Sedona, AZ

Sedona, surrounded by mesas and pillars of red rock and limestone today was covered in sea millions of years ago.   Evidence from petroglyphs, artifacts and ancient, preserved dwellings, it is believed the first civilization of people arrived between 500 - 700 AD. 

Apples & peaches were the first main industry in the early 1900s. A homestead owned by F.L. Pendly ( one of a few caucasians) along the Oak Creek Canyon today is "Slide Rock State Park". The land still produces fruit and profits are used to maintain the park. In the 50's the spectular views became the backgrounds for many commercials and hollywood movies. Today, it has become a getaway for some of the world's rich and famous and a tourist mecca.  

Sedona is an outdoor playground, full of fine arts, and has long been known as a spirtual power center.  Vortex sites are enhanced energy locations that facilitate prayer, meditation, mind/body healing, and exploring your relationship with your Soul and the divine. They are neither electric nor magnetic. Sedona is a perfect place for spiritual and personal enrichment of the body and the soul.

Llama on "Llama Trail"

Apples & peaches were the first main industry in the early 1900s.  A homestead owned by F.L. Pendly ( one of a few caucasians) along the Oak Creek Canyon today is "Slide Rock State Park".   The land still produces fruit and profits are used to maintain the park. In the 50's the spectular views became the backgrounds for many commercials and hollywood movies.  Today, it has become a getaway for some of the world's rich and famous and a tourist mecca.

Submarine Rock

Mt biking trails are continuously being created.  If you look closely, you will see Marc on Little Horse Trail, en route to Submarine Rock and Chicken Point.

Marc on top of the world

Chicken Point is the farthest point the Jeeps can go (before 'chickening out').   You can rent a jeep and travel the "Devils Stairway" to Chicken Point yourself OR take one of many tours, with a guide.

Pink Jeep Tours

The 'guide/driver' must take a rigorous six month training course which includes survival skills, first aid and has to put in something like 120 hours of driving time before getting the ticket to do tours.

Below is a YouTube video link to an ABC news article about the Pink Jeep Tours - it's quite informative and gives some history (better than I could do).  Enjoy.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0czCieLuDfo

Note:  (Sat)  we're leaving Dead Horse State Ranch and the Verde Valley to our next destination:  

Apache Junction (East of Mesa at the base of the Superstition Mountains).