Sedona Arizona local information

Modern Sedona history began in the late 1800s and early 1900s when settlers began to inhabit and farm the area. Carl Schnebly was one of these early inhabitants whose two-story house became one of the first hotels in the area. As more families joined the community Carl decided to establish a post office. When asked to submit names for the new town, he was dismayed to find that his first two suggestions, "Schnebly Station" and "Oak Creek Crossing" were too long for the cancellation stamps.

Carl's brother Ellsworth suggested that the post office be named for Carl's wife, Sedona, and thus this lovely town received its lovely name. Sedona was incorporated in 1988 and has become a mecca for world travelers on their way from Phoenix to the Grand Canyon as well as spiritual seekers who find peace in the serene beauty of the area.

Sedona is one of Arizona's premier tourism, recreation, resort, arts and cultural, and retirement centers. At an altitude of 4,500', Sedona escapes the desert heat of Southern Arizona and the mountain snows to the north with either just a short drive away. Sedona's location at the mouth of renown Oak Creek Canyon and at the center of the state's legendary Red Rock Country affords breath-taking panoramas, four delightfully mild seasons, plenty of sunshine and clean, fresh air. Highway 89A through Oak Creek Canyon was Arizona's first designated Scenic Highway and was named by Rand-McNally as one of the most beautiful drives in America. The area is the second most visited site in the state after the Grand Canyon.

Established in 1902 but not incorporated until 1988, the community was named after Sedona Schnebly, an early settler. Sedona spreads across the boundaries of two north central Arizona counties, Coconino and Yavapai, and is completely surrounded by the Coconino National Forest. Incorporated Sedona and the unincorporated areas in Oak Creek Canyon, the Village of Oak Creek, Red Rock Loop Road and the canyons to the west are collectively known as the Greater Sedona Area™. The area's housing is predominately single family residences with some condominium developments and there is a preponderance of small owner-operated businesses serving the community.

Tourism, in concert with the retirement and the arts and culture communities, forms Sedona's economic base with the Forest Service estimating that four million people visit the area annually. Sedona has something for everyone - world class resorts and small family-run motels, quaint to elegant bed and breakfasts, fine restaurants, outstanding shops and diverse art galleries. The beauty of the area and the climate make sightseeing and hiking popular, golf and tennis are almost year-round activities. Visitors can take a jeep ride into the backcountry or view red rock monoliths from horseback or hot air balloons. Red Rock Country has been the setting of many motion pictures and continues to be a favorite location for all forms of filming - motion, video & still.

Sedona is a hub for visitors to Northern Arizona. After enjoying all that Sedona has to offer, including Red Rock and Slide Rock State Parks, many visitor sites such as the Grand Canyon, Jerome, Meteor Crater, Sunset Crater, Indian ruins and Native American Reservations are easy day trips.

An artist colony. Long before Sedona developed as a resort destination, it was known as an artist's colony and bustling art center. This reputation stands, as all of the arts continue to thrive in this culturally rich environment. With over 40 galleries exhibiting works ranging from Western and Southwestern to contemporary and modern art, there is something to suit everyone's taste and many new artists works to discover. Sedona's "Art in Public Places" program provides visual stimulation with sculpture and other art forms throughout the community.

Chapel of the Holy Cross. Located about 3 miles south of the "Y" (the stoplight at the intersection of Highway 179 and 89A in Sedona). A shrine of intriguing contemporary architecture built into the Red Rocks in 1956. (520) 282-4069

Fort Verde State Historic Park. Southwest of Sedona in Camp Verde, this was a major fort for General George Crook during the Indian Campaigns in the 1870s. Enjoy an intriguing step back into Arizona's military history. Fee required. (520) 567-3275

Grand Canyon. The South Rim of Arizona's most popular attraction is only a 2½ hour drive from Sedona, or for a special treat, take the Grand Canyon Railway's historic train from Williams to the National Park.

Jerome. 37 miles southwest of Sedona, take a trip back in history to the old mining town perched high on Cleopatra Hill. State Historic Park recounts the mining history so important to Arizona. (520) 634-2900.

Red Rock State Park Nature Center. Located on Lower Red Rock Loop Road off West Highway 89A. Established as a center for environmental education, the 286-acre park includes a riparian area along Oak Creek and is surrounded by red rocks. Bird watching and other nature activities are scheduled year round. Fee required. (520) 282-6907

Red Rock Crossing/Crescent Moon Ranch. Take W. Hwy. 89A to Upper Red Rock Loop Road to one of the most photographed scenes in the U.S. Picnic tables are available but no overnight camping. Fee required.

Sedona Heritage Museum. Located in Uptown Sedona at 735 Jordan Road, the museum highlights the history of Sedona, its pioneers and its settlers, in words and photos. (520) 282-7038.

Slide Rock State Park. Located 8 miles north of Sedona in Oak Creek Canyon. Mother Nature's natural water slide will make a big splash with the kids! Fee required. (520) 282-3034.

Verde Canyon Railroad. Rail excursions take visitors along the Verde River, over bridges, past crimson cliffs into the heart of Sycamore Canyon. Trains depart from Clarkdale. (520) 639-0010 / (800) 293-7245.

Population / Elevation

Weather / Climate

Sedona, Arizona - Monthly Climate Normal
	Year	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
High °F	74	55	59	63	72	81	90	95	92	88	78	65	56
Low °F	48	29	32	35	42	49	57	65	63	58	48	37	30

Average °F	61	42	48	49	57	65	73	80	78	73	63	51	43
Rain	17.2	1.7	1.5	1.7	1.2	0.6	0.5	1.9	2.4	1.5	1.2	1.3	1.7

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Population / Elevation

Weather / Climate