An “Old Soul” Explores Beautiful Red Rock Sedona
Sedona! Just the word brings to mind beautiful red rock formations surrounded by a high level of spiritual awareness. For those interested in the metaphysical, Sedona, Arizona is the perfect place to explore. This New Age capital of America is nestled in the mouth of beautiful Oak Creek Canyon.
Spectacular views draw people from all over the world to this “red rock country” where they experience the majesty and peace of the natural wonders appearing around every corner of the road. The sandstone formations glow red and even orange, especially at sunrise and sunset here in Sedona.
Bell Rock captures the eye and the heart as it emits an energy that can’t be explained. This is just one of several energy vortexes in and around Sedona. For those not familiar with vortexes, they are created from a spiraling motion around a rotating center, such as water going down the drain or a dust devil in the desert. But here in Sedona, the energy vortex is created by spiraling spiritual energy making it a great place for prayer, meditation and healing. There is no real explanation, it must be experienced…and that is just what I did.
While walking around Bell Rock, which is a two hour trip – at least for me- instead of getting tired, my feet moved faster at the end than they did at the beginning. Just had to keep a piece of the red rock with me -it fell at my feet- and still have it under my car seat today. Maybe that is how I keep going and going on my Gypsy Road Trips… like the energizer bunny.
As you can imagine, Hollywood also noticed the beauty of this area and over sixty Hollywood productions, mostly Westerns, have been filmed here. John Ford’s production of Stagecoach rolled into Sedona in 1938 beginning the bonanza of films and stars that would become familiar to the red rock area. Classic greats such as John Wayne, Elvis, Rock Hudson, and Art Carney have enjoyed hanging out in the red rocks while starring in scenes shot here.
Just a short drive south of Sedona, the Chapel of the Holy Cross provides a spiritual uplift to the trip as well as another gorgeous view of the surrounding area. Built back in 1956, the chapel rises 250′ out of the red rock and its design was inspired by the Empire State Building. The front of the chapel faces sunset thus illuminating the interior naturally with sunlight.
Cathedral Rock, the landmark of Sedona, provided another relaxing place to walk, but personally didn’t feel the energy surge experienced at Bell Rock. Trails lead to the “saddle points” or gaps in the beautiful red rock configuration. While the trail is exceptionally steep, a breeze is nearly always present due to the air movement through the saddle points.
Stayed on the edge of town in the red rocks at a rustic little place called quite naturally, Red Rock Lodge. Here the owner gave me a tour of her beautiful flower garden and explained a little about the flowers of the region. Arizona Poppy, Indian Paintbrush, and Desert Primrose add beauty and a pleasing aroma to the surrounding mountains. Rates were affordable at this small comfortable lodge while the views were extraordinary.
Couldn’t leave town without getting a psychic reading at a charming place with beads hanging from the doorway, a crystal ball on the table, and cards spread to tell me that I was indeed an “old soul” who had been around for a long, long time. This old-fashioned metaphysical community is the place to immerse yourself in Reiki, acupuncture, aromatherapy, UFOs, and much more.
Sedona has grown since my last visit, but even today there are few streetlights, no buildings reach over two stories high, and every structure must match the primary colors of the rocks. No Golden Arches for McDonald’s here – arches in Sedona are turquoise! These awe-inspiring red rocks formed in beautiful buttes, spires and canyons capture your attention; however, there is a serenity here among the beauties of nature that draws one back again and again.
The Sedona area is located off I-17 at exit 298. Proceed on Highway 179 which after about 14 miles will lead you to the Y in the road from which you will be guided to various area attractions. Grand Canyon is a couple hours north of Sedona, while the intriguing Sonoran Desert lies south. Not many can resist the charm, so plan to spend a day or two in this breathtaking area.
Gypsy Road Trip 