Travel-mad Zoe Macfarlane shares her life on the road as a digital nomad, this week she comes to you from a US road trip through Arizona’s desert town, Sedona.
It’s a US road trip must-do but what makes three million visitors annually head to the red-rock healing Mecca of Sedona?
I set out to get answer during recent travels in a Jucy campervan. Here’s what I found:
RED MEANS GO
Driving into Sedona should come with a warning. I practically had to lift my jaw off the Jucy van floor as I got that first glimpse of the city’s impressive red rock formations.
FUN FACT: Sedona’s orange-red rocks are a natural phenomenon, thanks to a high concentration of iron oxide that is unique to the area.
A VOR-WHAT?
It’s not only the red rocks that make Sedona visitors rock out – it’s also the vortexes. But what the hell is one?
Visit Sedona describes them as “places where the earth seems especially alive with energy.” People are attracted to them for meditation, healing, and for a general upsurge in energy levels.
Even if that sounds woo-woo, you’re going to feel a tingle in your fingertips, neck or shoulders just like everyone else. I did!
VORTEX HUNTING
While Sedona is considered one big vortex, there are four key sites to explore.
Bell Rock is a super accessible site, and the popular Airport Vortex gets busy for sunset. Boynton Pass is the furthest out, and for an adventure, the bold can climb to the top of Cathedral Rock. I felt the most intense energy while laying my hands on a monolith at the top there.
REMEDIAL ROCKS
With the rise of wellness travel trends, it’s no wonder that visitors are drawn to Sedona. They want to soak up as much of that extra energy as possible!
Considered a metaphysical tourism destination, Sedona is naturally curative. Drive around and you’ll see all kinds of healers available in town – from the practical to the practically kooky. For a rewarding and less esoteric session, join Amber or Lance from Vita Pura Yoga for a private class atop the red rocks.
THE TRUTH IS OUT THERE
A trip highlight was joining the eerie Sedona UFO Vortex Tours. Armed with military-grade night goggles and a laser, the guide explained everything in the night sky far above us.
From planes, satellites, secret military craft, and… two unidentified, high-speed, erratic craft that flitted haphazardly across my vision! Skeptic or believer, don’t miss out.
ECO SEDONA
Join the Sedona community and #traveltochangetheworld. Be sure to pack your trash out, park in designated areas, and stay on the trails to protect the vegetation. Oh, and do not remove any rocks or historical artifacts.
HOME IS WHERE YOU PARK IT
Travelling across the US in a Jucy is the ultimate freedom. These custom-converted soccer-mom vans sleep four and have a nifty kitchen in the back.
They afford the flexibility to wing your trip and be able to sleep anywhere. I even snoozed in a Walmart car park to break my LA-to-Sedona journey. Get amongst it by camping at Rancho Sedona.
Alternatively, if you’re looking to spend your cash on Sedona Cake Couture’s delights instead (worth it), check out the Palatki Ruins road (FR525) for dispersed (free) camping.
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