Mystical, Magical Sedona

We had our first glimpse of Sedona as we came around a curve on our scenic but monochromatic desert drive. What a surprise to see natural red-rock sculptures spiraling up into gigantic formations! Some rocks are so lifelike that the locals have given them names— Snoopy, Bell Rock, Coffee Pot Rock, and Cathedral Rock.

These deep-red buttes provide the backdrop to a bustling center for an eclectic mix of artists, adventure seekers, trades people, art collectors, and just plain ol’ tourists.

People are drawn to Sedona for many reasons. Some come to view or purchase fine art. Some come for hiking, four-wheeling and other adventures. Some come to be rejuvenated at resorts and spas and to tap into the landscape’s mystical energy and healing powers. And others come just to round out their wardrobes or see the sunsets.

Array of Art
Sedona is a major cultural center for the arts in the West and home to more than 40 galleries and more than 300 working artists. The thickest concentration of galleries is found in Tlaquepaque (pronounced ta-lock-a-pock-e) Arts & Crafts Village.

It’s a showplace for artists and artisans of every medium, with an exceptional collection of galleries, shops, and restaurants in a Spanish Colonial complex of graceful arches, fountains, plazas and verandas. Towering 200-year-old sycamore trees add to the natural beauty.

El Prado Gallery is a popular draw for tourists, who can sit outside and gaze at large sculptures while reclining in rock chairs. Our favorite gallery in Tlaquepaque is Southwest Images, especially when an artist is on site to sculpture a future bronze artwork in clay.

When you are traveling around in a motorhome, there’s not much room to hang artwork, but we found lots of items of interest at Exposures International Gallery of Fine Art, which features works by some of the best artists in the Southwest. I could go on and on about the art in the galleries, but you can make your own discoveries when you go to Sedona. Be prepared for hours or days of enjoyment.

Healing Powers
New Age settlers and spiritual seekers flock to Sedona for healing and emotional rejuvenation, lured by the belief that Sedona is an ideal site to experience natural energy forces called vortexes. A community of alternative healing practitioners provides a varied schedule of workshops and events.

Visit the Chapel of the Holy Cross built high above the red rocks. This modern landmark is spiritual whether you’re religious or not. It’s built on top of one of Sedona’s major “vortexes,” where the earth’s energy is said to be amplified. You be the judge.

You can explore Sedona via tours on an airplane, helicopter, hot-air balloon or Jeep. Or you can drive the area on your own.

Rated by Rand McNally as one of America’s best scenic drives is a trip through Oak Creek Canyon north from Sedona along Highway 89A past streams and waterfalls. There are some tight, steep turns so taking your RV is not recommended although we did see one 35-foot motorhome making the trip. It’s a slow drive as many other tourists are traveling the same road. At the Oak Creek Vista Overlook, you will find a panoramic view and Native American crafts.

At the end of the day, you can enjoy magnificent sunsets and see many colors reflected in the luminous rocks. A volunteer at the Visitors Center said the best sunsets are on cloudy evenings.

We planned to stay a day in Sedona but there was so much to do that we were there almost a week. We stayed at the Distant Drums RV Resort near Camp Verde, and there are other RV parks in Camp Verde and Sedona.

Marti French is a writer and RVer who spends much of her time in Arizona and Colorado.