teens and kids

Pink Jeep Tours
by Danielle Ruberto

Since starting this column last year, I have hiked into the Grand Canyon to swim in the blue-green pools of Havasu Falls, been amazed and awed by the animals at Out of Africa Wildlife Park, performed on stage at the Arizona Broadway Theatre, and learned to prepare and cook homemade pasta at Avanti Restaurant. My latest journey took me to Sedona to experience an incredible Pink Jeep Tour on the one and only Broken Arrow trail. The terrain on Broken Arrow is an 8-mile adventure full of extraordinary sights and stops along the way.

It was 1:00pm at the boarding area when Dad and I heard our names. “Ruberto party,” Bob, our driver said, and we entered our bright pink jeep. In addition to being a safe and experienced Jeep driver, Bob was also a historian, comedian, geologist and all around walking encyclopedia of Sedona information. It was a short drive on the main road until we got to the trail. As we started driving up Broken Arrow, Bob began telling our group about history and geography. “Now driving along here, you may be tempted to reach out and get friendly with the plants,” he stated. Then he explained we shouldn’t touch them because they could have thorns. As we drove further we learned about plants, animals, climate, rocks, formations and more.

Then we came to our first destination: Submarine Rock. It was one of the most beautiful scenes I have viewed in Arizona. Bob parked the jeep and we all got out and walked around the breathtaking spot. He told us about the different layers of rock in the distance and how the very top ones had seashells and coral stuck in them. He even found an example of one of those rocks near to where we were walking around.

After dozens of great pictures and a geography lesson from Bob, we regrouped and continued our tour. There was still so much to see. As we continued, we saw much more of Sedona’s endless beauty – the infamous Red Rock formations filled our field of view in every direction. We made another stop, this one just as breathtaking as the last. Then the trail got increasingly fun as Bob stopped us at a 40% grade after Dad so kindly got out of the vehicle and requested a picture (see right). As usual, Dad was loaded with gear – still camera, video camera, GPS, survival kits, etc. – all stuffed into his National Geographic backpack.

Ending the tour in style, we descended the Devil’s Stairway. The decline was steep and a little bumpy, but very cool. By this time the whole group was convinced that Bob our driver was just plain awesome. So we just held on and enjoyed the ride as he drove straight down the rock staircase. The Pink Jeep felt like a wonderful ride in nature’s amusement park.

As our extraordinary tour came to an end, I told Dad we had to do it again soon. The ride was so much fun and the places we saw were absolutely stunning. Perfect for families, Pink Jeep offers various tours and trails for all ages and adventure levels. So next time you’re in Sedona, be sure to take a Pink Jeep tour, and please say “Hi” to Bob! For reservations and information call 1-800-8-SEDONA or visit www.pinkjeep.com.

Danielle Ruberto is the 15 year old daughter of Key publisher Tom Ruberto and a sophomore in high school.

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