"AMONGST THE RED ROCKS" Top 5 Page for this destination Sedona by madamx

Sedona Travel Guide: 870 reviews and 2,015 photos

ASTONISHING BEAUTY

To describe Sedona in one word, it would be BEAUTIFUL. Make that ASTONISHINGLYBEAUTIFUL. It really is amazing that places like this exist. If you can, plan to arrive around late afternoon, when the light plays up the red rocks, and you will be blown away. We almost drove off the highway looking at all the gorgeous rock formations.

SEE THE TRUE SEDONA

Midway up Bell Rock, soaking up the vortex powers

This being our very first visit to the area, we were prepared that Sedona would be touristy, but "touristy" would be an understatement, by far. Sedona is 90% sheer crass commercialism, and that was a total disappointment for us. We either saw cheesy tourist shops or glitzy ultra expensive galleries. Traffic was a total nightmare, on par with rush hour in a big city. We wanted to get out of town the first day.

So we did get out of town ... for most of the day, coming back to our inn to sleep. You can avoid the frustrations of tourist crowds and traffic, by disappearing into Red Rock Country. Get a Red Rock Pass, a good pair of hiking boots, and go! I really recommend driving around and exploring the area, hiking and walking, and only then will you truly appreciate the true beauty of Sedona.

Red Rock viewpoint, early evening

Pros and Cons

In a nutshell:When In Sedona, Get Out of Town!

Last visit to Sedona: Apr 2005
Intro Updated May 2, 2005
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Reviews (26)

Go Mexican Shopping (2)

This tip is particularly for Canadians or anyone who has trouble finding Mexican food products. Basha's is the place to... more travel advice

You may need divine intervention to find parking - Sedona

Tlaquepaque Tourist Traps (1)

Pronounced TEL-a-kwa-pak-ee, this place is a shopping centre in Sedona designed after a famous arts and crafts... more travel advice

A brown Courthouse Butte at midday - Sedona

Those Red, Red, Rocks Favorites (2)

The red color of the rocks is created from layers of Hematite that "rust" when exposed to water or snow. You will find... more travel advice

Will the Real Sedona Please Stand Up? Favorites (2)

When we arrived in Sedona, we were not prepared for the crass commercialism, having to dodge timeshare salesmen, and... more travel advice

Things to Do (10)
See All Take a Hike!
Off The Beaten Path (3)
See All Palatki Heritage Site
Been to Sedona?
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Comments (23)

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KimberlyAnn Jan 17, 2010 at 11:27 AM

Your SEE THE TRUE SEDONA description and general tip is right on! Such a beautiful location, too bad for the commercialism. They didn't have the park pass when we were there, good to know about.
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BruceDunning Aug 6, 2009 at 1:39 PM

I am going out that way in September and your tips and pictures help in the planning and hiking around the town. Thank you and good job.
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Mikebb Jan 7, 2009 at 1:14 PM

Hi Helen, nice page, reminds me of the old western movies. Would like to see this part of USA but not 2009 as we will be staying in Australia. Have a great 2009.
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diveinak Feb 27, 2007 at 5:11 PM

THANK YOU SOOO MUCH for your tips...we actually decided to stay in jerome instead of sedona
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raraavis Nov 17, 2006 at 2:52 PM

Excellent tips. They will help us out on our upcoming trip.
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Jim_Eliason Oct 30, 2006 at 5:20 PM

great tips!
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CowboyJ Oct 22, 2006 at 7:57 AM

Thanks for the tips. Has anyone told you you have an uncanny resemblance to Nigella Lawson, the English "domestic goddess"?
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nicolaitan Aug 7, 2006 at 5:57 AM

beautiful page, great photos - relived our trip of 10 years ago with pleasure. Am sure the Enchantment Resort is better than the caves :), costs just a bit more. Thanks for sharing.
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Fullmoonfever Jul 1, 2006 at 6:13 AM

good tips!!!!!!! country looks lovely!!! was in southern Utah and it was not touristy at all. but that was another life time ago.
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kymbanm May 26, 2006 at 8:02 PM

I do believe that you ... as Madam Wench must guess with the masses ... on the thread in question :)