Red rocks everywhere. Houses made of clay painted red. Huge cactuses all around. Desert land with small bushes welcoming you at every corner. Welcome to a little paradise, also called Sedona, Arizona. Driving through the various hills in Sedona, people with smiles on their faces greet you at every corner. Driving from California to Sedona is very intriguing and is worth a try. Through SoCal, the landscape keeps changing. From rolling green lawns to the stinking smell of cows to the dry desert land. The scenery is fantastic as the roads are very nice and and are enveloped by rolling hills.
Once in Sedona, you will realize that the place is filled with people with very positive vibes and very hopeful thinking. No need to be Christian to appreciate the charming Churches and Cathedrals located in Sedona. The breeze of faith and charm is in the air. Sedona is a perfect place to meditate and to let go of all the worries that weigh your shoulders down. Trails can go on for miles overlooking the great Red rocks and the beautiful scenery. The sunsets are amazing providing many dimensions to the red color of the Red Rock. At the end of the day you can go to restaurants where there are very friendly and energetic people eager to get you the hearty meal.
Drive Loop
If you have very little time then the best way hit all the scenic spots of Sedona is by doing the Drive Loop. Take 89A North to Flagstaff. Then take 17 South from near Flagstaff. Next take 179 N to hit the Red Rock Scenic Byway.
Places to visit
Tlaquepaque
This place is a collection of art galleries, shops and dining establishments. You can relax and stroll through this place and enjoy the feel of a little village. The cobbled stone streets and mosaic fountains provide a charming, old-fashioned atmosphere.
Wheelchair Accessibility ♿️ ♿️ ♿️
The place is completely wheelchair accessible. There is a huge parking lot in the back which has many disabled parking spots. From the parking it is a short straight entry into the courtyard. There are accessible restrooms and elevators to go upstairs.
The Bell rock
Bell Rock is one of the first identifiable red rock formations you see when you enter Sedona from Hwy 179. Like the name suggests it looks like a giant red bell. There are quite a few trails around the Bell Rock and there is one which takes you to the top of the rock.
Wheelchair Accessibility ♿️ ♿️
The parking for the Bell Rock is on both sides of Hwy 179. There are a few disabled parking spot. The parking lot also provides many vista points and photo opportunities. All the hiking trails also originate from these parking lots.
The biking trail for climbing is pretty flat which you can use for wheel chair or mobility scooter to climb up.
If you are interested to hike in Sedona, you can get more info here:
Chapel of Holy Cross
This Chapel of holy cross is one of the “must see” sights of Sedona. This has a distinctive architectures and famous for its breathtaking panoramic views. Here people of all denominations come to offer their prayers, supplications, and praises.
Wheelchair Accessibility ♿️ ♿️ ♿️
- This church is completely wheelchair accessible . You can drive up to the top for accessible parking. There is a fairly steep ramp from that point to the church
- Because of the steepness of the ramp, a mobility scooter might be easier then a wheelchair
- There are accessible portable restroom that you will find on your way to the parking lot. Make sure to use them if needed as there are no restrooms in the church.
- The gift shop inside the church is not wheelchair accessible
Uptown
This area is the main square where you get all the information about the place and the activities. You can also book the famous pink Jeep tours here.
WheelchairAccessibility ♿️ ♿️
The shops are wheelchair accessible.The information center is also completely accessible and have an accessible restroom. The ramp to the restroom is at the back of the building.
Sunset at the Airport Mesa
From this view point you can also enjoy the panoramic view of all the red rock landmarks in Sedona and a beautiful sunset creating many different shades on the red rock.
Wheelchair Accessibility ♿️ ♿️
You can drive to the top for Airport Scenic View parking. This parking has a few accessible parking spot. The road is very uneven and the ground may be soft at the view point. It is better to stay on the paved path.
Vortex
About a half mile up Airport Road, there is a parking area on the left for accessing the trailhead. The parking lot also provides access to a well known Sedona vortex spot. It can be very difficult to find parking at this location. It is a very a small lot with approximately ten parking spaces.
Oak Creek Canyon
Oak Creek Canyon route is about a 14 mile scenic drive along Route 89A between Sedona and Flagstaff, Arizona. Oak Creek Canyon is a breathtaking stretch of beauty on a winding road that climbs 4,500 feet from Sedona to the top of the Mogollon Rim. The canyon opens to the foliage of oaks interspersed with evergreen pines with the incredible backdrop of red-faced rocks and cliffs. In winter you will find this snow covered giving you a mesmerizing view.
Verde Valley
To explore Sedona and beyond you can have a quick trip to the lush green Verde valley which is about 20 miles from Sedona.You can check the old town of Cotton wood ,Clarkdale, Prescott and the train depot in Jerome.
The little old town of Cottonwood has some cozy bakery shop and wine and dine places. It is a quaint downtown where you can have a stroll and enjoy the old town charm. The old town is very accessible with many accessible parking.
Clarkdale and Jerome, a copper mining town is now home to several art studios and Verde Canyon rail road. The historic old town has a library, museum and a town hall. The train takes you to the Interiors of the Verde valley taking you back in time through the old towns of Verde Valley. For more details check here.
Wheelchair Accessibility ♿️ ♿️
- While entering the train depot take the second entrance which points to the direction for wheelchair users.
- The coach and first class of the train are completely accessible and there are ADA restrooms in wheelchair accessible cars.
- There is a platform lift that has a weight restriction of 400 lbs.
- A manual wheelchair is available free of charge. The width restriction of a wheelchair is 24.5 inches.
- The Caboose is not wheelchair accessible.
- The train depot also has an accessible restroom.
