About Sedona

History
Sedona's contemporary history started over 6000 years ago with the first settlers to the area. Native Americans lived in and around the Sedona area in a series of cave dwellings, some of which still exist today. In particular, the Hopi Indian's, in a feat that is still marveled at today, managed to grow corn, beans and squash in an area that averages only 15-20 inches of rain per year. There are still ancient cannels that where used for irrigation. Examples of the 4 or 5 story structures such as Montezuma's Castle or the Casa Grande ruins, built by various aboriginal cultures such as the Sinagua, Anasazi and the Hohokam, provide excellent examples of early life in the area, although why the last tribe disappeared around 500 years ago still remains a mystery.
Between 1870 and 1900 the first non aboriginal settlers to the area began to homestead around the Verde Valley area. Because of the remoteness of the region, initial growth was slow but over time as more and more settlers arrived, the need for another postal station arose and T.C. Schnebly filled this void, naming the station after his wife, Sedona.

Red Rocks
Why are the rocks red? They are rusting. The red sections of the exposed rocks are iron. When mixed with air and water, rust is produced. Believe it or not the area of Sedona was at once under an ocean. The plates of the earth pushed up and as the water receded eroded the exposed rock formations. Of course this happened over millions of years. A geologist say at one time the Sedona area was a giant marsh. The time lines and the different soil conditions can be seen as layers in the exposed rock.
Votex Energy Sites
Sedona is filled with many sites that produce an energy field that can actually be felt. A vortex is a place where the earth is exceptionally alive and is amplified through a person. Science suggests that the minerals exposed in the Red Rocks react with the mineral and water composition of humans to produce this feeling of energy. Sedona has four major vortex points. Bell Rock, Cathedral Rock, Boynton Canyon and Airport Mesa. During our stay we traveled to the Chapel of the Holy Cross a place where people claim to feel energy. While there David was over come with emotional feelings so strong he had to exit the chapel. He says it was extremely powerful and almost made him collapse.

Arts
If you enjoy the arts Sedona has so many galleries and Indian art stores. There is also local theater plays. We enjoyed the Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village located south of the Y (that’s the traffic light in downtown Sedona). It is just an amazingly detailed replica of an old Mexican town with amazing art galleries. It is also home to Sedona Brewing Company and Grill. However a warning about the beautiful Indian jewelry that is all over town. It is mostly made in China. It is very hard and expensive to get the real stuff. Even the jewelry that is sold by the Native Americans is sometimes made in China. Ask before you buy and do your research carefully.

Outdoor Adventures
Where do I start? I mean you are going to Sedona for the outdoor activities? There is so much to do. Hiking the trails is very easy. If you can read a map and walk you can find a nice hike. But there are many guides that will take you into the backcountry in every vehicle imaginable: Jeeps, biplanes, helicopters, ATVs, and Tom Cars. Tom Cars are really cool and when we go out the next time I am renting one of these ex-military vehicles, 4 wheel drive … its hard to describe, check out the video here: www.tomcar.com. There are also many fine golf, tennis and horseback riding clubs too. But they are not our style. We are hikers and mountain bikers. You can rent mountain bikes in many places; Sedona Outfitters is a great place with a wide selection and close to the some of the best biking trails around Bell Rock. Funny, with all the exposed rock I did not see much on rock climbing.