By local contributor
JoAnne Zeterberg
The towering red-rock formations of Sedona have captivated visitors from around the world. Part artists’ community, part New Age spiritual center and part outdoor adventurer’s dream, Sedona is definitely worth a day trip on your next Scottsdale vacation. An easy two-hour drive from Scottsdale to Sedona will get you there, leaving you plenty of time to explore all of Sedona’s offerings, including these:
Start your exploration of Sedona’s red rocks at the Red Rock State Park’s Miller Visitor Center. You’ll need to purchase a day pass to park at most area trail heads in Sedona – the visitor center can set you up with that, as well as trail maps and other information about the red rock formations you’ll see around town. The visitor center also offers daily guided nature hikes, as well as specialty hikes including bird-watching, ethnobotany and archaeology during the week.
The flat, easy trail at Red Rock Crossing will take you along the banks of Oak Creek to an expansive red rock sandbar. The view of Cathedral Rock rising over the creek from this spot is one of the most-often photographed vistas in Sedona. Continue on the trail a bit further and you’ll come to Buddha Beach, known for the thousands of rock cairns built by hikers who have passed through the area.
Nestled in the shade of giant sycamore trees along the banks of Oak Creek, Tlaquepaque is home to more than 50 specialty shops, art galleries and restaurants. Goods run the gamut from casual fashions and leather goods to Native American jewelry, crystals and contemporary art.
Pink Adventure Tours has been delighting guests with off-road adventures in Sedona since 1960. Choose from more than a dozen different tours, including the thrilling Broken Arrow Tour, Ancient Ruins Tour and Touch the Earth vortex site tour.
When the weather’s warm, locals and visitors alike flock to the slippery, natural water chute at Slide Rock. Grab your swimsuit and give it a try! You can sun along the banks, splash in Oak Creek or explore the nearby hiking trails.
Touted as one of the 10 best trails in the United States, West Fork is particularly popular in the fall when its trees come alive with seasonal colors. The trail is 6 miles round-trip, rated easy and includes several stream crossings on stepping stones or logs. But you don’t have to follow the whole trail to enjoy its tree-shaded beauty and the gentle ripple of Oak Creek. Parking is limited and fills up fast, so be prepared to wait in a staging line or be waived on by park rangers.
Just past the famous Sedona “Y” roundabout, you’ll come to a shopper’s paradise. Dozens of boutiques, galleries and restaurants line Highway 89A and are the perfect places to find the ideal memento of your Sedona day!
From independent filmmakers and visual artists to music and the performing arts, Sedona is a city animated by art. Download Sedona's Public Art Map and spend some time exploring the various public artworks that can be found throughout the city.
Sedona is known for its powerful energy vortex sites and has become a haven for New Age practitioners and people seeking a more spiritual path. You’ll find numerous metaphysical shops and bookstores sprinkled around town. For more information or to find a local practitioner, contact the Sedona Metaphysical Spiritual Association.
On the first Friday of each month members of the Sedona Gallery Association offer a special showcase highlighting artists, unique exhibits, and art events. These art receptions take place from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. and give locals and visitors alike the opportunity to enjoy light refreshments and explore Sedona’s exciting art scene.