Heather’s Hidden GEMS of Sedona
I love Sedona! I can’t express that enough. It’s my get-away place, my sanctuary and one of the few places I can go alone and relax. I actually love the fact that I know not one person who lives there. It forces me to do me, which I never get to do. This year, I decided to take Baron on a trip to Sedona for our birthdays (his birthday is the day after mine) so we could relax and recharge. Here is my guide to Sedona and some pics of my favorite things there!
GETTING THERE:
From Las Vegas I always drive, it’s much easier. It takes about four hours (the same distance to LA), and flying there from here makes zero sense to me. If you live elsewhere and are planning a trip to Sedona (you totally should) just fly into Flagstaff AZ. It’s about 30 minutes from Sedona, but be prepared to rent a car because there are no ride shares available there!
WHERE I LOVE TO STAY:
I love the Hilton Sedona Resort at Bell Rock. There are so many reasons for staying here. The rooms are amazing. They all have balconies and fireplaces, and are very spacious. I also absolutely love the gym there! We all know I love a good gym. The thing I love about the gym there is that it legit has every single machine you could want, they also offer classes, and an outdoor gym complete with tires to flip, ropes, etc. which they call the warrior pit.
I love getting out there at 7am before it gets to hot! The service has always been amazing at this place.
WHAT I LOVE TO DO:
Obviously, I love to crystal shop (DUH), so here are some of my favorite crystal shops. Be sure to check them out on your next Sedona visit!
Crystal Magic – Earthy gift shop selling a wide selection of crystals & gemstones, plus jewelry, incense & art.
Address: 2978 W SR 89A Sedona, AZ
Phone: (928) 282-1622
Website: https://crystalmagic.com/
Sedona Crystal Vortex – Metaphysical supply store.
Address: 270 AZ-89A Sedona, AZ
Phone: 928) 282-3543
Website: https://sedonacrystalvortex.com/
Mystical Bazaar – Metaphysical Gift Store: Psychic Readings, Crystals and Gemstones, Precious Jewelry and Spiritual Tools.
Address: 3058 W SR 89A Sedona, AZ
Phone: (928) 204-5615
Website: https://mysticalbazaar.com/
Crystal Gratitude & Magnificent Crystals – Shop offering crystals, semi-precious stones & other spiritual supplies, plus readings & counseling.
Address: 251 State Route 179, Units B1-B4, In Creekside Plaza, Sedona, AZ
Phone: (928) 204-2444
Website: https://sites.google.com/view/crystal-gratitude-at-creekside/home
There are also a ton of really cool places to get aura photos and books. I absolutely love to read, especially relaxing in Sedona, preferably poolside by day and fireside by night.
WHERE I LOVE TO EAT:
Dahl & Di Luca Ristorante Italiano. I was very lucky to be introduced to this place by a very special person, and every single time I go to Sedona I pre-book reservations here. This place is very well known for the amazing food of Lisa Dahl. I even bought her cookbook and have made many dishes for guests from it! Although it was not quite the same as being there, it was still delicious.
MY FAVORITE PLACES TO SEE:
Amitabha Stupa & Peace Park
Sedona’s Amitabha Stupa and Peace Park is a must-visit destination for spiritual seekers the world over. The Buddhist Amitabha Stupa is an outdoor venue for prayer, meditation, and spiritual renewal for people of all faiths. In the park you will find two Buddhist stupas, a Native American medicine wheel, an exquisite wooden statue of Shakyamuni Buddha and numerous quiet spots for meditation and quiet contemplation. You will experience peace in a quiet, sacred setting. The Amitabha Stupa is open every day and your visit is free of charge. The stupa is supported totally by visitor donations. The Amitabha Stupa is on private property and is owned by Kunzang Palyul Choling, a Vajryanna Buddhist Temple in Poolesville MD.
Every time I come here, I really just sit, meditate, and reflect. It’s really an amazing place and never gets too busy!
Devil’s Bridge Trail
The Devil’s Bridge is the largest natural sandstone arch in the Sedona area. Don’t let its name fool you: it’s one of the most heavenly sights in an area famous for them. From a trailhead elevation of 4,600 feet, there’s a mere 400 foot climb in altitude during this moderately difficult, 1.8-mile roundtrip trek. The journey to reach the top won’t leave you breathless.
Airport Mesa
The trail circles the upper slope of Airport Mesa (Table Top Mountain), described clockwise here. There is no shade until reaching the last mile where it is intermittent, depending on season and time of day. From the parking area, climb to the southeast about 100 yards to the top of the small saddle. Turn right to pick up the trail which immediately bends to the left to follow the southeast slope of the mesa. There are great red rock views from northeast to south over lower Oak Creek Valley. It is a mostly level trail for the first mile and then it begins a gradual and then moderate ascent over basalt boulders to the top of the south corner of the mesa at 1.4 miles. The trail levels out, turns north and follows the airport perimeter fence for a time. It drops down to cross a small wash and climbs out to the west where it intersects the Table Top Trail at 1.7 miles.
I also always go online and book guided hikes and meditations, I really enjoy the tours and learning new things. You can find those online easy and cheap!
I use Tripadvisor to find tours and things to do, I absolutely love it! Check out their list of THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Sedona.
Tag me with your favorite Sedona photos, trails, restaurants, and things to do at @AskheathermariannaBlog and please follow me for exclusive content!
XOXO,
Heather