What to See and Do in SEDONA—A Travel Story

I felt lucky as I hopped on a plane from San Diego to Phoenix, Arizona, a quick and easy one hour and fifteen-minute flight. My friend and I were traveling to meet up with another friend of ours who would be connecting with us in that area. It was the second time in the same year the three of us were able to take a trip together, making it a rare and special event. Earlier in the year we had found ourselves in Jamaica for my friend’s destination wedding. 

When we arrived in Phoenix our friend greeted us at the airport, and we hit the road on a roughly 2 hour drive from Phoenix to Sedona, Arizona. 

I was excited to spend time outdoors, go hiking, and experience somewhere new, but it was Sedona’s unique red rock landscape, and its reputation for energy vortexes that intrigued me the most.

I could feel the anticipation growing the closer we got to our destination…

As we approached Sedona, the very first thing I saw were the brightly hued, red rock formations that have undoubtedly become synonymous with Sedona’s landscape. You’ll definitely know when you arrive in Sedona. 

We’d rented a small cabin like house that had a lot of charm, and was also in walking distance to a main strip of restaurants and shops. After settling in to our accommodation we walked up to the main street on State Route 89, which had numerous stores to shop at or wander around in, and various places to grab something to eat or drink. 

We stopped for a drink at the Open Range Grill and Tavern located in the Sinagua Plaza, which had a causal and relaxed atmosphere. The best part was that it offered incredible views of the red-rock mountainous landscape. 

The beautiful natural landscape intertwined with city life is one of the many highlights of visiting Sedona. 

That evening we took a sunset trolley tour, which ended up being a nice way to relax and take in some of the local sights. 

Devil’s Bridge

We woke up early the next morning looking forward to the Devil’s Bridge hike. 

We arrived early and the parking lot was already beginning to fill up. From the parking area the trail started off as a long dirt road that eventually began to ascend upwards.

Overall, the hike itself wasn’t too difficult, and had some nice views along the way.

Making it to Devil’s Bridge was very rewarding. Aside from being a picturesque spot for a photo, it was fun to get out on the rock formation, aka Devil’s Bridge, which is actually pretty wide, but keep in mind there are no railings or anything like that because it’s nature—so always use caution.

When we arrived, there was a small line of people waiting for their turn to go out on the bridge. I also noticed there were many people sitting in an area directly across from the bridge. It seemed to be an ideal spot to stop to take a rest, and watch others get their pictures taken.

Before getting in line we asked someone to take a picture of the three of us.

Tip: If you’re using a phone as your camera be sure to take the automatic screen lock off for pictures so the screen doesn’t lock while you’re out on the bridge.

We had fun taking pictures on the infamous Devil’s Bridge, and when we were done we decided to sit and rest for a while. We sat and watched others take their pictures out on the bridge and my friend returned the favor by taking a group’s photos for them. People seemed willing to help each other out with this, which I thought was pretty cool.

Afterwards, we headed back to town to explore, grab a bite to eat, and check out some of the shops we’d seen earlier. 

While walking around we wandered into a store that offered wine tastings. We found out one of the wine pourers offered wine tastings combined with a tarot card reading! I really wanted to do this, but the lady who offered it was out of town and wouldn’t be returning until we had to leave. I was disappointed (I think I still am), but that just means it’s definitely going on my list for next time!

Cathedral Rock

The next day I was excited to get outdoors, do some hiking and see what sort of energy people were talking about when they mentioned Sedona’s vortex spots. Our first stop of the day was Cathedral Rock.

We arrived early around 8 am, which seemed to be a good time as the area wasn’t too crowded yet, nor was it too hot. We were there at the beginning of October and the weather was ideal. It was warm during the day and cooled off at night.

Hiking up Cathedral Rock was a bit challenging in some parts where we had to do some climbing and maneuvering, but that’s also what made it fun!

Overall, it wasn’t too difficult. Except for that one part… (pictured above).

The Cathedral Rock hike boasted beautiful views of exquisite red rock formations and nature all around.

Views while hiking Cathedral Rock

Once we arrived at the top we sat up there for a while taking in the scenic vista and letting ourselves cool down after a somewhat challenging—in a good way—and very enjoyable hike.

The verdict…Cathedral Rock is worth the hype!

When you reach the top, there is a ledge you can climb out on if you want an additional photo opportunity.

What was the energy like? My friends and I meditated at the top, and I sat in silence and stillness. I didn’t have any type of profound or overwhelming energetic experience. If anything, I felt a calmer, more gentle type of energy. It felt nice.

After our hike, we had worked up an appetite and decided to stop at Sprouts for lunch. Their variety of pre-made food options like sandwiches, pastries, etc. made it an ideal stop because we could all get whatever suited us.

There is a Merlin the Magician statue outside of the Sprouts in Sedona, and when we saw it I remembered a woman I worked with told me to look under his robe if I saw the statue. I totally hadn’t planned on trying to find the statue, it just sort of happened. 

So of course I looked under the robe. After all, I might not have had another chance.

Let’s just say the statue maker went into detail, and if you’re curious you know where to find the statue 😉

Palatki Heritage Site

After lunch we headed to the Palatki Heritage Site, which is composed of ancient cliff dwellings, pictographs, and petroglyphs dating back to 1150 to 1350 CE. 

First of all, I have to start off by saying that the road to get there is a little sketchy. We were in a car and had to drive super slow the whole time because it was a very long and somewhat rocky dirt road, with numerous potholes. A couple times I wondered if we would have to turn around because the road was so bad—that kind of sketch. 

I was really hoping we wouldn’t have to turn around…

Luckily, we ended up making it thanks to my friend’s amazing driving skills! 

If you have somewhat of a lifted vehicle, or 4-wheel drive, I think it would be an easier drive. Also, the road was dry when we went. If it had recently rained I wouldn’t recommend going at that time.

When we arrived at the Palatki Heritage Site we took a free informative tour of the area. The tour guide was very knowledgeable, and afterwards we were able to look around on our own.

Palatki Heritage Site

It was amazing to see the actual ruins of this once inhabited place.

I really enjoyed seeing all the pictographs!

There were a lot of them, and they were clearly visible.

Visiting this area was a good choice, and one I would recommend. It’s not your everyday run-of-the-mill experience to see pictographs and petroglyphs.

Slide Rock State Park

Sunscreen (check), towels (check), ready for a good time (check). Getting to Slide Rock State Park provides you with a contrast in scenery as driving there you’ll see a lot of trees, and more greenery than in other parts of Sedona. The parking lot is large and paved, and there’s an entrance fee to park. There is a bit of a walk from the parking lot to get to the river, but a lot to look at along the way, and the walk is relaxing.

When we got to the river we looked around for a bit before deciding on a spot to settle in at.

We waded around in the water which was so cold, yet there were a few people swimming in it. I’m not sure how. 

We explored around the area for a bit…

and then laid out by the river on our towels and soaked up the scenery.

Slide Rock State Park was a good place to hang out, relax, and keep cool.

Bell Rock

Yup…I felt it. 

If there was any spot where I noticeably felt a difference in energy, Bell Rock was it. 

About halfway up Bell Rock I took some time to meditate and tune in to the rock formation itself, and to my surroundings. It was a great place to meditate.

The hike up Bell Rock was a little confusing. It started off straightforward enough, with a path from the parking lot that led to the mountain of rock that makes up Bell Rock.

After that, you begin to climb up it and there’s easily navigable large flat surfaces which makes it seem like there will be a clear path, but the further you go you begin to realize there isn’t a path at all. You just have to climb and make your own way.

We climbed up it as best as we could. The higher you go, the more challenging it becomes to climb/hike. For that reason we didn’t go all the way to the top, but still managed to get pretty far up it. 

I recommend exploring it to the point that you feel comfortable…kind of like a choose your own adventure scenario.

On this trip the main hiking trails we did were Bell Rock, Cathedral Rock, and Devil’s Bridge.

I have to say I really enjoyed them all, and would recommend any/all of them. 

A fun little quirk about Sedona…

Driving around I noticed a McDonald’s with a teal-green arch, not the infamous yellow one. It’s the first time I ever saw one that wasn’t yellow. Apparently, the city wanted something that would blend in with Sedona’s natural landscape, and not stick out, or take away from it. It seems the city nailed it because the teal-green gives off a calming vibe that blends in with how the surroundings of Sedona itself feel. Good call Sedona. 

What About Sedona’s Energy Vortexes?

My personal experience was that I didn’t feel any huge or notable energetic shifts. The only spot I can say that I really began to tune into energy in a noticeable way was when I climbed Bell Rock. 

With that said, I believe any time we travel somewhere new we are somehow changed by the energy of that location. We receive what it has to offer and exchange our energy with it.

Everyone is unique, everybody’s body is different, with different physical and energetic needs. Perhaps some may be working with the energy of Sedona in a more dynamic way, while others may be working with the energy of other locations in a similar way, and as a result, may feel some things more or less when they visit certain locations around the Earth (like Sedona, etc.).

We are all always energetically interacting with our environment in some way, shape, or form. Go to the locations around the Earth that you are drawn to. By listening to your intuition you can’t get it wrong.

In addition to the mysticism of Sedona, it is a phenomenal place to travel to in order to spend time outdoors hiking, adventuring, soaking in the beautiful scenery, and also relaxing. The beauty of discovering somewhere new, and having experiences that leave a lasting imprint on our soul, like I had in Sedona, is in my opinion, priceless.