Sedona
Red Rock Country

candid America tips

 

Why
Sedona Red Rock Country
is special

Majestic reddish sandstone formations around the small, artsy town of Sedona in northern Arizona create natural scenes of awesome beauty.

Sedona Red Rock Country
tips & insights

Creation

The formations were carved over the ages by the erosive effects of wind, water and ice. They are varied: buttes, pinnacles, canyons and mesas.

Why the rocks are red toned

The sandstone acquired that hue because its iron component had rusted (oxidized).

Tours

Enjoy one of the Jeep tours into the backcountry. Other available specialized tours include hot-air ballooning and biplane sightseeing.

Hiking

Hiking is popular, especially in Oak Creek Canyon. Other individual recreational activities include horseback riding, rock climbing, and swimming and fishing in cool-water creeks. In winter, cross-country skiing and snowboarding are popular.

Spas

Several high-end secluded resort spas reside in and around Sedona and Oak Creek.

Artistic inspiration

The vistas have been the subject of countless paintings, including the works of local artists that are sold in several dozen local art galleries.

Energy vortexes

Many New Age spiritualists come because they believe several major energy vortexes exist here.

Invigorating air

The air has a crisp, clean, invigorating quality - owing in part to Sedona's remoteness and high altitude (1400 meters or 4500 feet).

Festivals

Several major festivals take place, including those of art, film and Shakespearean persuasions.

Movie location

For 75 years the Sedona area has been serving as a backdrop for Hollywood movies.

Visitor count

Almost four million people per year visit this wonder.

When to come

The area can sometimes be very hot in mid summer. The ideal times to come are April to mid-June and mid-September to mid-November (when nature's autumn foliage display of red, orange and yellow colors occurs).

Best time for photographing

Take most of your photos in the late afternoon when the sun's low-angled rays intensify the red sandstone hues. Morning light is fine, too, but many of the top photogenic sites are better positioned for late-day shots.

Nearest major city

By car, Sedona is under two hours from Phoenix to the south and one from Flagstaff to the north.

Red Rock Country definition

The Sedona area is just a small (but splendid) part of the vast region collectively called Red Rock Country. It extends into southern Utah, where you'll find Bryce, Zion and Monument Valley parks, all Hillman medal winners. Each has its special characteristics that make it unique.

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