What You Can't Miss in Sedona - Travel Dot to Dot

There’s a lot to be said about Sedona.

Yes, it’s most popularly known for it’s majestic red rocks that gleam in the sun. In addition, it’s also a major spiritual vortex where its at an intersection of natural electromagnetic earth energy. It’s spiritual hub is as powerful as the Catholic pilgrimage center, Holy Chimayo in Santa Fe, NM. Here’s our weekend itinerary that will get you sweating and salivating. We drove from LA, stopped in Las Vegas, and arrived in Sedona Friday afternoon. Here’s our secrets:

The Journey is the Destination

Sedona is a magic city full of lush trees, colorful mountains, and a whole lot of Native American culture. Like no other part of the country does Native American culture and history play such an immediate role in the life of north and central Arizona. The landscape itself is imprinted with evidence of thousands of years of human life. While driving from Las Vegas to Sedona, which takes about 4.5 hr, you’ll get the chance to see the landscape change from dust and dirt, to mountains and streams. Do take pictures on the way because there’s nowhere as scenic as the drive on the 1-40 E.

Rent a car: Hertz

Check into Paradise

If you’re looking for a luxury, romantic hotel close to downtown Sedona, Auberge de Sedona is your top pick! It’s 10 minutes from downtown, and still has that secluded type feel by being perched next to a creek that runs throughout the property. The best thing about this hotel is that (yes millennials!) it has outdoor showers depending on the cottage you book! The cottages are all over 500 sq. ft with garden or mountain views. It’s truly nature paradise!

Name: Auberge de Sedona

Book Here: https://booki.ng/2puL1Bs

Booking.com

Best Views in the City

Mariposa Latin Grill is definitely the best dining experience in Sedona! Book an outdoor table before sunset hour and enjoy the memorizing red rocks. We enjoyed tapas to start, and I highly recommend the grilled octopus and fried avocado. For entrees we enjoyed authentic Argentinean prepared beef and seafood cooked with a true south American flair. Save room for the sides, especially the lemon mashed potatoes with lobster.

Name: Mariposa Latin Grill

Book here: https://bit.ly/2FRlGaH

Not Just Another Tour

The Pink brand jeep tours has been around since 1960 and their tour guides are the best around! It’s the best way to feel the nature and the spiritual vortex that surrounds Sedona. We chose the Broken Arrow tour as its exclusive to Pink Jeep. Our guide, Josiah, might be the best guide in the world. Not only does he know everything about the wildlife, prickly pears, ecosystem, but he also can do a mean handstand on the edge of some enormous rocks. He’s charisma and passion for nature emits through his bones. Take a tour and be up close to the most beautiful mountain ranges in the States. *Note, only take this tour to trek around Sedona. Horseshoe Bend and Antelope Canyon requires a different tour company.

Name: Pink Jeep Tours

Book here: https://bit.ly/2DoNHKF

4,200 ft. Above Sea Level

While in Sedona, it’s near necessary to make the trek out to Page, Arizona to catch a glimpse of the world famous Horseshoe Bend rock formation. It’s recently grown in popularity due to social media. It’s located 5 miles from Lake Powell, another hotspot on the Colorado River. To get to the Horseshoe Bend viewpoint, it’s only accessible via hiking 1.5 miles roundtrip from the parking lot off of U.S Route 89. Be careful out there while getting your money shot! Rocks may appear to be stiff but could tend to slide. We arrived via a tour, Great Ventures Day Tour who took care of transportation, lunch, and tickets to Antelope Canyon.

Name: Horsehoe Bend

Tour Company: Great Ventures Tours

The Secrets of the Canyon

Antelope Canyon has captured the attention of the world due to its vibrant red, magenta, gold, orange, pink, and tangerine colors that are highlighted from the sun. It’s located 20 minutes from Horseshoe bend, and three hours from Sedona. The walls in the canyon are as high as 4,000 ft, notable for the beautiful “flowering” appearance of the Navajo sandstone. It’s truly a photographers dream! There are two canyons, upper and lower. On the tour, we explored the upper canyon which is more suited for larger crowds and elderly.

Name: Antelope Canyon