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Visit Sedona and Red Rock Country

World-famous Sedona, strategically situated at the mouth of spectacular Oak Creek Canyon, is a unique place characterized by massive red-rock formations, as well as the contrasting areas of Oak Creek Canyon.   Its 19-square miles is considered one of the most beautiful locations in Arizona, often referred to as ‘Red Rock Country’, rivaling some of our most beloved national parks.

The city of Sedona was incorporated in 1988 and is one of Arizona’s premier tourism, recreation, resort, retirement and art centers, split between Coconino and Yavapai counties. Forty-nine percent of the city territory is part of the Coconino National Forest.  

GETTING TO SEDONA

From Phoenix: Total distance is 119 miles, estimate driving time is 2 hours. Choose from two routes:

1) Take I-17 north towards Flagstaff (98 miles) , Exit at Hwy 179 (exit 298), Turn left (west) onto Hwy 179, Proceed on Hwy 179 to Sedona (14 miles)

2) Take I-17 north towards Flagstaff (98 miles), Exit at AZ 260 (exit 289), turn left onto AZ 260, Proceed west toward Hwy 89A (16 miles), Turn right on Hwy 89A and contine to Sedona (19 miles).

Hwy-179 is designated as an All America Road/National Scenic Byway by the Federal Highway Administration, based on its natural and scenic qualities.

WHERE TO STAY

>> Check out hotel and resort rates here

 

SEDONA GETAWAY TRIPS

Sedona Harley Davidson Adventure

Ever dream of setting out on the Great American Roadtrip on the back of a Harley? For a few days, you too can be a part of the "Born to be Wild" lifestyle!
3 Days / 2 Nights from $189 per person

Pink Jeep Tours - AAA members receive a 10% discount with membership card

Since 1960, Pink Jeep Tours has been providing the most talked about off-road adventures in the Southwest.  Choose from eight excursions, inculding the exclusive Broken Arrow, Ancient Ruin, and Diamondback Gulch tours that take you places you may have never imagined existed. 

RED ROCK COUNTRY BY RAIL

>> Verde Canyon Railroad  

The remote wilderness of the Verde Canyon, located west of Sedona and below Jerome, is renowned for its towering red rock pinnacles and clean, green waters.

>> AAA Members receive a 10% discount


SHOPPING IN SEDONA

Sedona teams with artists and artisans; boutiques, galleries and one-of-a-kind shops; annual festivals and open-studio events.  It’s the perfect place to pick up a unique and representative gift representing your trip in the southwest.  Shopping in Sedona is more of a sightseeing adventure than a stop in a mall.  Sedona’s shopping districts are nestled among the town’s world-famous red rocks, and Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village is a replica of Guadaljara, a charming town in Mexico.

There is so much to discover, from Native American crafts and healing gemstones to outdoor wind sculptures and many whimsical and handmade items.  Sedona’s world-class art galleries feature original paintings and multi-media works, jewelry, photography, sculpture, pottery, rugs, art glass, woven textiles, hand-crafted furniture and collectible kachinas.

For made-in-Sedona gifts visit the Sedona Arts Center gift store, which represents dozens of local artists, and the Sedona Heritage Museum shop that offers many quaint items with a historic flair. 


THE ARTS IN SEDONA

Sedona is home to hundreds of artists of every medium and aesthetic bent and its cultural activity is one of the primary reasons to visit, rivaling Santa Fe and Scottsdale as artistic centers.  Over 40 galleries showcase the wide range of art and creates a full calendar of openings, artist receptions, demonstrations and workshops year ‘round.

Every first Friday of the month, several of Sedona’s most prominent art galleries hos an evening of openings, demonstrations and receptions, from 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.  The Sedona Trolley offers free transportation as it makes a continuous loop between participating galleries.  For more information, contact the Sedona Gallery Association at (928) 282-7390.


STATE PARKS

   ● Slid Rock State Park is in the heart of Oak Creek Canyon, featuring a natural water slide eroded into a slick creek bed, which is surrounded by massive red-rock walls.  The slide makes this par a family favorite.  The 43-acre park also includes a beautiful orchard and historic barn.  Call (928) 282-3034 for additional information.

   ● Red Rock State Park is a 286-acre nature preserve with stunning scenery, 10 developed trails, meadows, picnic tables and a visitor’s center.  The park offers informational programs and seasonal events.  Call (928) 282-6907


2010 CALENDAR OF MAJOR FESTIVALS AND EVENTS

  

  • Feb. 21 - 28:  Sedona International Film Festival.  Now in its 15th season, the festival will showcase more than 125 films highlighting filmmakers and actors from around the world.  (928) 282-1177
  • Mar. 6 :  St. Patrick's Day Parade and Festival.   Beginning at 10:30 a.m., the parade will make its way from the Sedona Heritage Museum, down Jordan Road to Sacajawea Plaza, Uptown. Festival follows the parade.  (928) 204-2390
  • May 9: Sedona Bluegrass Festival. afternoon of jazz music featuring the music of Tim O'Brien, Phillips–Grier–Flinner, Burnett Family Bluegrass and Crystal Ridge Bluegrass Band. Noon - 6:00 p.m. at Los Abrigados Resort. (928) 204-2415
  • June 5-13: Festival of Native American Culture.A week long celebration of the culture of the Natives of Arizona and the southwest. Highlights include a film festival, music and dance festival, fine arts and crafts festival and much more.
  • June 12-27: Dine in Sedona Restaurant Fest. A 16 day culinary tour of Sedona with participating restaurants offering prix-fixe pricing and menu selection. Enjoy an appetizer, entree and dessert for one price: $19.95, $29.95 or $39.95. Visit www.dineinsedona.com for more information or call 928-204-1123.
  • June 13: Sedona Taste. A creek side celebration of fine food and drink at Los Abrigados Resort & Spa, benefiting the Boys & Girls Clubs of Northern Arizona. (928) 282-0122.
  • Aug. 28 - Sep. 6: Red Rocks Music Festival. Featuring world-class chamber and flamenco music, orchestral performances, master classes and workshops throughout the week. (877) 733-7257.
  • Sep. 4-5: Moonlight Madness Street Festival. This street festival includes free music and entertainment, children’s activities, and sidewalk sales in numerous locations along Hwy. 89A & Hwy. 179 in the Main Street District.(928) 204-2390.
  • Sep. 11: Fiesta Del Tlaquepaque.  Fun, food, music and merriment set in the beautiful courtyards of Tlaquepaque Arts and Crafts Village. (928)282-4838
  • Oct. 2-3: Sedona Book Festival. A celebration of local authors sponsored by Well Red Coyote and Verde Valley Caregivers Coalition. Events will include author presentations, readings, book signings, receptions, and entertainment. For more information call 928-282-2284 or 928-300-5839.
  • Oct. 9-10: Sedona Arts Festival. Rated “one of the nation’s top art festivals,” this cultural celebration features fine arts and crafts, cuisine from Sedona restaurants and continuous entertainment at Sedona Red Rock H.S. (928) 204-9456
  • Oct. 23-31: 5th Annual Plein Air Festival. The Sedona Arts Center hosts this annual event celebrating painting in open air and featuring many of the country’s finest plein air artists. (928) 282-3809
  • Dec. 3: Holiday Tree Lighting. Watch the annual tree-lighting ceremony, listen to holiday music and visit with Santa in uptown Sedona. Sponsored by the City of Sedona, Sedona Main Street Program and the Sedona Chamber of Commerce. (928) 282-7722, (928) 204-2390
  • Dec. 11: Festival of Lights. Thousands of glowing luminaries light up Tlaquepaque Arts and Crafts Village during this 35th annual celebration. Entertainment includes musicians and dancers. (928) 282-4838

Sedona Chamber of Commerce Visitor Center

Located at 331 Forest Road in Uptown Sedona.  The center offers maps, directions, suggestions for sightseeing or to purchase your Red Rock Pass. 

Hours: Monday-Saturday 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.; Sunday and Holidays: 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.  Call 800-288-7336 for additional information. 

Oak Creek Visitor’s Center

Located at Indian Gardens, this popular center has public restrooms. The visitor center is managed under contract with Coconino Forest by Recreation Resource Management.  They offer hunting and fishing licenses, Red Rock Passes and Forest Service Information.  They sell maps, hiking books and interpretive souvenirs. Open daily from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. with extended hours as traffic picks up.  Contact them at 928-282-6373.

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