sedona-scottsdale-tucson
 

My husband and I are going to AZ in mid November for 1 week. Although many posts suggest picking either north or south for that short a trip, we don't mind driving a lot.

We fly into Phoenix and propose driving up to Sedona for either 2 or 3 nights, for hiking a bit and art gallery roaming. Then to Tucson area to visit Kartchner Caverns, the Sonoran Desert museum, and hiking some. Again for 2 or 3 nights. Then to Scottsdale for some more art galleries.

Questions-
1. Any recommendations for lodging and restaurants.
2. Recommendations for favorite hikes (not full day ones), since we'll have to pick the best few in each locale.
3. Recommendations for how many days to give each place (We've been to Scottsdale and don't need much time there!
4. Finally, things to see along the way that we really should stop for.

Thanks a lot for any and all suggestions.

ttt
Any help out there? Thanks!

Sedona Restaurants:

Picazzo's <www.picazzos.com> was good.
This is gourmet pizza, so prices are higher, but so is quality. I would go back there again!

Javelina Cantina <http://www.javelinacantina.com/> was a disappointment. They emphasized quantity at the expense of quality. Beautiful setting though.

We stayed at the Sky Ranch Lodge in Sedona. It is an older rustic hotel/motel. But is was reasonable, clean and we had the best view just sitting on our patio. Even if you don't get a room with a view, if you walk to the end of the resort you get the same view. There is a great hiking trail across the street from there that has 360 degree views.

we stayed at a wonderful b&b in Tucson called Hacienda Del Desierto. Don't know if its in your budget, but it was great. it's outside of town, on the east, close to Saguaro National Park East, where you will find some nice short hikes.

In Sedona we stayed at Sky Ranch lodge, in a view room. Incredible views, basic room at a good price. We didn't do any serious hikes in Sedona, but did take a jeep tour. And we took a nice walk around Red Rock Crossing/Crescent State park, which has the iconic view of Cathedral rock.

oh, for good Mexican food in Sedona try Cafe Elote which is in the Kings Ransom Hotel. If you like lamb, don't miss the braised lamb shank in mole sauce, it is absolutely incredible!

In the Scottsdale/Phoenix area...I love the food at Tarbell's. And nice heat at Los Dos Molinos. Enjoy your stay in a beautiful part of the country.

Hikes in the Tucson area - Sabino Canyon/Bear Canyon to the east. Wasson Peak and others to the west (Saguaro National Park is on both sides of the city). Might combine that with your trip to the Sonoran Desert Museum as you have to go past one to get to the other. Multiple hikes of varying lengths on Mt. Lemmon, which is a nice little drive on its own. Madera Canyon a little south near Green Valley is lovely and might have a little color in the trees at that time of year.

Phoenix City Grille in Phoenix is always good! We love it.

Thanks all for you suggestions. I read a post (but now I can't find it again!), about hikes in Sedona on nights with a FULL MOON. Anybody know if this is ranger led? Which park? Every month?