Sedona, Arizona ~ Red Rock Country that comes to Life
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My first trip to Sedona was in spring of 1996. It just so happened to be when the “Hale-Bop” comet was in view for almost an eternity that year. I was there on a mountain biking trip with some friends from Georgia and what an awesome first impression I recieved that week. Imagine riding the local trails all day only to come back to our vacation rental in Oak Creek Canyon, relax in the hot tub, imbibe in some libations and watch ”Hale-Bop” come to life in the evening sky. That memory is very, very vivid in my mind and I am grateful for it!
In recent years past I have spent some time living in Scottsdale, Arizona so I could drive a short distance (an hour maybe) north to Sedona and 
hang-out there for the weekend hiking, biking, exploring the local vortexes and enjoying great Southwestern cuisine. Even though Scottsdale, therefore Phoenix, get pretty warm (120 degrees) during the summer, the temperature up in Sedona would be quite reasonable. The buttes, mesas and spires seem to keep a nice breeze rushing through Sedona’s network of mazes.
Taking a tour of the local vortexes is a must in my opinion. There are four vortexes strewn in and around Sedona proper. They are energy fields that shoot up out of the earth’s core and some believe they hold positive vibes that create balance in one’s life. You can easily take yourself on a tour of these mysterious vortexes by getting a free local map. This vortex map is the same one I used over 10 years ago! Notice these locals (in the photo above) probably doing some kind of “stick fighting-martial arts” exercise at a vortex. I saw them while on a bike ride one afternoon so I had to take a picture. Whether you believe in these energy fields or not doesn’t matter because the hiking you do to get to them is more than half the fun.
Mountain biking in Sedona is fun and quite technical depending on the trail you’re on. If you have ever ridden the slick-rock trails in Moab, Utah then you will need some of those riding tricks if you choose to do some of the more difficult trails in Sedona. There are several bike shops in town that will help you with information, bike rentals and gear. Check it out — that’s me 13 years ago riding one of the local trails and the shape I used to be in…
Make sure you go to Tlaquepaque, Sedona’s arts and craft community with shops featuring 
local talent and restaurants serving great Southwest cuisine (even rattlesnake! – been there, done that) and to me it did taste like chicken! Give it a try sometime. This picture on the right is one that I took of some pretty interesting art/nature expression while on a bike ride as well. Please enjoy!
If you ever get a chance to go to the Southwest try to make tracks over to the canyon country of Sedona. This Red Rock Country really does come to life right before your very own eyes.
All of the photos were provided by the author ~ Matt Smith
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