Sedona Facts - Population, elevation and tourism facts about Sedona

Sedona is located in the north central part of the state, 130 miles from Phoenix, 42 miles from Flagstaff, 61 miles from Prescott, 20 miles from Camp Verde, 16 miles from Cottonwood. Sedona encompasses 19 square miles of beautiful land, 51% of which are owned by private land owners.

Sedona has become a center for traditional and contemporary arts. The shopping areas are sprinkled with a variety of galleries, boutiques restaurants and specialty shops.

The real tourist boom began in the mid-70's. New home sprung from the red-rock floor and tourists flocked to Oak Creek Canyon. The Tlaquepaque complex, a quaint shopping and arts village began construction in 1971.

The elevation of Sedona is approximately 4,360 ft in the center of town while the highest point in Sedona is approximately 5,500 ft and the lowest point in Sedona is approximately 4,000 ft. Sedona, Arizona at 4,500 feet, features the easily identifiable natural red sandstone rock monuments of Cathedral Rock and Bell Rock. The fiery red in the rock is created by iron oxide. Each individual grain of sandstone interacts with the iron and creates rust. This chemical reaction is responsible for what colors the rocks in the Sedona area. Native Americans consider the Sedona area a spiritual vortex of the Southwest. Many tourists come to these vortexes ( Airport Mesa, Bell Rock, Boynton Canyon and Cathedral Rock and) which are supposedly places where the Earth's electromagnetic energy is focused, and offer special energy. Stop and see the Crescent Moon. It is one of Northern Arizona's most prominent geological features. Other rock formations include: Mitten Ridge and Twin Buttes. It's easy to take in all the sights by scheduling a jeep tour. These tours are legendary in this part of Arizona and were created to take tourist out into the wild country and to stop by the "vortices". Take a hike and see much of this spectacular beauty. The Eagle's Nest Trail at Red Rock State Park will take you along an "easy" set of switchbacks that will give you a great view of Sedona's red rocks. Another great hike in Boynton Canyon offers great views of sheer rock walls, hoodos and head-high red barked manzanita. Take some extra time to see Oak Creek Canyon and Slide Rock Park. If shopping is your bag, check out: the large number of specialty shops, restaurants and art galleries. One of the most popular shopping areas is Tlaquepaque Arts and Crafts Village and stores along Arizona highway 89A. You can absolutely find magic crystals and new age trinkets at many of the stores in Sedona.