Approaching Sedona from the south on Highway 179, I caught sight of a cluster of majestic red rocks rising into Popsicle-blue sky. It was like entering another world. I would have pulled over, but highway construction conveniently allowed me to crawl along slowly enough to gawk and find my breath. Though I had flown all night and driven two hours, fatigue suddenly dissolved. All I wanted to do was get out of the car and onto the land.Sedona is situated at the southwestern rim of the Colorado Plateau. Elevation is about 4,500 feet (red rock formations rise a lot higher). It’s a small town of about 10,000 people that spans 19-square miles (49% of which is Coconino National Forest).
...Read More
Approaching Sedona from the south on Highway 179, I caught sight of a cluster of majestic red rocks rising into Popsicle-blue sky. It was like entering another world. I would have pulled over, but highway construction conveniently allowed me to crawl along slowly enough to gawk and find my breath. Though I had flown all night and driven two hours, fatigue suddenly dissolved. All I wanted to do was get out of the car and onto the land.
Sedona is situated at the southwestern rim of the Colorado Plateau. Elevation is about 4,500 feet (red rock formations rise a lot higher). It’s a small town of about 10,000 people that spans 19-square miles (49% of which is Coconino National Forest).
Sedona is known for its vortexes (places where subtle, swirling energy emanates from the earth’s surface). Native Americans have long considered the land here sacred. You’ll probably feel its power right away. There are four main vortexes in Sedona, and millions of tourists and spiritual seekers flock to experience these energy centers. Links to vortex information: www.visitsedona.com, www.lovesedona.com
Though my primary motivation for visiting Sedona was to experience the land, I’m not a rabid hiker. I lost my taste for it after bad experiences with my bushwhacking, time-challenged, food-and-water-underestimating ex-father in law. Yet, I spent six blissful days exploring Sedona trails. It didn’t feel so much like hiking to me - I think because I stuck to open spaces, never set an agenda, and stopped to rest and even nap whenever I felt like it. The rocks are very accommodating, often forming natural stairs and cradles. All of the vortex sites and many of the trails are easy to get to and traverse. People of all ages and in a variety of physical conditions can easily stroll into the vortex areas. Personally, I had many profound and uplifting experiences on the land that rejuvenated me and cleared my head.
Surprisingly, Sedona has a lot of good restaurants in all price ranges. There’s also a good art scene and healers galore. It seems the majority of people who live here are healers, artists, writers or some combination thereof. It’s an open, friendly tourist town that has managed to keep tourist traps to a minimum and primarily confined to a strip of uptown Sedona.
Quick Tips:
Most of the land is part of the Coconino National Forest, and you’ll need a Red Rock Pass to walk around. They cost for 24 hours or for seven days. You can buy passes at kiosks (cash or credit) in the parking areas of most sites and also at stores, such as Circle K. I was told some hotels sell them too. This is the link for more information: www.redrockcountry.org/passes-and-permits/where-to-purchase.shtml
There is significant construction on Highway 179, which feeds off I-17 and runs through the Village of Oak Creek into Sedona. Traffic there can be tedious. A lot of must-see destinations are off 179, including Bell Rock, Courthouse Rock, and Chapel of the Holy Cross. Allow plenty of time, and watch for sudden stops.
Parking in uptown Sedona can be challenging. Try the lot at the Chamber of Commerce Visitor Center. Make a left off 89A at the first and only light in uptown (Forest Street). The visitor center is the first thing on the left after you turn on Forest Street. Another option is to go past Forest Street and make your next left on Jordan Road. You'll see the back of a BBQ restaurant on the right almost immediately. There are two lots just past the BBQ place. The second one is free public parking.
The sun is strong. Make sure your sunscreen is fresh. Bring a hat and good sunglasses. It’s chilly in the morning and at night. I was glad I brought polar fleece.Best Way To Get Around:
You must have a car to get around Sedona. You can fly into either Phoenix (about 120 miles south) or Flagstaff (about 30 miles north) and rent a car at the airport. It's typically cheaper to fly in and out of Phoenix. Read Less