Magical Sedona, Arizona
by Paul H. Green
Arizona with its multi-colored landscape, gaping canyons, and rugged mountains and mesas features some of the most spectacular desert scenery in all of the United States, if not the world. One of Arizona's most enchanting communities is the scenic town of Sedona. This resort town is known for its red rocks and its New Age spiritual vortexes. Whether or not you are into New Age theories, you will come away from Sedona feeling refreshed and renewed.
When planning your visit to Sedona, plan to spend at least a day if not two. Sedona is an easy day trip from Flagstaff or Phoenix as well as being a destination in its own right. If you want to extend your visit, you can stay at a variety of bed and breakfast inns, five star resorts, hotels, or motels.
Sedona Must-See Attractions
Chapel of the Holy Cross
The Chapel of the Holy Cross, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, greets you as you enter the valley. Look above into the red rocks overlooking the valley and see the large cross soaring overhead. This cross-dissected building is the delightful Chapel of the Cross. Be sure to wind your way up the hill and take a peek inside. You'll be rewarded with a quiet sanctuary and a top-of-the-world view. Tourists are welcome to come inside and enjoy the scenery in quiet reflection.
Sedona Airport
Another fantastic Sedona viewing spot is the small, mountaintop airport. Drive through town and up to the airport and take in the 360-degree view of the red rock valley below.
The Town of Sedona
Naturally, one of the highlights of Sedona is the town itself. The charming uptown village area is loaded with art galleries, one-of-a-kind shops, cafés, restaurants, coffee houses, and other interesting diversions. You'll notice the New Age influence scattered throughout the community with labyrinths designed for strolling and contemplation, medicine wheels, and Vortex sites.
Oak Creek Canyon
Just north of Sedona, you will find a scenic drive through Oak Creek Canyon. This is a beautiful little side trip that's well worth your time. Pack a picnic lunch and your hiking boots. You'll want to get out and enjoy this spectacular setting. Plenty of hiking trails beckon offering hikes for all abilities.
Slide Rock State Park
As part of your Oak Creek Canyon side trip, plan on stopping by Slide Rock State Park. This unique park located in the Coconino National Forest features a natural waterslide. Bring your sunscreen and swimsuit and cool down as you slide though the red rocks. Several spots along the slide feature pools that are perfect for wading or floating. In fact, some pools are deep enough to accommodate cannonballs off the steep cliffs (do so at your own risk or better yet, watch the locals do it). This is a popular summer destination, be prepared for crowds.
Indian Ruins
You don't need to travel far to find Indian ruins. Cliff dwellings dot the landscape. The spectacular Montezuma's Castle remains a sacred site to the contemporary Pueblo people, however you can get an up close look at it by visiting the Montezuma Castle National Monument. You'll stand just below one of America's best-preserved cliff dwellings.
A short jaunt further takes you to Montezuma's Well where you'll see a large expanse of water that is ringed by cliffs. Nestled inside these cliffs you'll see more cliff dwellings and Indian ruins.
The well was formed by the collapse of a limestone cavern long ago. Over a million gallons of warm, fresh water flow into the well each day providing a unique aquatic habitat and a desert oasis appreciated by wildlife and humans alike.
Out of Africa Wildlife Park
Another stop you won't want to miss is the Out of Africa Wildlife Park. Allow several hours to tour this special place. You'll ride safari vehicles throughout the park and get right out amongst giraffes, wildebeests, zebras, and lions. The park is open all year from Wednesday through Sunday.
Golf
Arizona has an established reputation as being a golf mecca. While in Sedona, you can hit the links among the famous red rocks by getting a tee time at the fabulous Oakcreek Country Club. This championship course was designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr. and Robert Trent Jones Jr. While golf is the main attraction, the spectacular scenery comes in as a close second.
Spas
Whether you stay at a five star resort or not, your visit to Sedona can include pampering at one of the many spas and days spas throughout the area. From the traditional spa treatments such as massages, facials, scrubs, and wraps to those with mystical and healing focuses such as intuitive readings, hypnotherapy and Reiki, you'll find the perfect spa treatment and indulgences that match your mood.
Energy Vortexes
Sedona features numerous vortex sites that are said to be enhanced energy locations that are ideal for facilitating prayer, mind and body healing, meditation, and exploring the soul. The science behind these vortexes is complex which has spawned a variety of lectures, books, and tours available where you can learn more.
Whether you stay for a day, a week, or longer, your visit to Sedona will leave you with a greater appreciation for life in the desert. You'll want to return to this special place over and over. There's no place on Earth like Sedona!
For more information, visit these websites:
www.visitsedona.com
www.dreamsedona.com/history-of-sedona.html
www.outofafricapark.com/
www.nps.gov/moca/