Overview of Sedona

 

Sedona is one of the most visually stunning destinations of the United States. This place is known as a spiritual center with a number of energy vortexes around the surrounding hills and valleys. Apart from the spiritual offerings, this place is fully loaded with several attractions for its visitors from hiking, rock climbing, mountain biking to the dirt jeep drives through scenic architecture. It offers mind weather year round with a dark sky community where you can have the best stargazing experience of your life.

 

History & Location:

Sedona is located in the upper Sonoran desert of Northern Arizona at an elevation of 4500 feet (1.37 kilometers) from the sea level. Archaeologists claim that first settlers in the area were Native American cave dwellers who colonized the caves in and around Sedona; which means Sedona’s history dates back around 10,000 years. They connect their claim with the structures built by Sinagua, Anasazi, Monezuma’s Castle and Casa Grande Ruins as an excellent vivid example. However, it was then abandoned, and researchers have yet to understand why.

The history of Sedona dictates that Europeans settled in this place for farming and in search of rich Indian mines. Sedona began as a small, remote ranching area in 1876 when it’s first permanent settler. John James Thompson cringed in Oak Creek Canyon. In 1902, Mr. Theodore Schnebly was approved as a postal station officer, who named it Sedona, after his wife Sedona Miller Schnebly (1877-1950) for her hospitality and industriousness. The town was officially declared in 1988.

Sedona is ideally situated to be accessible from various large cities. The City of Phoenix lies 114 miles to the South of Sedona, Las Vegas is approximately 278 miles to the Northwest, Los Angeles is 482 miles to the West and The Grand Canyon is 110 miles away to the North of Sedona.

Attractions of Sedona:

The town of Sedona nestles in the mouth of spectacular Oak creek Canyon. It unfolds across a landscape of rising red columns of rocks and fully blankets by a lush forest with a magical stream flowing through the heart of site. It is a truly a gift of nature to revitalize the souls breathing in urban and mechanized environment of the United States.

The weather of Sedona is pleasantly mild – especially in the fall and winter months since snow is scarce and traveling across the city doesn’t require a lot of planning. Even if you aren’t seeking adventure, the fresh and bright territory of Sedona will excite you. You will feel leave feeling rejuvenated. All About Sedona is a helpful resource to utilize when planning your trip to Sedona – especially if you’re traveling with your family! Here are  some family-friendly activities to check out when you’re in the area.

Adventure in Sedona:

This local area carries a ton of secrets waiting to be discovered and felt. A top spot for fall foliage, a hike around the gigantic red rocks layered up of nine different types of stones perfectly tells visitors about the history and warmth of Sedona’s history. They keep you intrigued with a brilliant blue sky overhead in daytime and a star-studded canvas in nights.

The first outdoor activity that plunges you into the heart of Sedona is a hike. Canyon hikes are relatively flat trails with less than 3 miles. This makes it possible for most people to complete them and enjoy the sense of achievement that comes with conquering the towering cliffs throughout the hike. All these hiking trails offer plenty of opportunities to experience wildlife.

While most recommend starting hikes in the morning so you have the maximum amount of time to explore, Sedona also has some of the best sunsets as the mighty sun spreads a thousand of different colors in the red cliffs. So, whatever time you decide for hike; make sure you’re there for one of the two for this timeless life experience.

In addition to yoga hikes, Sedona offers Jeep rides, kayaking, mountain biking, rock climbing, horseback riding, helicopter tours and hot air balloons expeditions around the scenic geography. Traveling, shopping and eating are also affordable activities for every guest visiting Sedona.

You can get a 5-star hotel in a price of a 3-star hotel. The only problem you may encounter is crowds and parking at the hiking trails and base camps.

Energy Vortexes:

The landscape of Sedona is believed to have positive energy releasing vortexes. It provides soul awakening vortexes and natural healing spots along with it’s healthy selection of hikes.

Sedona cliffs are considered some of the best locations for yoga retreats; they are most energy releasing cliffs of the world.  You will find amazing healing properties and spiritual awakening environments in the cliffs of the deep red rocks. Even if you are not looking for it, still you’ll be gifted with rejuvenation and peace in your mood, soul and body.

Popular Destinations in Sedona:

1. Cathedral Rock: Cathedral Rock is one of the most photographic venues of the City of Sedona. It is near the shoreline of the Pedregosa Sea. Hiking Cathedral Rock is a short but steep climb coming in at around a mile with approximately 551 feet of elevation gain. It is challenging, no doubt, but the view of Sedona from the plateau is breathtaking and definitely worth the effort.

 

2. Uptown Sedona: This is the old part of the town where you will find plenty of restaurants, tourist shops, galleries, museums and boutiques all in one place. The ambiance is good, quality is assured, and restaurants have plenty of space for crows of visitors.

 

3. Oak Creek Canyon: A road surrounded by rock formations, towering cliffs and deep forests, Oak Creek Canyon will keep your eyes enchanted with every turn of the road.

 

4. 
   Chapel of the Holy Cross: This place is most commonly known as a venue to get married in. The chapel is dramatically perched on a small mesa of red-rock cliff. If you’re single and planning an expedition to Sedona, bring your girl along to make your proposal a little memorable moment of you both. And if you’re married, then re-alive your bonds by proposing her again on this marriage spot!

 

 

5. Bell Rock: This point is near the Oak Creek village. A bell-shaped rock formation captivates the viewers’ attention to explore and photograph the scenic architect of the cliff. It can either be hiked or mountain biked to reach the top.

 

 

6. Boynton Canyon: The most common reason people visit the Boynton Canyon is its out and back 6.1 mile trail. This hike through the rocks creates a beautiful contrast of color between the mix of vegetation, large pine trees, and shrubs from beginning to end. Additionally, Boynton Canyon has the easiest, most accessible energy vortex for everyone. Since most energy vortexes require a hike, this short walk near the starting point of the trail is perfect for the whole family.

7. Slide Rock State Park: While visited most commonly in the summer because of the rock pools, Oak Creek waters still flow during the Fall months. These waterfalls create a space for natural water slides for tourists to cool down after exploring.

 

Final Verdict:

Sedona has a great way of calling you back over and again. First, it pulls you out for a refreshed start, then for a closer look, and finally you will find yourself running back to have a deeper look than before. Sedona brings your best physical, spiritual, and mental health.

 

Upcoming Fall Events in Sedona

Sedona is an Arizonan desert town teeming with natural beauty. Beautiful red rock cliffs, steep canyon walls, and a captivating pine forest surround the town. Sedona is a located near Flagstaff and is famous for its mild climate, aesthetic natural beauty and active art community. People gather around Sedona throughout the year to share arts, crafts, culture, astonishing ideas and artistic views. Different meet and greets are also conducted in which filmmakers and artists gather. If you are considering visiting Sedona for any kind of artistic or touristic activity then you must be aware of upcoming Fall events!

 

While booking your trip to Sedona, it’s better to plan on a hotel before your arrival. Look no further than Arroyo Pinion Hotel – here, you not only get stylish rooms and upscale amenities but also it will provide you the best memorable experience in Sedona. Arroyo Pinion Hotel is actually a boutique hotel and provides a great opportunity for tourists looking for an artistic touch while staying in their hotel. For booking visit: arroyopinionhotel.wordpress.com.

 

Enlisted are some of the upcoming events in Sedona that you should plan to check out during your visit.

15^th Annual Sedona Plein Air Festival:

The Sedona Plein Air Festival takes place during the best time of the year at the height of tourist season and is supported by a group of very experienced and enthusiastic staff and volunteers. 25 famous painters are entering the festival this year with their works of art. This festival will culminate in announcing $10,000 worth in cash prizes including a $5000 prize for the grand winner!

Details: Shangri-La of the Southwest Sedona |October 12^th to October 19^th

Sanctuary Sunday

Participate in some art therapy and relax in the garden with some light refreshments of chocolate and wine. This monthly even benefits the Verde Valley Sanctuary – a safe haven for victims of family violence and sexual assault.

Details: 735 N. Main St. | October 20^th from 3-6PM

Red Rocks Oktoberfest

This craft beer festival event is hosted by and benefits The Rotary Club of Sedona Red Rocks, a local charitable organization whose purpose is to demonstrate “Serve Above Self”. Dress up for the occasion and enjoy craft beers, food trucks, and live music that help benefit many local causes and their efforts within the community.

Details: Posse Grounds Park | October 26^th from 4-9PM

 

Dia de Los Muertos Celebration

This 7^th annual event celebrates the Mexican tradition that honors family and friends who have passed on. The celebration includes a full day of music, food, fire dancing, and more. Everyone is encouraged to bring person objects, photos, and candles celebrating the lives of loved ones. There will be activities for all ages! “El Mercado” will offer agua frescas, fresh churros, traditional Day-of-the-Dead bread, cookies, taquitos, and hot chocolate.

Details: Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Center | November 3^rd from 2-8PM

Annual Sedona Turkey Trot

Presented by the Sedona Running Company, this is a wonderful family activity to attend on Thanksgiving morning. The start and finish line for this 5k will be held at Posse Grounds State Park. With unbeatable views of Sedona’s famous red rocks, you’ll have a healthy appetite for your Thanksgiving feast!  Registration for the event is now open!

Details: Posse Grounds Park | November 28^th from 7:45 – 9:45AM

Sedona’s Tree Lighting & Santa Visit

Presented by Sedona Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Bureau, enjoy tree-lighting, refreshments, local holiday entertainment and Santa! Admission for this event is free.

Details: Tlaquepaque North Sedona | December 6^th from 5-7PM

Festival of Lights

With a scheduled packed with musical entertainment, Santa, and free cider, this is a family-friendly event of the season you wont want to miss. The River of Life Tabernacle Choir is scheduled to perform, and at 5PM, six-thousand luminarias will be lit in the courtyards and walkways. Special luminarias dedicated to cancer survivors can be purchased in Patio del Norte.

Details: Tlaquepaque | December 14^th from 3-8PM

Tlaquepaque in Sedona

Since before Sedona as we know it was founded, the Oak Creek Canyon area was known for its natural beauty. The red rocks combined with the trees and forested area around the river attracted all kinds of visitors.

In the 1970s, Sedona still had very few permanent residents. The town boasted only one stoplight and around that time a man named Abe Miller began vacationing in the area. Miller was an influential businessman from Nevada with a love for travel. Mexico in particular was one of Miller’s favorite places, but Sedona soon become one as well. He began dreaming of creating a quaint arts village in the area full of the feel of Mexico and fell in love with a piece of creekside property dotted with enormous sycamore trees.

At the time, the land was owned by the Girards. When Miller first approached the Girards about his dream for the land, they refused, fearful of a large construction project that would destroy the the sycamores. It took two years for Miller to convince the Girards that the land and the trees would be cared for, but finally, they agreed. Miller immediately hired Bob McIntyre, a gifted, but unconventional architect.

Before beginning construction, the men traveled together around Mexico.Their goal was to visit the small villages and towns to document the look and feel of the gorgeous scenes. They returned with a plethora of photographs of rural villages and dozens of sketches of Spanish Colonial architecture. Focus was put on how patios, courtyards, and plazas created natural gathering places. They also began buying and sending things back to Sedona. They acquired a multitude of different things that reflected Mexican culture, including doors, benches, pots, lanterns, and ironwork. The actual building of Tlaquepaque was done by a multitude of different artisans. All of the amature artists were given almost complete freedom to create, and recreate, their parts of the project.

Tlaquepaque is actually a colorful Mexican city on the outskirts of Guadalajara. Miller borrowed the name for his artisan village. Tlaquepaque, which comes from Nahuatl, the language of the Aztecs, means the “best of everything.”

Miller kept his promise to the Girards to protect the sycamore trees. The building of the village was done around the huge trees. You can find branches twisting their way across rooftops and peeking into rooms.

Today, Tlaquepaque Village is a bustling center for artistic talents to meet, share ideas, and their crafts. They also host events throughout the year, such as meet and greets with artists or film showings. Make sure you check out their website before you visit Sedona to see what they have planned. Book your stay at the Arroyo Pinon Hotel now and get a great deal on amazing rooms for a weekend or a longer family vacation.

Surrounding Sedona

 

There are hundreds of things to do in Sedona, but even more going on in the surrounding area. The Southwest has tons of exciting landscapes, cities, and events for people to visit. The Arroyo Pinon Hotel is well located to be a base camp as you see everything Arizona has to offer. Here is a list of some of the top tourist areas around Sedona:

Jerome:

Only 35 minutes away is the town of Jerome. Jerome is not only know for breathtaking scenery, but also bustling hippie culture and historical sites. The state park is popular, as well as the Gold King Mine. What was once a bustling mine is now a ghost town attraction complete with decorative old autos.

Flagstaff:

An hour away is the city of Flagstaff. The city is larger than most of the surrounding towns and therefore is known for a more bustling nightlife and life music scene. There are many different events, either officially hosted by the city or by restaurants or bars. Natural beauty is also easy to find in the Greater Flagstaff areas. There are day hikes for all skill levels.

 

Prescott:

The historic town of Prescott is an hour and a half away. Whiskey Row is known for being full of good food and tons of history. The town center is the Courthouse. Spend an afternoon under the giant trees in the Courthouse Plaza or visit one of the many small museums in the town. Prescott is also home to three different colleges: Yavapai, Prescott, and Embry Riddle. The latter is an aeronautical school and, depending on the time of year, all three usually provide tours of their campuses.

 

The Grand Canyon:

The Grand Canyon itself is only 2 hours away. If you get an early start in the morning, you can easily see so many things. There is so much than you could hope to see in one day but you can always try! If you are feeling adventurous, you could try to hike down part of the canyon itself. However, be aware that it is not recommended to attempt to hike all the way down the base and back in one day. There is plenty of camping in the area for a family looking to spend a little more time at the Canyon.

 

The next time you visit Sedona, make sure you plan out a few extra days to adventure around the surrounding areas. The front desk will also have suggestions of places to go outside of Sedona proper.

Holidays in Sedona

The most popular times for visitors in Sedona is undeniably the warmer months. However, Sedona has a lot to offer during the winter season as well! The holidays are particularly busy, with local businesses coming together with the city to create many different types of festivities. There is already magic in Sedona and that special something only becomes more obvious during the holiday season.

The Sedona Northern Lights is a breathtaking event that will be going on from December 13th to the 16th.  At the top of each hour from 6 to 9pm, the 3D light show will begin. This even is being produced by PaintScaping and presented by the Sedona Chamber of Commerce and the City of Sedona. This festive, family-friendly event is free to the public and will be visible from various points throughout Uptown Sedona and Gallery Row – and can even be seen in some areas in West Sedona. The goal of the show is to highlight Sedona’s natural beauty, art scene, and to raise awareness of the need to protect the area’s dark skies.

 

The Tlaquepaque Center is hosting two stunning holiday events. The Festival of Lights first began 46 years ago and is a highly anticipated holiday event in Sedona. This year the festival is on December 8th. The schedule includes a visit from Santa, live music, and cider. The main event is the lighting of the luminarias, which begins promptly at 5pm. Special luminarias to honor cancer survivors can be purchased on site. The other event is the annual Sweet Stroll. Local galleries and restaurants will be working with Tlaquepaque to create this magical evening. The businesses will be opening their doors and offering treats, giveaways, and discounts. There will be carolers ushering in the holiday season as well.

The Arroyo Pinon Hotel is perfectly located for access to downtown Sedona, as well as the hiking trails and Oak Creek Canyon. Our staff also has more suggestions for family friendly holiday activities.

Planning for Winter in Sedona

It can be concerning to travel in the winter, especially if you are traveling with children or large groups. Here are some tips for making your winter in Sedona a success.

Pack Smart:

The best way to enjoy a winter trip to the desert is to dress warmly. Sedona is beautiful in the winter, especially when the snow is clinging to the red rocks. With average lows between 23 and 20 degrees fahrenheit to from December to February, the weather will be constantly cold. However, snow is not a major concern. What does fall rarely sticks to the ground past the early morning sun.

 

Plan in Advance:

Not all of Sedona’s attractions are open year round. While most of the trails and natural wonders are still open, the weather makes hiking difficult. Local restaurants and boutiques may have different hours during the winter months but most will still be serving up the same spectacular local crafts as in the summer. If there is something specific you are coming to Sedona for, whether that be a trail or an artist, make sure it will still be available when you come.

 

Plan Cold Weather Fun:

Golfing is something that can easily be enjoyed in chillier weather. Sedona hosts many a popular golf course. Hiking can be done in the cold as long as you are prepared. Snow rarely sticks to the ground so if you are looking for skiing weather, you might want to plan a day trip to Flagstaff, where the snow lays thick on the ground for most of the winter.

 

Be Aware:

There is nothing wrong with Sedona in the winter as long as you know what you are getting into. Roads become more hazardous but less crowded. The weather is cold but beautiful. Some hotels and restaurants may be closed but the open ones often have winter discounts.

If your goal is to soak in Sedona without being surrounded by crowds, and you don’t mind dressing in layers, then Winter in Sedona is perfect for you. The Arroyo Pinon Hotel is not only conveniently located, the staff will also have an abundance of information about what to do.

Snowy Sedona

Sedona is known for breathtaking beauty which has inspired many artists to create. These films, books, and other works of art capture small pieces of the overall effect of the towering red rocks cradling desert life. Only some of those pieces are inspired by the winter in Sedona. The transformation effect of snow on the red rock can not be overstated. This special kind of winter wonderland also comes with other perks, such as fewer tourists and cheaper rates!

The average daytime winter weather is between 50 and 60 degrees. This might seem to be perfect weather or surprisingly cold depending on where you come from. Proper preparation is what will make the difference between a perfect vacation and a chilly one. Bring jackets, as well as a light waterproof raincoat just in case.

Most of Sedona’s extensive trail system remains open during the winter months. The Oak Creek trails, for example, are available year round as well as the Courthouse Loop. Since it is not the busy season, these highly popular trails should be much quieter. Tlaquepaque Arts Center hosts a Festival of Lights. Almost 6000 luminarias are lit every year in Tlaquepaque’s courtyards and walkways. Specially luminarias to honor cancer survivors will also be available. Free cider and a visit from Santa makes this an excellent family friendly event.

If you are staying for more than a day or two, plan a side trip or two to check out more of what Northern Arizona has to offer. Head south in search of warmer weather or north to Flagstaff to immerse yourself in heavy snow.

The staff at the Arroyo Pinon Hotel also has plenty of suggestions for things to do during your stay. The hotel is perfectly located for quick access to all events and proximity to the freeway makes day trips easy and hassle-free. Don’t be fooled by the term “off-season.” Nothing in Sedona turns off for the winter except the heat!

The Best Time to Visit Sedona

If you are beginning to plan your Sedona vacation, one of the most important things to consider is the weather. The different seasons offer their own risks and rewards, such as heat, accessibility, and events. Sedona has year round weather that can please winter lovers and summer lovers alike.

Those who love the heat should consider visiting Sedona in between March and May. Nature is in full bloom and the weather is warm without being unbearable. The temperatures around this time average between high 60s and low 80s. Later on in the year, as spring turns to full summer, the heat will crank up. The record high in Sedona is 110 degrees. That kind of heat makes a dip in our community pool sound amazing, but most outdoor activities such as hiking or biking become dangerous at those temperatures. If you’re planning on spending most of your vacation enjoying our beautiful trail system, you are best off visiting us in the summer or fall.

The fall in Sedona is characterized by the changing trees of Oak Creek Canyon. The gorgeous colors make the trails even more spectacular. If hiking isn’t something for you, there are also roads you can drive down to see reds and golds of fall. Monsoon season usually ends before September and thanks to these amazing waves of water, the summer heat is gone too.

While Sedona doesn’t get enough snow to be considered for most winter sports, the light dusting that we normally expect transforms the red rocks into a winter wonderland. Transportation is trickier and some of the trails are no longer accessible for the winter months. A winter visit to Sedona would allow to check out all of the amazing holiday events hosted by the Tlaquepaque Arts Center.

No matter when you go, you are guaranteed to find plenty of things to do during your visit to Sedona. Our plentiful dining and shopping options are available year round. We have tons of suggestions on what to do at the front desk of the Arroyo Pinon Hotel. Staff can recommend a favorite steak house,or family friendly restaurant as well as trails, events, and stores. Hotel is in a great location to give you access the best that Sedona has to offer.

Surrounding Sedona

 

There are hundreds of things to do in Sedona, but even more going on in the surrounding area. The Southwest has tons of exciting landscapes, cities, and events for people to visit. Arroyo Pinon Hotel is well located to be a base camp as you see everything Arizona has to offer. Here is a list of some of the top tourist areas around Sedona:
Jerome:

Only 35 minutes away is the town of Jerome. Jerome is not only know for breathtaking scenery, but also bustling hippie culture and historical sites. The state park is popular, as well as the Gold King Mine. What was once a bustling mine is now a ghost town attraction complete with decorative old autos.

 

Flagstaff:

An hour away is the city of Flagstaff. The city is larger than most of the surrounding towns and therefore is known for a more bustling nightlife and life music scene. There are many different events, either officially hosted by the city or by restaurants or bars. Natural beauty is also easy to find in the Greater Flagstaff areas. There are day hikes for all skill levels.

 

Prescott:

The historic town of Prescott is an hour and a half away. Whiskey Row is known for being full of good food and tons of history. The town center is the Courthouse. Spend an afternoon under the giant trees in the Courthouse Plaza or visit one of the many small museums in the town. Prescott is also home to three different colleges: Yavapai, Prescott, and Embry Riddle. The latter is an aeronautical school and, depending on the time of year, all three usually provide tours of their campuses.

 

The Grand Canyon:

The Grand Canyon itself is only 2 hours away. If you get an early start in the morning, you can easily see so many things. There is so much than you could hope to see in one day but you can always try! If you are feeling adventurous, you could try to hike down part of the canyon itself. However, be aware that it is not recommended to attempt to hike all the way down the base and back in one day. There is plenty of camping in the area for a family looking to spend a little more time at the Canyon.

 

The next time you visit Sedona, make sure you plan out a few extra days to adventure around the surrounding areas. The front desk will also have suggestions of places to go outside of Sedona proper.

Heat and Hiking in Sedona

Hiking in Sedona is one of the most popular activities for visitors and locals alike. Every year over a million people visit the Sedona area. Many of them come just for our virtually endless and gorgeous trail system. However many of these people come unprepared for the reality of hiking in the desert.

Every year on average, dozens of people need rescuing by emergency services in the Sedona area. This year (2018) there have already been more than fifteen rescues. Don’t become part of that statistic. Here are four tips for making your hiking trip a success:

Water: No matter how long of a hike you have planned, bring water. Bring enough water for each person hiking to have their own liter or two, even if you aren’t planning on being out for very long. Make sure young children (and easily distracted adults too) are drinking throughout the trip.

Water: Yes, water is both tip one and two. Not only should you bring water on your adventure but you should also begin thinking about it the day before. If you begin a strenuous activity already slightly dehydrated, you are at a much higher risk of becoming dangerously so, no matter how much water you chug at the trailhead. Health professionals suggests drinking at least two liters a day.

Planning: Choose a trail that falls well within your group’s hiking abilities. Some trails are easy walking across even ground and some are strenuous scampers uphill. Know the risks involved on the trail you choose. Different trails present their own challenges, such as wild animals, steep drop offs, or river crossings. Many trails are also outside of cell service.

Tell Someone: Make sure someone who isn’t on the trail knows where you are going. Tell the front desk of your hotel, a local friend, or even a ranger where you plan on hiking and for how long. Also make sure to check in with them when you return.

The summer heat in Sedona easily hits 100 degrees. If the weather is too hot, consider one of the many other activities in the Sedona area. Never enter a situation you aren’t sure of thinking that you can rely on emergency evacuation services to come get you. While it is possible to be rescued from the wilderness, the process is expensive and puts the rescuers’ lives at risk as well.