Seize the Day in Sedona

The sun rises early in Sedona, Ariz.

Tucked just 30 miles southwest of Flagstaff, Sedona is in a state that annually ignores Daylight Savings Time. That means a 6:30 a.m sunrise in Colorado graces Sedona at 5:30 a.m. 

The anomaly is just fine, because this Arizona treasure inspires visitors to rise and shine and seize the day. Sedona is internationally known for its stunning red rocks, its eclectic attractions, its well planned development and its welcoming locals.

“Everybody knows about Sedona,” a bus driver recently commented while giving visitors a free ride in one of the buses called Roadrunners that circulate through town several times an hour. “It doesn’t matter where in the world you are. People in Africa know about Sedona.” Maybe so, but not everybody is fortunate enough to visit it.

Those who are lucky enough might start their day by taking a hike on one of many trails of varying difficulty level that wind through red rock country. The Cow Pies Trail is just 1.5 miles and goes up in elevation only 100 feet. Still, hikers can be rewarded with close-up looks at some intriguing red rock formations. 

A bit more strenuous is the Cathedral Rock Trail. Though it runs only a half mile one way, its elevation gain is 600 feet, and many hikers prefer to proceed slowly. If this trail feels tame for more experienced hikers, they shouldn’t worry; they have any number of trails to select.

Hikers can also head to Slide Rock State Park in Oak Creek Canyon for a completely different experience. Oak Creek Canyon feels more like the best of the mountains of Colorado and California than it does the high desert of Arizona. It’s possible to cool off after a hike with a swim in this state park, as well. Those up for a challenge might try the A.B. Young Trail close to Bootlegger Campground.

If their leg muscles are shouting “enough,” folks may then wish to scope out the town by hopping onto a Roadrunner or trying a trolley tour or two. Tour A mostly highlights shopping opportunities in Sedona; Tour B takes visitors deeper into Dry Creek Valley and gives them looks at famous formations such as Coffeepot Rock and Thunder Mountain. (Walt Disney, who had a home in Sedona, may have named his famous train ride attraction at Disneyland after this natural wonder.) 

Tour B gives enough tantalizing views of the red rocks to persuade many visitors to opt for a jeep ride out in the high country. Several jeep companies in Sedona vie for tourist patronage, so there’s a slew of tours from which to choose.

At high noon visitors shouldn’t be surprised to see a stage coach roll into town with a cowboy or two perched up top and ladies in fancy dresses inside. It’s just a reminder that at one time Sedona was a rollicking Western town. The Cowboy Club stands as a tribute to those robust days.

Visitors should also keep their heads up for a cowhand who likes to practice his roping skills. Since no cattle roam the streets, he settles for unsuspecting tourists.

Lunchtime in Sedona offers choices for anyone’s tastes and/or wallet. Visitors will find a world-class array of restaurants offering only the finest of dining. There are also fast-food places. Thanks to the prudence of local planners, however, these establishments have a charm of their own, too, because they blend in with the rest of the town.

The locals noted that one fast food giant, known for its giant golden arch, once backed out of a deal to open a franchise in Sedona. City planners said they wouldn’t allow any architecture which did not complement the terrain. 

The fast food establishment dropped its efforts to operate in Sedona for two years, but came back to the planning table after a major competitor established itself in town. Now the golden-arch folks are dishing up burgers and fries sans an arch, and the M outside the franchise is relatively small – and teal green.

A Sedona afternoon can be filled with even more diversions. Visitors can enjoy the classic architectural lines of the Chapel of the Holy Cross, which offers a 90-foot-high cross that shines against the backdrop of a 1,000-foot-high rock wall. They can try a helicopter or biplane tour, or they can golf, mountain bike, horseback ride, check out Jerome, a historical copper mining town nearby, or buzz over to an exotic animal wildlife park about 30 minutes away.

After all this activity, visitors may wish to take a small break, perhaps back at their lodging. There’s a full range of accommodations, including camping sites and RV sites. One spot to relax is the patio across from the Chamber of Commerce building. It offers a great view of Snoopy Rock, so named because the rock looks as though the beloved beagle is lying on his back.

Even more enticing for relaxing, though, is the shopping village of Tlaquepaque, just south of Uptown Sedona. Evocative of Old Mexico, this village sets forth a visual feast of elegant plazas and patios, a small chapel, gracious restaurants and unique art, jewelry, rug and clothing shops. Its merchants are welcoming and informative.

Not far away are Hozho and Hillside, prime shopping centers in the gallery district. Here, equally cordial merchants offer merchandise ranging from distinctive clothing to fine art in a myriad of media, to rocks from all over the world. 

Relaxing in Sedona ultimately dissolves into utter surrender to it. Its beauty simply becomes too mesmerizing to resist. At that point it may be time to find a vortex.

“A vortex is a place in nature where Earth is exceptionally alive and healthy,” local author Dennis Andres noted in his book “What is a Vortex?” He added that “the aliveness and health of the Earth is reflected in a tremendous natural beauty, created by the elements of land, light, land and water.” It is a place, he said, of “increased energy.”

For many visitors, then, Sedona is a metaphysical mecca.

One vortex lies close to the airport, which is on a mesa overlooking the town. Even local skeptics, who note a difference in the terrain, give credence to the idea of something unusual here. 

Not far from this vortex is a prime scenic viewpoint to see the sun go down. As it sets, the rocks blaze a deeper red and shadows lengthen across the valley floor. 

Even if people do not believe in vortices, the sense of aliveness and enduring energy at this viewpoint can feel amazingly strong. When the sun ultimately slips into twilight, it serves to remind those watching that – no matter what mere mortals have done to earth – the sun will rise again and again. Citizens all over the globe are undoubtedly grateful it rises each day over Sedona.