Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Sedona, purportedly radiates a sense of well-being to all who approach within 500 yards.
Whether you believe all this or not, it hardly matters; the vortices double as excellent pic-
nic spots, as do Capital Butte, Chimney Rock, and Shrine of the Red Rocks, which looks
out from the summit of Table Top Mountain. South of town, Sedona's best-known man-
made structure, the Chapel of the Holy Cross, is hard to miss. The chapel—a wedge of
concrete with a 90-foot cross bisecting its face—seems to emerge from the red rocks and
point straight to heaven.
Did you know…
The dramatic reds and oranges in the rocks of Sedona come from iron oxide,
left from a post-glacial ocean that filled the Verde Valley.
5. Schnebly Hill Road
Apopular scenic route, Schnebly Hill Road winds forsix miles upa series ofsteep switch-
backs through Bear Wallow Canyon to the summit at Schnebly Hill Vista, where spectacu-
lar views take in the Verde Valley, Sedona, and the mouth of Oak Creek Canyon. To begin
theclimb,driveahalf-milesouthfromSedonaonRte.179andturneastontoSchneblyHill
Road. Though the road is less steep than the descent into Oak Creek Canyon, only the first
mile is paved; where the road turns to graded dirt, it's five more miles to the turnaround at
SchneblyHillVista.Perchedontheedgeofahighprecipice,theoverlooktakesinasweep-
ing view of Red Rock Country from Steamboat Rock to Mingus Mountain, which rim the
Verde Valley to the west.
6. Red Rock State Park
Returning to Rte. 89A, head south for another three miles to Lower Red Rock Loop Road.
Turn east again, and follow the signs to Red Rock State Park.
Straddling a 1 1/2-mile section of Oak Creek, this 286-acre park—the region's new-
est—keeps a “hands-off” philosophy toward its natural surroundings. The wild creekside
habitat, where sycamores and cottonwoods grow in tangled profusion and shrubs of poison
ivy rise eight feet tall, is left in its natural state without man's help or management. More
than 150 species of birds have been catalogued (check at the visitor center for the latest
sightings), and the many trails that wander through the property offer fine bird-watching.
Try Smoke Trail, a half-mile loop beginning at the visitor center, or Eagle's Nest Trail, a
scrambling mile-long hike to an overlook above the creek.
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