Sedona is one of Arizona's premier tourism, recreation,
resort, retirement and art centers. Its location at the mouth of
scenic Oak Creek Canyon and at the center of the state's legendary
Red Rock Country affords breath-taking panoramas, a
mild climate, plenty of sunshine and clean, fresh air. The area is
the second most visited site in the state after the Grand Canyon.
Established in 1902 and incorporated in 1988, the community
was named for Sedona Schnebly, an early settler. Sedona
spreads across the boundaries of two north central Arizona
counties, Coconino and Yavapai. It sits at an elevation of 4,500
feet, 3,200 feet higher than Phoenix, which is 120 miles south,
and 2,600 feet lower than the rim country of Flagstaff, 30 miles
to the north.
Tourism forms Sedona's economic base, with the National
Forest Service estimating that more than 3.5 million people visit
the area annually. Sedona's small town character is preserved by
a preponderance of small owner-operated businesses serving
visitors and the community.
Visitor interest during the past decade has stimulated retirement
and vacation home acquisition and construction, creating one of
the most viable real estate markets in the nation.
Sedona has something for everyone–world-class resorts and
small family-run motels, quaint bed and breakfasts, fine restaurants,
outstanding shops and diverse art galleries. The beauty of
the area makes sightseeing and hiking popular; golf and tennis
are almost year-round activities. Visitors can take a jeep tour
into the back country or view the red rock monoliths from
horseback or hot air balloon. Red Rock Crossing has been featured
in many motion pictures. Other attractions include Slide
Rock and Red Rock State Parks, Chapel of the Holy Cross, the
Sedona Arts Center, and Tlaquepaque, a Mexican-style arts and
crafts village.
Highway 89A through Oak Creek Canyon is the state's first designated
Scenic Highway and was named by Rand-McNally as one
of the most beautiful drives in America.
Sedona is a hub for visitors to Northern Arizona. Many visitor
sites, including Indian ruins, the Grand Canyon, Jerome, Meteor
Crater and Sunset Crater are just a day trip away.
The U.S. Forest Service administers many campgrounds in the
area. Several are on or near Oak Creek, which is stocked with
trout from Memorial Day to Labor Day. For information on
Forest Service campgrounds, contact the Sedona Ranger Station,
P.O. Box 300, Sedona, AZ 86339, phone (520) 282-4119.
Information on private campgrounds and picnic areas is available
at the Chamber of Commerce.