Our first visit to the Red Rocks of Sedona Arizona was back in 2014. We stayed at the Sky Ranch Lodge for 3 nights. That gave us very little time to truly explore Sedona, so we had promised ourselves that we would return.
Welcome to the Red Rocks of Sedona Arizona
Red Rocks of Sedona Arizona
Courthouse Butte Sedona AZ
Boy, oh boy, were we glad that we made that return visit! This time Sedona really stole our hearts! I don’t think I could ever get tired of seeing those spectacular red rock formations that Sedona is known for.
It’s hard to imagine it, but this incredible landscape was once a tropical beach oasis. This ancient sea created the foundation of the unmistakable Bell Rock, which has an elevation of 4,919-feet.
Shaped by the Sea
Red Rocks of Sedona Arizona
Over a period of millions of years, the sea level rose and fell many times. During periods when the sea advanced, the water deposited and compacted sediments. Throughout the periods when the sea retreated, wind and rivers carried sand that formed sand dunes. As time went by, these actions created the variegated layers of sandstone that we see today.
Schnebly Hill Formation
Bell Rock in Sedona
The reddish layers that we could see on Bell Rock and Courthouse Butte are called the Schnebly Hill Formation. The light colored stripes record a time when salt flats covered the ancient sand dunes. The cap of Bell Rock is made of Fort Apache limestone. This layer records the time when the ancient sea deposited minerals and compacted these minerals into limestone.
Red Rocks of Sedona Arizona standing sentinel over the desert. This might be Chimney Rock.
There was once a time when these rock formations were not visible. A tumultuous period of faulting and volcanic activity about 15 million years ago exposed these rocks. Since that time, wind and rain have eroded the rocks into the fantastic formations that we see today.
Why is Sedona so special?
A view of the mountains of Sedona from Sky Ranch Lodge
There is no denying that Sedona is a very special place. It is in the heart of the desert, but the majestic red rock scenery and evergreen vegetation make it feel like a lush oasis. This is a place of unique energy and tangible regenerative and inspirational effects. Science tells us that the red-orange color of the rock formations is one of the most near stimulating of colors.
Another vista from Sky Ranch Lodge Sedona
Sedona has a world wide reputation as a spiritual Mecca and a global power spot. Because of this it has drawn some of our world’s most amazing healers, intuitive and spiritual guides. It’s the perfect place for spiritual and personal enrichment of the body and soul. Sedona was thought of as sacred by its early inhabitants and visitors.
And another…
What is a vortex? Let me try to explain. Vortexes are believed by some to be energy sites that enhance meditation, healing and creativity. A vortex is not one particular site, but a general area of enhanced energy.
Snoopy Rock
Decades ago, during “The Harmonic Convergence”, Sedona’s new age reputation became more widely known. Even before that, the area attracted artists and spiritual seekers who were inspired by the natural beauty of the landscape. Red Rock country has a long history of human appeal. American Indian tribes, including the Yavapai and Apache, have been living in the area for centuries.
And of course, there’s shopping!
Reindeer Metal Sculpture
On our drive out of Sedona and back to Ladybug, we drove passed an intriguing shop. Steve immediately turned around at the first round-about that we came to, so I could get some retail therapy.
Sculpted Menagerie
I couldn’t even tell you the name of this place, but there are hundreds of cool sculptures outside and then thousands of fabulous objects of art as you walk through the property.
“Sparky” the teddybear is made completely of spark plugs!
As we ogled all that they had on display, I found a colorful metal frog that I knew would be a perfect birthday gift for my sister/friend Jackie. She collects frogs! So we bought that for her and a fabulous hand woven basket for ourselves. When we got back to Ladybug I unwrapped the frog and sat it on our coffee table, just to have it out of the way.
World’s Largest Kokopelli in Camp Verde AZ
The more I looked at the frog, the more I loved it. So we HAD to go back to Sedona for another frog for Jackie. But in the two days since our first visit, they were sold out of frogs! No worries. I sent the original one to Jackie for her birthday and bought something different for our table. We bought the most adorable and colorful metal pig sculpture that we call – when pigs fly – because the pig has wings!
Sedona
As we watched the Red Rocks of Sedona Arizona disappear in the rear view mirror, the sun was setting before us.
I know that Sedona is a place we will return to whenever we have the chance. I will leave you with this quote from John Muir (1838-1914) – “Everybody needs beauty as well as bread, places to play in and pray in, where nature may heal and give strength to body and soul.” Sedona is that place!!!
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