Sedona Ancient Ruins Jeep Tour: Private Site Access & Guided Hike

Walk unexcavated ruins and petroglyphs most Sedona tours can't reach

A guided archaeology tour in Sedona that takes you to ancient Native American ruins, pit houses, dwellings and petroglyphs on private land inaccessible to other tours. The tour includes a moderate 1.5-mile round-trip hike with one steep incline, a professional English-speaking guide, walking sticks, bottled water and local taxes. Children aged 5 and up are welcome with proper preparation for uneven terrain.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore ancient ruins and hike

• Join archaeology tour
• Visit ancient Native American ruins
• See pit houses and dwellings
• View petroglyphs
• Hike moderate trail on private land

The Experience

What makes this tour different is the access: you're walking on private land where pit houses, dwellings and petroglyphs sit undisturbed, places the standard Sedona circuit doesn't reach. The guide is a professional who knows the archaeology—what you're standing in front of and why it matters—not just the route. The hike itself is moderate, about 1.5 miles round trip, but it includes one steep incline, so the terrain is real and uneven. Walking sticks are provided, and you'll have bottled water throughout.

The tour runs 2.5 hours total, which means you can fit it into a morning or afternoon without losing the rest of your day in Sedona. You'll need at least moderate fitness and comfortable shoes built for uneven ground. The guide handles the driving to the trailhead, so you're not navigating or figuring out where to go. Dogs over 25 pounds are welcome but need advance notice directly to the company, and they're charged at the child rate.

The tour operates in all weather, so bring layers and dress for what Sedona throws at you that day. Children from age 5 onward can join if they're prepared for the walking and the uneven terrain. Public transportation options are available nearby if you're not driving yourself to the meeting point.

What’s included

• Professional English-speaking guide and Jeep transportation to the trailhead.
• walking sticks for the hike.
• bottled water throughout the tour.
• local taxes.

Good to know

Moderate physical levelPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Arizona Safari Jeep Tours

Is this one for you?At 2.5 hours, this tour fits into a morning or afternoon without consuming your whole day in Sedona. The moderate hike with one steep section suits travelers comfortable with uneven terrain and some physical exertion; if you need a gentler pace or can't manage the incline, a different Sedona tour may work better.

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Top questions

What exactly are the ruins I'll see on this tour?

The tour visits ancient Native American pit houses, dwellings and petroglyphs on private land in Sedona that other tours cannot access. These are unexcavated archaeological sites where you walk among the structures and rock art itself.

How steep is the hike, and will I need special gear?

The hike is 1.5 miles round trip with one steep incline and uneven terrain throughout. Walking sticks are provided by the tour, and you'll need comfortable shoes; the terrain is the main physical demand, not distance.

Can my 6-year-old come along?

Children aged 5 and up are welcome on the tour. They'll need to be prepared for uneven ground and the steep section, and proper footwear is essential.

How long does the whole tour take?

The tour runs 2.5 hours total, including the drive to the trailhead, the hike and the archaeology explanation at the sites.

What's included in the price?

The tour includes a professional English-speaking guide, the Jeep ride to the trailhead, walking sticks, bottled water and local taxes. Gratuities are not included.

Can I bring my dog?

Dogs over 25 pounds are welcome but must be registered in advance directly with the company; they're charged at the child rate. Service animals are allowed without advance notice.