Every year, 5 million visitors are awestruck by the otherworldly red rock landscapes in and around Sedona. The area truly needs to be experienced to be appreciated. The sculptured red rocks take many, varied and magnificent shapes - a result of 350 million years of tireless erosion. Sedona has been inundated many times by shallow inland seas as they encroach and recede again and again while depositing the layers of sand that now make up Sedona's famous "Red Rocks". The Mogollon Rim (pronounced muggy-on) that surrounds Sedona is an awesome geologic uplift towering almost 3000 feet above Sedona's 4500 foot elevation. This uplift is what gives the area such dramatic rock formations- canyons, buttes and spires carved into the northern plateau over eons of time. The Mogollon Rim is home to the largest ponderous pine forest in the world. These pines share a varied landscape with piñon, juniper and mesquite trees as well as manzanita, prickly pear cactus and agave plants.

To ancient Indian tribes, the red rock valley of Sedona was sacred land only to be used for special rites and ceremonies. Long ago, they established the locations of focused power, the vortices. A vortex is a giant magnet of energy - positively and negatively charged - where the energetic lay lines of the earth's field converge. These ancient powers are still visited today. These concentrations of the earth's power have inspired many a visitor's super spiritual Sedona experience . They include Boynton Canyon, Bell Rock, Cathedral Rock, and Airport Mesa.

Located - About 2 hours drive from the Phoenix airport.

About 2 hours drive south from the Grand Canyon.

History - Around 8,000 B.C., it is thought that the Paleo Indians came to the Sedona area via a natural land bridge connecting Ancient Asia and North America. By 700 A.D, The Hohokam arrived and introduced irrigation and farming.

About 1100 A.D. - The Sinaguans joined the Anasazi in the area. They taught them to build sophisticated multi-storied buildings. Many of these ruins can be seen today.

Late 1300 A.D. - Unexplainably these people disappeared suddenly. Remnants of their corn cobs showed they were still roasting on their fires!

Near 1583 A.D. - The Spanish start exploration of the area looking for silver and gold.

Early 1800 A.D. - Pioneers, trappers, and prospectors started to arrive. They began to lay false claim to traditional hunting grounds. The Indian people hotly contested this invasion, yet they were doomed to fail at protecting their lands and preserving their ways of life. The U.S. Army viewed them as savages needing to be subdued or killed. General Crook was given the final assignment to crush the Apache rebellion in which the brave deeds of Geronimo were made forever infamous. Nevertheless, a permanent Military outpost was erected called Camp Lincoln in 1865. It was from this post that the army succeeded in flushing out the last of the area's rightful inhabitants. Camp Lincoln was renamed Camp Verde and the General Crook Memorial Trail is still a painful remainder of the infamous "March of Tears, where the tribes were forced to march south to the San Carlos Reservation. Many died during the journey.

1876 - First cabin is built in Oak Creek Canyon.

1901 - Mr. and Mrs.Theodore Schnebly settle the area and name the first post office station Sedona- after Theodore Schnebly's wife.

Of Interest - Zane Grey, famous author and producer, wrote his book "Call of the Canyon" here because of his love for Oak Creek Canyon. In 1923 a movie based on his book was filmed here- kicking off a movie making legacy that continues to this day. Hundreds of movies and, more recently, commercials have been shot here in Sedona's spectacular red rock country.

Indian ruins: The numerous local archeological sites in the area may be explored with expert guided tours or "on your own". Just remember to tread lightly and respect those who came before you and those who will come after.

Today Sedona is a major art center: Home to more than 150 resident artists, with works on display in over 40 local art galleries. Many internationally acclaimed writers also call Sedona home. Sedona is also a popular locale for retires and others who desire a quiet and peaceful lifestyle. Sedona has about 22 churches with all major religions represented, many non-denominational churches, and spiritual and metaphysical centers with wide ranging belief systems.

To Enjoy while in Sedona: Tourist activities are in abundant supply here. Shopping- art galleries, boutiques, souvenirs, jewelry pottery and more. Leisure- sightseeing, photography, golfing. Recreation- hiking, four wheel drive jeep rentals, climbing, and mountain biking. Living it up- four star resorts and restaurants. Tours- by foot, horseback, jeep, hot air balloon, airplane or helicopter. Landmarks- National and State Parks, plus countless formations with local pet names such as Cathedral Rock, Coffee Pot and Snoopy Rock, and much much more.

Native Wild Life: Wildlife abounds here- in the air and on the ground. Ravens, hawks and eagles- rabbits, chipmunks, squirrels and black bear - as well as coyotes, javelinas, mountain lion and rattlesnakes.

Warning: Visiting Sedona may be dangerous. Travelers often experience red rock fever and stay or come back to live in the area.