Rimrock

Rimrock is in Northern Arizona . It is in Yavapai County. The town is part of the Verde Valley and is surrounded by the Prescott National Forest with Wet Beaver Creek flowing through it. The Verde Valley has scenic views of the San Francisco Peaks, the red rocks of Sedona, Mingus Mountain and the green valley where it sits. It is located off of Interstate 17, just north of Camp Verde with Flagstaff 50 miles north and Phoenix 100 miles south.

Overview:
Rimrock is an unincorporated planned community that has traditionally been a haven for retirees. Recently though, families have been moving to the area because of the affordable housing and land. Today Rimrock’s population is 2,400, which is a combined total of the nearby towns Lake Montezuma and McGuireville. The climate is mild with a winter low temperature of 25 degrees and a summer high temperature of 90 degrees. The dry healthy climate and its proximity to recreational activities and metropolitan cities have made this community a popular spot to live.

History:
Rimrock refers to a dude ranch, which was located near where today’s community now stands. The post office was established in 1929. It serves the residents in Rimrock, along with those in Lake Montezuma and McGuireville.

Community Features:
You will find several outdoor activities near Rimrock that are worth the visit. The Beaver Creek Golf Course is located in Lake Montezuma. This 18-hole course also has a restaurant. The wonderful weather makes golfing a good year round sport. Stoneman Lake is approximately 20 miles north on Interstate 17. The lake is unique in that geologists have yet to decide if it is a volcanic crater or a sinkhole.

The fishing is great. Yellow perch, pike and sunfish have all been caught in Stoneman Lake. There is a boat ramp, but no camping area. Montezuma Castle National Monument is a cliff dwelling built in 1150. It is one of best-preserved examples of cliff dwellings in the country. Montezuma Well is a natural limestone sinkhole. The Sinagua Indians living at Montezuma Castle used the well for a network of irrigation canals. This water supply was very important to their livelihood.

Schnebley Hill Road

Theodore and Sedona Schnebly created Schnebley Hill Road in 1901. They moved to the area and bought 80 acres. Growing vegetables and fruit was their mainstay. The Schnebly’s would haul their produce up to Flagstaff and return. Thus, the Schebley Hill Road was developed. Today you can follow its path.

If you are heading from Interstate 17 down to Sedona, the Road passes by a lake and through tall pines. Then you will come to a vista where you can see the red rocks of Sedona down below. This is a great photo stop.

As you proceed down the hill, you will come to the most spectacular sight. From this advantage point, you will see a breathtaking view of the Verde Valley and a vast panorama of the rock cliffs where there the contrasting reds, pinks, orange, purple and golden colors form one of the most brilliant scenes in Arizona . This spot is often used as a motion picture location because of its beauty. You will discover that many of the Jeep tours departing out of Sedona come to this place. The rest of the ride down to Sedona is dotted with wonderful views of rock formations and of the land below.

I would suggest taking the road from the Interstate 17 down to Sedona although; you can take the drive out of Sedona. If you are heading out of Sedona you will need to look for the signs to Schnebley Road in downtown Sedona. I prefer the drive down from Interstate 17. This way the views are constantly opening up in front of you, instead of you having to turn around and look back as you climb the hill.

If you are coming from Interstate 17 look for exit 320. Exit 320 is just past Camp Verde and before you get to Munds Park. Once you take exit 320, you will turn onto Forest Road 153 and head west.

It is a dirt road. The first part of the road is good, but it does change as the road continues into Sedona. It would be advisable to be in a vehicle that can withstand big bumps.
It takes about three hours to make the drive because you will want to stop and look at the sights. It is a definite must do.

Oak Creek Canyon

The scenic Oak Creek Canyon Drive is one of the most amazing drives in the state of Arizona . This road was Arizona ’s first designated Scenic Highways. Rand-McNally named it one of the most beautiful drives in America. The beautiful plant life set against canyon makes this a ride one you will always remember.

Long ago, the road started out as a cattle trail. Then it was used as a wagon road. It was the shortcut to Flagstaff. Today, the road crawls along Oak Creek through the lush riparian environment, following the canyon walls. Then, it ascends upward rapidly to the high forests of northern Arizona and Flagstaff. It is a winding, thrilling drive. The scenic drive goes between the town of Sedona and Flagstaff. It is approximately 28 miles long. A portion of the drive follows Oak Creek, which is set in the bottom of Oak Creek Canyon. This 16-mile canyon gorge has streams and waterfalls. The best time of the year to make the drive is during the fall. In autumn, the leaves turn to vibrant shades and the color of the canyon rock make the scene complete.

You will start your scenic drive from Sedona by taking State Highway 89 north out of town. You will travel along the highway until you reach Flagstaff, where the scenic highway ends. You can make the drive from Flagstaff by taking State Highway 89 south out of town. You will travel along State Highway 89 until you reach Sedona, where the scenic drive ends. You can reach the scenic drive from Phoenix or Tucson by taking Interstate 10 north out of town past the town of Camp Verde. When you get to the exit for State Highway 179, take it and continue heading north up to Sedona. Once you get to Sedona, take State Highway 89 north up to Flagstaff. The scenic portion of the drive is from Sedona to Flagstaff, through Oak Creek Canyon.

This is a drive you won’t want to miss. You feel like you are in a faraway place, as you wind your way down the canyon. As a native Arizonan, this is one of my favorite drives. I love to get away from it all and roll down my windows and let my senses take it all in. Take the drive.

Chapel of the Holy Cross

The Chapel of the Holy Cross is a modern Catholic chapel. It rises 200 feet from the ground and is set in between two large red rock formations. Marguerite Brunswig Staude, who was a student of Frank Lloyd Wright, designed it. The chapel was built in 1956 and uses a ramp for its entrance.

As visitors approach the chapel, the 90-foot white cross on the front of the structure can be spotted easily. The best time to make your visit to the chapel is at sunrise. You will see the sunlight traveling through the large stain glass window at the front of the chapel. It is a glorious sight to behold.

There are no regular services at the chapel. However, it does provide a relaxing spot for reflection.

Visitors will be able to enjoy their mediation with soft music and wonderful views of light. The Chapel of the Holy Cross is open everyday from 9:00 to 5:00 pm. There is no entrance fee. If you would like more information on the chapel, you may call 520-282-4069.

You can get to the Chapel of the Holy Cross from Sedona by taking State Route 179 south to Chapel Road. Then take Chapel Road up to the structure. It is approximately two miles south of Sedona.

You can get to the Chapel of the Holy Cross from Phoenix or Tucson by taking Interstate 10 north out of town, past the town of Camp Verde. When you get to the exit for State Highway 179, take it and continue heading north up to Sedona. Just before you get into town, you will see Chapel Road. Turn right and travel up the road to the chapel. If you are coming from Flagstaff, take State Highway 89 south out of town. You will go through Oak Creek Canyon and into Sedona. Then take State Highway 89 south heading out of Sedona. When you get to Chapel Road, take it up to the chapel.

Tlaquepaque

Tlaquepaque is a small upscale shopping and restaurant area with a unique twist. Tlaquepaque is a replica of an 18th century Mexican village, reminiscent of a place in Guadalajara, Mexico. It is the perfect backdrop for a relaxing day of eating and browsing. Tlaquepaque is pronounced “T-laca-pocky”. Tlaquepaque is an Indian word meaning “the best of everything”. You will find this statement to be true, as you stroll through the quaint courtyards and gaze at fountains. Specialty shops, galleries and restaurants are located among the tranquil village setting. Tlaquepaque is open everyday from 10:00 to 5:00 pm. If you would like more information on Tlaquepaque, you may call 520-282-4838.

You can get to Tlaquepaque from Sedona by taking State Route 179 south to the bridge. Here you will see the village. You can get to Tlaquepaque from Phoenix or Tucson by taking Interstate 10 north out of town, past the town of Camp Verde. When you get to the exit for State Highway 179, take it and continue heading north up to Sedona. Just as you get into town, you will cross a bridge by Tlaquepaque. If you are coming from Flagstaff, take State Highway 89 south out of town. You will go through Oak Creek Canyon and into Sedona. Then take State Highway 89 south heading out of Sedona. When you get to the bridge, you have arrived.

History Of Sedona

When you begin to talk about Sedona, you need to go back 350 million years. Sedona is known for its strikingly beautiful and colorful rock formations. These were created long ago from oceans, deserts and volcanic eruptions that have occurred is this spot. All of these geological events resulted in the gorgeous sights we see today. Nature’s forces have cut through the layers of rock exposing the different colors and formations.

In 700 A.D. the Hohokam Indians moved to the area and used irrigation for their crops. Then the Sinaguan Indians resided in this spot. The word Sinagua means “without water”. These people relied on rainfall. In 1066 A.D. the Sinaguan left because of a volcanic eruption.

Later, the Anasazi Indians built multistoried dwellings. But in 1300’s something happened and the Anasazi’s disappeared.

It wasn’t until 1583, before a European took step into the area. Antonio de Espejo came to in search of gold. After discovering nothing, he left. Finally in 1876, John “Jim” Thompson built a cabin along Oak Creek. He became the first permanent white resident. Eventually, C.J. “Bear” Howard, an escaped convict from California, also set up residence in the canyon.In 1901, Theodore and Sedona Schnebly moved to the area and bought 80 acres. Growing vegetables and fruit was their mainstay. The Schnebly’s would haul their produce up to Flagstaff and return. They also wanted to establish a post office. The Schnebly’s sent off their request for a post office but were denied.

The name they had chosen, “Schnebly Station” was too long. Theodore’s brother, Ellsworth encouraged Theodore to use the name “Sedona”, in honor of his wife. The town was officially named Sedona in 1902. Sedona became popular in 1923, when Zane Grey wrote the book “Call of the Canyon”. Then later, the story was filmed in the book’s actual setting, Sedona. The silent film was a hit and many other movies decided to use Sedona as the sight to do their filming. As a matter of fact, many Hollywood stars have made films in the red rock country such as: Henry Fonda, John Wayne, Gene Autry and Robert DeNiro.

In the 1950’s several artists and writers made Sedona their home and soon the Cowboy Artists of American was founded. In 1965, Joe Beeler, Charlie Dye, John Hampton and Robert MacLeod created the group to perpetuate the memory and culture of the Old West. Sedona continues to grow today. Tourism is helps the town survive. The town wasn’t incorporated until
1988.

Sedona

Sedona is in Northern Arizona . It is in both Coconino and Yavapai County. The Coconino National Forest surrounds the town. The town is located at the intersection of State Highway 89 and State Highway 179. Sedona’s location is at the mouth of the renowned Oak Creek Canyon and at the center of the state’s legendary Red Rock Country. Sedona is in the center of Arizona . You can get to Sedona from Phoenix or Tucson by taking Interstate 10 north out of town past the towns of Black Canyon City, Cordes Junction and Camp Verde.

When you get to the exit for State Highway 179, take it and continue heading north up to Sedona. It is approximately 100 miles north of Phoenix. If you are coming from Flagstaff, take State Highway 89 south out of town. You will go through Oak Creek Canyon and into Sedona. It is approximately 28 miles south of Flagstaff.

Sedona is a wonderful town to view spectacular red rock formations and to take in nature’s beauty. The term “Red Rock Country” was given to the town because of the colorful rock formations bordering Sedona. It began as a small agricultural town. Today Sedona is a popular spot for tourists, artists and nature lovers. The town’s population is 7,700. The town sits at an elevation of 4,400 feet. The climate is ideal. There are four delightfully mild seasons. The winter low temperature is 30 degrees and the summer high is 95 degrees. There are so many beautiful areas to see in and around Sedona. The town has a saying that goes like this, “God created the Grand Canyon but he lives in Sedona”.

There are a few attractions that you should see when you are in Sedona. The Chapel of the Holy Cross is an amazing structure, embedding in the red rock formations on either side of it. The chapel is a popular place to stop in and relax, and at the same time enjoy the beauty of the chapel. Tlaquepaque is a replica of an 18th century Mexican village. This village is filled with high-end specialty shops, galleries and restaurants. Sedona is full of great outdoor activities.

You will enjoy a trip to Red Rock State Park. This park is
located along Oak Creek and hosts a variety of nature paths. Slide Rock State Park is a lot of fun, especially if you like to get wet. This park has a nature-made water slide. It is very refreshing during the summer months. One of the most scenic drives in Arizona is the stretch of road between Sedona and Flagstaff, along State Highway 89. It is called the Oak Creek Canyon Drive. This drive is absolutely gorgeous during the fall season. The plant life and flowing creek make you want to roll down the windows.
However, the winding road and dramatic drop from Flagstaff or the steep ascend up to Flagstaff will cause the driver to pay attention to the drive. It is a marvelous drive.

Annual Sedona International Film Festival January
520-282-0747
Annual Hopi Show May
520-282-7722
Annual Western Americana Festival
520-282-9441
Fireworks July
520-282-4126
South of the Border Days September
520-634-4705
Annual Sedona Jazz on the Rocks
520-282-1985
Annual Sculpture Walk October
520-282-3809
Annual Miniature Show and Silent Auction November
520-282-3809
Annual Chamber Tree Lighting and Santa December
520-282-7722
Annual Festival of Lights at Tlaquepaque
520-282-4838