After a dark and stormy day there was fire in the sky behind Cathedral Rock at sunset.
as well as numerous trailheads into the red rocks. Artists and psychics have flocked to Sedona over the years, the former drawn by the exquisite landscapes and the latter lured by energy vortexes that some claim to sense in special locations around town. Lovely images created by professional photographers and landscape painters can be found in many galleries and tourist shops in town. But the majestic scenery brings out the artist in everyone, and tourists taking pics with their smartphones can be spotted all over the place. Artistry and artwork are a theme throughout the area, and not only do metal sculptures of cowboys and horses stand sentinel along the sidewalks in town, but a collection of xylophones and gongs begs the passersby to grab a mallet and fill the air with mellow tones. A trip to Sedona isn't complete without getting out into the red rocks one way or another, and there are over 250 trails from which to choose. One of the most iconic and easiest trails is the Bell Rock Pathway. With several trailheads positioned along SR-89A between downtown Sedona and the Village of Oak Creek, this popular and easily accessed 3.5-mile round-trip trail is open to both hikers and mountain bikers and offers some of the most dramatic scenery in the area. Our spirits soared as we rode our bikes on the wide, hard packed path, jaws
RED ROCK BEAUTY Story by Emily Fagan Photos by Mark and Emily Fagan
Sedona, Arizona, is one the most beautiful jewels in the crown of the American southwest. My husband, Mark, and I love the area so much that we have returned with our Hitchhiker fifth-wheel again and again, and we've discovered new wonders on every trip. Nestled between extraordinary towering red rock formations, the Sedona area encompasses three communities connected by ribbons of roads interwoven between stunning National Forest land that is full of hiking trails and red rocks. The downtown area of Sedona is situated on Arizona State Route 89A just north of the intersection of Arizona State Route 179. Both of these highways climb and dive over hilly terrain, offering everchanging, awe-inspiring views while sweeping from one turn to the next. West Sedona and the Village of Oak Creek are located west and south of Sedona proper, respectively, and all three areas boast boutique shopping and unique dining galore
RED ROCK BEAUTY
COAST TO COAST SPRING MAGAZINE 2020
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