With regard to this area’s natural beauty and related recreational offerings, too many visitors arrive in town, park their cars, walk up and down main street and think they’ve see Sedona. As it was popular to say a few years ago – “Not!”

Sure, you can see some of the famous red rocks, like Snoopy and Steamboat – and you can look down at Oak Creek from the deck at Pink Jeep Plaza – but in order to really see this spectacular land, take a tour with Pink Jeep Tours, Pink Jeep Ancient Expeditions or Sedona Adventures, climb aboard Verde Canyon Railroad and clickety-clack to Perkinsville and back, take a flight with Arizona Helicopter Adventures, or float through the air with Northern Light Balloon Expeditions.

What? You wanna’ see Sedona by yourself? Well, rent a Harley-Davidson at Hemp & Hawg in West Sedona. And after you’ve driven all over Sedona, if you keep riding and end up at the Grand Canyon, stop at the Imax Theater near the south entrance to this most-popular national park. In just 34 minutes, you’ll discover what it would take a lifetime to experience. Assuming that you will be thrilled with this production, return to Sedona and visit Sedona SuperVue Theater to see “Sedona: The Spirit of Wonder,” called “the ultimate giant-screen adventure of Sedona.” You will be amazed how dramatic images, enhanced by digital surround-sound, come to life on a 4-story-high screen.

But, golf is your game? Well, tee it up at either of Sedona’s two acclaimed golf courses – but be aware of a warning issued by golf writer Bill Huffman: “Be careful you don’t get caught up in taking shots with your camera instead of your clubs,” said Huffman. He’s right, too – because these courses are spectacular.

Oakcreek Country Club was designed by famed architect Robert Trent Jones, and according to Huffman, who calls it “one of Arizona’s best,” it just keeps getting better. Sedona Golf Resort, designed by respected Arizona architect Gary Panks, has been rated as high as the No. 2 resort course in Arizona – “and it’s his best work,” reported Huffman.

Among Sedona’s most appreciated features is its proximity to state parks, national monuments and forests, and interesting wilderness areas. Montezuma’s Castle is a historically significant documentation of the Hohokam civilization. Tuzigoot National Monument, just west of Cottonwood, features one of the best Native American exhibits in Arizona, and just west of Tuzigoot is the Sycamore Canyon Wilderness Area. Closer to Sedona are the Red Rock-Secret Mountain and Munds Mountain wilderness areas.

In addition to being surrounded by Coconino National Forest, Sedona is home to two state parks, plus a historic recreational facility, Crescent Moon Ranch, which is situated at Red Rock Crossing, near beautiful Cathedral Rock. Slide Rock State Park, located in Oak Creek Canyon, primarily is known for a natural slide formed in worn, red rocks in the creek. This park’s beauty is complemented by the canyon’s sheer, rock walls and its creek-enriched, riparian habitat. Red Rock State Park, a 286-acre natural preserve, features picnic facilities and a visitors’ center, as well as bird walks, nature hikes and related special programs.

People ask, “Is there no end to this area’s spectacular and inspirational sights?” Well, there is for those people who just walk or ride up and down Sedona’s streets. But apparently there is not for the curious residents and visitors who seek the unique, private enjoyment of the canyons, creeks, mountains and forests that dot this beautiful land. Indeed, all that is needed to tap into its natural pleasures is the ability to sense its splendor – and the ambition to “go take a hike.”

However, picking hikes in this area is difficult because there are so many great trails. Nonetheless, for various reasons and without a specific order, Sedona Visitors Guide recommends 10 top hikes from trails indicated on the following U.S. Forest Service Hiking Map: West Fork, Thomas Point, Sterling Pass, Harding Springs and Cookstove in Oak Creek Canyon – and Vultee Arch, Long Canyon, Fay Canyon, Doe Mountain and Devil’s Bridge in the West Sedona area. And the No. 1 favorite? – West Fork!