All Articles Yes, there are energy fields and vortexes but Sedona has a lot more to see and do

Yes, there are energy fields and vortexes but Sedona has a lot more to see and do

SEDONA
Image: Unsplash

If you've ever wanted to experience a mystic healing session, Sedona is the place to do it. But along with exploring vortexes and energy fields, why not rock climb, check out some art galleries, and eat the best corn enchilada of your life?

Sheryl Nance-Nash
By Sheryl Nance-Nash26 Apr 2022 2 minutes read

Let's just say, I was in midlife-crisis mode when I recently visited Sedona. I had a mission: to explore the yoga studios and healing spas, crystal shops and tarot readers, labyrinths and vortexes, and to feel centered again. And after many guided hikes and time in the energy fields, I actually did. Don't get me wrong, the desert town is no cure-all (and exploring the spiritual isn't for everyone), but as a lifelong traveler I've discovered that when you connect with a place, it speaks to your soul. That's what Sedona did for me.

After two years in a pandemic-altered state, Sedona was the perfect place to reset. The town is full of outdoor adventures and transformative activities whether you're into hiking, meditation, healing massages, or more high-octane pursuits like zip-lining and rock climbing. And if you'd rather skip the mantras and sweat sessions, there's plenty of culture, too. The town's homegrown art scene is thriving with more than 15 art galleries within walking distance and there are some seriously impressive museums that range from the weird to the historic. This year, two festival standouts are back: the Sedona PhotoFest in August, showcasing works from international and local photographers, and the Red Rocks Music Festival in October, which celebrates its 20th anniversary with a lineup of chamber music and concerts.

Check into

Sure, Sedona has plenty of hotels to choose from but The Sky Ranch Lodge overlooking the glowing Red Rocks tops my list. I can’t decide which view from the hotel is more incredible: at sunrise, at sunset, or at night when the wide open sky lights up with the shiniest stars I've ever seen.

If you're looking to splurge, check out L’Auberge de Sedona, where you can unwind with a two-hour sacred stone massage, then eat dinner by candlelight alongside a mountain creek.

Sky Ranch Lodge
The view from Sky Ranch Lodge
Image: Sky Ranch Lodge

Go hiking, rock climbing, or book a mystic healing session

The desert town is surrounded by national and state forestlands, so hiking is a must, and if you want to take your activity level up a notch there's horseback riding, biking, and rock climbing. Even if it's not your thing, consider making time for the mystical (Sedona has been considered sacred ground for centuries). You can meet with a shaman; explore metaphysical shops like Mystical Bizarre and Crystal Magic; or indulge in a healing spa treatment that incorporates Native and Southwestern traditions. My two-hour hike through Red Rock State Park was much more than your ordinary desert walk, with a bit of meditation, philosophy, and cleansing tears all in one.

Eat a mouthwatering enchilada

A quirky, feel-good place and very "Sedona," ChocolaTree Organic Restaurant is all gluten free and vegetarian, with no processed sugar anywhere. Go for the Sedona 2012 Corn Enchilada: spicy tomato wrap, stewed corn, Basmati rice, tomato sauce, guacamole, and vegan cheddar crumble. You won't be sorry.

Shop for locally made crafts

Pick up a piece of decorative pottery from Esteban's, a gallery and store that specializes in handcrafted pottery by Southwestern artists. You'll find vases and jars, brightly colored Raku vessels, sculptures, wind bells, and lots more to pack in your suitcase.

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Sheryl Nance-Nash
Sheryl Nance-Nash writes about the intersection of travel, history, wellness, art and culture. Her work has appeared in Afar, Fodors, CNTraveler.com and Newsweek.com. Follow her on twitter @NanceNash.