Sedona is one of Arizona’s premier tourism, recreation, resort, retirement and art centers. Its location at the mouth of scenic Oak Creek Canyon and at the center of the state’s legendary Red Rock Country affords breath-taking panoramas, a mild climate, plenty of sunshine and clean, fresh air. The area is the second most visited site in the state after the Grand Canyon.

Established in 1902 and incorporated in 1988, the community was named for Sedona Schnebly, an early settler. Sedona spreads across the boundaries of two north central Arizona counties, Coconino and Yavapai. At an elevation of 4,500 feet, it is 3,200 feet higher than Phoenix, which is 120 miles south, and 2,600 feet lower than the rim country of Flagstaff, 30 miles to the north.

Principal Economic Activities

Tourism forms Sedona’s economic base; the National Forest Service estimates more than 3.5 million people visit the area annually. Sedona’s small-town character is preserved by a preponderance of small owner-operated businesses serving visitors and the community.

Visitor interest during the past decade has stimulated retirement and vacation home acquisition and construction, creating one of the most viable real estate markets in the nation.

Scenic Attractions

Slide Rock State ParkSedona has something for everyone—world-class resorts and small family-run motels, quaint bed and breakfasts, fine restaurants, outstanding shops and diverse art galleries. The beauty of the area makes sightseeing and hiking popular; golf and tennis are almost year-round activities. Visitors can take a jeep tour into the back country or view the red rock monoliths from horseback or hot air balloon. Red Rock Crossing has been featured in many motion pictures. Other attractions include Slide Rock and Red Rock State Parks, Chapel of the Holy Cross, the Sedona Arts Center, and Tlaquepaque, a Mexican-style arts and crafts village.

Highway 89A through Oak Creek Canyon is the state’s first designated Scenic Highway and was named by Rand-McNally as one of the most beautiful drives in America.

Sedona is a hub for visitors to Northern Arizona. Many visitor sites, including Indian ruins, the Grand Canyon, Jerome, Meteor Crater and Sunset Crater are just a day trip away.

The U.S. Forest Service administers many campgrounds in the area. Several are on or near Oak Creek, which is stocked with trout from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Information on private campgrounds and picnic areas is available at the Chamber of Commerce.