Summer trips picks: sacred Sedona

Located in the US state of Arizona, Sedona nourishes the soul with its wilderness

Apparently I am not the only one who thinks Sedona — in the northern Verde Valley region of the state of Arizona, US — is a must-see place. National Geographic has vouched for it and put it on its 11 best “summer trips picks” this year.

A strawberry hedgehog cactus with a purple flower. PHOTO CREDIT: ZOFEEN T. EBRAHIM

With its majestic crimson red rock formations, monoliths and spires, shades of green, cacti and flowers against a bright blue sky with huge puffy white clouds as a backdrop, you will never get enough of the desert, the mountains or the red canyons. There will always be a spectacular view at the next bend. Even Lonely Planet calls it a “stunner” and Rand McNally (American publisher of maps, atlases, textbooks, etcetera) terms it one of the eight most scenic drives in America.

Sedona, part of the Colorado plateau, sits 4,500 feet above sea level. It is not only considered a sacred place by Native Americans, but is truly a geological wonderland. Once covered by water, these red rock buttes (an isolated hill with steep sides and a flat top) we see today were once islands protruding from the bottom of the sea. Over eons, the sea receded and the layered sediment from volcanic activity was formed. Erosion by the wind and water created these amazingly sculpted wonders that are composed of basalt, sandstone and limestone. Ferrous oxide in the sandstone gives the red rocks their distinctive crimson hue.

Bell Rock — the walk around this vortex is breathtaking. PHOTO CREDIT: ZOFEEN T. EBRAHIM

But Sedona’s claim to fame does not end with these spectacular rock sculptures. The town with its steep canyons and pine forests is also famed for its esotericism and spirituality. In fact, of the four million people who visit the place each year, 60% go there in search of a spiritual experience. People believe the world’s vortexes are located in Sedona. These are believed to be spiritual locations where the energy is right to facilitate prayer, mediation and healing. As such, there are yoga and reiki classes as well as spas to indulge in soothing treatments.

Cathedral Rock, where you can witness the different erosional patterns. PHOTO CREDIT: KULSUM T. EBRAHIM

However, for many, it is a hiker’s paradise. Cathedral Rock, the most photographed and recognisable sight, can be climbed by foot or by using mountain bikes. But be sure to wear a good pair of shoes (it’s rocky, uneven and slippery), carry plenty of water to drink, put on sunscreen and cover your head as the sun can get really intense. You should be ready to use both your hands, and climbing down may mean sliding on your behind.

Then there is the 3.6-mile Bell Rock trail. Though it has been closed, the walk around the base is peaceful and satisfying.

For the young and energetic, Sedona is considered among the best biking destinations. PHOTO CREDIT: ZOFEEN T. EBRAHIM

About the Devil’s Bridge, some say it is a moderate hike, but it gets challenging as you get to the end as you have to use hands and knees to get up to the very top. But once at the top, the panoramic view is incredible and well worth all the travail. It’s a popular trail but if you’re looking for solitude then this might not be the best choice, least of all if you are in Sedona on a weekend.

Zofeen T Ebrahim is a freelance journalist. She tweets @zofeen28

Published in The Express Tribune, Sunday Magazine, June 14^th, 2015.