Sedona

Introduction

Sedona - Chapel of the Holy Cross, Sedona, Arizona

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Known as Red Rock Country, Sedona is one of Arizona's most praised tourist areas, probably because it offers so many options for all types of visitors. For the hiker, there are numerous hikes from easy to down-right draining. For the photographer, Sedona's red rocks practically glow in the light. For the arts and craft lover, Sedona has an amazing number of shops along it's pretty main street. And finally those looking for metaphysical enlightenment can hit one of the many crystal shops and then hike out to an energy vortex.

Sights and Activities

Outdoor pursuits like hiking, fishing and mountain biking are very popular in Sedona. Crescent Moon recreation area offers amazing views of Cathedral Rock and Castle Rock, while ot the north Oak Creek Canyon has hiking opportunities. To park your car at any of the many parks to hike, you will need to purchase a Red Rock Pass. The passes are $5 for a single day, $15 for a week or $20 for the year. More details on the red rock pass can be found at the official website.

Sedona is home to many vortexes, places where spiritual and metaphysical energy are concentrated, giving those who experience them emotional insights, unbounded joy and physical well-being. There are a number of tours that will take you to one of the vortex sites, or you can hike there on your own. The Visit Sedona site offers more information on the vortexes, and the visitor information office offers maps to the vortexes. And yes, they are called vortexes, not vortices, in Sedona.

The Crescent Moon Ranch is a picnic area which offers some of the best photo ops of the nearby Cathedral Rock reflected in Oak Creek. Entry is $7 per vehicle. The Ranch is down the Upper Red Rock road is Crescent Moon ranch.

Events and Festivals

June sees the Festival of Native American Culture, including a film festival, music and dance festival, fine arts and crafts festival.

October has the Sedona Arts Festival, one of the top art festivals in the USA.

For a full listing of events, check out the Event Calendar at Visit Sedona.

Getting There

By Plane

By Train

By Car

Highway 89A runs from Highway 17 into Sedona through Oak Creek Canyon. It includes many switch-backs as it snakes up and down the canyon, and is a truly beautiful drive.

By Bus

By Boat

Getting Around

By Car

Many international rental companies have a wide selection of rental cars and these include Hertz, Avis, Dollar, Thrifty, Enterprise, Budget and Alamo/National. Most companies will require you are at least 25 years of age, although younger people might be able to rent cars at slightly higher rates and with some insurance differences as well. A national driver's license is usually enough, but an additional international one is recommended. Also note that it usually costs more to include lots of other extra things. For example extra drivers, GPS, the first full tank, SLI (Supplemental Liability Insurance), PAI (Personal Accident Insurance, usually covered already at home), road assistance/service plan, and drop-off costs for one-way rentals.
If you want to book a car, it is recommended that you book your car before arriving in the USA. This is almost always (much) cheaper compared to just showing up. Also, try and book with a so-called 'broker', which usually works together with a few or many car rental companies and can offer the best deal. Some examples include Holidayautos, Holidaycars and Sunny Cars. Some of the cheapest deals to book from Europe, includes Drive-USA, which also has a German version.

For more information and tips about renting cars and campers, additional costs, insurance, traffic rules, scenic routes and getting maps and fuel it is advised to check the USA Getting Around section.

By Public Transport

Road Runner offers bus service in Sedona.

By Foot

By Bike

Eat

Drink

Sleep

Budget

Mid-Range

Upscale

Keep Connected

Internet

Phone

See also International Telephone Calls

Post

The US Postal Service is very good and well priced mail system. UPS stores can be found dotted throughout the city and will accept packages to be shipped by other carriers as well. Though you may pay a premium there, there is usually little or no line in these stores. This is a good alternative since, depending on time of day and the season, post offices can become fairly crowded. If wanting to send a letter or postcard it is best just to leave it in a blue mail box with the proper postage. There are also private postal services like FedEx, UPS and DHL.