What Makes the Red Rocks of Sedona so Special?

Ship Rock from my backyard with a telephoto lens

"God Made The Grand Canyon, But He Lives In Sedona!" 

Ah! The Red Rocks of Sedona, the first time you see Sedona's majestic red rock beauty, the image you see burns into your memory. What makes this landscape unique is how it changes as you move through it. A certain "Wow Factor" can take your breath away as the scenery seems to change right in front of your eyes. There is an old saying that "God made the Grand Canyon, but He lives in Sedona."  Also, Sedona is one of the few cities where you can go outside at night and see the Milky Way. We will discuss that later!

What's Love Got To Do With It?

Preface ~ February’s City Love Challenge, “What I Love About My City,”

Hosted by Brian England and Debe Maxwell, CRS 

As I was researching my last blog titled "Ambiente ~ A Landscape Hotel" I came across a video of the "Vista Rossa" which is the video below.  It is owned by the family who owns the Ambiente and the land that Mariposa Restaurant occupies. 

I pass by this approx. 15,000 SF mansion located two blocks from my house. It is tucked away down a 1/4 mile driveway.  You can't see it from the street but it is there! 

This 10 acre parcel was purchased in 1998 for a little under $100,000 an acre.  Rick and I purchased our Cottage at Coffeepot in 2003.  At that time we had our home scheduled for a remodel and it was 6-months out for the tile to be laid.  I got a call and was told that a major job down the street was on hold for 1 month and they could get our job done.  I found out later that his "major job" was the Vista Rossa!  Phil Morris built the Cottages at Coffeepot and the Vista Rossa.  

It has seven bedrooms and 14 bathrooms.  There is 6000 SF of covered outdoor space.  You can see all the major red rocks in Soldiers Pass from this property.  

This 5:32 video is why Rick and I moved here.  It took us two years to decide where we would move to. Twenty years later, and we can't see ourselves leaving this area of Soldiers Pass.  Hundreds of people hike this area every day.  The video encapsulates why we moved here better than any picture.  But, as a REALTOR® or person in the real estate industry, you will appreciate this unique home.  As of right now, it is not showing up on our local MLS.  Watch it full screen!

Map of Soldiers Pass - West Sedona Arizona

Red Rocks Fever

Red Rocks Fever - I have talked about this many times before. We have a dedicated domain that showcases some of the landscape and photography of Sedona's red rocks.

Sedona Instills A Sense of Adventure

Whether you are hiking or driving, there is an anticipation of what you might see around the next turn. When you experience the sights, the sounds, and the smell of pine trees, junipers, and red rocks, a feeling of euphoria may come over you. Hence, the name "Red Rocks Fever"!

Those with severe "red-rocks fever" cases may lose some sleep, become anxious, and possibly be frustrated because they did not plan enough time in this awe-inspiring area. A person with the "fever" may try to pack too much into their time here, such as an extra hike or bike ride, maybe a red rock jeep tour, or just one more vortex before you leave. I know you don't want to leave, but you have to go back home to work.

They didn't plan it, but they are, looking at property for a vacation home or a home for future retirement.

If you know someone with red-rocks fever, or you may have it yourself, please see me. I had a severe case of the bug, and I can find a "cure" for you!

Red Rocks Fever Catch It!

The image above is Cathedral Rock in the Spring - with the pump house to create electricity and pump water.  

I Love the Red Rocks and the Landscape, but why should I move to Sedona?

Many people move here for the weather, climate, and year-round outdoor activities. Buyers say they love the clean air and healthy mild climate.

All year long, there are outdoor activities, including hiking and mountain biking among the red rocks. Golf and tennis are other popular activities. Living in the red rocks and enjoying a dark sky is a powerful draw for buyers. Mild weather with very little noticeable humidity and around 300 days of sunshine is another big reason to move to Sedona. Is it any wonder why Sedona is a second home, retirement, and relocation destination?

Sedona-Weather.com

How Is The Weather in Sedona?

I get a lot of questions about the weather and climate. Before we moved here full-time, we decided to visit every season to understand the nuance of the Sedona climate.

My husband erected a weather station to record the weather. His records are pretty extensive, going back to 2010.

In my neighborhood of 33 homes, only 10 are full-time owners. In winter, many residents come here to avoid the fridged cold of the midwestern and northeastern states, while others beat the heat from areas such as Phoenix or Tucson in those long summers of 110º plus days. Sedona averages 10-15º cooler than the Phoenix area and 10-15º warmer than the Flagstaff area.

Sedona has a mild climate compared to other areas, with high humidity in the summer months and frigid freezing weather in the winter months. As a result, both seasons are relatively short, with a more extended period of pleasant spring and fall weather.

How Does Low Humidity Affect How You Feel?

Many people don't realize that low humidity in summer and winter months means temps over 90º do not feel as warm as areas with humidity. This same climatic condition goes for winter weather as well. Days below 50º feel less chilly than other areas with humidity and wind. If you are looking for four distinct seasons, Sedona may be what you are looking for! You may see snow. However, it evaporates quickly. Since 2010, there have only been a handful of days that the temperature remained below freezing all day. Our climate minimizes the chance of icy conditions. You can see this complete documentation at Sedona-Weather.com.

How Does Sedona Compare To Large Metropolitan Areas?

Besides the beautiful weather and gorgeous views, people move to Sedona because of the small-town atmosphere, commitment to the Arts, and easy access to businesses, doctors, dentists, and other professional services. Sedona has 5-star resorts and first-class restaurants. Just in West Sedona alone, there are four grocery stores: Bashes, Safeway (Albertsons), Natural Grocers, and Whole Foods. Besides the pharmacies in Bashes and Safeway, there is a CVS and Walgreens for convenience.

Five minutes east of Whole Foods, you will find Uptown Sedona. Uptown is home to jeep touring companies, restaurants, wine-tasting rooms, stores tourists enjoy shopping in, and lodging accommodations. The Hyatt at Pinon Pointe Shopping Area is the transition from West Sedona to the Uptown area. You can find all of this within a short drive. Even if there is an appearance of traffic, you can get just about anywhere in Sedona 86336 within minutes. For example, my home at the very back of Soldiers Pass is only 4-5 minutes from Whole Foods, including my doctor and other professional services.

Big-box stores such as Wal-Mart and Home Depot are located 25 minutes to the west in Cottonwood. Verde Valley Medical Center Sedona Campus Emergency Department is 6 minutes from Whole Foods. Traveling short distances for your shopping, professional and medical needs does spoil me. If it takes me an extra couple of minutes to get somewhere because of traffic, my husband reminds me how much traffic we came from in the Metropolitan Los Angeles area.

Sedona is an International Dark Sky Community

One of the main reasons Rick got Red Rocks Fever was the night sky. You could see the Milky Way at night along with shooting stars. Sedona reminded him of being a kid again when there was little light pollution, and you could see stars. Once there was the suburban sprawl, light pollution entered the picture.   Sedona has taken great strides to suppress light pollution and preserve the dark sky. An actual city ordinance covers what residents and the business community can do with lighting.

In 2014, Sedona was designated as the eighth International Dark Sky community. Worldwide, you will find 18 other communities, including Big Park Village of Oak Creek, Arizona. Flagstaff, Arizona, was the first city to be designated IDA back in 2001.

Each designated area must meet stringent criteria to carry the IDA designation. There are also 30 International Dark Sky Parks.  Of the 61 areas worldwide, you can find 36 in the United States, and seven are in Arizona. Four of the seven are located in Northern Arizona.

Both images above were shot during a full moon, and you can still see a lot of stars.

10 Reasons Why Sheri Is Your Solution

Sedona-Lifestyle.com

1994-Entering Sedona (Village of Oak Creek) from the SR 179.

Ryan-Rick-Ricky 

Bell Rock and Courthouse Butte in Background

Find Sedona Property Solutions HERE!

Here is a look at the latest up-to-date Sedona Market Report for zip code 86336, including West Sedona, Uptown, Red Rock Loop, and the Chapel Area. The Market Reports for zip codes 86336, (86351--> VOC), (86325--> Cornville), (86326--> Cottonwood), (86324--> Clarkdale).  You can find other market reports at SedonaMarketReports.com.

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This post was published on March 28, 2020, with revisions on March 31, 2022, and February 10th, 2023.