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!

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 Brings A Sense of Adventure

As you analyze the phrase, there is an anticipation of what you might see around the next turn, whether you are hiking or driving. When you experience the sights, the sounds, and the smell of pine trees, nature, and the 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 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!

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.

Red Rocks Fever Catch It!

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

Another significant factor people move here is the weather, climate, and year-round outdoor activities. Buyers say they love the healthy mild climate. The air is clean. 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 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 in those long summers of 110º plus days. Sedona averages 15º cooler than the Phoenix area and 15-20º 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, 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 to 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. The Grand Canyon-Parashant National Monument, Arizona, and Elan Valley Estate, Wales, United Kingdom, are two such parks. In addition, 13 International Dark Sky Reserves were added to the list in another category.

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.

The image above was shot during a full moon, and you can still see a lot of stars.

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As a Coldwell Banker Sedona Realtor®, my primary goal is to help my customers obtain their dreams and satisfy their financial goals and objectives through real estate. From the moment you contact me, you will observe my seasoned ability to provide you with “World Class Service” and that “personal touch” while utilizing a complete package of technology options that are of the utmost importance and critical in today’s market. I will tailor real solutions to fit your specific needs. – Sheri Sperry

10 Reasons Why Sheri Is Your Solution

Sedona-Lifestyle.com

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This post was published on March 28, 2020, and revised on March 31, 2022.