+1 928-649-3090 toll free (800) 548-1420
From Phoenix
Sedona is about 115 miles north of the Phoenix and Scottsdale area. Take Interstate 17 North to Exit 298 and turn left on Highway 179. Continue north on Highway 179 into Sedona (Approx 14 miles)
From Flagstaff
The most scenic and shortest way is taking Highway 89A south from Flagstaff through Oak Creek Canyon into Sedona (Approximately 30 miles). The alternate route is to take I-17 South (in case of snow or road closures) to Exit 298 and turn left on Highway 179. Continue north on Highway 179 into Sedona (Approx 14 miles)
From Los Angeles
Take I-10 East toward Phoenix. Take Highway 101 North/East to I-17 North (toward Flagstaff). Take exit 298 and turn left onto State Route 179. Travel on Highway 179 State Route 89A.
Set amongst towering red rock monoliths two thousand feet below the Colorado Plateau’s Mongolian Rim in Northern Arizona, Sedona is a magnificent place that has become increasingly popular only in the last few decades. The natural splendor of what nature has created here is spellbinding.
The picturesque high desert city of Sedona, situated at an elevation of 4500 feet in Oak Creek Canyon and 115 miles north of the sprawling metropolis of Phoenix, attracts many visitors from all over the world including artists and spiritual seekers. Referred to also as Red Rock Country, Sedona is one of Arizona’s premier tourism centers boasting four mild seasons with plenty of sunshine year round. The annual average high temperature is a comfortable 75 degrees.
Historically, Sedona was a rural farming and ranching community, but its unsurpassed natural beauty became internationally known in the 1950’s through the motion picture industry. Today, Sedona is still the filming location for many films and commercials and offers visitors numerous activity options including hiking, golfing, biking, air tours, jeep tours, shopping and winery tours. The area attracts more than 4 million tourists annually.
Geologically, the area that surrounds Sedona was formed about 500 million years ago and is built on bed of red wall limestone. Over the period of years, the land was alternately ocean bottom and coastal plain. As the Colorado Plateau uplifted, many sedimentary layers of sandstone were exposed through erosion from wind, rain and snowmelt. The flowing water through Oak Creek Canyon, notably one of the most scenic drives in America, helped to expose the layers of sediment to form the spectacular red rock formations now visible in Sedona.
Sedona is rich in human history as well. It began here about 4000 BC when hunter-gatherers roamed and settled in the Verde Valley area. Between 900 and 1350 AD, a more advanced civilization began building pueblos and cliff houses. Known as the Sinagua, they were proficient in farming, had an understanding of astronomy, and made baskets, pottery and jewelry. They established trade routes with people on the Pacific coast, Mexico and Central America. The Sinagua had moved on by 1400 AD and at about the same time that the Yavapai and Apache people began to move into the area.
Many people visit Sedona to explore its metaphysical dimensions, especially what the locals call “vortexes”. This term is known for areas in Sedona that have highly concentrated energies conducive to prayer, meditation and healing. Although the idea of a vortex in Sedona is relatively new, Sedona has been known as a sacred place long before that time. For hundreds of years, Native Americans have performed ceremonies in Sedona, and some tribes continue to this day. The term “vortex” has taken hold because it helps to explain people’s experiences of well being at the four main energy sites located in Sedona.
Whether you’re into American history, geology, the arts, shopping, outdoor sports, or the metaphysical…consider a visit to one of Arizona’s most treasured destinations.
Time Zone Information
Sedona is on Mountain Standard Time year round and does not observe Daylight Savings. This fact may cause confusion if you travel from a state bordering Arizona. From spring to early autumn, Sedona is on the same time zone as Los Angeles and Las Vegas. During late autumn and winter, Sedona is on the same time as Salt Lake City and Denver.
