It
starts with that first glance of red rock behemoths dominating the
landscape. As you motor north on AZ179, you know that you have encountered
a place like few others on the planet… Welcome to Sedona.
Sedona captivates even those who have experienced grand landscapes.
Its red sandstone buttes, mesas and pinnacles are awe-inspiring,
and look unworldly. They are usually set against a bright blue sky
and are surrounded by pines, junipers and firs that are part of
the Coconino National Forrest. Sitting at 4,500 feet above sea level,
the climate is most comfortable in the spring and fall.
Sedona first found its place on a map in 1902, the year TC Schnebly
opened the first post office in the area and named it after his
wife, Sedona. Since those humble beginnings, the small town in Oak
Creek Canyon has grown to be the second most visited tourist attraction
in Arizona, behind the Grand Canyon. Although Sedona gets 4 million
visitors a year, on a recent visit we were able to find parking
with no problem. The sidewalks were crowded, but not congested.
If you are visiting Sedona from the East Valley, expect about a
two-and-a-half-hour drive. Your trip up I-17 to Sedona takes you
through the Verde Valley, which is scenic in its own right. A meandering
AZ179 takes you through the town of Oak Creek, which offers shopping,
art galleries and some hotels that lie on the outskirts of Sedona.
At its north end, AZ179 intersects with 89A; a location locals call
the “Y.” Turning right will take you into uptown Sedona,
and left points you towards west Sedona.
Uptown Sedona is filled with souvenir shops, art galleries, jeep
tours and restaurants. It feels like a downtown area in a small
town except for the throng of tourists. The views in any direction
are spectacular, and the choices in unique gifts and souvenirs are
plentiful. The Chamber of Commerce Visitor Center is on the north
side of the street at the corner of Forest Road. This is a good
first stop to gather information about points of interest, getting
around and the best places to watch the sun set. Maps are available,
as are Red Rock passes, which are required for parking at scenic
turnoffs and most trailheads.
West Sedona is where residents live, and is the place to find grocery
stores and fast food restaurants. There also is a good selection
of individual restaurants and less expensive hotels and motels.
This is a good place to stop and get gas or snacks if you are traveling
to Cottonwood or Jerome on the south 89A.
