PreservingTheWonder.org,
a comprehensive digital resource dedicated to educating visitors
about responsible tourism in Sedona and the Verde Valley.
With over 3 million visitors annually, Sedona and the Verde Valley face unique environmental challenges. While tourism is vital to our local economy, it places tremendous pressure on our fragile desert ecosystems, pristine waterways, protected dark skies, and sacred cultural sites. PreservingTheWonder.org bridges this gap by empowering visitors with the knowledge and tools they need to experience our extraordinary beauty while minimizing their environmental impact.
Why This New Website Matters
The Challenge We Face
Our breathtaking red rock formations, award-winning dark skies, and rich Indigenous heritage make our area one of the most beautiful destinations on Earth. However, this popularity comes with consequences.
- Trail erosion from visitors leaving designated paths
- Litter impacting wildlife and scenic beauty
- Damage to fragile desert vegetation, particularly from OHVs
- Disturbance of sacred Indigenous cultural sites
- Light pollution threatening our Dark Sky Community status
- Strain on limited water resources
- Overcrowding
Our Approach
PreservingTheWonder.org addresses these challenges through education and engagement. The new website helps empower people to make informed, responsible choices that protect what makes our area special.
The website serves visitors at every stage of their journey, from initial trip planning through their time exploring the Verde Valley. By providing clear, actionable guidance on sustainable practices, we're helping transform tourism from a challenge into an opportunity.
Our Instagram posts provide information on hiking in the area. Enjoy and then 'like' them. Share them with your friends and family.
How Responsible Tourism Works
PreservingTheWonder.org demonstrates that responsible tourism doesn't require sacrifice. It simply requires awareness. When visitors understand the "why" behind sustainable practices, they naturally embrace them. The website lets visitors know that simple actions create meaningful impact.
Individual Choices
- Staying on designated trails prevents erosion that would take decades to repair
- Packing out trash protects wildlife
- Observing wildlife from distance allows natural behaviors to continue
- Not building rock cairns preserves small creature habitats and prevents trail confusion
- Supporting local businesses keeps tourism dollars in the community
Collective Impact
- When 3 million visitors each make responsible choices, the cumulative effect is transformative
- Education creates ambassadors who spread responsible practices elsewhere
- Sustainable tourism ensures future generations can experience the wonders of Red Rock Country
- Community pride strengthens when visitors demonstrate respect for place
- Your actions make a difference
Information You Need, When You Need It
PreservingTheWonder.org is organized to help visitors find exactly what they need, whether they're planning their first trip or are longtime Sedona enthusiasts.
Considering a Visit?
- Why visit Red Rock Country
- Best seasons and timing
- What makes our area special
- Sustainable travel commitments
- Activities in and around Sedona
Planning Your Trip?
- Choose eco-friendly lodging
- Sustainable tour operators
- Trail selection guidance
- Cultural site information
- Local business directory
Already Here?
- Current weather conditions
- Daily responsible practices
- Use the free shuttle
- Emergency contact information
- Safety tips
How to Recreate Responsibly
Visitors come to Red Rock Country for a variety of reasons, from hiking and biking on our trails to experiencing the awesome beauty of our dark skies. Returning visitors may be seasoned adventurers, but many first-timers are not yet familiar with outdoor etiquette. PreservingTheWonder.org provides valuable information on how to recreate responsibly.
Hike Smart
Comprehensive trail etiquette guidelines, Leave No Trace principles, and tips for preventing erosion. Learn how to choose appropriate trails, stay on designated paths, and minimize your impact to our fragile desert ecosystems.
Bike Smart
Responsible mountain biking practices, trail-sharing etiquette, and guidance for enjoying our world-class biking while protecting the landscape. Includes information on designated routes and sustainable riding techniques.
Cultural Sites
Educational resources about Indigenous heritage and respectful visitation practices. Features information about Sinagua cultural sites, petroglyphs and pictographs, and the Yavapai-Apache Nation's deep connection to this land.
Wildlife Respect
Guidance on observing wildlife from appropriate distances, understanding local species' needs, and avoiding behaviors that disturb animals or damage their habitats in our unique ecosystem.
Dark Sky Preservation
Information about our Dark Sky Communities and how visitors can help protect our night skies through responsible lighting practices and choosing dark sky-friendly accommodations.
Water Conservation
Essential tips for conserving water in our desert environment, from choosing water-wise accommodations to understanding why every drop matters in the Verde Valley watershed.
Key Topics Covered on PreservingTheWonder.org
Social Media and the internet are full of advice like "The 10 Best Things to do in Sedona", but those articles frequently fail to provide practical information about how to be a responsible tourist. PreservingTheWonder.org fills this gap.
When to Visit
Best times to visit, how to avoid crowds, choosing sustainable tour operators, and eco-friendly accommodation options.
Leave No Trace Principles
Detailed explanations of all 7 Leave No Trace principles applied specifically to our environment.
Trail Etiquette
Right-of-way rules, encountering wildlife, staying on designated paths, preventing trail erosion and the value of silence.
Respecting Sacred Sites
Why rock cairns damage ecosystems, proper meditation practices, and how to honor and respect Indigenous cultural heritage.
Waste Management
"Pack it in, pack it out" guidance, proper disposal of human waste in backcountry areas, and recycling resources.
Local Support
How choosing local businesses, restaurants, and guides contributes to sustainable tourism and community prosperity.
Off-Highway Vehicles
Responsible OHV use, staying on designated routes, managing noise in residential areas, and preventing landscape damage.
Climate Considerations
Understanding Sedona's desert climate, preparing for temperature extremes, and water safety in different seasons.
Other Activities
How to explore the wealth of activities on our area: in and around Sedona, within an hour, within a few hours and further afield.
How You Can Help
PreservingTheWonder.org only works if visitors know about it.
Whether you're a local resident, business owner, tour operator, or hospitality professional,
you can help protect Sedona and the Verde Valley
by sharing this valuable resource with visitors.
- Share the website with friends and family planning to visit Sedona
- Link to PreservingTheWonder.org from your business website or social media
- Display information cards on responsible tourism at your hotel, restaurant, or shop
- Incorporate responsible tourism messaging into your tour narration or guest communications
- Follow us on Instagram for shareable content promoting sustainable practices
- Model responsible behavior during your own outdoor adventures
- Support KSB's mission through membership, volunteering, or donations