I think I found my Nirvana on this trip. And it sure wasn’t in our plans. Heading back to southern Arizona wasn’t in our plans either. Leaving California, we did have plans to make a couple Arizona stops . . . northern Arizona in particular. Yet sometimes “the best-laid plans . . . often go astray” have a way of altering our itineraries, and weather conditions are often to blame.
We had just about had enough. Enough rain. Enough gray skies. And more than enough unseasonably cool weather. With temperatures predicted to dip below freezing, with sleet and rain in the forecast, it wasn’t a difficult decision to forego our stay in Prescott and Flagstaff, going further south to find decently warm weather and some promised sunny skies.
We found both back in Tucson, as well as more good times with our friends, Mike and Barbie. After a few days there, we were forgetting all the gloomy weather left behind. Not only that, but on a whim we spent a day taking in Open Houses, curious to see interiors of Arizona homes. Not only was the experience insightful, but we actually found a house that rang a lot of our bells. Finding it more than a memorable experience, we actually considered making the Big Move. And, as a postscript, let me say it’s still on our list of possibilities.
But I digress. With weather conditions slowly improving, we resumed our travels that, in a round-about way, would eventually lead us home to Indiana. Heading north out of Tucson, a drive of a couple of hours brought us to our next destination where we planned a few days’ layover. And that’s what brought me to this Nirvana.
There’s really nothing quite like the landscape. Granted, southern Utah comes close. But to have so many incredible views and vivid colors concentrated in one relatively small area is truly mind-blowing. One minute you’ll be driving through desert scenery and then POW! The red rock formations begin to dominate your views. If you aren’t awe-struck by the experience, then all I can say is you must be immune to some of nature’s best handiwork.
Sedona knows how to impress. It’s a dramatic landscape of dramatic red sandstone monoliths that dominate the town and its surroundings. Literally crowding the outskirts of Sedona, presenting views in every direction. It’s nearly impossible to give a complete picture of what you’ll see spread out before you as you merely drive through the town.
Talk about having roadside distractions . . .
. . . and how can you complain about traffic tie-ups, when you have this view out your front windshield?
Yes, this is Sedona and it took my breath away. Despite a town that has exceeded its boundaries, where homes have begun encroaching into the scenery and the quantity of visitors exceeds the town’s ability to cope, there is no place else I’ve found that’s quite able to match the grandeur of this place. The natural features you’ll find here are just that imposing.
From a tiny agricultural community a half century ago, Sedona has developed into a major art center, resort and spiritual retreat. The present area population of slightly more than 10,000 includes many retired people, artists, and nature lovers. And yes, there’s money here, some of it is understated, but in many ways it’s pretty obvious. If you’re not gawking at the scenery, chances are you’ll be agog at the affluent lifestyles on display here.
While on the subject of the residents of Sedona, I’d be remiss it I didn’t mention the New Age spiritual seekers. It seems that the town has developed quite a reputation for being a place of strong spiritual energies emanating from certain locations, places these seekers make pilgrimages to. Landmarks such as Bell Rock, Airport Mesa, Coffee Pot Rock, the Chapel of the Holy Cross, even Schnebly Hill Road, are known as vortexes, places that possess “electric energy” with the power to invigorate and inspire visitors. Not that I’m buying into the concept of a vortex, but I will admit to finding inspiration when viewing any of these notable landmarks.
Bell Rock is one of Sedona’s famous vortexes. Courthouse Rock, equally as distinctive, rises up in the distance.
Campgrounds are scarce around Sedona. In fact, unless you camp in one of the forest service campgrounds along Oak Creek Canyon Road, you’ll find other options aren’t exactly near to town. With one exception—Rancho Sedona. And we were very fortunate to get in. You’ll pay a pretty penny for a site here, but the compensations might be worth it. With deeply shaded sites, albeit fairly close together, the grounds are immaculate and they can accommodate any size rig. FHUs, of course. With a location that couldn’t be any better when it comes to proximity to town . . . it’s actually within walking or better yet, biking distance. We were extremely happy to have a site and it certainly was appreciated being so near to all the hiking destinations. Well worth the $$$ for us!
With Oak Creek flowing directly behind our Airstream, Chris found time to actually enjoy the ambiance of our site.
If there’s one notable destination in Sedona, the place to go for the iconic view while having an enjoyable stroll along a scenic creek, would be Red Rock Crossing. But don’t expect to have it to yourself. Still, it’s worth the visit. It was already late afternoon once we were moved in and set up; the perfect time for heading out to that most famous of Sedona places.
As hard as I searched, I only came up with this one meager image of reflected rocks.
The view of Cathedral Rock illuminated by sunset light is probably on every photo-grapher’s bucket list of destinations. Red monoliths reflected in the nearby flowing creek is generally the standard view—the one I had in my mind’s eye. Unfortunately, as fate would have it, excessive rain had morphed the placid creek into a raging river. There would be no reflection shot for me.
On rare occasions . . . what is taken away has something even better given in its place. And so it was for me that afternoon.
Returning to the car quite dejectedly, the rocks suddenly exploded in brilliant reflected light. And there, quite perfectly, I found my better shot. Sometimes, things can work out through little effort on our part.
When I claim I’ve found Nirvana here in Sedona, I’m not just thinking its great potential for photo ops. If nothing else, Sedona has got to be a hiking nirvana for many who come here. The whole area in every direction is just simply chock-full of wonderful hiking trails. If you enjoy a good hike, you really can’t go wrong in this place. And you’ll find good trails around all the noted Sedona landmarks.
Airport Mesa Trail, Bell Rock Pathway Vista, Courthouse Butte Loop, Little Horse, Boynton Canyon, and Broken Arrow are just a handful of the most popular trails. Especially noted for its scenic views, for our one day on the trail we chose Coffee Pot Rock Trail to do.
As a prelude to taking this particular trail, you can’t go wrong by enjoying a hearty breakfast at the trail’s namesake—Coffee Pot Restaurant, a really popular place. You shouldn’t be disappointed with either. And then you’ll be ready to hike off all those delicious calories.
The trail has many different looks. Even Chris was stopped in his tracks when coming upon scenes such as this.
Towering high above West Sedona, Coffee Pot Rock is a striking red rock formation resembling a percolator coffee pot, complete with spout and lid. Known to be one of Sedona’s famed vortexes, the trail leads you right up to the formation’s base.
The trail has a lot of bang for a very little amount of buck.
We did another kind of adventure by taking a guided jeep tour to see some of Sedona’s backcountry. This was a little change of pace for us—and it was surprisingly quite the fun activity to do.
Pink Jeep Adventure Tours is the oldest continuously-operating jeep tour company in our country. Started in 1958, this tour service actually originated in Sedona, but today there are Pink Jeep Tours at the Grand Canyon, in the Las Vegas area, the Smoky Mountains as well as here in Sedona.
There are many different tours to choose from and therein lies the quandary. A rugged trip with thrills as well as terrific landscapes or a more sedate ride with some local history thrown in. There’s also the mellow sunset rides or a brisk, early morning romp through the rocks. Something for everyone.
It’s just a fun way to see more of the exotic sights of Sedona, whichever tour you choose.
Our tour took us through the backcountry . . . to places I’m sure we’d never find on our own.
And the road got a little rough. Yes, we were in the back of the backcountry here. But the views just kept getting better.
Our trip culminated with a stop to see prehistoric Hohokam ruins tucked away in a remote canyon. Only accessible by a Pink Jeep Tour, our guide was well-informed.
Later on in the day, while Chris was lounging back at the campsite, I took the truck and headed out with hopes of getting my sunset fix. It was a good bet to pick Airport Mesa as my destination.
Not only does the Mesa provide an iconic sunset scene, you can take a loop trail that encircles the mesa and gives superb panoramic views of Sedona’s best-known red rock landmarks. That’s a win/win in my book.
The colors in the rocks never look better than they do as the sun drops low.
It was a short stay for us in Sedona, just enough to whet our appetites for more. But once you’ve found your Nirvana, you’ll find it difficult to ever forget. Someday I’m hoping to return. While Chris did the preliminary pack-up, I slipped away for a last shot or two. Or maybe, just to have a few more precious moments to savor.
Airstream Travelers, Melinda & Chris
moving ever so closer to home.
Airstream Travelers 
WE loved Sedona but back in 2016 we had friends who stayed at Rancho Sedona for 3 months. They paid the monthly rate which is VERY affordable. However, we weren’t willing to pay $85 a night for 3 nights AND change sites each night and that’s when we lucked upon the Dead Horse Ranch State Park in Cottonwood. Only 1/2 hour’s (Beautiful!) drive into Sedona it met our needs for a fraction of the price. We were able to hike several sites in Sedona as well as some of the trails there. So for anyone looking for an affordable options (with H/U) it’s a great alternative.
I’ve heard very good reports about Dead Horse Ranch also! State parks are our kind of place. Really wish we could’ve stayed there. Something to entice us to return! Thanks for sharing your experience!