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Sedona: Red Rock Country

2 months ago

“Arizona evokes a sense of timelessness, its landscapes whispering tales of centuries past.” – Barbara Kingsolver.

In all my travels, I have to say it is hard to match the majesty and beauty of the desert Southwest and the red rocks of Sedona. Surrounded by vivid evidence of planet Earth’s layered millenia, you could spend months here exploring trails, taking in unexpected vistas and microclimates, critter watching (birds! bugs! javelinas!), Fall leaf peeping, visiting ancient native settlements, and yes even getting in touch with your past lives at a local vortex if that’s your speed. The best part in my opinion is that whatever you choose on any given day, you generally won’t be mobbed with crowds except on the most popular few trails. There is plenty of wide open space for everyone to explore and get pleasantly lost in time.

HIT THE TRAILS

There are oodles of hiking trails all around Sedona. AllTrails is an indispensable resource for researching and mapping out trails that meet your distance, terrain and difficulty wishes. Depending on your hiking plans you may need a Red Rock Pass for parking, or consider the Sedona Shuttle for a ride to the more popular trails. Here are a few of our all time favorite hikes:

  • West Fork Oak Creek Cayon – Arrive EARLY (no joke!) to bag a coveted parking spot near the trailhead, then wend your way upriver between stunning canyon walls.
  • Red Rock State Park – Shady grassland creekside trails offer gorgeous views at this little nature preserve along Oak Creek. Next time I visit I am signing up for a ranger led Bird Walk. There is so much life here in the desert!!
  • Chicken Point overlook and Submarine Rock are classic red rock formations just south of town. There are several ways to access them by trails, or jeep tours.  I recommend starting from the Chapel of the Holy Cross, and make time to step into the ethereal chapel space on your way.
  • Soldier’s Pass/Brins Mesa – Classic Sedona desert loop hike around the perimeter of an imposing red rock mesa, with side quests along the way to a cliffside cave, the Devil’s Hole and the (sometimes dry) pools considered sacred by the Apache and Yavapai people.
  • Other fan favorite hikes include Cathedral Rock, Devil’s Bridge, Fay Canyon, Courthouse Butte, and Airport Loop.

FUN UNDER THE SUN

  • Jerome – Its worth it to drive to this haunted copper mining town, transformed into an artist’s community with galleries, shops and wine tasting rooms. 
  • Gold King Mine and Ghost Town – A short jog up the road from Jerome lies the most incredible collection of family activities, farm animals, vintage cars and blacksmithing.
  • Tuzigoot National Monument – The Tuzigoot pueblo is a unique 110-room village built about 1,000 years ago. The lovely Pueblo Trail also offers views of the Verde River and the Verde Valley.
  • Montezuma Castle National Monument – These cliff dwelling ruins of the Sinagua people date back to the 12th century and overlook Beaver Creek.
  • Sound Healing – It’s just not Sedona until you’ve lost yourself in the singing bowls of a sound bath, and this is absolutely one of the best.
  • Pink Jeep Tours – It’s hard to miss these bright pink open air jeeps ferrying the adventurous to local off-road thrills. It’s a fun ride full of shrieks and giggles and gorgeous views.
  • Verde River Adventures – I haven’t gotten to this yet but it’s next on my fun list. Kayaking, SUP, or tubing through the Verde Valley wine region with optional tasting spots along the way. How great does that sound? They also arrange e-bike tours.
  • Yoga Hiking – Take a beautiful short hike to a secret spot with a fantastic view for breathtaking (pun intended) outdoor yoga practice.
  • Tlaquepaque – This outdoor arts and shopping village features lovely galleries and shops, and several places to stop for a lunch break. I especially love the nonprofit rooftop cafe Chai Spot with a covered patio lined with carpets and cushions, perfect for putting your feet up after a morning hike! Check the website for seasonal events like Day of the Dead, Cinco de Mayo and holiday celebrations.
  • Arcosanti – Also on my “to visit” list, this experimental town between Phoenix and Sedona explores the integration of architecture and ecology.

DELICIOUSNESS

  • Indian Gardens – Do not miss this adorable café up the canyon near Oak Creek with a lovely garden and excellent breakfast/lunch options.
  • Page Springs Cellars – This pretty bistro and tasting room with a creekside balcony is a fun spot for lunch, dinner or an afternoon sip of local wine.
  • Tortas de Fuego – Take your pick from a very comprehensive range of delicious Mexican fare.
  • Salt Rock Kitchen – One of my favorite spots nestled at the Amara hotel down an alley from the center of town.  Excellent cocktails! Try to go before sunset for the red rock views.
  • Local Juicery – Pop in for excellent smoothies to fuel your adventures.
  • Mariposa – This mainstay offers probably the best view of any restaurant in Sedona.  Go for lunch and be sure to reserve a table on the patio (not inside). 
  • Elote Café –   You MUST make a reservation far in advance on their website.  This is the most popular and well known restaurant in town.  Its super yummy but hard to get into.
  • Merkin Vinyards – Next on my list to try is this hilltop trattoria, winery and gelateria in Cottonwood. Hoof it up the steps or take the cable car.

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