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Top Sedona Attractions
The first time you visit Sedona, or any new destination,
the question asked isn’t usually what attractions should be
scene but what attraction to see first, what to expect, how to get
there, and how much time is needed. We’ve provided tips, advice,
and other information about the top tourist attractions in Sedona
to help with your itinerary planning.
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Slide Rock State Park
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| Address
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7 miles north of Sedona via Route 89A |
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520-282-3034 |
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This is certainly one of the most memorable places in Arizona –
an all-natural water park. The name refers to the lengthy grooved
chutes in the sandstone, worn smooth through millennia of erosion,
that can be ridden exactly like a water slide. In addition, there
are natural wading pools, waterfalls, bathing streams, and wonderful
jutting rock formations around the coursing water. In warm months
the park in sure to be crowded and reminiscent of a summer beach
day, an impression bolstered by the snack bars and other various
vendors. The cider that’s sold is made from the nearby apple
orchard, which you may also visit (though you can’t pick the
apples).
To get to Slide Rock, you will drive on Route 89A through Oak Creek
Canyon, a scenic road lined with picturesque views and appealing
picnic spots. Canyon creeks are remarkably lush oases in deserts,
and Oak Creek, despite the traffic, is well worth a stopover.
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Montezuma Castle National
Monument
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2800 Montezuma Castle Hwy, Camp Verde |
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520-567-3322 |
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www.nps.gov/moca |
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Ancient Cliff dwellings ought to be points of pilgrimage for any
visitor to the southwest, and those within this National Monument
are no exception. Forget the misnomer of the title – the 800
year old dwellings were influenced by Toltec traders rather than
Aztecs, and they were built by the Sinagua Indians, ancestors of
the Hopi.
The structure, fitting snugly in an elevated cliff, is astonishingly
large – five stories with twenty rooms – and though
you won’t be allowed to climb up to it, its size and grace
will significantly inform your understanding of Native American
history. The displays in the visitor center will only enlarge this
education.
Montezuma Castle National Monument is about half an hour by car
south of Sedona, via Routes 179 and 17, but the drive is as always
very scenic. You’ll be well rewarded by this excursion outside
of town.
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Vortexes and Red Rocks
While in Sedona, it’s best to put aside your skepticism and
visit a few of the fabled vortexes to find out for yourself what,
if anything, all the fuss is about them. If nothing more, such ventures
are a great way to explore the equally famous red rocks of the city
– the vortexes are all, not surprisingly, situated in beautiful
places.
The Bell Rock Vortex is off of Route 179, south of town. This fine
overlook was the spot when New Agers came to experience the Harmonic
Convergence of 1987.
The Boyton Canyon Vortex is a few miles north of West Sedona off
of Boynton Pass Road. It is reached by a two mile trail that rises
through a canyon, forest, and interesting rock formations.
The Cathedral Rock Vortex is, naturally, at Cathedral Rock, off
of Route 89A by Oak Creek. The rock is one of the most photographed
places in Sedona.
But even if you don’t care to hunt for vortexes, dozens upon
dozens of trails sprout from the city into the hills, accessible
by roadside trailheads. Parking passes are needed before you can
hike them and can be purchased at the visitor center as well as
local shops and markets. Then it’s merely a matter of choosing
a trail that looks promising and manageable – there are few
is any that won’t wow you.
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Sedona Travel Guides
 Frommer's Sedona
Lonely Planet Sedona
Let's Go Sedona
Fodors Sedona
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