3 Days* in SEDONA

**3 Days* in SEDONA**

Why*

A faint whiff of patchouli and distant sound of 'Om' will let you know: you're in Sedona. Spiraling energy vortexes, rumors of extraterrestrial traffic and an abundance of crystals is a draw for the metaphysical, tie-dye crowd. But the beauty of the Red Rocks also attracts more grounded, earthly souls eager to explore the Martian landscape. So embrace your inner hippie, cleanse your chakras and get ready to project your aura. We're sure you'll enjoy 3 Days* in this spectacular environment.

**Day 1* in Sedona**

While it is usually wise to avoid organized tours, PINK JEEP holds permits to explore far into the Red Rocks National Park where no other vehicles are allowed. The 7am BROKEN ARROW tour is the best one on the menu when the light is still soft, bringing to life the subtle details in your photos, the temperatures are lower and less tourists clutter your pano.

Doe Mountain Vista, Sedona Arizona US - 3 Days*

Breakfast! Let me preface by saying Sedona isn’t quite a culinary epitome and Secret Garden Café inspires more by its cozy ambience than its high-end cuisine. But the huevos rancheros are solid… healthy and organic. Located in the beautifully designed Tlaquepaque Arts and Crafts Village this peaceful structure dotted with water fountains and arched walkways is worth a little amble.

Lace up your sneakers and make your way to Doe Mountain northwest of town. The steep hike up to the mesa shouldn’t take you longer than 35-45 minutes and the 360° view from the top is so splendid it looks photo-shopped.

Sweaty and dusty, channel your inner Alanis Morrisette with a visit at Crystal Magic for the obligatory purchase of incense, essential oils or crystals that promise to solve whatever ails you. From improving your sex life to clearing anxiety and blocked chakras… when in Rome, travellers, when in Rome!

Clean up for dinner at Mariposa Restaurant, a Latin inspired grill that brings a little Venice Beach hipness to the Arizona desert and puts a lot of pride into its décor and landscaping. Try to make it for your sundown aperitif when the surrounding rock formations change color while dusk settles.

**Day 2* in Sedona**

West Fork Trail is less crowded than most hikes in the area. Located about 20 minutes north of Sedona it’s easily accessible with plenty of parking ($10/car). Bring cash! The walk will lead you past apple orchards into lush riverside. Some parts are even inviting for a dip. You can easily spend 4 hours or more wandering around fern, lupine, wildflowers and cottonwood so a sandwich at Indian Gardens on your way back will be well earned.

The serene back patio, stocked with bright Mexican blankets is the perfect spot to down a craft beer and the Egg Sammie with Bacon or the Dan the Man sandwich. The blankets are for sale and an inexpensive souvenir to bring home.

Revived, it’s time to open yourself to Sedona’s spiritual side at the McLean Meditation Institute. Join the daily meditation gathering at the center or visit Sedona’s Buddhist stupa for your own meditation practice. Psychic readings, astrology sessions or healing massages are also on offer.

Whatever you decide to do, I recommend leaving your judgments (I had plenty) at the door and simply enjoy the experience. I opted for a sound healing session with the local musician and shamanic sound healer Three Trees. It consisted of 90 minutes of rhythmic drumming, didgeridoo and hang-drum play and some noticeable physical reactions to the vibrations of the music. I can’t confirm that energy blockages were actually removed, but a fan of music will enjoy the experience, regardless.

A glass of Malbec on the back patio of Hideaway House will wash down the remainders of your energy congestion and the peach Pancetta caramelized onion pizzas will gently lull you into a happy carb coma.

**Day 3* in Sedona**

Chapel of the Holy Cross, Sedona AZ US - 3 Days*

After the stunning but potentially crowded Bell Rock hike and a brief stop by the Chapel of the Holy Cross, designed by a student of Frank Lloyd Wright, treat yourself to a mouthwatering quiche at L’Augerge. Its serene setting by a creek is ideal for a relaxing brunch before you embark on the hunt for southwestern souvenirs. In a sea of touristy knickknacks you can hone in on some neat Native American gems at the Dry Creek Trading Post or more Mexican inspired mementos at Son Silver West. Garland’s Navajo Rugs selection is stunning if costly.

Shopped out? Black Cow Café in the heart of commercial Sedona bakes fresh apple crumbles better than most grandmothers ever did. I’m still salivating just reminiscing on it. A wine tasting in nearby Page Springs Winery came highly recommended but a thunderstorm prevented me from trying this first hand. I say give it a go and let us know how it was. If you make it back to Sedona for sunset, stop at the Airport Mesa for a panoramic view of the greater Sedona area. And in case you’re still hungry (sheeeesh) end your trip with some juicy pork tamales dripping with green salsa or cheese stuffed chile rellenos at the take-out-only Tamaliza Market.

SLEEP

The Blue Heron Guest House via Airbnb
Sedona/Oak Creek Canyon Campgrounds
Enchantment Resort

EAT

Mariposa Restaurant, Sedona’s finest/hippest
Hideaway House (back patio)
L’Auberge

PACK

Sneakers and yoga gear
A rain jacket. Arizona might be a desert state, but its lush green vegetation gets watered somehow
A journal. To write about your psychic predictions and powerful energy shifts

BUY

Southwestern knick-knacks like “Mexican” blankets, Buffalo skulls wall hangings or Native American arrows
Crystals… No judgment
A natural deodorant to torture your fellow travellers

READ