Sedona

Introducing Sedona

There’s something about Sedona that goes beyond the ordinary. With its spindly towers, grand buttes and flat-topped mesas carved in crimson sandstone, it could enter a geography beauty contest and hold its own against the national parks. It’s unquestionably one of the most beautiful places in Arizona, and one of the most scenic cities in the Southwest. Though Sedona was founded in the 19th century, the discovery of energy ‘vortexes’ here in the 1980s turned this once modest settlement into a bustling New Age destination. Today the combination of mysticism and red-rock majesty attracts throngs of tourists year-round. You’ll find all sorts of alternative medicine practices in town, along with art galleries, gourmet restaurants and top-end resorts, not to mention numerous businesses available to read (and photograph) your aura.

In the middle of town, the ‘Y’ is the landmark junction of Hwys 89A and 179. Businesses are spread along both roads. The chamber of commerce (928-282-7722, 800-288-7336; www.visitsedona.com; Singagua Plaza, 320 N Highway 89A; 8:30am-5pm Mon-Sat, 9am-3pm Sun) has tourist information and vortex maps. (This location is temporary – they will eventually move to Forest Rd at Hwy 89A.) For free internet access, visit the library (928-282-7714; 3250 White Bear Rd).

Last updated: Feb 17, 2009