(3) Airport Road intersects with Rt. 89A about a mile west of Uptown Sedona on the way to West Sedona. About a mile uphill on airport road, there is a parking area on the left. From there, you can see West Sedona and the surrounding red rocks. A short, but steep hike will take you to a "saddle" between the formations. From there, you can see all of Sedona from the west. This is on the opposite side of Sedona from the Schnebly Hill vantage point and is a great place to watch the sunset. Coincidently (or not), this is the site of one of the five (and most easily accessible) energy vortices said to exist in the Sedona area.

Sedona’s scenery, climate and energy vortices have transformed this area into a mecca for those who wish to explore their souls, become closer to their god or "become one with nature". Businesses catering to metaphysical and New Age spirituality are abundant. There are spiritual retreat resorts, psychics, vortex tours and plenty of new age shops. The Center for the New Age is a large shop which also offer psychic readings, aura photography and information of the area’s energy vortices. They also have a huge selection of quality spiritualist symbols and paraphernalia like crystals, magnets, pyramids, Buddhas, crystal wands and dragons. I was impressed by their huge selection of quality incense. The Center for the New Age is located just south of the intersection of Routes 89A and 179, across the road from the Tlaquepaque Arts and Crafts Village. It is a good place to find out a little bit about Sedona’s metaphysical aspects... although one may get the sense that they are exploiting stereotypes of these belief systems in a quest for the almighty tourist dollar... much like the sale of voodoo dolls in New Orleans or feathered Native American headdresses at the trading posts. If you’re looking for something more "authentic", stop at the Crystal Castle... right next door to the Center for the New Age. It’s smaller and less slick, but their selection of books and items seemed to indicate that they cater as much to the practicing spiritualist as to the tourist. Despite the attention given to the New Age, Sedona is home to a wide spectrum of faiths, including many Christian denominations, as indicated by the Chapel of the Holy Cross and other houses of worship.

In the nether-region between conventional science and metaphysics lies some actual plausible theory as to the existence and nature of energy vortices, so I would caution naysayers to dismiss the concept outright as a bunch of mystical hooey. Vortices are described in a variety of ways, depending on whose literature you are reading. Here’s my best brief description... An energy vortex is an invisible funnel shape created by spiraling energy. Although these vortices are linked to the earth’s magnetic and electrical fields, the energy is not exactly magnetic nor electrical (however nobody seems to be able to say what type of energy it actually IS). The energy from the vortices resonates with the subtle energy operating in our bodies/spirits. Those who are sensitive to this energy are said to be both spiritually and physically invigorated, often for several days. The energy of each vortex is strongest at its center, but radiates for a quarter to a half mile. Sedona is said to be home of four of these vortices. Of course, I had to check out a vortex for myself. So I stopped at the Center for the New Age and picked up my free vortex map. I asked for the location of the closest and most easily accessible vortex. As it turns out, all four of the area’s vortices are fairly easy to get to by vehicle and a short hike. I was directed to the Airport Vortex, about two miles away. I hiked up the short trail to the saddle between two rock formations to the spot where the vortex was said to be centered. Alas, I experienced nothing more than the realization that I had to go to the bathroom... but hey... maybe there was a cause-and-effect relationship with the vortex.

One does not need to be in Sedona for long before noticing the omnipresent pink jeeps. Although the pink color clashes hideously with its earth tone surroundings, it’s a great marketing tactic. Operating since 1958, they claim to be the longest continually operating tour company in the United States. I is clear that safety is paramount. Each of the 66 jeeps has been fitted with a five-figure retooling to accommodate the passengers and the rugged terrain. Their heavy-duty off-road tires are changed annually and they are continually retraining and refreshing the drivers to the constantly eroding and changing trails. Each pink jeep takes a group of up to 6 or 7 along off-road trails that are nowhere near passable by ordinary 4-wheel drive vehicles. Several tours ranging from 2 to 4 hours are offered. Each tour features a particular aspect of the area... but all of the tours will give you a healthy dose of beautiful scenery, information about the areas ancient cultures, geology and biology. I took the most popular tour, the Broken Arrow tour. It was in the lower 50s and overcast in early December. For the sake of scenery, I was disappointed that there wasn’t much sunshine during my tour, but I think I prefer this over a 95 degree scorcher. Susan, our driver and guide, was very friendly and informative. She pointed out the different plants, the names of the rocks (my favorite name: "Old Fashioned Movie Camera Rock") as well as the area’s history. There was no question she couldn’t answer. The ride was quite bumpy at times, and extremely bumpy two or three times. We drove down the aptly named "Road of No Return", a short stretch of bumpy, rocky road down a 30 or 40 degree grade... exhilarating! The rough road is not suitable for very small children or those with major health issues or difficulty walking, but you don’t have to be in great shape either. You just need to be able to get up and down the jeep’s steep steps and to brace yourself on the bumpy parts. The tours depart from near their office in uptown Sedona. In many instances, they will pick you up at your hotel. It isn’t cheap. The 2-hour Broken Arrow tour is $72 for adults and $54 for kids 12 and under. They also offer day-long tours to the Grand Canyon. They offer tours year-round. If the price is not prohibitive, I recommend a Pink Jeep Tour as a great introduction to the area.

Sedona is home to many world-class art galleries... GOOD ones. A few of the galleries feature southwestern art, but the whole spectrum of artistic styles and media is represented. The largest and most prestigious galleries are located just south of the 89A/179 intersection. Unique shopping opportunities are abundant, but just about everyplace is quite expensive. Here are a few of the best galleries and shops that I visited...