Words That Play

There’s no better way to sample the ethos of a destination than to take a contemplative tour through its art scene . When you do so in Sedona, Arizona , pack comfortable walking shoes—hiking boots, too—because there’s miles and miles to roam, some of which are off-road. With 80-plus art galleries , art-inspired festivals and events happening year-round, and heritage sites that exhibit the ancient art of the area’s earliest inhabitants, it’s clearer than the sparkling streams of Oak Creek—Sedona inspires creativity. It makes sense that Sedona’s roots came from ranching since Oak Creek and the nearby Verde River provided early settlers with abundant irrigation, but the pioneers were drawn to this rugged place for more than its perennial water source. Beyond its verdant valleys, rubiginous rock faces and formations stimulated the imaginations of these providential people and, just as cloud formations might, yielded picturesque names like Chimney Rock, Coffee Pot Rock, Cathedral Roc...

Sunny days, blue skies and green grassy lawns begging to be lounged on are the palette for the quintessential summer picnic—add in the red rock vistas of Sedona and you’ve got a masterpiece in the making. Here are seven of Sedona’s best places to nosh in nature—from enclaves along rugged trails, lands preserved for historical and natural edification to traditional manicured public parks—they’re all so jaw-droppingly good, you might have to remind yourself to chew. Leave your coffee pot behind when you breakfast on Brins Mesa Trail, but bring plenty of water. Conveniently located on the edge of town, with goo d parking at the end of Park Ridge Drive, th is six-mile out and back trek trades the shade for vast vistas—including Coffee Pot Rock, Wilson Mountain, Chimney Rock and more. Go early during summer months and brunch at the flat-rock ledge near the end of the trail while taking in the rewarding view and appreciating the effort you made to get there (though moderately rated,...

While hiking Woods Canyon Trail near Sedona, Arizona , you may spot a glistening rock that catches your eye. Amber crystals coating one side—a chip from a large geode. As much as you may adore earthly objects found in nature and want to take them home—don’t. This simple chunk of beauty was Mother Nature’s jeweled accessory she was showing you. Take Only Photos “Leave what you find” is one of seven principles in the “Leave No Trace” philosophy, which strives to minimize human impact as we enjoy the great outdoors. Sedona , with 1.8 million acres of national forest land and 300-plus miles of developed trails, is a plein air playground, which earned the city the top spot in the USA Today Weekend list of “The 10 Most Beautiful Places in America.” But if every visitor kept what they found in Sedona’s stunning red rock wilderness, the luster of what many argue is “the most beautiful place on Earth” might soon fade. So, as you hike, climb, swim, fish, peddle, paddle and tour this m...

Everyone has a part of their self that gets neglected during the consuming obligations of everyday life. So, take time out to tend to your inner self and watch yourself blossom into a fuller, happier, more exquisite you. The best place to do it… Sedona where natural beauty, positive energy, extraordinary attractions, unforgettable activities and superlative amenities await you. Merriam-Webster defines utopia as “an often imaginary place or state of utter perfection and happiness,” but there’s nothing imaginary about the YOUtopia you can create in Sedona. Whatever part of you (mind, body or soul) yearns for attention, Sedona and its surroundings offer experiences that will polish those facets and send you home shining like a diamond. Connect With You Years of personal neglect might leave you lost in regard to exactly what you need. Sedona’s many spiritual and metaphysical practitioners can help you find your way. Hypnotherapy and psychic readings tap spiritual connecti...

The beauty and vibrancy of Sedona has inspired artistic expression for an estimated 5,000 years—from petroglyphs and pictographs in the cave dwellings of its earliest inhabitants to traditional and emerging mediums in the galleries, museums and studios of today’s artists and craftspeople. Whatever style grabs you, you’ll have no trouble finding it in Sedona. In fact, art in Sedona is so prolific you may become overwhelmed by all the choices, but this guide to approaching Sedona’s artworld will help you discover and take home that perfect piece. First, walk off the intimidation. Put on some comfortable shoes and get a sense of what’s out there using Sedona Art Walk Maps . These interactive and downloadable maps detail where to find the more than 80 galleries in West Sedona, Uptown Sedona and Gallery Row—identifying walkable clusters of galleries and not-to-be-missed outliers. Public transportation stops are plotted as well as history placards to make your journey both easy and e...

In Sedona , beauty surrounds you, but for up close, personal and jaw-dropping sights created by nature, you’ll want to go off the beaten track. With more than 100 trails covering 300-plus miles in Sedona, it’s easy to find a new path to wander. What’s hard is deciding which path to take. Whether hiking , biking , walking or running, there’s a route for you. Landmark Decisions Check ‘em off on Doe Mountain Trail where switchbacks ascend a mesa with 360-degree views of Bear, Maroon, Mund and Wilson mountains; Loy, Boynton Sycamore and Secret canyons; Chimney Rock and Cockscomb formations. You’ll agree it’s well worth the effort. (1.5 miles; 2 hours) Note: All distance and time estimates reflect round-trip excursions. Meanwhile, Centennial Trail [LC1]   , a paved 1-mile trail, delivers many of the same visual rewards, including the Red Rock Country basin, the Cockscomb formation, Bear, Doe, Mingus and Secret mountains. Go late in the day and watch how the setting sun chan...