Great Ideas for Your Sedona, Arizona Vacation

Things to Do and See in Magical Sedona

One of the most photographed scenes in the southwest is towering Cathedral Rock reflected in the waters of Oak Creek at Red Rock Crossing. Some visitors to Sedona don't even know it exists. It is also a vortex site. Enjoy Oak Creek as it flows over rocks, watch the light change on the face of Cathedral Rock, learn about the history of Crescent Moon Ranch and, take advantage of the spiritual healing effects of this very beautiful area.

Directions: Drive west from Sedona on US 89A. Just outside town, turn south on FR 216 (Upper Red Rock Loop Road). Drive about 1.5 miles and follow the signs to Red Rock Crossing. All roads except the short segment leading from Red Rock Crossing Road to the picnic area are paved. Fee: $8.00 per car.

Sedona is known for hiking trails. Some go to vortex sites and some take the hiker to Native American sites with pictographs and old villages. The Red Rocks, and details such as wildflowers and little lizards, when seen close up, become even more beautiful than when viewed from a distance.

Everyone takes a jeep tour when they come to Sedona. There are several great companies that will take you to tour Indian ruins, Vortex sites, as well as some pretty rough and tumble trips up red rocks and to high rims. I've enjoyed the guides and tours from Pink Jeep Tours, A Day in the West Tours and Arizona Safari Jeep Tours. There are a variety of tours available by checking with the concierge at your hotel or by investigating the offices lining Uptown Sedona. No matter which trip you choose, it will be great to get out of town and in to the Red Rocks and desert.

The Tlaquepaque Arts and Shopping Village in Sedona, Arizona is a very picturesque collection of shops, restaurants and galleries. Wander from courtyard to courtyard and enjoy the south of the border ambiance. Close to Los Abrigados Resort.

On the road up to the Airport you will encounter a great viewpoint. Park across the road and gather at sunset (along with many others) to view the sunset in the best location possible. Another thing that is fun to do at the airport is have a meal at the Sedona Airport Restaurant. Watch the planes land and take off.

When in Sedona, it's fun to walk through the galleries. Some, like Turquoise Tortoise have contemporary desert art and Native American jewelry. Others have massive sculptures. There are several places where you can find galleries. In uptown, I like Pinon Pointe. Then head south to Tlaquepaque. From there continue on to Hozho and then the Hillside area. The free trolley, Roadrunner, will take you from area to area.

The vortexes of Sedona are named because they are believed to be spiritual locations where the energy is right to facilitate prayer, mediation and healing. Vortex sites are believed to be locations having energy flow that exists on multiple dimensions. The energy of the vortexes interacts with a person’s inner self. It is not easily explained. Obviously it must be experienced. You can attend a lecture about vortexes or take a vortex tour. There is much to be learned about the spiritual nature of the beautiful Red Rock country.