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Sedona Arizona Travel Information

 

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Sedona - Central Arizona


Sedona, Arizona

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Located in Arizona's high desert under the towering southwestern rim of the vast Colorado Plateau, the city of Sedona is blessed with four mild seasons marked by abundant sunshine and clean air.  Ideally, the annual average high and low temperatures are 74.7 and 45.7 degrees, respectively.

Almost the entire world knows that Sedona, strategically situated at the mouth of spectacular Oak Creek Canyon, is a unique place.  Characterized by massive red-rock formations, as well as the contrasting riparian areas of Oak Creek Canyon, the area surrounding this beloved community is considered at least as beautiful as many national parks.

The city of Sedona, one of Arizona's premier tourism, recreation, resort, retirement and art centers, was incorporated in 1988.  Historically, it was a rural ranching community located far off the beaten path, but its unsurpassed natural beauty became nationally known through the motion picture industry.  Today, commercials and television shows still are filmed in the unsettled areas surrounding this city, which annually attracts more than 4 million tourists from around the world.

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 Activities

Hiking - The amazing hikes in this area all have individual character.  Their special attractions are as varied as their degree of difficulty, unique location and historical significance.  Some lead to high elevations, some hug winding creeks, some afford awesome views of distant vistas, some offer intimate beauty.  Fact is, picking Sedona's most popular hike is a fickle affair because recent experiences are remembered best, but you can't go wrong no matter what choice you make.  Just remember two things: Litter defaces, leave no traces, and you need a Red Rock Pass if parking a vehicle on Forest Service land.

Biking & ATV - Hiking vs. biking is a personal matter.  They're both exceptional experiences in Red Rock Country, where an extensive connection of bike trails, often paralleling hiking trails, has been developed.  Be aware, however, that bikes are not allowed in specially designated wilderness areas, only in the national forest proper.  And remember that a Red Rock Pass, which is available at two chamber visitor centers and other locations in this area, is required for parking on forest land.  Also, taking an ATV tour is quite popular in Sedona. 

Camping - Popular day-use sites provided by the Forest Service are located at Call of the Canyon, near the trailhead at West Fork; Crescent Moon Ranch, headquarters for a world-famous view of Cathedral Rock; and Grasshopper Point, a smaller site near Midgley Bridge.  Designated picnic areas named Encinoso, Banjo Bill and Halfway are creek-side haunts in Oak Creek Canyon, as are Bootlegger, Cave Springs, Manzanita and Pine Flat campgrounds.

Horseback Riding - Another wonderful way to see Red Rock Country is to get back in the saddle again and follow happy trails like Gene Autry and Roy Rogers used to do.  Some horseback rides include such entertaining delights as creek crossings and outdoor dining and you always can sing, of course.

Tours - Sure, you can see some of the famous red rocks like Snoopy and Steamboat while walking down main street, and you can look down at winding Oak Creek from spots in the uptown area.  However, to really see this community, as well as ancient ruins, pristine canyons, vortex sites and even the Grand Canyon, book a tour or excursion in Jeeps , airplanes, helicopters and hot-air balloons or on scenic railroads .  Not only will you totally be amazed at the sights, you'll learn a lot about Red Rock Country, too. 

Golf - If you're a golf buff, tee it up at highly rated championship courses open to the public, but don't get more concerned about taking shots with your camera than your clubs.  Rather enjoy a short course?  Play around on a couple of conveniently located executive courses.  On the other hand, if tennis is your game, you'll love playing in Sedona during any season.  The weather is ideal for tennis in winter, spring, summer and fall and this community's finest resorts offer professional instruction and scheduled competition on top-quality courts.

Birding - Maybe you've had enough hiking, biking and touring - now it's time to really relax, to listen to beautiful birds that whistle while they work.  This community is situated at an elevation of 4,500 feet, at the upper margin of the Sonoran Desert.  According to the Northern Arizona Audubon Society, this elevation, combined with a distinct change of seasons and rich riparian areas, results in a varied population of birds and thus, good birding any time of the year.  Additional information is available at the District Ranger Station in Sedona.   

Current Events - View current events for Sedona and its surrounding area.

 Nearby Cities and Areas

Flagstaff - Flagstaff is a convenient central location for visiting the major attractions of northern Arizona. It is an attractive city surrounded by national forests and offers plenty of lodging and dining opportunities. It is a mountain retreat from the Phoenix heat in the summer and a wintertime playground.

Prescott - Prescott is a rapidly growing mountain town with old western mining roots. With its pleasant milder climate, it is a popular weekend destination for those escaping the desert heat of the Phoenix area. Outdoor recreation is plentiful in the Prescott National Forest with mountain biking, hiking, camping, and scenic drives.

Verde Valley - Right in the center of Arizona you'll find the towns of Camp Verde, Cottonwood, and Clarkdale along the banks of the Verde River. This area comprises the Verde Valley. This pretty area is surrounded by national forests and plenty of nice scenery.


For events information in the Sedona area, visit the Sedona Events Alliance website.

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