There
are many ancient Native American ruins all over the state of Arizona. Many of
these “houses of spirits” were built strong and we see the evidence in the
partially found remains of their dwellings. From those ruins we get an
understanding of how they survived. In central Arizona sits an entire
mysterious city where many have referred to it as being “spiritual”. The city
of Sedona spans to some degree in the Verde Valley, between Coconino and
Yavapai counties. Surrounding the downtown are vivid orange-red sandstone rock
creations as vibrant as Sedona’s sunset. There are many places to hike and
enjoy the breathtaking scenery this place has to offer. People come to this
serene settlement for the mountainous hiking trails, spiritual healing powers
of the vortexes, and even for some UFO hunting. Sedona has it all. The city was
named after the wife of the first postmaster, Sedona Miller Schnebly, who was
known for her generosity and sincerity.
One
of the main characteristics of this town is its many vortexes which seem to
have New Age spiritual healing abilities. Some are certain the organic formations
of the red mountains are contributing factors to the energy of these soothing powers.
They believe the energy comes from theoretical magnetically-charged routes inside
the earth’s surface known as “ley lines”. They also think Sedona is one of the
places where these lines intersect. In the 1950’s, New Age enthusiast Page
Bryant learnt about the vortexes through channeling. Sedona’s vortexes are
described as “swirling center of subtle
energy coming from the surface of the earth” which leave an insignificant
quantity of lingering magnetism in areas where the energy is most predominant.
If you meditate in the space where these vortexes are located, you can
experience spiritual and sometimes even physical healing.
Sedona’s
vortexes have since become so popular that visitor centers now offer handouts
and maps pointing out their locations. There are also guided tours, which
highlight Native American and New Age spirituality. One of the places I like to
visit while in Sedona is the Center for the New Age. The building has four
different shops which provide massages, healings, psychic readings, vortex
information, books and crystals. In the back of one shop you can get your aura
read. I found that to be an interesting experience.
Center for the New Age
341
Hwy 179
Sedona,
AZ 86336 (across from Tlaquepaque)
Phone:
(928) 282-2085
Sedona
is a wonderful place for hiking, camping, and taking jeep tours to some on the
area’s utmost remarkable sites. You can hike some of the more famous rock
formations around the city such as Bell Rock, Cathedral Rock, and Lone Rock to
name a few. You may also want to see the Chapel of the Holy Cross, a well known
and familiar sight tucked inside the red rocks. This Roman Catholic cathedral
was built in 1956 and took only 18 months to complete. It offers spectacular
views of Sedona and all its famous rock formations from its chapel’s large
windows. This website will provide more information: http://www.redrockrealty.net/chapel.html
To
get all the information you will need to make your hiking experience noteworthy,
check out the following websites:
Sedona Arizona’s Best Hiking Trails
Great Sedona Hikes
There
are many places to camp and have a picnic amongst the red rocks of Sedona. The
Forest Service provides information on all the locations in and around the
Sedona area. Each place is usually on a “first-come, first serve” basis with
the exception of group sites. Some of the places will allow you to make a
reservation especially if you have a large group wanting to camp near each
other.
Red Rock Country Camping and
Picnicking
If
hiking or camping does not excite you, perhaps a jeep ride through Sedona and
the outskirts of the city sounds more like something you might enjoy. There are
several different jeep tours that offer many diverse packages while on your
thrill ride through the red rocks.
The Pink Jeep Tours
have been taking people on tours of Sedona and others places since 1960. They
drive paths and jaunt through the back roads where you can experience places
you wouldn’t see in your own car. They offer several different deals and an
essential tour to add to your trip to Sedona.
Sedona Off Road Adventures
offers you with another tour option since 2001. They will present you with a
safe and naturally exhilarating ride through all the historical sites and
amazing scenery. Check them out and see what type of deals they have to offer.
A Day in the West Jeep Tours
provides you with a breathtaking ride back in time through the history of the
red rock city. If you want a fun Wild West experience, then this is the tour
for you. Like the other jeep outings, this tour has its own unique daily
packages as well.
If the jeep
tours are not enough and you would like a different experience, try a UFO tour.
Sedona UFO Sky Tours will take you
to some of the city’s UFO hotspots and provide you with equipment to make your
adventure most successful. With the night vision goggles and binoculars your
vision of the clear Sedona nights affords you the opportunity of a better view
to see the UFO’s. You will sit near a vortex and feel its energy while basking
in the splendor of the starry skies. To book a tour, see the following:
Phone: (805) 815-8989
Nighttime Fee: Adults - $75.00;
Children (12 & under) FREE; cash only please
Hours: Meet a dusk at The
Encounter Sedona Storefront; 1385 89A, West Sedona.
*Next to the Old Sedona
Bar and Grill and the tour is usually 1.5 to 2 hours.
The Center for the New Age also provides an UFO tour. They will set
you up with equipment to help in spotting UFO’s and take you to some of the
best places around for hunting our visitors in the sky. Check out their website
for information.
The astounding
scenery of Sedona is not all this city can bestow upon you. There are many
accommodations for your shopping and dining pleasure. One of the places you
must see while visiting Sedona, AZ, is Tlaquepaque (Tia-keh-pah-keh). The name means "best of everything"
and was built in the 1970's. Located
near Oak Creek with flourishing vegetation all around its grounds, Tlaquepaque
has the look of an original Mexican town.
Inside are many interesting shops, galleries, restaurants, with
cobble-stoned walkways and arched entryways with vines growing all over the
stucco walls.
Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village
336 State Route 179
Sedona, AZ 86339
Phone: (928) 282-4838
Hours: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
(shops) open daily; restaurant hours vary (closed Christmas and Thanksgiving)
Uptown Sedona is located in the center of town where Highway
89A and 179 come together. Along the half-mile route you can find many diverse
shops, restaurants, and cafes. Below the shopping locality run the cool waters
of Oak Creek. Amongst the various assorted shops are Native American and
southwest items, galleries which display local artist works, and many of the
touring establishments. Be sure to park your car and take a stroll through
Uptown Sedona.
Sedona has
many places to dine and some more quirky than others. The Coffee Pot Restaurant
is located near the Coffee Pot Rock. It has been in business since the 1950’s
and offer around 101 different omelets for your enjoyment. They provide
breakfast all day long and serve it with the best tasting coffee. It also
serves many other delicious meals at affordable prices. The service is just as
wonderful as the food. It also provides you with a small shop or various items.
Coffee Pot Restaurant
2050 West Highway 89A
(just west of Coffee Pot Road)
Sedona, AZ 86336
Phone: (928) 282-6626
*They are open daily for
breakfast and lunch from 6:00 am – 2:00 pm.
Red Planet Diner is one of those places you should experience
while in Sedona. This odd diner caters to the UFO lover with its
out-of-this-world décor. From its location you are treated to the outstanding
views of Sedona’s red rocks and scenery. They also boast to having the best
burgers in town. My friend and I gave this place a try and loved it.
1655 W. State Route 89A
Sedona, AZ 86336
Phone: (928) 282-6070
After you
spent the day touring, shopping and eating, you will need a nice place to lay
your head for the night. Sedona has many hotels, resorts and cabins to choose
from. The prices range from affordable to extravagant depending on what type of
staying experience you are looking for. Each place is located in various areas
around the state and provides you with amazing views of the mountains or Oak
Creek. Some offer massages and other packages to make your stay more
comfortable.
L’Auberge De Sedona is a resort with
hotel rooms and cottages which sit along the creek. I had the pleasure of
staying there with my husband in one of their cottages. Not only is the place
near the serine waters, but just below Uptown Sedona as well. We also dined at
their restaurant and sat near the creek listening to the sounds of the cool
waters rushing by us. It was very romantic.
301 Little Lane
Sedona, AZ 86336, United
States
Phone: (928) 282-1661
I have also stayed at the
King’s Ransom a couple of times with my friend while on our urban exploring
road trips. It is located near places to shop and eat. The prices are
affordable and our stay was excellent.
King’s Ransom
771 Hwy 179
Sedona, AZ 86336
Phone: (928) 282-7151
Hotels, Resorts & Cabins
I can’t talk
about Sedona and all its wonders without mentioning Oak Creek Canyon. This
breathtaking ravine is located near Sedona and south of Flagstaff. One of the
Grand Canyon’s little sisters, this picturesque valley of trees, red rocks and
wandering creek is a site to be appreciated. From Flagstaff you are first overjoyed
with the scenic overpass where many Native Americans have tables of their
handmade goods for sale. After taking in the beauty of the canyon, it is time
to drive the winding roads and U shape turns to reach the bottom of the canyon.
It is approximately 13 miles from the lookout to Sedona but you there are
places to stop at along the way.
One of those places along
the route is Slide Rock State Park. I have visited this place many times
throughout my years as a child and an adult. Slide Rock got its name from the
natural water slide formed by the slippery bed of Oak Creek. It is located in Oak Creek Canyon and only 7
miles from Sedona. In 1907, Frank L.
Pendley developed the land and obtained a title under the Homestead Act in
1910. He created an irrigation system
which watered his apple orchard. The
road through the canyon was finished in 1914 and Pendley took advantage of the
traffic and built the tourists cabins for them to rent.
On July 10, 1985 the
Arizona State Parks acquired the park and two years later Slide Rock State Park
was dedicated. On December 23, 1991, the
Pendley Homestead Historic District was placed on the National Register of
Historic Places. His apple farm is still
maintained today.
Slide Rock State Park
6871 West Highway
89A
Sedona, AZ 86336
Phone: (928) 282-3034
Hours: 8:00 am – 6:00 pm
(spring); 8:00 am – 7:00 pm (summer)
Fees: $10.00 per vehicle
(up to 4 adults, 14 years or older), each extra adult is $3.00
*No pets allowed or to be
left in vehicles. Also, bring a few pairs of pants because the smooth rocks on
the slide will wear holes in your drawers.
There are
several places for you to have a picnic along Oak Creek as well as places to
camp. You can pitch a tent, roll out your RV or rent one of them several cabins
located inside the canyon. No matter where you stop in Oak Creek Canyon, the
views are to die for.
Sedona/Oak Creek Campgrounds
Briar Patch Inn (warm and comfy cabins in Oak Creek)
There are many more
places which offer you a cabin and cottage stay while in
Sedona and Oak Creek Canyon. The following website has all the information you
will need for make your Sedona stay an enjoyable one.
Sedona Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center
