What to wear on a Sedona jeep tour
An open-top jeep, red dust, desert sun and, on some tours, a climb of 2,000 feet into a colder climate. Dress for all four and the ride is a pleasure.
The short answer
A hat that will not blow off, sunglasses, sunscreen, closed shoes you do not mind turning red, and a layer you can put on and take off. Add water on the Pink Jeep tours, where it is not included. In winter, add real warmth.
The open jeep changes everything
Every tour here uses an open vehicle. That means wind the whole way, sun with no shade, and whatever the trail throws up landing on you. A loose hat will end up in the desert, so choose one with a strap or that fits snugly, or wear a cap. Sunglasses double as dust protection. If you wear contact lenses, glasses might be more comfortable for a couple of hours.
The rim is a different climate
Uptown Sedona sits at roughly 4,300 feet. The Scenic Rim tour climbs about 2,000 feet higher, out of juniper and prickly pear and into Ponderosa pine, and the temperature drops as you go. A layer that seemed ridiculous in the car park is the reason you enjoy the last half hour, even in September.
Your packing list
- Hat with a strap or a snug fit. Sun protection without chasing it across the trail.
- Sunglasses. For glare off the rock and for dust.
- Sunscreen. There is no shade in an open jeep, in any season.
- Closed shoes. Essential on Ancient Ruins, with its walk of about 1.2 km, and on the vortex tour, with walking on uneven ground. Red dust stains, so not your best pair.
- A layer. A fleece or light jacket in spring and autumn, a warm coat, gloves and a hat in winter.
- Water. Not included on Scenic Rim, Red Rock Range or Ancient Ruins. The AZ Safari tours include bottled water.
- A camera you can hold onto. A wrist strap or a zipped pocket for your phone, because the bumpy tours earn the name.
By season
| Season | Wear | Add |
|---|---|---|
| Spring and autumn | T-shirt, light trousers, closed shoes | A fleece for the rim and early departures |
| Summer | Breathable, light-coloured clothes, a proper sun hat | More water than you think, and a light rain layer in monsoon season |
| Winter | Warm layers, a windproof jacket | Gloves, a warm hat, a scarf for the wind |
The Oak Creek Canyon tour hands out blankets on cold mornings, which tells you what an open jeep feels like before the sun is high.
What to leave behind
Anything loose and light: a wide floppy hat, a flowing scarf, a map on your lap. A large bag is awkward in a jeep seat, so bring a small one or a jacket with pockets. The Rim Run Supreme listing notes there is no bathroom on site, so plan for that before you check in.
Dressed for the rim
Scenic Rim, ~$129 per person: 2.5 hours, 2,000 feet up into the pines, hotel pick-up included. Rated 4.8 out of 5 from 308 reviews.
In short
Dress for wind, sun and dust, and bring a layer for anything that climbs the rim, even in summer. Wear closed shoes for the tours with walking, carry water on the Pink Jeep runs, and in winter bring more warmth than seems sensible. The best-time guide covers the weather month by month.