Dusk & Desert Air

Soaking in a private hot tub beneath a sky full of Arizona stars, with Courthouse Butte rising above the desert in the distance – this Sedona villa is hard to beat. Set on a private acre at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac in Pinon Valley Estates, it's a secluded base with Bell Rock and Jacks Canyon trailheads both within easy reach. Inside, soaring ceilings and a stone fireplace anchor the living space, while a games room and rooftop deck with sweeping red rock views mean there's plenty to keep everyone occupied between hikes.

Home truths:
* Two of the three bedrooms also include a sofa bed, giving you a little extra flexibility if you're travelling with a larger group of up to nine. One is a double sofa bed, and one is a single – both are best suited to children.
* You'll need a car to make the most of your stay here. The Village of Oak Creek is 1.5 miles away, and most trailheads, restaurants, and galleries require a short drive. The good news is there's space for up to five vehicles – four on the driveway and one inside the garage.
* Part of the garage has been converted into the games room, so the covered parking space is shared with the ping pong table and darts setup – it fits one standard-size vehicle.
* There is an active exterior security camera built into the garage door opener, monitoring the driveway and entry points.