The Gutsy Traveler

Explore Sedona, Arizona 

There’s no better destination to catch up with friends and revive yourself than the glorious red rocks and mystical atmosphere of Sedona, Arizona. Tribal shamans came here for thousands of years to pray and seek guidance for their people. And these days Sedona is still considered sacred. The area’s Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock and Boynton Canyon are believed by some to be vortex centers, emanating electromagnetic energy. In fact, there are fifteen vortex sites within a 10-mile radius of Sedona. But no matter what you believe, there is something unavoidably magical about the place. The towering rust-colored, sculpted sandstone dating back hundreds of millions of years has not only attracted talented artists, southwestern-style jewelers, and trained chefs, it has lured some extraordinarily body workers for the best massages you’ve ever had. The older population also keeps this community very mellow — there’s only one late-night dance club to be found. Therefore, it’s the perfect place to spend hours entertaining yourselves with stories, laughter, backcountry hikes and delicious meals. At 4,500 feet above sea level, Sedona is spared some of the scorching heat of Phoenix. Yet the 90-degree days of summer are too much for most visitors, leaving March through April and then September through October at its most pleasant —and most visited — times.

Scenic Drives: Two driving routes acquaint you with the area and help you plan where you’d like to spend the most time exploring on foot. Take Highway 179 south from the “Y” in town until you see the Chapel of the Holy Cross on your left, an architectural gem perched 200 feet above the road, with stunning views of the valley. Continue and you will see Bell Rock and Courthouse Butte next to each other on your left and Cathedral Rock on your right.

Another drive starts from the “Y” on Highway 89A north and continue 16 miles to Oak Creek Vista (the overlook on top of the canyon) and then it’s about a 20-mile drive back toward Upper Red Rock Loop Road. This Scenic Loop takes you into the nucleus of Red Rock Country. The route traces the foot of the multihued cliffs and deposits you at Red Rock Crossing, a spot where you might see the most spectacular sunset show ever.  If you look at a map, these routes will make sense.

Hike: Whether or not you “feel” the energy of the sacred rock formations in Sedona, their outstanding beauty will certainly make you feel something. Many of the area’s stunning landmarks can be viewed from the road, but are best enjoyed up close on foot. Lace up your hiking boots and bring a pair of binoculars to see the hummingbirds, warblers and flycatchers. Trailheads shoot out from everywhere: 2.5-mile Boynton Canyon Trail and 4.2-mile Courthouse Butte Loop Trail are musts. Get maps and ideas at the Visitor’s Centers in Uptown, in Oak Creek Canyon, in West Sedona near the Cultural Park or in Tequa Marketplace in the village of Oak Creek. You can buy a Red Rock Pass here and you’ll need it to park in some of the best hiking areas. Volunteers at the Chamber of Commerce will help you plan your hikes or day trips.

Bike: The Sedona area has achieved a world class reputation for its mountain biking trails for all level or riders. For rentals, maps and information, go to Mountain Bike Heaven (928-282-1312), or Bike and Bean. (928- 284-0210, www.bike-bean.com).

Go New Agey: All of you should have your auras read; you know, most of the men in your lives would never put up with it. Some of you may subscribe to things like psychic readings; other of you may think it’s baloney. But you can’t help be curious and get a few giggles out of it. The bright-purple Center for the New Age is like a supernatural department store. Browse the books, music, crystals, and jewelry in the gift shop. And you don’t need an appointment for aura photography, aura cleansing, shakra realignments; you can even channel a pet. If you want to be healed or rejuvenated, this is the place to go, with dozens of Raike Healers, Energy Balancers, Tao Readers, Psychic Readers and Full Moon ceremonies and labyrinth walks. A free publication, Four Corners lists many of the meditation and spiritual growth workshops. It can be found in many of the health food stores, new age stores or coffee shops. Many personal guides or shamans offer one or multi-day retreats with ceremonies, meditations, and trips to sacred or spirit-lifting places. Use a web search engine and type in the words: Shaman, Sedona and Retreat, Sedona.

Experience a vortex: There are four well known ones in the Sedona area. You will find information at bookstores and the Visitors’ Centers, or search the web using the key words: Sedona, Vortex.

Cool Off: No resort’s pool could capture the beauty and fun of swimming at Slide Rock State Park. Upon entry, you walk through an old apple farm to Oak Creek, where the rock chutes make this nature’s finest water park. This is an ideal oasis for an afternoon of lounging about in the shallow pools, basking on the warm rocks and riding down the rock slides, shrieking like youngsters. Note to self: A pair of old shorts over your bathing suit will save your tush from wear and tear on the rocks.

Dining Ideas

Cucina Rustica features rustic Italian and Mediterranean cuisine in an old world setting, with beautiful fountains and antique doors from around the world, patio fireplaces and al fresco dining. Cucina Rustica has won awards for Best Fine Dining in Sedona and Best Ambience and Cuisines by Seddona Home and Garden. Located in Tequa Plaza in the picturesque village of Oak Creek ($8–28; 7000 Hwy 179, 928- 284-3010, www.cucinarustica.com).

For the best views of sunset on the red rocks and a truly memorable evening, dine at the exclusive AAA Four Diamond rated Yavapai Restaurant. Whether you dine indoors or outdoors on the terrace you will be surrounded by a 180 degree panorama of the flaming red rock formations in Boynton Canyon. If you dine outdoors in the summer, each table has its own climate control to assure your comfort. Enjoy American and Southwestern cuisine for breakfast, lunch, dinner or Sunday Brunch ($25-50; 525 Boynton Canyon Road, 928-282-2900, www.enchantmentresort.com).

For good food in a comfortable garden setting with affordable prices and a friendly staff, try the The Heartline Café ($7-27; 1610 W Hwy 89A, 928- 282-0785, www.heartlinecafe.com).

Enjoy the Night Sky: Sedona has a “dark sky” ordinance so a new world of constellations awaits you in the clear Arizona desert night. Buy a book on constellations or join a stargazing tour so you can look at the sky through a telescope (www.Sedonastarlight.com).

Shopping: Home to hundreds of artists, Sedona is catching up to Santa Fe in art commerce. Around the “Y” in town, one can find extremely high-end art (meaning good) that’s worth viewing if not purchasing. Over at the cobble stoned Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village, modeled after a traditional Mexican village, open plazas with fountains are bordered by 40 art galleries and clothing stores. There are many commercial galleries in town that feature turquoise and other Native American jewelry. Or search for authentic Native American jewelry at the open markets near the Dairy Queen in Oak Creek Canyon or up at the viewpoint at the very top of the Canyon Road. These displays are open from April to October.

Best Thrift/Vintage Shop: In a thrift shop that looks and smells like a small designer boutique with equally high end clothing, you’ll find treasures including vintage evening dresses from Bonwit Teller, Diane Freis, Ralph Lauren, Liz Claybourne, Perry Ellis. The donations to this unusual shop, benefiting a worthy cause, can only be described as amazing:Native American and glamorous costume jewelry, paintings, sculpture and art deco crystal. This little gem is also staffed by cheerful volunteers. All profits support a local community shelter for battered women and their children. They also donate clothing to the Navajo and Hopi Native American People and send children’s heavy winter clothing to a village Mongolia. 2070 Rt. 89-A in West Sedona (928-282-2563).

Events to Fly In For: For over 25 years, jazz greats have converged in Sedona for Jazz on the Rocks, now held outdoors at the Radisson Poco Diablo Resort each September. During the holiday season, locals adorn the entire area with Christmas lights — on homes and trees — for an annual tradition referred to as Red Rock Fantasy. It’s truly lovely to walk amongst the lights in the evenings.

Nightlife: You may be relieved to learn that Sedona is not known for being a party town. But most nights it’s possible to find live music and soak it up with your girlfriends. The Highway Café offers live music, karaoke, singers and bands. 1405 W. Highway 89A. (928-282-2300). Check out Red Rock Review or Red Rock News for ideas and the latest schedules on who’s performing where.

Pamper Yourself: The Mii Amo Spa at the Enchantment Resort  has won “World’s Best Awards” for its Anasazi-inspired architecture, location beneath the red rocks and outstanding menu of services, including an out-of-this-world Sedona Clay Wrap and Aromatherapy Massage. Expensive but unforgettable, and unfortunately, open only to Enchantment guests. (www.miiamo.com).

Other excellent spas are open to the public. The Hilton Sedona Spa offers massages, saunas, personal training, fitness classes, tennis and has steam rooms, saunas, whirlpools and a 25 meter lap pool heated year-round.  (928-284-6900, www.hiltonsedonaspa.com). Sedona’s New Day Spa offers massages, body treatments, facials, waxing, and nail care. (928- 282-7502, www.sedonanewdayspa.com).

Where to Stay: Wherever you stay you must have a balcony or patio to savor the views. The adobe-style casitas of Enchantment Resort surrounded by Boynton Canyon are a study in luxury (800-826-4180, www.enchantmentresort.com).

There’s also the Amara Creekside Resort resting on the banks of Oak Creek. Inquire about their Girls Get Grounded Getaway that includes yoga, wine tasting, a psychic reading and a Jeep tour or their Chocolate Package that includes $50 worth of goodies from Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, a $20 Gift certificate for more chocolate, and a one hour chocolate making class at Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory. (866-455-6610, www.amararesort.com).

If you prefer the personal touches and intimacy of a B&B, the Canyon Villa Inn of Sedona is your best choice. You can hike right from your room to Courthouse Butte and Bell Rock and then cool off in their swimming pool (800-453-1166, www.canyonvilla.com).

Many, but not all the B&B’s are listed at www.bbsedona.net. During peak season or busy weekends, call the Sedona Central Reservations, at 928-282-1518. They list about 90% of Sedona’s properties and they can tell you where there are vacancies.

One Click and You’re Off: The Sedona Chamber of Commerce will help you plan your reunion. (800-288-7336, www.visitsedona.com).