Sedona

The Red Rocks are calling and I must go!

Sedona, Arizona, one of the most beautiful places in America according to USA Weekend, is a sprawling beauty of natural forests and towering red rock masterpieces. With plenty of hikes, activities and shops, Sedona is sure to give you memories to last a lifetime. 1.8 million acres of national forest land surround the ever-bustling town (1). It is regarded as sacred land by the Natives Americans for its healing energy and spiritual renewal (1). There are also the vortex's (swirling centers of energy that are conducive to healing, meditation and self-exploration) that are supposedly alive in this sacred and powerful town (2). In the summer months, Sedona tends to average at a daily high of 86 degrees F (7). In the winter months, Sedona averages at a daily high of 62 degrees F (7). A place of true beauty, grace, relaxation and nature appreciation, visiting Sedona is one of my top suggestions for making the most of your time in Arizona.

“It is a cathedral without walls” – (2).

“It is Stonehenge not yet assembled” – (2).

Via car from Arizona State’s Tempe Campus, Sedona is approximately a two-hour drive (Google Maps). Traffic can come into play here and cause it to spike to two and a half hours. If car is not available to you, check out various bus websites like Flixbus, where you can see designated departure times and locations to get to Sedona for about $15 to get there and $10 to return to the Phoenix area (3). If you are a motorcycle enthusiast, like my boyfriend, this is a fun, scenic ride to take. The red rocks are a gorgeous sight to gaze upon no matter what transportation you prefer.

Sedona is jam-packed with various things to do.

Uptown Sedona

My favorite part of town and definitely the most tourist oriented. Enjoy walking by various restaurants, shops, art galleries and crystal stores. Make sure you stop into the Sedona Fudge Co for the most fantastic fudge and chocolate you’ll ever eat. My personal favorite is their milk chocolate dipped pretzels or strawberries. Delicious! As you continue wandering the Uptown strip, pop on into Open Range for a meal with the best view. With large portions served, you can easily split a meal with your friends. I enjoy the grilled cheese with tomato soup, but also recommend the quesadilla and chicken wings. If you prefer a more hole-in-the-wall type of meal, look into Outlaw Burger. I ate one of these burgers after a hike, and it was a spectacular meal. Even if you are not into art or crystals, I suggest taking a look into the various stores throughout town. They are fun and quirky and who knows, you may find something you like.

Sedona's Fudge Co.

Hikes

Known for some of the “most picturesque hiking in the world,” you are sure to want to soak in Sedona’s natural beauty (4). Make sure you purchase a Red Rock Pass for hiking on the National Forest Land in Red Rock County. They can be purchased by the Sedona Chamber of Commerce and are $5 per day, $15 per week and $20 per year (3). So, if you intend to go hiking more than once, I suggest the year pass.

Tips for Hiking in Sedona

• Choose hikes appropriate for your fitness level, interest and season appropriateness

• Bring lots of water

• Pack some snacks

• Sunscreen and hats are a must

• Study the trails beforehand

• Stay on the trails

• Leave only footprints and take only pictures

• (4)

The view from Fay Canyon

Here are some of the top hiking trails (5)

1. Cathedral Rock – about one-mile roundtrip - an iconic Sedona hike

2. Fay Canyon – 2.4-mile trail – I did this hike as a sorority sisterhood and absolutely loved it! At the end you come up against the red rocks and laying on them in the sun is pure bliss

3. Boynton Canyon – 6.1 mile out-and-back hike – There’s an energy vortex near the trailhead

4. Devil’s Bridge Trail – 4.2 miles out-and-back -Leads to a breathtaking, natural sandstone arch, -One of the most popular trails, – I have yet to do this hike, but it’s on my bucket list!

5. Bell Rock Pathway – 3.6-mile one-way hike (the city of Sedona recommends to just do the first 1.5 miles)

6. Soldier Pass – 4.1-mile loop trail – Bonus sites to see – Devil’s Kitchen Sinkhole and the Seven Sacred Pools

*for guidelines, maps and more visit hikesedona.com for details*

Extras

While I have yet to do this, the Sedona Pink Jeep Tours is high on my to-do list. With adventure at every turn and plenty of options in store, this is an off-road excursion worth saving up for. The length of time on the tour varies the price. The Broken Arrow tour is 2 hours that features the red rock spires of the Sedona area for the price of $124 per person (6). If you decide to upgrade to the Broken Arrow / Scenic Rim Combo that is 3 hours and costs $170 per person (6). Coyote Canyons takes you through Sedona’s backcountry for a two-hour excursion at only $75. There are also the four different Scenic Rim options which vary between 1.5 hours to 3 hours and $65 – $95 respectively. Click here for more information on these wild pink rides!

Another destination I desire to see is Slide Rock. Named one of “America’s Top 10 Swimming Holes”, Slide Rock is the “ultimate natural water slide” (8). 80 feet long and 2.5-4 feet wide, natural slide is open to swimming, sliding, and splashing (8). The worn sandstone is coated with algae to make this a smooth, slippery ride (8).

Tips from the Arizona State Park

• The creek can drop to freezing temperatures so check the weather accordingly

• Be careful when walking on the stone because it is slippery

• Glass is not allowed, so bring water in plastic or reusable bottles

• There is no lifeguard on duty, so proceed with caution when swimming

Park Hours

• November 1 – January 31: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

• February 1 – April 30: 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.

• May 1 – Labor Day: 8 a.m. – 7 p.m.

• Post Labor Day – October 31: 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.

• Holidays – Thanksgiving: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., Christmas Eve: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., Christmas: Closed

Park Entrance Fees

• October – February: $10 per vehicle

• March 1 – May 24: $20 per vehicle

• May 25 – Labor Day: $20 per vehicle Mon-Thurs, $30 per vehicle Fri-Sun (+ holiday Mondays)

• Post Labor Day – September 30: $20 per vehicle

*Motorcycles cost half the price of a full vehicle*

• Important: If you are paying in cash it must be exact change!

• (8)

Looking for even more things to do? Click here for 100 Things to Do in Sedona

“I remember when I was in college at ASU and my family would come out to visit, one of the first things we did was drive up to show them the red rocks of Sedona” -Anne Dollarhide (my mom).