Creating Unforgettable Trips to Magical Sedona

If there is a place in Arizona that inspires pure wonder, unrivaled peace, and invigorating senses, one of them has to be Sedona! Hailed as the “number one hidden gem in the United States” and the “most beautiful place”, Sedona is best known for its unique sandstone formations adorned by the lush desert landscape so well preserved that even McDonald’s had to change their iconic yellow arch symbol to turquoise to blend better. Many regard this red rock scenery – several of which are Native American sacred sites – as both healing and energizing, contributing to Sedona’s status as a spiritual and cultural center. Over the years, Sedona has emerged as a popular tourist spot for outdoor adventures, wellness retreats, and the arts.

Established in 1902, the city of Sedona we know today has a long history that started from the area’s early inhabitants, the Sinagua, who farmed the land and traded goods with distant tribes. The Sinagua are perhaps better known for their storytelling rock art, often seen within the dwellings they created from mud and stone that are open to visitors, such as the Honanki Heritage Site, Palatki Heritage Site, and the Montezuma Castle National Monument.

Aside from the Sinagua, indigenous tribes that include the Yavapai, Tonto Apache, Hopi, and Navajo came to live in the area, as would Anglo settlers in the 1870s, who developed the orchard, vineyard, and ranching industries. Both Native and Angloamericans in Sedona also contributed to the classic “Wild West” aesthetic that would captivate audiences and permeate the western genre of cinema from the 1920s on. In fact, almost 100 movies were made in Sedona, featuring scenic landmarks and further driving tourism.

Given Sedona’s natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant cultures, there is a lot to explore! From Apache Junction, driving to Sedona takes roughly two and a half hours, making day trips feasible. For those wanting longer stays, there are RV spots, camping options, and hotels available. The Sedona tourism website comprises an abundant resource for more accommodation, dining, and trip ideas, including this “100 Things To Do” list!

Let’s discover what your trips could look like:

Explore the outdoors.

Within Sedona’s red rock landscapes, there are caves and cliffs people can hike to. For instance, the Birthing Cave Hike is considered one of the easiest and most popular.

Keep in mind that some of these trails can be strenuous! It is often safer, of course, to instead explore in groups with experienced local guides. Companies such as Pink Jeep Tours take visitors through the Sedona wilderness and offer various excursion options, ranging from 1.5 to 11 hours.

There are also some lesser known spots that the Sedona Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Bureau wanted to ensure they highlight through their “Sedona Secret 7” initiative. This initiative shares just seven locations within seven categories depending on your interest, making planning more manageable:

Hiking
Biking
Vistas
Picnics
Stargazing
Arts & Culture
Ancient Trails (which involves “the cultural journey of the Indigenous People of the Verde Valley region”)

Regardless of where we decide to go, it is best we follow “Leave No Trace” principles whenever in nature and do our part to help “Keep Sedona Beautiful,” clean, and well-protected.

Find your peace.

Whether attending a church service in the mountains, praying and meditating in nature, or destressing in spas and retreats, Sedona offers many options for those wanting to work on their spiritual health and connect with others regardless of religion and belief, making it a “spiritual mecca”. Though Sedona has cemented itself as a popular “spiritual destination” that is meant to “cleanse oneself, not pollute oneself”, visiting for spirituality may not be for everyone.

Immerse in the arts.

It is not surprising given Sedona’s inspiring splendor that artists are drawn to it, which is now home to many art communities, centers, and over 80 galleries! Visitors have plentiful choices on where to find souvenirs, learn from teachers, experience history and culture, attend shows and concerts, and see public art. If we do have to recommend just one place – which is hard to do – our favorite may be the arts and shopping village known as Tlaquepaque. Rightfully touted as “the best of everything”, Tlaquepaque is a must that offers a remarkable shopping and cultural experience within what looks like a traditional Mexican village!

Photographer and environmentalist, Ansel Adams, called Arizona’s landscapes “awe-inspiring” with “enduring power and beauty”. Sedona is no exception.

From indigenous peoples to later settlers, from filmmakers to tourists, Sedona has become a place everyone has come to love, enjoy, and respect.

There is no doubt Sedona can be refreshing and transformative, if not magical, for residents and visitors alike. There is indeed a lot of magic for everyone there in Sedona, not least of which you can experience watching the light hit its red rock mountains during sunset, creating the most vividly striking, mesmerizing colors – almost like Sedona itself is art.

And it is!

Visit the Sedona Visitor Services online and plan your trip today.

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