Legend
Trip Overview
Two Couples • Golf • Hiking • Dining • Adventure
Destinations
Sedona (3 nights)
Scottsdale (6 nights)
Weather
Highs: 20-24°C
Lows: 6-9°C
Perfect conditions!
Budget
~$5,300-7,100
per couple
Transportation
2 Rental SUVs
for golf bags
🎯 Trip Highlights
- 3 world-class desert golf courses
- Iconic Sedona red rock hiking
- Jeep tours through Sonoran Desert & Red Rocks
- Verde Valley wine tasting
- Fine dining from Latin to Italian cuisine
- Spa & relaxation time
Where to Stay
Mid-range resorts perfect for couples
Arabella Hotel Sedona
Uptown Sedona location, walking distance to shops and restaurants. Near major hiking trails.
The Scott Resort & Spa
Desert retreat with pool, spa, and Caribbean-inspired restaurant. Central location near Old Town.
Golf Courses
Premier Scottsdale desert golf for intermediate players
⛳ Golf Trip Overview
🎯 Scheduled Courses (In Your Itinerary)
Papago Golf Club
Phoenix's beloved municipal gem with PGA-level facilities. Home to ASU golf with stunning Camelback Mountain views. Rolling desert fairways and excellent practice facilities.
- Book 2 weeks in advance for weekend tee times
- Walking is allowed and enjoyable – course is mostly flat
- Back 9 is more challenging with tighter fairways
- Wind picks up in afternoon – play morning if possible
Talking Stick – O'odham Course
Coore & Crenshaw design with strategic layout. Wide fairways and fun greens make it forgiving for intermediate players. Scottish links-style with desert touches.
- More forgiving than Piipaash course – better for intermediates
- Greens are fast but fair – focus on speed control
- Great practice facility – arrive 45 min early
- Consider playing both courses if you want a "double header"
We-Ko-Pa – Saguaro Course
Consistently ranked among Arizona's best public courses. Pure Sonoran desert golf with saguaro cacti lining every hole. No cart paths – drive through the desert!
- Book 2+ weeks in advance – very popular course
- Gas up before leaving – limited stations in Fort McDowell
- Play from appropriate tees – desert rough is brutal
- Take photos! Most photogenic course in the area
- Clubhouse has excellent food – plan for lunch after
🔄 Alternative Courses (Great Options)
Consider these if your preferred times aren't available or you want to add another round
Grayhawk – Raptor Course
Host of NCAA and PGA Tour events. Immaculate conditioning and dramatic desert setting. Phil's Grill is a legendary 19th hole.
Troon North – Monument Course
Iconic desert layout carved through boulders and saguaros. Consistently ranked Arizona's #1 public course. Worth the splurge!
TPC Scottsdale – Champions Course
Sister course to the famous Stadium Course. PGA Tour conditioning at a more accessible price. Great practice facilities.
Camelback – Ambiente Course
Resort-style conditioning with Camelback Mountain backdrop. Well-maintained and beginner-friendly. Great for a relaxed round.
McDowell Mountain Golf Club
Formerly owned by Phil Mickelson's group. Beautiful desert layout with excellent twilight rates. Solid mid-range option.
Quintero Golf Club
Rees Jones masterpiece. Known for the "Purest Golf Experience" in the Southwest. Incredible elevation changes.
Eagle Mountain Golf Club
Dramatic elevation changes and spectacular city views. A fun, scenic course for all skill levels.
Las Sendas Golf Club
A demanding desert layout winding through the Usery Mountains. Strategic shot-making required.
Raven Golf Club Phoenix
Distinctive pine trees and parkland style layout in the desert. Near the airport.
Whirlwind Golf Club
Features two championship courses: Devil's Claw and Cattail. Excellent conditioning and Troon service.
Ak-Chin Southern Dunes
Australian Sand Belt style course. Consistently ranked among the best in Arizona. Worth the drive.
Gold Canyon - Dinosaur Mountain
Famous for its dramatic elevation changes and stunning views of the Superstition Mountains.
Longbow Golf Club
Contemporary desert design. Spacious fairways and strategic bunkering.
Legacy Golf Resort
Forgiving resort-style course with rich history. Great for a relaxed round.
Talking Stick - Piipaash Course
Features tree-lined fairways and a more traditional layout compared to the O'odham course.
The Duke at Rancho El Dorado
Championship style course with wide fairways and mountain views.
Power Ranch Golf Club
Fun layout with strategic challenges. Great value for the quality.
Ocotillo Golf Club
Lush landscaping with water in play on 24 of 27 holes. A refreshing change from desert golf.
Aguila Golf Course
One of the best municipal courses in Phoenix. Challenging and well-maintained.
Western Skies Golf Club
Good conditions and a player-friendly layout. Recent renovations.
📋 Booking Tips for February Golf
February is peak season. Book 2-3 weeks ahead for best tee times.
Best weather 7-10am. Afternoons can get windy.
After 2pm rates drop 30-50%. Great for casual rounds.
Check GolfNow app for last-minute deals and hot deals.
All courses offer quality Callaway/TaylorMade rentals (~$60-80).
Collared shirts required. No denim. Soft spikes preferred.
Where to Eat
Mix of fine dining and casual restaurants
The Mission
Lively atmosphere, tableside guacamole, craft cocktails. Great for groups.
Citizen Public House
Upscale gastropub with creative cocktails and modern American dishes.
FnB
James Beard-nominated. Chef Charleen Badman's Arizona-sourced produce. Intimate setting.
Dominick's Steakhouse
Luxurious prime cuts, rooftop pool, extensive wine list. Upscale ambiance.
Fat Ox
Modern Italian with house-made pasta. Sunday gravy, great wine list.
Café Monarch
Intimate 4-course prix fixe dinner. Very romantic, extensive wine list.
Barrio Queen
Gourmet Mexican food. Famous elote and fresh guacamole. Vibrant atmosphere.
Hideaway House
Casual Italian with stunning creekside valley views. Laid-back tropical vibe.
Elote Cafe
Best Mexican in Sedona. Regional cuisine, handpicked cocktails. Must-do!
Mariposa Latin Inspired Grill
Upscale Latin-inspired with breathtaking red rock views. Perfect for special occasions.
SaltRock Southwest Kitchen
At Amara Resort. Southwest flavors, great drinks, red rock views.
Activities & Adventures
Hiking, Jeep tours, wine tasting, and spa
🥾 Hiking Trails
Pinnacle Peak Trail
Panoramic desert and mountain views. Some rocky sections. Start early to avoid heat.
Bell Rock Pathway
Flat, easy introduction to red rock scenery. Energy vortex site. Great for first day in Sedona.
Devil's Bridge Trail
Sedona's iconic natural sandstone arch. Short scramble near top. Start by 7:30 AM to avoid crowds!
🚙 Jeep Tours
Sonoran Desert Jeep Tour
Off-road adventure through Sonoran Desert. See wildlife, rock formations, learn desert ecology.
Sedona Red Rock Jeep Tour
Iconic Pink Jeep Tours through Broken Arrow or Diamondback Gulch.
🍷 Wine Tasting
Verde Valley Wine Trail
Visit 2-3 wineries: Page Springs Cellars, Javelina Leap, Oak Creek Vineyards. Self-drive or guided tour available.
💆 Spa & Wellness
The Scott Resort Spa
On-site convenience. Massages, facials, body treatments.
Joya Spa at Omni
Premium Moroccan-inspired spa experience.
Namti Spa
Massage therapy, facials, acupuncture.
Day by Day Itinerary
Complete schedule for your 10-day adventure
Friday, Feb 21
Arrival & Drive to SedonaSaturday, Feb 22
Sedona Hiking & UptownSunday, Feb 23
Jeep Tour & WineMonday, Feb 24
Drive to ScottsdaleTuesday, Feb 25
Golf Day 1Wednesday, Feb 26
Golf Day 2Thursday, Feb 27
Hike, Spa & Fine DiningFriday, Feb 28
Golf Day 3Saturday, March 1
Jeep Tour & Old TownSunday, March 2
Early DepartureMaster Planner
Drag and drop activities between days to customize your itinerary
📦 Unscheduled Items
Trip Timeline
Visual overview of your 10-day Arizona adventure
Golf
3 rounds: Papago, Talking Stick, We-Ko-Pa
Dining
9 restaurant experiences
Hiking
3 trails: Pinnacle Peak, Bell Rock, Devil's Bridge
Adventures
2 Jeep tours + Wine tasting
Optimal Route
Minimizing drive time while maximizing experiences
🎯 Why This Split Works
Sedona First (3 nights)
- Kick off with red rock magic
- High energy hikes early in trip
- Decompress immediately upon arrival
- Scenic acclimatization to Arizona
Scottsdale Second (6 nights)
- Relaxed finish with pool & spa
- All golf rounds in second half
- Endless dining options for finale
- Easy 15-min transfer to PHX for flight
📍 Daily Driving Breakdown
💡 Pro Tips
- Drive carefully to Sedona – It will be dark on arrival, watch for wildlife on I-17
- Stop at Rock Springs Cafe – Great pie stop on the drive down to Scottsdale (Day 4)
- Gas up before We-Ko-Pa – Limited stations in Fort McDowell
- Easy Departure – You only need to leave hotel ~2.5 hours before flight