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 breathtaking 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, which is only two and a half hour drive away.
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 – fine restaurants, outstanding shops, diverse art galleries, and our stunning red rock views and outdoor activities. 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, helicopters, 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 film – motion, video & still. You can learn more about the heritage of Sedona by visiting the Sedona Heritage Museum.
The Sedona Reál Inn & Suites was built in 1996, and has been a privately owned business welcoming people from all walks of life. Whether you are honeymooners, families, wedding parties, conferences, groups, single travelers, or getaway sweethearts we are glad to have you join us for a memorable stay in Sedona.
A Little Sedona History…
Sedona lives and breathes its history. Nestled amongst the red rocks, the echoes of its first inhabitants can be felt throughout the valley. 11,000 years ago, Hopi Indians hunted, gathered and lived in and amongst the caves they carved out of the hills. Today the dwelling remnants of these amazing people and cultures can be visited, just a short day trip outside Sedona.
Around 1876 non native farmers began to settle the area, the first being John James Thompson in Oak Creek Canyon. In 1902, one of the first 20 settlers, Theodore Schnelby started an orchard, attracting locals from as far away as Flagstaff and Jerome. He then applied for a postal outlet license to try and reduce the lengthy wait times locals had for mail. His first choice “Schnelby Station” was considered too long to put on his cancellation stamp and was rejected. Sedona, his wife’s name however, was the perfect fit.
Today the Sedona / Oak Creek Canyon area is home to approximately 15,000 people. After the Sedona postal outlet was established, the growth of the area really began. Hollywood discovered Sedona around the 1940’s, shooting movies such as ‘Billy the Kid’, ‘Rounders’ and ‘Broken Arrow’. There have now been over 75 movies made using the incredible backdrop of Sedona’s backyard.
Shortly after Hollywood started putting Sedona on the big screen, artists and retirees alike began visiting and considering the living options available in this magical place. Before long, Sedona blossomed into a healthy community of locals and tourists sharing in the majesty of the Red Rock buttes and stunning sunsets. The 1980’s brought a new age and the discovery of some of the most powerful energy vortexes in the world. Similarly, early Native Americans considered the Red Rocks sacred and traveled from afar to perform ceremonies among the sublime formations. Today, locations such as Bell Rock, Airport Mesa and Boynton Canyon attract large numbers of visitors interested in their transformational powers every year.
Sedona is the perfect combination of old world wisdom and new world comfort. Whether you are here to relax, hike the red rocks, visit the Hopi cave dwellings, meditate amid the healing vortexes or simply enjoy the views, Sedona will inspire and excite you. Visit us today to experience first hand one of Mother Nature’s finest moments.
The knowledgeable and friendly staff at Sedona Reál Inn & Suites will be happy to assist you in your Sedona history discoveries.
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