Arizona Travels: Sedona




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

Comments

  1. Thanks for letting me experience a little bit of Sedona from all the way over here in Oz. It looks amazing!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You are welcome. I just want everyone to get the full experience when they vacation in Sedona.

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