From the moment you set eyes upon the breathtaking Sedona red rock country, an undeniable sense of awe and ancient mystique envelops you. This land, revered by prehistoric peoples, whispers tales of time and creation. It’s often poetically said, “God created the Grand Canyon, but He resides in Sedona,” a testament to its profound and intimately explorable grandeur.
Sedona, Arizona, is a spectacle where vibrant cliffs and rugged sandstone formations, sculpted by epochs of ancient oceans and relentless desert winds, rise dramatically above the surrounding plains and canyons. This 25-square-mile sanctuary, fringed by expansive national and state forests, offers an escape that feels worlds away from the ordinary.
Nestled just two hours north of Phoenix and a mere 30 miles south of Flagstaff’s towering peaks, Sedona boasts a mild, four-season climate and high desert terrain, ensuring pleasant weather for year-round adventurers and vacationers. The renowned Oak Creek Canyon, a stunning 16-mile chasm carved with flowing streams and cascading waterfalls between towering rock faces, is an irresistible draw for hikers, campers, and anglers alike. Its scenic beauty has been lauded by Rand McNally as among the eight most breathtaking drives in all of America.
Sedona’s allure is undeniable, attracting nearly four million visitors annually, rivaling even the Grand Canyon, located just 2.5 hours to the north, as a premier global destination. Yet, despite its popularity, Sedona retains a charming small-town atmosphere that is integral to its appeal. A delightful array of shopping plazas, unique gift boutiques, inspiring art galleries, and diverse restaurants cater to every taste. Tlaquepaque, a name derived from the Nahuatl language meaning “the best of everything,” is a meticulously crafted replica of a traditional Mexican village. Within its enchanting courtyards, visitors discover specialty shops, art galleries, and inviting restaurants.
Sedona’s iconic landscape first gained widespread attention through Zane Grey’s novel, “Call of the Canyon,” and subsequently became a favored backdrop for numerous films starting in the early 1920s. Hollywood embraced the area as its cinematic playground, drawing in legendary stars from every era. Icons like Gene Autry, John Wayne, Henry Fonda, Rock Hudson, Elvis Presley, and Robert DeNiro were frequently seen among the local residents, who themselves often participated as movie extras. Sedona’s captivating beauty and tranquil environment also attracted celebrities seeking a retreat, including Lucille Ball, Orson Welles, Jane Russell, Walt Disney, Sean Young, Donald O’Connor, and Ann Miller, some of whom made Sedona their cherished home.
As a thriving art community, Sedona has garnered international acclaim. Surrealist master painter and sculptor Max Ernst established his residence here in 1950, magnetizing a constellation of fellow artists and writers of his time. In 1965, the Cowboy Artists of America was founded in Sedona by a collective of Western painters, equally at home on horseback and with a paintbrush. Inspired by the legacy of Frederic Remington, this group has cultivated a significant and recognized genre within modern art.
Where artists flourish, art galleries naturally follow. Sedona proudly showcases over 40 galleries dedicated to contemporary arts and crafts, alongside exquisite Native American art. The local cultural calendar is vibrant and full, brimming with gallery openings, diverse art and music festivals, and captivating local theater performances.
Sedona has also emerged as a sought-after haven for New Age practitioners and spiritual seekers, drawn by the region’s profound sense of peace and rejuvenation. In the mid-1970s, these communities announced their discovery of four powerful electromagnetic energy vortexes believed to emanate from the land. Today, Sedona hosts a thriving community of alternative healing professionals, offering a rich program of workshops and spiritual events.
As the day gracefully transitions into evening, and after days filled with exhilarating jeep tours, invigorating hikes, and delightful shopping excursions, visitors are treated to Sedona’s spectacular sunsets. Gazing upon the fiery hues painting the red rock landscape, it becomes profoundly clear why the ancient Anasazi Indians chose this land as their home centuries ago, and why Carl and Sedona Schnebly—the very namesakes of this remarkable city—made the same life-altering decision in 1902. Sedona’s red rocks are not just a geological wonder; they are a timeless invitation to connect with nature, history, and the deeper rhythms of life.
