"The true West begins where the pavement ends" is an old saying that truly applies to Jeep tours. They allow a visitor to "see Sedona from the inside out". Sedona is the capitol of Jeep Tours in the U.S. much as Kenya could be seen as the Safari capital of Africa. Don Pratt, founder of Pink Jeep Tours, started it all back in 1962 when he opened the first Jeep tour in America.
There are many kinds of Jeep tours available to suit all tastes. The longest established companies like Pink Jeep Tours, Red Rock Jeep Tours, and Earth Wisdom Tours have exclusive permits for certain trails that other companies cannot use. These three companies each have a special focus that defines their touring style. The primary difference between Jeep tours is where you go, what you do, and what kind of ride you get. Not all companies offer 4-wheel drive adventures and those that do offer milder-ride tours as well. Some companies specialize in Vortex exploration or tours with a Native American focus. All tour companies offer scenic, dirt road tours that you could do in your own vehicle if you really want to get adventurous, however it’s smart to remember that rental cars do break down and that it can be a long wait for a tow if you're sitting on the side of a road watching fun-loving tours go by, all the passengers laughing and waving at you.
The value added on a Jeep tour is the guide's specific tour knowledge, their driving ability to get you there and back safely, and their priceless ability to assist you in having a whole lot of fun
Uptown Sedona
204 N. Hwy 89A
Sedona, AZ 86336
928.282.5000 - 800.873.3662
www.pinkjeep.com
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Tips for Responsible Four Wheeling
Reprinted with permission of the Nonprofit “Tread Lightly!” Organization
Travel responsibly on designated roads and trails or in permitted areas.
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Travel only in areas open to four-wheel drive vehicles
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For your safety, travel straight up or down hills. Don’t traverse the face of a hill - you may slip sideways or roll your vehicle.
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Drive over, not around obstacles to avoid widening the trail.
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Cross large rocks and other obstacles slowly, at an angle one wheel at a time.
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Cross ravines slowly at a 45-degree angle.
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Straddle ruts, gullies and washouts even if they are wider than you vehicle.
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Cross streams only at designated fording points, or where the road crosses the stream.
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When possible avoid mud. In soft terrain go easy on the gas to avoid wheel spin, which can cause rutting.
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Don’t turn around on narrow roads, steep terrain or unstable ground. Backup until you find a safe place to turn around.
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Stop frequently and reconnoiter ahead on foot.
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Go easy on the throttle and avoid riding the brake or clutch.
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To help with traction, balance your load and lower tire pressure to where you see a bulge (typically not less than 20 pounds).
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Know where the differential or the lowest point on your vehicle is.
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Maintain a reasonable distance between vehicles.
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Comply with all signage and barrier
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Travel with a group of two or more vehicles. Driving solo can leave you vulnerable if you have an accident or breakdown. Designate meeting areas in case of separation.
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Choose the appropriate winch for your vehicle size.
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Attach towing cable, tree strap or chain as low as possible to the object being winched. Let the winch do the work; never drive the winch.
Respect the rights of others including private property owners and all recreational trail users, campers and others to allow them to enjoy their recreational activities undisturbed.
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Be considerate of others on the road or trail.
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Leave gates as you find them.
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If crossing private property, be sure to ask permission from the landowner(s).
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Yield the right of way to those passing you or traveling uphill. Yield to mountain bikers, hikers, and horses.
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Do not idly ride around in camping, picnicking, trailhead and residential areas.
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Keep speeds low round crowds and in camping areas.
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Keep the noise and dust down.
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