Sedona

Those of you that know me know that Sedona is my happy place.  I discovered it during my cross-country road trip in 2006  and fell in love with the red rocks and the peaceful energy that permeates the town.  I average two trips a year to Sedona for rest and rejuvenation, and hope to someday own a home there. My connection to the town is just that strong…

Located about an hour and a half north of Phoenix, Sedona is far removed from the hustle and bustle of the city. The energy here is just magical, and I’ve learned that there are few problems in my life that a little time in Sedona can’t fix. I attribute part of this magic to the vortexes found throughout town. Hiking is probably the number one “thing to do” in town, and nothing beats a hike to a vortex, followed by a few hours meditating and marinating in the vortex energy on the side of a mountain.

I’ve done each of the vortex hikes many times.

Airport Mesa Vortex is not much of a hike at all… It’s more like a ‘park your car and hike up a mild hill’ kinda thing.  However, Airport Mesa provides gorgeous, panoramic views of Sedona, and is a great place to catch a sunset….

Cathedral Rock is a easy, non-strenuous stroll alongside a river to reach the vortex.  The trail ends at a field of hoodoos near a small beach.  Perfect spot for a picnic, and manageable for families with small children.

Boynton Canyon is a more strenuous hike.  About an hour round trip with a slight elevation gain.

Climbing Bell Rock is a MUST.  One of my favorite things to do is to head out to Bell Rock, climb as high as I’m inspired to climb, find a secluded spot on the side of the mountain, and hang out. For hours.  Thinking, reading, meditating, sunbathing, napping.

In addition to the vortex hikes, I also recommend:

West Fork – a nice hike alongside Oak Creek. Nicely shaded, which helps when summer temperatures are in the 90’s-100’s.

Huckaby Trail / Schebly Hill – about 5 miles round trip, this is a great hike for those looking for more of a challenge.  It winds up and around a mountain, with views for days.  Bring lots of water and try to avoid hiking in the midday heat.

Devil’s Bridge - Moderate hike that ends at a really cool place to take some really neat pictures.

LODGING

Unfortunately, Sedona is a pretty expensive town to visit, but there are options for the budget traveler. The cheapest you’ll be able to find is usually the Days Inn in West Sedona (I’ve stayed here several times, and the accommodations are fine if you’re on a budget). My favorite place to say, however, is the Sedona Real Inn and Suites. 

DINING/NIGHTLIFE

For dining, there are tons of great restaurants, so consult yelp for recommendations depending on your tastes/budget.  However I will put in a plug for my favorite spot in West Sedona, Picazzo’s,  offering casual Italian fare with organic with gluten-free options.

Affordable (for Sedona), family-friendly fare can be found at Canyon Breeze in Uptown Sedona.  My favorite thing about this spot is the gorgeous outdoor patio that overlooks the canyon. Mother nature provides excellent ambiance for your meal.

There is not much of a nightlife in Sedona — the town shuts down pretty early (i.e. 9-10pm) and there aren’t really clubs or bars.  Get a good night’s sleep so you’re rested up for a hike in the morning!