Sedona is a good destination for a home base to enjoy the scenic marvels of Northern Arizona. Of course, the iconic red rock monoliths dominating the plateau north of Phoenix attract most visitors on their way to see the wonders of the Grand Canyon.  Often overlooked is the beauty of Oak Creek Canyon leading up to the forests at Flagstaff.  This is the summer retreat for the lowland Phoenicians seeking relief from the desert heat and perfect for a fall visit with autumn colors to match the rocks.

Settling down in Sedona for a few days or better for a week offers access to numerous nearby places to explore. For archeologists, the Indian cave dwelling at Montezuma Castle and an ancient pueblo at Montezuma Well makes an interesting side trip for a day’s visit to Jerome, a living ghost town just 36 miles from Sedona.