Thinking Red Rocks? Consider Sedona Rouge.

Sedona is world-famous: People come for the beauty of the red rock monuments, serenity and centering (some say there are spiritual vortexes here) and world-class accommodations. Nearby Oak Creek Canyon is also one of America’s great scenic areas, featuring sheer cliffs and a cool forest environment with summer green and fall color.

When planning your trip here, don’t forget about West Sedona, perhaps a little less touristy and crowded than “downtown” Sedona. Here are all of the activities and the landmark red rocks at a little less pressure. Highway 89A leads into this part of Sedona from the Clarkdale and Cottonwood areas.

Your family can bike, hike, ride horses, picnic, camp, and climb, and you can book balloon, trolley and jeep rides. Many golf courses are here, too, as are a number of vineyards. Many accommodations are family friendly. One to consider is the Sedona Rouge Hotel & Spa, adjacent Thunder Mountain. Combining Moorish, Spanish and Mediterranean styles, Sedona Rouge features 77 rooms and suites, many configured with adjoining rooms to meet family needs.

Sedona Rouge has a swimming pool for the children, a Jacuzzi for mom and dad and a fireplace for everyone. Adjoining is a 700-sq.-ft. fitness center; just outside, yoga and Tai Chi sessions are offered. And, Reds is a 150-seat bistro lounge and bar with comfort food and small plate appetizers, excellently prepared by Executive Chef Ron Moler and staff.

The adjacent 5,000-sq.-ft. destination spa, under Director Greg Retegan, has seven overnight suites, including one spa suite. Featuring 10 treatment rooms, the spa also features a tranquility room and garden for relaxing before-and-after treatments and indoor and outdoor whirlpools. Mom and dad can also enjoy a couple’s treatment room. Teens may like specialized offerings such as the 60-minute Crystal Clear Complexion Facial which targets breakouts in all skin types.