From my private patio I watch the morning sun rise over the canyon walls and slowly warm the buttes and pinnacles from pale cream to burnished copper. I breathe in the pungent sage scent of desert air and watch a deer nibble at the fall foliage. In the distance a hot air balloon appears, brilliant yellow against the deep midnight blue of the early morning sky, and floats off toward Sedona.

Sedona, at the center of Arizona’s red rock country and 115 miles from Phoenix, is the perfect spring or fall destination for an outdoor-minded family. The desert weather is cool enough to enjoy a variety of outdoor activities and there are attractions for every member of the family.

The hotels and resorts in and around Sedona offer a variety of amenities and scenic views. Hilton Sedona Resort offers golf among the red cliffs, L’Auberge sits on a hillside above Oak Creek in the heart of uptown Sedona’s shopping district and Enchantment Resort, with panoramic views of the cliffs, is located at the mouth of Boynton Canyon.

My family spent last Thanksgiving at Enchantment Resort and we really were enchanted by the resort and the surrounding red rock country. The pueblo style architecture and warm earth tones of Enchantment are ideal for the canyon setting. The resort offers casita style accommodations, which allows a family the comfort of a full kitchen, living area and one or two bedrooms. There’s a fireplace for toasting marshmallows on a cool evening and a large patio for relaxing. Enchantment also offers Camp Coyote for children who want some time away from mom and dad.

If you stay at Enchantment, a hike up Boynton Canyon is a "must-do" excursion. Access the trail behind the resort’s spa and prepare for some remarkable scenery. The trail is challenging and mostly uphill, but the view is worth every step. I’m a lazy hiker, but I hardly noticed the climb as I admired the shifting patterns of light and shade on the canyon walls. There are ancient cliff dwellings hidden in the crevasses and caves of the rugged rock walls and deer wander among the trees on the canyon floor. Once at the top, with the view spread out below, you’ll understand why Boynton is the site of a famous Sedona vortex.

If you’re interested in Sedona vortexes, tours of vortex sites are available for visitors. You’ll learn about Medicine Wheels and Power Points and you can even practice meditation at one of the sites.

If you prefer a less mystic activity, Pink Jeep Tours takes visitors four-wheeling in the Coconino National Forest. Tours are available to see ancient cliff dwellings, explore the very top of the Mogollon rim and view one of the best petroglyph sites in the Southwest. Another adventurous way to see the area is by horseback. Trail Horse Adventures offers full and half day rides through the National Forest or you can choose a breakfast, lunch or dinner trail ride. Children are thrilled by this real wild west experience. If you fancy floating above the red rock canyons, Northern Light Balloon Expeditions will take you up, up and away into the clear sapphire sky.

The whole family will enjoy a ride on the Verde Canyon Railroad. The train departs from Clarkdale and follows Verde Canyon to Perkinsville. Known as Arizona’s other "grand canyon" Verde offers rugged high-desert rock faces and panoramic views of countryside that is only accessible by rail.

History buffs appreciate a visit to Montezuma Castle in Verde Valley. Only 30 minutes from Sedona, this well-preserved cliff dwelling was built by Sinagua farmers early in the 12th century. Nearby is Montezuma’s Well where visitors can see traces of irrigation ditches left by the Sinagua.

While in Sedona, take time to visit Flagstaff and the Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument. Return to Sedona via Oak Creek Canyon. Located at the edge of the Mogollon Rim, Oak Creek Canyon Vista provides a view all the way down the canyon to Sedona.

Don’t forget to visit the many galleries in town. Take home exquisite Indian jewelry, southwestern pottery, or a painting of those famous red monoliths.

After a day of sightseeing and shopping, refresh yourself with a massage or crystal bath at Mii Amo spa at Enchantment Resort.

Whether you choose to view the red rock country on foot, by jeep or in a hot air balloon, keep your camera close by -- the scenery truly is remarkable.