The One and Only Sedona

In the United States, we are fortunate to have a handful of places unlike any other on earth. Their uniqueness may come from landscape, climate, and/or history and culture. Sedona is one of those places and, if you haven't been there, a visit should be on your bucket list.

We are fortunate to live only about an hour and a half drive from Sedona, and come here a few times a year. Hiking, biking, sight-seeing, shopping, and golf are the attractions. Sedona is a small town, with a full-time population of only about 11,000. However, 3.5 million visitors annually come from all over the world to see the luminous towering red rock sandstone formations in and around Sedona. Some seek the fabled healing powers of the energy fields among the rocks.

Yesterday we came to Sedona with a few other couples, to play golf, dine, and play more golf. The Sedona Golf Resort at the Hilton Sedona has a beautiful course with challenging greens. The course whipped me, but I was repeatedly pacified by the stunning views from every tee box and fairway. It's difficult to stay self-focused or frustrated for long when so clearly dwarfed by the majestic display around you. "Darn, I missed my putt, but LOOK AT THAT!"

Last night we dined at Dal and Di Luca, a standout Italian restaurant. This morning we'll complete our visit by playing golf at Oak Creek Country Club. Back to the more sedate beauty of Prescott tonight. It's nice to have such an appealing getaway available so close to home.

An Eyeful

My mother and my younger sister, Althea, are visiting us in Prescott this week. Since neither have been to Sedona (and especially because Althea is a photographer), we decided to drive to Sedona yesterday for some sightseeing.

The “direct” route to Sedona takes us through some plains, up on a winding pass over Mingus Mountain and through the tiny former mining town of Jerome. Jerome is now a town of artists and free spirits; a unique and historic place that draws tourists and hikers. We visited a few galleries and enjoyed the view of the valley from the east side of the mountain.

Once through Jerome, you can see hints of the splendor of Red Rock country 30 miles away. From a distance, haze dilutes the intensity of the natural colors in the desert rocks. The closer you get, the more the glow of the rock formations fills your eyes, draws you in, and stirs the blood.

Photo by Althea Haropulos

In the late afternoon the rocks both absorb and reflect the golden sunlight, creating a stunning red- orange and purple glow. The surrounding foliage- green, gray, and brown, provides a frame to anchor the unearthly beauty of the Red Rocks. Fragrant sage adds another element to enjoyment of the view.

We weren’t able to spend time hiking, but did get out of the car at several points to take photos. With a camera, one can only capture representative frames of specific scenes. Even the eye and brain can be overwhelmed as a result of trying to take in and “process” the entire vista.

Photo by Althea Haropulos

If you haven’t been to Sedona, put it on your Travel “Must See” list and prepare for an eyeful! We have so many sights to see and appreciate in these United States.