Video Guide to Sedona

Have More Questions About Sedona, Arizona?

Frequently Answered Questions about Sedona

Q: Do I need a Red Rock Pass to sightsee and hike in Sedona? Where can I get one?
A: Yes, you need a Red Rock Pass (or Golden Eagle, Golden Age or Golden Access) for recreation on National Forest land in Red Rock Country. The pass is not required for incidental stopping to take a photograph or enjoy a scenic vista (approximately 15 minutes or less) but if you're planning to do some hiking, biking or sightseeing, you can purchase a pass at many local businesses, gas stations, Visitor Centers or Ranger Stations. Passes are $5/day, $15/week.

http://www.redrockcountry.org/passes-and-permits/index.shtml


Q: What's the weather like?
A: Warm days, cool nights! Spring and Fall in Sedona are ideal with temperatures peaking in the 70s and 80s but dipping down to the 50s and 60s at night. Always pack a light jacket if you're planning to be out after dark or if you're visiting during our "monsoon season" (July-August) when brief afternoon thunderstorms may cool off our hot summer days. Summertime brings temperatures in the 90s but Sedona's always a good 10-15 degrees cooler than Phoenix! In the Winter, dustings of white snow are a magnificent contrast to the deep hues of our red rocks but get up early to see it, the snow usually melts by noon! Pack a warm jacket and good boots you don't mind getting a little red if you're going to be outdoors but most of the time you'll find long-sleeved shirts and pants are more than enough to keep you warm while you're soaking in the views.


Q: Why are the rocks red?
A: The rocks are red because they contain iron. Millions of years ago (320 million to be precise!) Sedona was under a sea of water. Time has left its marks on our red rock landscape. Over the last 300 million years, Sedona has been land under a sea, at other times it was a floodplain adjacent to the sea coast. When the great uplift of the Colorado Plateau created the Grand Canyon, there was also a cracking of the Earth in the Sedona area which carved out our canyons and eventually our streams and creeks. As the water moved through Sedona, it carved away layers of the soft red sandstone that had been deposited here in the sediment of ancient rivers. This created Sedona landmark red rock formations like Bell Rock, Cathedral Rock, Coffee Pot Rock and more.


Q: What is a Vortex?
A: Sedona's famous Vortexes are considered to be energy hotspots, convergences of subtle energies emanating from the Earth that facilitate inner soul-seeking, meditation, or whatever you may desire to experience. The four major Vortex spots in Sedona are some of the most scenic spots for sightseeing:

Bell Rock in the Village of Oak Creek offers easy hiking up the face of the rock to awe-inspiring overlooks.

Cathedral Rock is our most photographed spot in Sedona. Hike as far up the rock as you’d like from its access point in Back O' Beyond off Highway 179 or head down Upper Red Rock Loop Rd. in West Sedona to Crescent Moon Ranch State Park to view the most photographed spot in Arizona from the banks of Oak Creek.

The Chapel of the Holy Cross - one of Sedona's must-see destinations! The Chapel of the Holy Cross was built in 1956 and designed by Marguerite Bruswig Staude. Jutting out of a thousand foot red rock wall, the Chapel offers panoramic views in every direction and an open invitation to all to come inside, reflect, meditate, pray, light a candle or simply appreciate the awe and beauty of this magnificent place.

Airport Mesa - located in West Sedona is Airport Rd., a short drive to the best scenic overlook in town. At sunset, you'll find a mass of both local and visitors alike stunned speechless by our famous Arizona sunsets setting the sky on fire and the red rocks aglow. It is the most beautiful time of day in Sedona, best seen from above at Airport Mesa! On your way up the hill, stop at the Airport Mesa Overlook where you can take a short hike up Airport Rock itself to experience the Vortex and 360 degree views.


Q: What is Tlaquepaque and how in the world do you pronounce it?
A: Tlaquepaque, pronounced Tla-keh-pah-kee, means "everything under the sun". It is Sedona's Premiere Arts & Crafts Village and is modeled after a traditional Mexican Village.