Sedona is red rocks and sunsets like this.
Immediately as you enter the city, you are one with the rocks. The only downside is there is no nightlife of any sort so I was in bed at 8pm every night. Sedona is very relaxing, maybe a bit too relaxing for my blood.
Where I Stayed
I stayed with Joy and her two cats in a private room. The cats were great and I dislike cats!
Where I Drank Coffee & Ate
Local Juicery is a gem that we don’t even have in L.A.! They serve coffee, fresh juices, carry Bulletproof and SunPotion brands, and their gluten-free waffles were delicious.
Cafe Paleo Brio had interesting decor – maybe it’s supposed to mimic a cave? Regardless, the food was everything. There were sandwiches made with grass-fed meats, different gluten-free bread options and yucca fries with paleo ketchup of course. Maybe the best sandwiches I’ve ever had?
Indian Gardens Cafe & Market is a bit north of the main drag, but it’s worth the 20 minute drive. I was skeptical until I walked into a market/coffee shop/cafe. I sat in the “backyard” with a local craft beer and a fancy latte with a bunch of hikers.
I came out here twice – it’s near Slide Rock State Park, a natural pool. On the way to breakfast there for their fresh bread, I caught the sunrise and even looking at it now, I’m in awe.
Where I Visited
Arcosanti is a highly interesting community. It’s a experimental urban “town” where the residents work, live, and play. There are what I consider older tradesmen as well as many young artists.
Clear Creek Trading was the best shop with the largest selection and at reasonable prices.
Where I Stayed Active
Cathedral Rock is the most famous of the vortices. The hike is short – less than 2 miles altogether – but it is very steep. Fortunately, there are steps carved into the rocks and chalk-marked directions.
Airport Vortex is the most urban of the vortices if you can call Sedona urban at all. It overlooks the city. There are several small parking lots, but the main lot is right by the airport. The trail was clearly marked, took me along the side of the rocks, and a bunch of us ended at the top of a rock. The least impressive but worth the visit as it’s the easiest.
Boyton Canyon was my favorite hike, about 6-8 miles to where the rock formations converge. The first two or so miles took me directly behind resorts and spas, but then I was in a forest of pines, running into a group of javelinas (black tar boar-like animals), and climbing rocks.
Sedona Hot Yoga was recommended by my Tucson Airbnb host. Aside from the harsh light in the front, the class was a powerful flow mixed with the 26-pose Bikram sequence.
