The Red Rocks of Sedona - Where are the Dickens?

Arizona is home to so many amazing areas! Sedona is one of them! The red rock geology is gorgeous! First stop was the Red Rock Ranger Station Visitor Center to learn more about the natural history of the area. The rangers were super helpful and we got a really cool driving map for the Red Rock Scenic Byway. We enjoyed the interactive exhibits and the views were awesome.

Red Rock Scenic Byway

Coconino National Forest

We boondocked off Forest Road 689 in the Coconino National Forest. Our area was more desert scrub than forest! Campendium reviews said it was big rig friendly, but failed to mention the road in was one lane! Just as John was saying I hope no one is leaving while we are heading in, we meet a rig. Putting it into 4 wheel drive, we were able to maneuver over to the edge and allow them to pass. Precarious to say the least! Once settled, we enjoyed some beautiful sunsets and moon rises. The shooting stars were a bonus! I made a wish every time, unlike my hubby! Don’t waste a wish!

Exploring Downtown Sedona

Fun Fact: Sedona is named after the wife of an early homesteader, Theodore Schnebly. Attempting to organize a post office, the postmaster kept denying names he submitted for his little community saying the names were too long. Finally, suggesting the name of his wife, they agreed and Sedona was on the map!

Definitely a touristy destination with lots and lots of shops and restaurants. Too many people for our comfort. I found some postcards and on our way we were…

More than just Red Rocks

There’s so much more to Sedona than the red rocks and shops. The Indigenous People of the Southern Sinagua tribe in the Verde Valley left behind their pueblos and cliff dwellings. The ingenuity behind the construction shows how they survived the harsh climate and the threat of rival tribes.

Tuzigoot National Monument (Apache for ‘crooked water’) is the remnant of a Southern Sinagua pueblo village built between 1000 and 1400 on a high ridge overlooking the Verde Valley with over 100 rooms. After exploring the very informative museum we walked the 1/3 mile up the hill to tour the ruins. There was a wonderful docent who enthusiastically shared his knowledge of Tuzigoot. And how to pronounce Tuzigoot – TWO-see-WHOODT. We marveled at how these people with ancient tools built this remarkable structure.

Not to be out done, these Southern Sinagua farmers built cliff dwellings in the limestone walls along Beaver Creek. Archeologists believe this was to escape the perennial flooding. Evidence show the Sinagua people left the Verde Valley some 600 years ago. The modern day tribes of the Hopi, Apache, Zuni, and Yavapai claim them as their early ancestors. The Spaniards thinking it was Aztec in origin named it Montezuma Castle.

The brochure describes Montezuma Well as “a place like no other.” I must agree. It wasn’t until 2011 that the mystery to how this sinkhole continues to recharge and hold water in a desert region was solved. Divers found a crack in the side of the well that allows water to flow in from an underground source. Every day the well is replenished with 1.5 gallons of new water. The water contains high levels of carbon dioxide and arsenic, making it uninhabitable for fish. Yet, it is home to five organisms that do not exist anywhere else in the world! One celled diatoms, tiny shrimp like crustaceans, water scorpions, leeches, and snails fight for survival in a dramatic food chain. Amazing! Then there are the cliff dwellings in the sides of the wall surrounding the well. Just wow!

Sliding Rock State Park

A drive out to Sliding Rock is a must when you are in the area. It was a peaceful drive through Oak Creek Canyon with the turning of the yellow aspens and other hardwoods. Sliding Rock State Park was originally an apple orchard. There’s still a small orchard (see 2nd picture) and an apple inspired gift shop/snack bar. We enjoyed the hikes along Oak Creek. Thought about taking a slide by the water was super cold!! 🙂