Sedona Arizona, Part 2, activities and sights

In Part 1 I covered the hiking trails of Sedona, with mention of the spectacular Rock formations to be seen while hiking. Sedona's beauty attracts different types of visitors, there:
a. The Filmmakers who come for the scenery and perfect backdrop it makes for western films. The next time you go to a western movie see if you recognize the beautiful backgrond scenes.
b. The Artists, who come for the fantastic landscapes, and the beauty of the "red rocks", perfect for Painting and photography - Sedona is considered an Artists community.
c. The New Age Healers, who come because Sedona is supposed to be the center of many Vortices - with special powers and energy for "natural healings", and different types of "alternative therapies.
Whatever the reasons are that they come, whether to visit or to live, credit must be given to the cool waters of Oak Creek that made people build a community there.

One of the best ways to get around the town, is on the Sedona Trolley which makes several trip each day, on different routes, to the most focal parts of the town, such as
a. the Art Galleries which feature Contemporary to Visionary and Native American to Modern Art works. They hold many artist receptions, demonstrations and Opening nights.
b. Shopping, this is not just a stop in a city Mall, but an adventure through Sedona's shopping districts which can be found among the town's famous "red rocks". Visiting the Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village is a special treat, as it is a replica of Guadalajara - a popular town in Mexico. There is also Tequa Plaza, a one-of-a-kind place located in the village of Oak Creek, with stores, restaurants, and native american arts & crafts.
c. The Old Market Place has some of the best dining, live entertainment, and life's simple pleasures.

Staying in the town, visitors have access to; Hot-air Balloon rides; Stagecoach rides; Jeep & 4-wheel drive tours; and even Helicopter tours. One of the unusual ways to "relax" is utilizing the "Therapy on the Rocks" treatment which is nestled in the red rock cliffs of an ancient avalanche. The redwood/sunning treatment decks and cozy rooms, overlook a fifty-pfoot waterfall that cascades down in Oak Creek.

With so much to do and see in the town, visitors may not opt to see the "great outdoors", but this would be a mistake as there is lots more fascinating things awaiting them.

1. For the camper, among you, there are campgrounds in the Oak Creek Canyon area, which are run by the National Forest service. Camping here, keeps one close to all the outdoor has to offer - fish, hike and swim - in a climate that is perfect whether Spring, Summer, or Fall. Some of the over seven campgrounds found in this are, are on a first-come basis, other require reservations. Check with th Red Rock Ranger Station if planning to camp there.

2. Mountain Biking is permitted on many of the trails, and can be solo or joining a guided tour. Bikes can also be rented in the town.

3. Horseback riding, jeep tours, cowboy cookouts, and many other activities can be had at the Blazing M Ranch in Cottonwood - just 20 miles outside the city of Sedona.

4. Fishing is available at the Rainbow Trout Farm where a Dollar gets one, a cane pole, hook and bait, and the fun to catch your own fish. The staff will clean any fish caught, for free.

5. Swimming is a very popular pasttime, but this is not just any swimming - visit Slide Rock State Park to enjoy the natural rock slide that empties into a swimming hole; or spend time at Grasshopper Point a popular swimming hole where you can jump off the cliffs into the water.

6. Then there are the "Special Places". Take a hike down a brief trail to a real gem - Montezuma's Well - where the sacred spring will wash your cares away; Honanki the ruins are off the beaten track, treat lightly do not touch the markings on the walls - this is a sacred place; Palatki an easy trail leads to these well-preerved ruins, which has one of the best collection of ancient pictographs. The area is considered "mystical"; and Montezuma's Castle are cliffside ruins which can be seen off the road leading to Phoenix, where you can learn about the cultures in the area.

I hope you enjoyed Part 1, and now part 2, visit my hubs to see part 3, which is coming very soon.
Sedona. Getting to Sedona is very easy - by air into Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport and driving the 119 miles to Sedona, or using the daily shuttle service. Fly into Flagstaff Pull,am Airport, and drive the 40 miles; take Amtrack to the Flagstaff Station and use the Greyhound bus to Sedona, Driving from your home city, there are excellent highways that lead to Sedona; or fly into Sedona Airport, located 500 feet on top of a mountain - this can be done by charter or private aircraft only.