Things to do
NATURE
The wonders of the natural world really put on a show here. Watch the sun crest the crimson monoliths of Red Rock State Park. Hike Red Rock Crossing where otters dip in and out of Oak Creek, pausing for a picnic at Crescent Moon and seeking out the vortex energy said to ripple through Sedona. See the legendary Devil’s Bridge stone arch. Or pedal Deadman’s Pass Trail. While this was once cowboy country, today’s intrepid explorers saddle up on mountain bikes instead.
CULTURE
Embark on a digital detox and tune in to the soul-lifting energy in Sedona. The desert is an oasis of spirituality and wellness, and many believe this to be the site of four vortexes. Whatever your own beliefs, there’s nothing quite like practising sun salutations or meditation in one of the most awe-inspiring landscapes on earth. To understand more about Native American history and culture, visit Arizona’s museums and monuments – with many galleries and local shops also displaying beautifully hand-crafted Navajo fabrics and Hopi Kachina.
LANDMARKS
Apparently inspired by an architectural epiphany at the Empire State Building, the Chapel of the Holy Cross is a striking concrete basilica set against Sedona’s flaming red sandstone. Whether for sacred enlightenment or as a modern design pilgrimage, it’s a must. Go back in time to see the petroglyphs at Honanki Heritage Site, ancestrally home to the Sinagua and Apache peoples. Meanwhile, the iconic Grand Canyon is only a day tip away from Sedona.