SEDONA, Arizona (Scenic Drives, Go-Sedona.com) – The title of this article is a bit misleading as driving to the gas station can be considered scenic in Sedona. However, gas prices being what they are, we’ve put together our favorite top 5 scenic drives in the area. Take your time, pack a picnic, bring the camera and drive safe!

Number 5: The Sedona-Oak Creek Canyon Scenic Road is a great introduction to the region’s beautiful floral and fauna. This strip of Highway 89A was designated “scenic” by the Arizona Department of Transportation and, thanks to elevation changes, offers a wide variety of plant species as well as stunning geological formations.

Need to know: This is a 23-mile round-trip route over paved road.

Directions: Follow Highway 89A north from Sedona to Oak Creek Canyon.

Don’t Miss: The Mogollon Rim. You’ll hit it when you’ve passed through Oak Creek Canyon.

Number 4: This is classic Arizona desert country. The Desert Canyon Loop allows you to experience the lower elevations of Arizona’s rim country. This route starts south of Sedona and tours you around colorful canyons and some of Sedona’s famous red rocks. Other highlights include the opportunity to spot wildlife such as roadrunners and coyotes, as well as drive past ranches and Indian ruins. Stop for a picnic lunch at Wet Beaver Creek Crossing where opportunities to hike can be found as well.

Need to know: This is a 25-mile loop route. The roads are a mix of gravel, rough dirt and paved.

Directions: Take 1-17 to the Highway 179 exit. Head east to Forest Service Road 618. Follow 618 along the base of the Mogollon Rim 13 miles to FSR 9 (General Crook Road) and head west 9 miles back to I-17.

Don’t Miss: Follow the signs for a short side trip to Montezuma’s Well National Monument.

Number 3: Desert dwellers love to escape the summer heat by heading to Oak Creek Canyon. Nestled between Flagstaff and Sedona, it’s best to start your day in Flagstaff and work your way down into the Canyon. Make Oak Creek Canyon Vista your first scenic stop of the day; but not your last. Numerous pull offs allow for hiking, photo-taking and lunching stops. Once leaving Oak Creek Canyon, you’ll hit Sedona and drive through Red Rock Country.

Need to Know: This is an 80-mile loop, all paved roads. The first part is mostly switchbacks. If it’s a hot day, bring your swim suit for a dip in the river.

Directions: Take 89A south from Flagstaff to Oak Creek Canyon Vista and then continue on 13 more miles to Sedona. Turn east on AZ 179 for 11 miles back to I-17 and then 40 miles to Flagstaff.

Don’t Miss: The viewpoint at Midgely Bridge.

Number 2: The Red Rock Byway brings you up close and personal with the stunning crimson stones that Sedona is famous for. It’s technically a short drive, but you’ll want to dedicate at least half a day to exploring a couple stops along the way. While the Desert Canyon drive offered you Arizona low country; this is high country which means you’ll be driving by juniper, pinion pine and yucca plants; not to mention cacti and scrub oak. There are a variety of different stops and hikes you can make; recommended ones include Bell Rock Vista, Little Horse Trail and Red Rock Crossing. All the famous red rocks are here: Castle Rock, Bell Rock, Courthouse Butte and Cathedral Rock.

Need to Know: Plan to do more hiking than driving on this itinerary.

Directions: The Byway is a 7.5 mile section of Highway 179 from Dry Beaver Creek Bridge to the Chapel of the Holy Cross.

Don’t Miss: The Chapel of the Holy Cross. The chapel is built right into the rocks and truly epitomizes the peace and tranquility of the region. Take Chapel Cross Road east from Highway 179. The parking lot is on your left.

Number 1: If the Red Rocks Byway only whetted your appetite for all scenery Sedona, you’ll want to dedicate a day and some shoe leather to the Red Rocks and Sycamore Canyon Loop. This drive brings you under and around the soaring red cliffs, as well as to four must-do side trips. It’s a short hike off Sterling Canyon Spur to Devil’s Ridge and Vultee Arch; two of the area’s best rock formations. Experience a new age vortex at Boynton Canyon Spur, and Loy Butte Spur is a photographer’s dream. The Sycamore Canyon Spur brings you to the edge of Sycamore Canyon Wilderness.

Need to know: The 23-mile route is a mix of paved and dirt/gravel road. If the weather has been wet, the unpaved sections will be muddy and slippery.

Directions: Head south from Flagstaff on Highway 89A through Sedona to Forest Road 152C (Dry Creek Road). Go north on FR 152C for 2 miles to the Vultee Arch Road and another 2.5 miles to the intersection with Boynton Canyon Road. FR 152C continues southwest onto an unpaved road. In about 4 miles, FR 152C intersects FR 525. From here you can turn north to the Loy Butte Spur or south to continue the drive. In another 4 miles FR 525 intersects FR 525C (Sycamore Pass Spur). Continue south 5.5 miles to US 89A which will then be another 5 miles back to Sedona.

Don’t Miss: The Red Rock Crossing at sunset

Jacy Meyer is a graduate of Northern Arizona University, and spent about an equal amount of time in class and out hiking.

SEDONA, Arizona (Shopping, Go-Sedona.com) – While it may seem to be overrun with tacky tourist shops; Sedona does offer some true shopping gems. T-shirts, postcards and magnets are all readily available, so have no fear you’ll return home empty-handed. However, if you are looking for a true Sedona souvenir, check out some of these recommended shops.

A must-visit is Tlaquepaque, a mixed-use complex designed after a Mexican crafts village near Guadalajara, Mexico. Here you can experience a touch of Mexico via the cobblestoned paths and stucco buildings. Originally conceived as an artists’ community, Tlaquepaque has many exclusive art shops covering all forms including sculpture, bronze, ceramics, glass and painting in both Western and contemporary styles. There are also jewelry, clothing and specialty shops. Here are some of our favorites:

Environmental Realists: Handmade jewelry, wood crafts, copper and metal items – 120 artists display their work here

Esteban’s: Features handcrafted pottery

Gold Door Gallery: Gemstone jewelry, specializing in Arizona gemstones such as turquoise and garnets

Panara: A mix of clothing, accessories, funky artifacts and artistic furniture

Wild West Wine Co: Specializing in Arizona wine plus other wine accessories

A full day can easily be spent at Tlaquepaque; there are great restaurants in the “village” as well.

Native American Art & Jewelry
Explore the craftsmanship and discover some new favorites. Be sure to ask for a proof of authenticity certificate before buying.

Garland’s Navajo Rugs: Nestled under a hilltop, you’ll find Hopi Kachina dolls, Pueblo pottery and Navajo sand paintings, among the extensive selection of rugs

Hoel’s Indian Shop: Located in a private residence a bit north of Sedona, you’ll find some of the highest quality Native American arts and crafts in the region. Jewelry, baskets and pottery are all display.

Mystical Shopping
Sedona’s aura is apparent everywhere you go and if you are looking to get deeper into the metaphysical aspects of this special place, visit one of these shops.

Mystical Bazaar: New age books, tarot cards, music, crystals and gemstones. They also offer psychic readings and vortex tours

Vortex Creekside Center: Again, all your new age needs covered including jewelry, crystals and medicine bags. Also has a tea room

Galleries
If the range of art on display in Tlaquepaque simply whetted your appetite for more, check out some of these places.

Scherer Gallery: Handmade kaleidoscopes and studio glass art are some of the more intriguing items here. Also offers contemporary paintings and etchings

Exposures Gallery: Head here first if you want to get all your art needs met in one place. Massive showroom showcasing more than 100 artists whose work includes sculpture, bronze, glass, oil and acrylic paintings, wall art and prints

Lanning Gallery: A great introduction to Southwestern art. Paintings, sculpture, glass plus handmade furniture and jewelry

Jacy Meyer is a graduate of Northern Arizona University, and spent about an equal amount of time in class and out hiking.

Day 1

After pancakes or an omelet at the Coffee Pot Restaurant, pack a bathing suit or hiking books and head to Oak Creek Canyon.

Drive slowly and savor the scenery along Highway 89A.

If you feel like a swim, glide down the natural water chute at Slide Rock State Park. The West Fork trail further down Oak Creek is an alternative if you want a longer hike.

On the way back, stop by Garland’s Trading Post for organic apples and deli supplies, or head to Therapy on the Rocks (with appointment made in advance) to soak in the creekside hot tub and have your muscles pulled back into shape by a “myofascial” therapist.

Tonight: An outdoor show at the Sedona Cultural Park or dancing at Rainbow’s End roadhouse.

Day 2

Take your camera and drive out to Chapel of the Holy Cross for spectacular views of the red rocks and a moment of quiet contemplation.

Then it’s shopping time. Bargain hunters will want to drive out to the Prime Outlets. Don’t miss the big-screen show about Sedona “Spirit of Wonder” at the Supervue Theater there. For Southwestern gifts and souvenirs, head back to Tlaquepaque.

This afternoon: Take a jeep tour to archaeological ruins or the vortex spots. Then drive up Airport Road for sunset watching, happy hour and the early bird dinner special at the Sedona Airport Restaurant. An upscale alternative to the airport is Shugrue’s Hillside Grill, which also has beautiful sunset views.

Day 3

In the mood for hiking? Head to Red Rock Crossing and Red Rock State Park for gorgeous views and a guided nature tour.

Love history? Hop in the car for a morning’s tour of the region’s prehistoric Sinaguan ruins, including Montezuma’s Castle and Toozigoot national monuments. Fort Verde State Historic Park displays history from the frontier days. The Verde Canyon Railroad is an alternative to the monuments if you are traveling with kids.

Adults may want to try their luck at Cliff’s Castle Casino on their way back to town.

This afternoon: Golf, tennis, mountain biking – or “hike” more of the galleries at Tlaquepaque and elsewhere in Sedona. A casual dinner at Thai Spices, Javelina Cantina or Pizza Picazzo will hit the spot after a day outdoors.

SEDONA, Arizona (Outdoors, Go-Sedona.com) – Sedona is meant to relax and rejuvenate and there’s no better way to do that then through her nature. Slowly savor the town; this holiday should be about quality, not quantity. Be sure to include these five outdoor places on your schedule; your body and mind will thank you for it!

Oak Creek Canyon: A 16-mile gorge framed by sheer red rocks, Oak Creek Canyon’s waterfalls, forests and peace will instantly calm you. There are plenty of hiking trails, overlooks and picnic places along the route. While many people choose to only drive through; it is highly recommended you get out of your car and experience the beauty firsthand.

Slide Rock State Park: Best experienced on a hot day, the whole family will get a kick out of the natural water chute here. Originally an apple farm, you can now swim and sunbathe along the creek. Easy hiking trails are in the area as well, so bring your boots and bathing suits.

Red Rock State Park: Sedona is most famous for its red rock formations. Truly experience their majesty and beauty by spending a day in Red Rock State Park. Oak Creek runs through the park so you’ll see a variety of native vegetation like juniper and manzanita. There are ten developed hiking trails, a visitor’s center, theater and picnic area. The park offers lots of events, including performances and guided hikes.

Palatki Heritage Site: Some of the best Arizona Native American ruins can be found at Palatki, a short drive west and north from Sedona. Amazing Sinagua cliff dwellings as well as a plethora of pictographs make Palatki a well-spent afternoon. Volunteers are on hand to explain the ruins and rock art left behind.

Feel the Vortex Vibe: Spiraling spiritual energy is said to bring increased self-awareness and healing. Sedona is energy central for these vortexes, and visiting a couple may be a spiritual kick in the pants. If you aren’t feeling the force; at least you can say you’ve been there. Bell Rock and Airport Mesa are supposed to be the most energizing spots; while Cathedral Rock and Boynton Canyon are more soothing. Don’t forget; these are all located in the midst of some stunning Sedona scenery, so what have you got to lose?

Jacy Meyer is a graduate of Northern Arizona University, and spent about an equal amount of time in class and out hiking.