Springing Into Sedona
It is so exciting to visit Sedona. After years of reading about the beauty, red rocks, retreats, and outdoor adventure, we made the scenic drive down from Flagstaff, Arizona, along a road that follows a series of switchbacks with cliffside views. We entered a peaceful valley along a tree-lined creek – like an oasis we would see in the green canopy of the Appalachian Mountains. Then, we hit traffic. The charming town of Sedona on this beautiful Easter weekend is, unsurprisingly, bustling. The streets are overflowing with people, cars, trolleys, and jeeps, but this doesn’t quell the excitement. We are all here, after all, to enjoy the abundance the area has to offer.
Fay Canyon, Sedona
We made our way through town to a dispersed camping area in the Coconino National Forest, near Loy Butte and the Honanki and Palatki cliff dwellings. We found a site all to ourselves and started watching the off-highway vehicles, jeep tours, and different camping rigs drive by on the forest service road. Quiet, remote areas are generally our preference, but this creates a nice contrast in activity. And we are happy to have a good spot close to trails.
Pink Jeep Tours abound in Sedona
Among the closest trails happens to be one of Sedona’s major vortices, and this hike was the first order of business. An evening hike in Boynton Canyon offers gorgeous views of the red rocks in the soft sunset glow. We learned that Boynton Canyon is a unique vortex as the energy flows both outward/upward toward the universe and inward/downward toward the earth. Visitors have experienced physical, mental, and spiritual healing from the vortices and often come to them to pray, meditate, and practice yoga. I will take any good energy opportunities available, and I loved the experience. It is a beautiful, restorative place to visit with views of the rock formations and desert gardens.
Boynton Canyon vortex, Sedona
Another joy on this Sedona visit is the start of wildflower season. Clusters of Baby Aster and Desert Verbena sprinkle the rocky slopes, and their sweet fragrance floats in the air. The cacti are starting to bloom, too – Claret Cup, Pincushion, and Hedgehog. Bright green leaves are emerging on trees, and the fresh spring feel is invigorating.
Claret Cup Cactus in bloom, Cockscomb Trail, Sedona
Pincushion Cactus in bloom, Aerie Trail, Sedona
During our days in Sedona, we enjoyed red rock hikes and evening canyon walks with bats and a visit to Honanki cliff dwellings to see petroglyphs and an 800-year-old tree that surely has some stories. To access the nearby Palatki Heritage Site, a reservation is required in advance (we didn’t have one, although we were able to fill up our water jugs with fresh drinking water here, and the site looked intriguing). Some sites like these in the National Forest require a pass for access, and the National Parks Pass/America the Beautiful Interagency Pass covers them all.
While the area and popular trailheads are busy, there are plenty of quiet trails with gorgeous walks among the red rocks. A mile or so down a trail often meant a quiet experience to oneself. We also enjoyed an in-town day for errands and doing taxes in the laundromat parking lot, followed by a reward of lunch on the patio at Pump House Station Urban Eatery. The tranquil eatery is nestled in a lovely Sedona garden landscape.
Pump House Station Urban Eatery, Sedona
This visit to Sedona is nature-based and so nourishing, soaking up the unique landscape. With place names like Red Rock Secret Mountain Wilderness, the intrigue continues. On a future trip, maybe a winery tour and an aura reading are in order.
