Commonly called "The Most Beautiful Place on Earth," Sedona is jam-packed with gorgeous photo opps. From picturesque red rocks, to healing vortexes, to a vibrant art scene, Sedona is a must-see.
LessIn the beautifully rosy Sedona desert is a group of pools that fill with water after it rains. The best time to go is during the rainiest month which is at the end of August for Sedona. There are two rainy seasons in Sedona - December to March and June to September. Expect to have difficulty finding parking; the lot has space for only 14 cars and this attraction can get very busy.
On your next trip to Sedona make the Birthing Cave a part of your itinerary. The giant teardrop-shaped opening is a window to the outer world through which you can view the perfection of the Sedona landscape. Start your 2-mile walk at Long Canyon Trailhead and expect to spend at least two hours here - longer if you find it impossible to tear yourself away from this magical place.
Spiritual travelers make their way to Sedona at some point in their lives. The Amitabha Stupa has been here since 2004 and people of all faiths have visited this serene spot. People come here to relax, pray, meditate, make an offering, or simply to touch the Buddha for good luck. Whatever your reason is for coming here, you will leave feeling more at peace with the world. Also on site is a Native American prayer circle, parayer wheels, and scenic hiking.
One of the most photographed sights in Arizona, Cathedral Rock Trail is a heavily trafficked 1.1 mile. The trail offers many activities and is accessible all year round. Leashed dogs are welcome. On some early maps, Cathedral Rock was called Court House Rock. It's summit elevation is 4,967 feet (1,514 m).
An 3.6-mile round-trip hike takes you through majestic sandstone formations that Sedona is famous for. You can hike up as far as you want, but the higher you aim for, the more magnificent the view will be. On the west side of Bell Rock is a popular observation area. The parking area is just off the main road, but it does get crowded fairly quickly.
The hiking distance is less than a mile but it is characterized by a very sharp ascent. Near the wooden sign that reads "Overlook Point," you'll see a large, mound-like rock formation. The top of the mound is where you'll find the vortex and the swirling shape of the rock will be apparent.
This chapel is built right into the buttes of Sedona, AZ. Run by the Diocese of Phoenix (as a part of St. John Vianney Parish), The Chapel of The Holy Cross was built at a cost of $300,000 and was completed in 1956. In 2007, the chapel was voted by Arizonans to be one of the Seven Man-Made Wonders of Arizona.
A phenomenon born from the collapse of underground caverns, the Devil's Sinkhole is not only an astonishing landmark - it is also a great representation of Sedona's geological history. The sinkhole has allowed the layers of rock to be clearly seen with the bottom being at least 300 million years old. However, the collapses are pretty recent - some occurring during the last Ice Age and a couple occurring within the last two centuries.
This is a popular picnicking site with spectacular 360-degree views of the red sandstone of Sedona. The bridge goes over a swimming spot that is accessible via the parking lot. Expect crowds as people love to cool off there in the hot Arizona climate. A Red Rock Pass or Federal Interagency Pass is required and a pass vending machine is available on site.
This 43-acre historic apple farm was developed by Fran L. Pendley who acquired the land under the homestead act of 1912. He invented a unique irrigation system that is still in use to this day. Pendley planted his first apple orchard in 1912. He also grew garden produce and kept livestock. Slide Rock State Park is a fine example of early agricultural development in Central Arizona. Visitors of the park can wade in the water in the creek or slide down the Slide Rock State Park's water chute.
This artist community has been one of the most popular shopping areas in Sedona where one can get the "best of everything" which is the meaning behind the name. Bronze sculptures, ceramics, hand-blown glass, and Southwestern paintings are on display within the stucco walls in shops lining the cobblestoned pathways shaded by giant sycamore trees.