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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

AAA Member Hot Deal Special

Radisson Poco Diablo Resort  20% off - from $121

>> Find the details

SEDONA GETAWAY TRIPS

Harley-Davidson adventure from $209

Combine your 2 night stay in Sedona with the experience of cruising through the red rock area on a late-model Harley-Davidson®.

Pink Jeep Tours - Sedona Day Trekker tour from Phoenix

10-11 hour tour from $135 per adult, $101.25 per child 12 and under

Take the Tour Trekker tour for a scenic ride up to red rock country where you'll have time to shop and explore before you experience the Broken Arrow tour in customized, open-air Jeep® Wranglers.  AAA members receive a 10% discount.

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


2009 CALENDAR OF MAJOR FESTIVALS AND EVENTS

  

   ● September 5-9:  Moonlight Madness Street Festival   Includes free music and entertainment, children’s activities, and sidewalk sales along Hwy 89A & Hwy 179 in the Main Street District

   ● September 12:  Fiesta Del Tlaquepaque   Fun, food, music and merriment set in the beautiful courtyards of Tlaquepaque Arts and Crafts Village

   ● September 22-27:  Sedona Jazz on the Rocks    This 27th annual festival, features great jazz set against Sedona’s famous Red Rocks. 

   ● October 2-3:  Sedona Book Festival   Local authors are celebrated. Events include author presentations, readings, book signings, receptions and entertainment.

   ● October 10-11:  Sedona Arts Festival    One of the nation’s top art festivals features fine arts and crafts, cuisine from Sedona restaurants and continuous entertainment at Sedona Red Rock H.S.

   ● October 25-31: 5th Annual Plein Air Festival   The Sedona Arts Center hosts this annual event celebrating painting in open air and featuring may of the country’s finest plein air artists.

   ● November 19 – January 2:  Red Rock Fantasy   Fifty displays and nearly 1 million lights are featured at this 19th annual holiday spectacular.

   ● December 12:  Festival of Lights    Thousands of glowing luminaries light up Tlaquepaque Arts and Crafts Village.  


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.

Prices per guest, based on double occupancy and are subject to change, availability and prior sale.  Cancellation penalties: Cancel before 3/1/09: no penalty.  Cancel 3/1/09 – 3/31/09: $250 per person cancellation penalty.  Cancel 4/1/09 or after: 100% cancellation penalty.  Physical requirements: All tour members must be able to get on/off motor coach multiple times unassisted. Other conditions & restrictions may apply.


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