Dead Head guy kind of scared me but that is just his opinion. Im not into that stuff anyway.
Do you think this would be a good long weekend trip or would I need a week? Not sure of all there is to see.

There is definitely enough to keep you busy for a week around Sedona. I second going to see Jerome

http://www.azjerome.com/

A drive up through Oak Creek Canyon to Flagstaff would be nice, and if you head out (east) on I-40, you can visit Walnut Canyon, and further out, Meteor Crater. But, just in the area right around Sedona, there are wonderful hiking trails.

Oak Creek Canyon is on the North side of Sedona. You will be out of the touristy area and still close enough to enjoy it. We stayed at the Briar Patch Inn www.briarpatchinn.com which consist of "cabins" along the banks of Oak Creek. These cabins are cozy, clean and comfortable and you can have a roaring fire on a chilly night. Some are right on the bank of the Creek and you can hear the water running downstream. They have fantastic breakfasts in the main cabin. If you want to spa, there are many day spas in Sedona. Go to Oak Creek for the peace and quiet and relax by the creek - a little oasis at the Briar Patch. Scottsdale is the city - overbuilt - You know what they say - "They paved Paradise and put in a parking lot." Go to Oak Creek.

The hiking in and around Sedona is wonderful and despite my New Age warning you can avoid most of it. It is a gorgeous area. Because of the heat we took morning hikes, I loved Oak Creek and a short hike out to Vultee Arch.

If you choose to do a week long trip
-fly to Phoenix
-enjoy a beautiful resort with a pool and spa in Scottsdale
-hike Camelback, Piestewa Peak and Pinnacle Peak for a great cardio workout and awesome views
-visit Botanical Gardens & Taliesan West
-eat a good meal at Mary Janes, Marquesa, elements, Lon's or any number of other locations with nice atmosphere and good menus
-shop at least one of the malls like Scottsdale Fashion Mall (huge indoor mall), Biltmore (high end stores) or Kierland Commons (outdoor mall, fun for strolling after dinner)
-make the two hour drive to Sedona
-enjoy beautiful mountain biking around Bell and Cathedral Rock
-drive Oak Creek Canyon
-hike, hike, hike

Be forewarned, Sedona is dead, dead, dead by 8:30pm which may be okay if you are dead tired from hiking.

It is still hot in Scottsdale, even in late September. But the good news is that the resorts run their summer prices until mid-month. For example, the Princess offers a room for $199, with a $100 dining credit, until September 21. princess-resorts.com

Sedona is beautiful (and cool!), and the hippie-touristy junk can be avoided. You can hike and bike much more comfortably than in the desert. We stay at the Junipine, about 15 minutes north on 89A. junipine.com

Do what amwosu says.

I strongly second Taliesin West. They have a night tour on Fridays (or used to).

Do a Pink Jeep Tour in Sedona (Broken Arrow tour).

A sunset biplane tour was magical.

A hot stone massage was incredible.

Splurge for a great pool hotel in Scottsdale. Check to see if there are any Priceline deals via www.biddingfortravel.com.

One of the hotels does a swim-in movie night - watching a movie from the pool!

Oh, and a cactus blossum margarita!