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New Age types have revered Sedona for decades, claiming that this northern Arizona desert town is a uniquely spiritual place, where positive psychic energy literally radiates from the earth at healing "vortexes".
But even if you don't believe in the town's more mystical side, Sedona is the kind of place that immediately instills a feeling of calm, peace, and well-being — and not just inside its many renowned spas. At almost every vantage point in the city, you'll be able to soak in the area's trademark scenic vistas. Located within the fertile Verde Valley and surrounded by national forests, Sedona is perhaps best known for the dramatic red-rock formations lining the town, each with distinctly Southwestern names like Thunder Mountain and Coffee Pot Rock. Keep an eye on these jagged monoliths throughout the day, as they change colors, shifting minute-by-minute in an artful interplay of sunlight and shadows.
If these rust-colored rocks look like they're straight out of a Hollywood Western, that's because they are: More than 60 films were shot in the surrounding valley! These days, the cliffs provide an ideal setting for outdoorsy pursuits. With 86 trails in a 10-mile radius, Sedona has earned its reputation as the day-hike capital of America. While some trails are particularly suited for expert hikers and rock climbers, others attract a diverse crowd of beginners, including history and archaeology buffs who flock here for the ancient cliff dwellings and Native American ruins. Against all odds, this rugged environment, which once attracted rough-and-tumble cowboy types, has produced a surprisingly sophisticated downtown, with a host of art galleries, destination spas, and artisan boutiques — a little touch of class in the Wild, Wild West.
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For a chance to mingle with the town's hippest foodies, stop by the weekly Sedona Farmers Community Market to peruse the freshest seasonal fruits and vegetables, meet area chefs, and enjoy live music from local artists. The popular outdoor event is the only year-round farmers' market in Northern Arizona, and the summer season expands with an additional location in the Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village. The best part? You don't need to wake up early to attend. This is one of the only farmers' markets open throughout the entire day, so visitors can enjoy a leisurely late-afternoon stroll, sampling vine-ripe heirloom tomatoes and crookneck squash as the sun begins to set on the surrounding red-rock cliffs.
With desert temperatures at their most extreme, summer is the best time to seek solace in one of Sedona's award-winning spas. The Mii Amo Spa at the Enchantment Resort is frequently ranked by travel magazines among the best destination spas in the world. Inspired by the area's native tribes, Mii Amo offers treatments in its breezy outdoor wickiups (Native American huts), many of which are based on the region's purported psychic benefits. Signature metaphysical treatments include psychic massages, aura-soma color readings, and "Soul Seeker" chakra and energy balancing, though you'll also be able to choose from a full menu of more traditional offerings, such as facials, massages, body scrubs, and aromatherapy. After your treatment, enjoy pristine views of the surrounding Boynton Canyon from the adults-only outdoor pool.
Almost every view in Sedona is framed by the area's signature backdrop of cinematic, rust-red rocks, but the eponymous Red Rock State Park is perhaps the best place to witness the Verde Valley's most unique sedimentary formations. This 286-acre nature preserve, situated within lush Oak Creek Canyon, is home to some of Sedona's most famous red-rock formations. Visitors can explore the park's five miles of marked loop trails or join a daily nature walk with a trained naturalist to learn more about the park's distinct geology, botany, and wildlife. During the fall, the brilliant reds of the park's sumac and maple trees rival the rocks for attention, while cottonwoods offer bright pops of contrasting gold.
The dark skies above Arizona are ideal for stargazing, especially during the winter months, when lower humidity greatly enhances visibility. Sedona boasts more than 300 clear nights a year, and they remain remarkably dark thanks to strict local ordinances preventing light pollution. While you're free to admire the nightly celestial display from your own backyard, the best option is a tour with Sedona Star Gazing, where you'll receive a personalized look at the Verde Valley's dazzling seasonal constellations, star clusters, and planets.