VISITING SEDONA

Sedona is a destination for visitors from all over the world. The panoramic red rock vistas, resorts, shopping and outdoor activities attract millions of visitors to Sedona each year.

The rugged and picturesque landscape includes towering mountains, hidden canyons, streams and a temperate climate. At over 4500 feet in elevation, Sedona escapes the more extreme heat found in Phoenix, Scottsdale and Tucson; in fact, many residents of the greater Phoenix area escape to Sedona for the milder summertime conditions.

Sedona receives it's share of 90 degree days, but even on warm days, the dry air conditions and the afternoon breezes make for pleasant daytime conditions. At night, the high dessert conditions can be counted on to cool off rapidly after sundown to produce comfortable nighttime temperatures in the 60's.

During the winter months, Sedona escapes the snow and cold that frequents the higher elevations of Flagstaff and points North. It's not uncommon to have overnight temperatures dip into the 30's followed by daytime temperatures near 60. With Sedona's abundant sunshine, the winter months can be not only pleasant but also a more relaxed time to visit and explore the area. And if you are lucky enough to be in Sedona on those rare occasions when it snows you'll be treated to some of the prettiest snow capped views... and no shoveling... most of the snow that does make it to the ground melts away the next day.

Sedona is one of the most popular destinations in the US for weddings. There are two periods during the year when wedding parties flock to Sedona.

Beginning in late February and extending into May, hundreds of brides and grooms exchange their vows in one of the many churches, chapels or outdoor ceremonies among the splendor of Sedona's red rock vistas. After the heat of the summer tapers off, bridal activities peak again with additional weddings from September through early November.

If you are visiting Sedona to enjoy the scenery, taking in a round of golf or visiting one of the many art galleries, Sedona has much to offer to the tourist. Because Sedona is located amongst Federal lands that make up a National Forest (yes, we do have trees in the high dessert!), it's a very popular destination for hiking, camping, horseback riding and bicycling.

There are also many state parks in Sedona that are very popular in the summer months. Slide Rock State Park in Oak Creek Canyon is renowned for it's natural water slide cut into the surrounding rock by nature over millions of years. And the spectacle each evening as the sunsets and makes the mountain colors more vibrant, is an event not to be missed.

Sedona makes a great starting point for other types of sightseeing. If you're an early riser, consider taking a hot air balloon ride and experience the red rock canyons from a different point of view. Or, try a day excursion to the Grand Canyon, ancient ruins or the historic old silver mine in Jerome.

And don't think that the Sedona area is the home to just human residents. Sedona and the surrounding mountains are home to a vast array of wildlife. It's not uncommon to see varieties of hummingbirds, birds of prey or a scampering road-runner.
The wilderness areas surrounding Sedona are home to lizards, coyotes, two types of deer, elk, javalena (wild pigs), bobcats and on occasion the rare sighting of a mountain lion. There are plenty of shy and seldom seen insects like the scorpion and tarantula that call Northern Arizona their home.

Like many of residents, we came to Sedona as a visitor and ended up savoring all that the area has to offer including a more easy-going lifestyle. So, if you come to Sedona to visit, consider staying... there's always room for a few more!

John & Carol DiBiasi, Owners
Fango Hair & Day Spa Salon