Sedona is located midway between Phoenix and The Grand Canyon in Arizona in the Southwest United States. It is known as Red Rock Country and the setting will remind you of the scenery of many Western movies that were shot in the vicinity.
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The area as captivated visitors for many years. People have been attracted by the red-rock monoliths that have been named Coffeepot, Cathedral and Bell because their massive shapes resemble these distinctive objects. Recently it was rated the most beautiful spot in the United States. See the following excerpt from USA Today.
Red Rock Country (Sedona, Ariz.)
Ever since the early days of movies, when Hollywood has wanted to show the unique beauty of the West, it has gone to Sedona, a place that looks like nowhere else. Beginning with The Call of the Canyon in 1923, some hundred movies and TV shows have been filmed in and around town. We fell under Sedona's spell, too, and while debating our No. 1 spot kept returning to it for the same reasons Hollywood does: The area's telegenic canyons, wind-shaped buttes and dramatic sandstone towers embody the rugged character of the West -- and the central place that character holds in our national identity. There's a timelessness about these ancient rocks that fires the imagination of all who encounter them. Some 11,000 years before film cameras discovered Sedona, American Indians settled the area. Homesteaders, artists and, most recently, New Age spiritualists have followed. Many cultures and agendas abound, but there's really only one attraction: the sheer, exuberant beauty of the place. People come for inspiration and renewal, tawny cliffs rising from the buff desert floor, wind singing through box canyons, and sunsets that seem to cause the ancient buttes and spires to glow from within. We hear the canyon's call and cannot resist. For more, go to www.sedona.net.
When in Sedona, one can marvel at the beautiful red rock formations and also soak in the 1.8 million-acre Coconino National Forest that surrounds the area. It is also a 2-hour drive north to the most popular Grand Canyon look out post. Many people also come to the area to experience the Geographic Vortexes that are sai
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Cathedral Rock Above babbling stream
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Almost anywhere in Sedona there is a 360-degree panoramic view showcasing the geologic red wonders of the area.
Among the rock formations is one that closely resembles the character Snoopy (from the popular Peanuts comic strip) lying on top of his doghouse. Another nearby rock is said to resemble Lucy, also from Peanuts. Other landmark rock formations include Coffeepot Rock, Bell Rock, Cathedral Rock, the Mittens, the Cow Pies, and the Rabbit Ears.
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The main draw of the region is the scenery. It is a photographers delight with dozens of beautiful vistas to absorb. It was also interesting to visit the vortexes and absorb those seeking to experience their spiritual attributes.
If you have ever seen a whirlpool in a river or watched water going down the drain in the bathtub and have witnessed the tornado like glassiness of spinning water, you have seen a vortex. A vortex is created from spiralling motion of air or liquid around a centre of rotation. If you have ever witnessed a dust devil kick up in the desert, you have seen a vortex.
In Sedona vortexes are created, not by wind or water, but from spiralling spiritual energy. 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.
There are 4 main walking trails to explore in the Sedona region.
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Cathedral Rock - Awe inspiring!
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There are tourist information booths entering Sedona that will provide you with maps detailing all the significant and abundant sites. Cathedral Rock was our favorite.
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We actually stayed two hours soth at the Camelback Resort in Scottsdale and it was agreat location with a pool and a fully furnished suite with kitchen, living room, and bedroom.
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On the way south tp Phoenix I suggest yous top at Montezuma Castle located in the Verde Valley about 1/2 an hour south of Sedona, this area has been a haven to nomadic ancient peoples. The name "Montezuma" came from explorers in the 1800's who believed the local aborginals would not have the knowledge to build such a structure so attributed it to the early Aztecs. The dwelling could be called an ancient apartment building; it is not outwardly visible, but the interior has about 5 levels. It is so well preserved as it was built into a deep alcove and therefore was protected for the elements. This structure was actually only part of a large ancient community in the area, and you can see other ruins as you wander the interpretive footpath around the area
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Desert Cactus were everywhere
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We only spent one day in Sedona and maximized our time out doors. It is a great place to picnic and enjoy your lunch in the magnificent outdoors enjoying the beautiful red rock formations and the bluest skies that you can imagine.
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Chiricahua National Monument - The ravages of time
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The Chiricahua National Monument
A “Wonderland of Rocks” is waiting for you to explore at Chiricahua National Monument. This forest of rock spires was eroded from layers of ash deposited by the Turkey Creek Volcano eruption 27 million years ago. The monument is located southeast of Sedona (about 4 hours by car near the New Mexico and Mexican borders.
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Published on Friday November 23th, 2007
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Tue, Apr 29 2008 - 09:07 PM
 by aufgehts
| Hard to believe you did most of this in one day! This will be helpful for our trip next week. |
Thu, Nov 29 2007 - 01:35 AM
by downundergal
| I enjoyed this report on what must be manificent in real life especially judging from your photos but I agree with David. |
Sun, Nov 25 2007 - 07:30 AM
 by bineba
| Really nice report & gret pictures. I went to Arizona in 1997 but never made it to Sedona, but have very fond memories of Chiricahua. |
Sat, Nov 24 2007 - 10:32 AM
by mistybleu
Murry, a lovely report; I really like your pictures as well, you seems to have had a really wonderful time with great weather.
Amanda |
Fri, Nov 23 2007 - 04:40 PM
by davidx
| This is interesting and informative with some great pictures. I gave it 4* with some misgivings because I don't think lengthy quotes are appropriate. |
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