Sedona is a desert town not far from Flagstaff. It's surrounded by awesome scarlet rock cliffs and canyons, a place of cool, deep green pine forests with a mild climate and a highly creative arts community. Explore uptown to find an endless stream of New Age shops, spas and galleries, or head for the outskirts to discover countless scenic walking, mountain biking and cycling trails in Red Rock State Park.
The annual Sedona International Film Festival, held each February, draws huge crowds. And the town is lovely. But it's the epic-scale landscapes that draw people from all around the world. Here are just three ways to experience its extraordinary beauty.
-
Take a jeep tour around the bright red rocks of Broken Arrow
-
Explore the Grand Canyon's south rim
-
Discover the local 'vortexes'
This is an ancient landscape with an old, old spirit, and it's stuffed with history. The Honanki Heritage Site, for example, is another fascinating cliff dwelling and rock art site in the Coconino National Forest just west of the town, not to be missed if you're interested in Native American history.
The Chapel of the Holy Cross, a Sedona landmark since its completion in 1956, was designed by Marguerite Brunswig Staude, a pupil of Frank Lloyd Wright, and rises out of the surrounding vivid red rocks.
With temperatures averaging the high 70s, Spring in Sedona is perfect for cycling. The locals love it, as do visitors. Why not take things at your own speed and join a group cycling through the stunning Verde Valley? If you'd rather chill out with some top class retail therapy, Sedona is a wonderland of artisan goods to buy, quirky boutiques, art galleries, cool independent shops, craft outlets and open artists' studios. Perfect for souvenir hunters who like something a bit different. Slide Rock State Park is fabulous, named for its remarkable natural rock slide cut into the river bed's slippery bottom over the aeons. The result is a popular swimming hole area a full half mile long, least crowded outside of the Summer months but always great fun. Perfect for water babies!
Sedona makes for an excellent family getaway, with loads of family-friendly fun to enjoy. An endless stream of history, arts, nature, ecology, geology, seasonal attractions and lots of special outings await you and the kids. Visit Out of Africa, a safari-type experience through 104 acres of splendid wilderness. Travel the brilliant Verde Canyon Railroad from Clarkdale to Sycamore Canyon, famous for its eagles and soaring views. Discover the old mining town of Jerome and go native at the Blazin’ M Ranch in Cottonwood, complete with live 'Wild West' stage shows. Ride 'em, cowboy.