If you’re not content viewing Sedona’s majestic red rocks from the roadside—or from the comfort of a hotel balcony or a restaurant patio—there are plenty of ways to get outside and get a little dirty. Hikers and bikers could spend weeks, if not months, exploring the miles and miles of trails that wind through Sedona’s protected state and national parks. The region’s deep canyons, meandering creeks, and ponderosa pine forests can be irresistible, and the diverse topography and wildlife frequently surprise visitors.

A Jeep tour is one of Sedona’s must-dos. The bumpy and occasionally dusty trips are a lot of fun, giving visitors a taste of how the pioneers who arrived by stagecoach more than a century ago must have felt. Of course, there are more refined ways to sneak in your time outdoors: a round of golf, an alfresco massage at a four-star spa, or a hot-air balloon trip.

Not matter what you do, be sure to wear sturdy shoes, a hat, and sunscreen when you venture outside. Despite the shady trees, this is still the high desert, and the sun can be brutal, especially for visitors who underestimate its power. Also, bring water—and lots of it—as it’s not uncommon to dehydrate quickly in this arid climate.