Sedona: An Arizona Masterpiece
By Erik Rasmussen
Sedona is one of those truly special
places that refresh my body and spirit every time I visit. Located about 95
miles straight north of Phoenix, Sedona sits at an elevation of roughly 4500
feet above sea level. The town has about 10,000 permanent residents and is
geographically situated
in Arizona's high desert under the towering southwestern rim of the vast
Colorado Plateau. Directly to the north
of town is spectacular Oak Creek Canyon, which has been cut deeper over
millions of years by the sparkling waters of Oak Creek, leaving behind towering
cliffs and pinnacles of red and white sandstone dotted with Ponderosa Pine and
Juniper. To the south of Sedona is the Verde Valley and its open expanses of
desert filled with Buttes, Mesas, and flanked by the Superstition Mountains
toward the south.
Sedona
itself is most famous for its amazing red rock formations that have taken names
such as Belle Rock, Courthouse Butte, Cathedral Rock, and Devils Tower. These
amazing formations are the result of millions of years of erosion and
weathering that have left behind a landscape that truly amazes. In many of the formations you can see the
different layers and colors represented as horizontal bands in the rock that were
originally deposits of sediment underneath an ancient ocean eons ago. As this
sediment piled up in layers, the weight of the top layers, in combination with
pressure and heat formed sedimentary rocks which lay hidden under the earth’s
surface until exposed once again by forces or water and wind millions of years
later. Today’s unique landscape is a result of this process of erosion.
Sedona
is blessed with a beautiful climate that includes warm summers, mild winters,
and lots of sunshine. Unlike the Phoenix area, Sedona is spared from the
extreme heat because of its elevation, which leaves its summer temperatures dry
and in the 90’s. Winters may see occasional snowfall, crisp and frosty nights,
and cooler but pleasant and sunny days.
There are four distinct seasons with the fall colors usually peaking in
November. Along the creek, the deciduous
trees form part of what is known as a riparian community which is characterized
by cottonwoods and other water dependent species that shimmer brilliant shades
of orange and yellow as the transition between summer and winter takes place.
Sedona
is great for the visitor in all four seasons, but sees most of its tourist
traffic between March and October. The natural beauty of the area enhances
activities like championship golf and scenic drives. The surrounding Coconino National Forest and
Red Rocks Wilderness areas have large numbers of hiking trails for all ability
levels, in addition to great backcountry camping and exploration. Off-road adventures in Jeeps, mountain
biking, picnicking, and visiting ancient ruins and Native American cultural
sights are other intriguing options for the outdoor enthusiast.
For
those who prefer to be pampered and simply “see” the beautiful landscapes,
Sedona offers an abundance of 4 star accommodations, exclusive spa resorts, a
lively and diverse culinary scene, and a fast growing and prominent art scene.
Wither it’s browsing boutique shops or galleries, having coffee at a local café
looking out at 20 mile vistas, or doing a week long camping trip out in the
backcountry, Sedona has something for just about everyone.
My
perfect day in Sedona starts with a fresh cup of coffee at Ravenheart
Cafe while sitting out on their deck overlooking Oak Creek and Cathedral
Rock. After coffee, it is up to the
Chapel of the Holy Cross to light a candle, and have a quiet moment to reflect.
A good day hike up Jack’s Canyon or Wilson Mountain always challenges me to the
fullest. After dinner, I enjoy relaxing
at the Junepine resort, nestled half way up Oak Creek
Canyon, listening to the waters of Oak Creek rush relentlessly over boulders
and rocks. All the while I also hear the crackling of pine logs, and the sweet
smell of cedar coming from my fireplace.
The final ingredient to make all of these activities truly memorable is
to be in the company of my mother and sister, who both also share a special
place in their hearts for the magic of Sedona.
We have been coming out for years together to spend time together as a
family while feeling connected to a place that the three of us in many ways
consider a second home.
By
Erik Rasmussen
Photos:
Soldiers
pass near Sedona!
Chapel
of the Holy Cross- Sedona, Arizona