Sedona shows off red sandstone formations on every side, and this small Arizona town of about 9,600 people is one of the most photographed places in the Southwest. It also draws people interested in wellness, with talk of energy vortexes, yoga and spiritual retreats. It is a certified Dark Sky community, so the stargazing is excellent.
Most days here involve hiking. Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock, Devil's Bridge and Boynton Canyon are the classics, and Oak Creek Canyon has swimming holes and Slide Rock State Park. Tlaquepaque and the arts district offer galleries and shopping, and jeep tours cover the rougher terrain. The costs and crowds are the downside. Homes are expensive, rentals are tight because so many are short-term, and Uptown and trailhead parking fill up fast. Summer highs can top 100F, monsoon storms bring flash floods, and cars left with valuables at trailheads get broken into.
