Sedona Arizona Red Rock Vacation

Nature is Sedona's main attraction, its stunning array of red sandstone formations are what have entices thousands of visitors each year. Located in the northern part of the Verde Valley, Sedona's rocks appear to glow in brilliant orange and red when illuminated by the rising or setting sun. The Red Rocks form a breathtaking backdrop for everything from spiritual pursuits to the hundreds of hiking and mountain biking trails.

What we like best about the Sedona area?

Oak Creek Canyon- Just north of Sedona this is a beautiful area. We love it, I suppose, because we are attracted to the water. Follow 89A North alongside Oak Creek and drive between the canyons. It is a beautiful drive, but even prettier if you step outisde of your vehicle. If you're looking for something fun to do with the kids. Visit Rainbow Trout Farm. A little further North and you'll stumble upon a great swimming hole and picnic area-Grasshopper Point. There is limited parking, so timing everything. Driving North on 89A you'll come across another very popular spot to cool off -Slide Rock State park. Thousands of people flock here in the summer to slide down the natural rock water slide. Get here early if you want a spot to park. Oak Creek Canyon is also home to several great camping spots.

Camping in Oak Creek

Manzanita Campground is located alongside Oak Creek as is Bootleggers, Cave Springs, Pine Flats and Chavez Crossing. All have great areas to explore, fish, swim, or relax. Camping along Oak Creek is hard to come by, thus reservations are highly recommended.

Another favorite spot of ours is Crescent Moon Recreation Area, which offers incredible views of Cathedral Rock, nice hiking and swimming areas.

Hiking in Sedona

Some of the more popular trails include: Cathedral Rock Trail, Bell Rock Trail, and Boynton Canyon Trail.

The famous red rocks of Sedona are formed by a thick layer of red to orange-colored sandstone found only in the Sedona vicinity. Millions of years in the making, Sedona's layers of sandstone and limestone were left in the area by a receeding ocean. Iron oxide then covered the sandstone and rust formed. What's left is the beautiful rocks you view today.

Maps can be obtained from the visitor's center that will name out the popular rock formations around the city. Some of the popular formations include: the dog Snoopy ( Peanuts comic strip) lying on top of his doghouse, Coffeepot Rock, Bell Rock, Cathedral Rock, Chimney Rock, Courthouse Butte, the Mittens, the Cow Pies, and the Rabbit Ears. The Chapel of the Holy Cross is one of the most photographed spots in Sedona, the Catholic Chapel is built into a mesa by a student of Frank Lloyd Wright.

You do not need to obtain a Red Rock pass if you are simply pulling over to take a photograph. If you plan on hiking or parking alongside the road in Sedona you will need to purchase a Red Rock pass which is currently $5 per day or $15 for a weekly pass. You can purchase this pass at Sedona Oak Creek Chamber of Commerce at 331 Forest Rd., alternatively you can also purchase at various self serve stations such as at Bell Rock Pathway Parking and at the Boynton Canyon Trailhead to name a few.

Sedona Jeep Tours and 4WD

If you're looking for adventure in Sedona, but don't feel like hiking, Jeep Tours are a great way to see the red rocks. There are several tours available, or you can drive the same routes with your high clearance vehicle or rent a jeep while visiting Sedona. One of our favorites is Schnebly Hill. The views from this area are outstanding. If visiting Sedona this really is one not to be missed. A bumpy ride down Dry Creek Road has some nice views on either side of the car.

Sedona Vortex

Many people visit Sedona for its natural beauty and just as many visit for the spiritual vortexes said to be concentrated in the area. These vortexes are created from spiritual energy, they are believed to be subtle energy centers where your spiritual and psychic powers are enhanced. These vortexes are said to be felt at Bell Rock, Airport Mesa, Cathedral Rock, Boynton Canyon, and Schnebly Hill. Whether or not you belive that energy flow exists on multiple dimensions in Sedona, it is nonetheless a stunning area of the country to visit. Once you visit you will see why the scenary is a popular spot to film movies.

Shopping in Sedona

Sedona is not lacking in places to shop. The most congested shopping areas include Uptown where you can find boutique and souvenir shops as well as restaurants, jeep tours and carriage rides. The area has some cool art sculptures and a beautiful red rock backdrop. My husbands favorite shop is the Sedona Fudge shop. We've been to Makinac Island and this fudge is just as good. The kids love the place that books tours and is home to the gigantic bearded dragon who resembles Jaba the Hut. If you follow 89A west from Uptown you will find many more shops and the grocery store. You can also find tons of shopping right around the "Y" intersection which is also home to the recreated Mexican village Tlaquepaque.

Sedona Annual Festivals

Popular annual festivals in Sedona include the Sedona International Film Festival and the Sedona Art Festival. The possibilities of outdoor enjoyment are limitless in Sedona.

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