SedonaOutdoor Escape Game & Treasure Hunt

From Ancient Dwellings to Pioneer Farms

Sedona's story begins around 4000 BC with prehistoric hunter-gatherers in the Verde Valley. Between 900 and 1350 AD, the Sinagua people, whose name means "without water," built pueblos and cliff dwellings in the area. They cultivated crops like corn, beans, and squash, and crafted baskets, pottery, and jewelry. The Sinagua established trade routes that reached the Pacific Coast, Mexico, and Central America. Their presence is visible in nearby sites like Montezuma Castle National Monument. After the Sinagua, the Yavapai and Apache tribes moved into the region.

The first documented European-American settler, John James Thompson, arrived in Oak Creek Canyon in 1876, claiming land under the 1862 Homestead Act. He found abandoned Native American gardens, which he named Indian Gardens. The year-round flow of Oak Creek made agriculture possible. By 1902, about 55 residents lived in the area, which grew with fruit orchards, especially peaches and apples, sold in Flagstaff and the mining town of Jerome. In 1899, Theodore Carlton (T.C.) Schnebly and his wife, Sedona Miller Schnebly, settled here. T.C. Schnebly established a general store and hotel, and in 1902, he successfully petitioned for a post office, naming the town "Sedona" after his wife, as his other suggestions were too long.

The Hollywood Era and Tourism

For decades, Sedona remained a small, rural community. Electricity and paved roads arrived in the 1950s. The area's red rock landscapes began to attract attention from Hollywood. From the 1940s through the 1970s, Sedona became a filming location for Westerns and other movies, with nearly 100 films and numerous television productions shot partially or entirely in the area. This influx of film crews provided an economic boost, employing locals as carpenters, extras, and livestock wranglers, and fostering the growth of local businesses. Tourism began to increase in the late 1960s and early 1970s, as ranchers sold land to developers, transforming orchards into retirement homes and building resorts and shopping centers. Today, tourism is Sedona's primary economic driver, drawing over four million visitors annually. The town has also gained recognition for its "spirituality," particularly its energy vortexes, which began to attract New Age practitioners in the late 20th century.

• —Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village — This village, designed in the style of a traditional Mexican village, features cobblestone walkways, sycamore trees, and numerous art galleries, shops, and restaurants. It is a place to browse local and regional art, jewelry, and crafts.
• —Midgley Bridge — This steel deck arch bridge, completed in 1939, spans Wilson Canyon along State Route 89A. It offers views of Oak Creek Canyon and the surrounding red rock formations. Parking areas and viewpoints are nearby.
• —Airport Mesa Scenic Overlook — A spot for sunset views, this mesa provides a 360-degree view of Sedona's red rocks, including Bell Rock, Courthouse Butte, Cathedral Rock, and West Sedona. It is also recognized as one of Sedona's energy vortex sites.
• —Red Rock Crossing Recreation Area (view of Cathedral Rock) — This area offers a view of Cathedral Rock, especially when reflected in Oak Creek. It is a spot for photography, picnicking, and wading in the creek.
• —Chapel of the Holy Cross — This structure, completed in 1956, is built directly into the red rocks, with a large cross dominating its facade. Designed by Marguerite Brunswig Staude, a student of Frank Lloyd Wright, it offers views and a quiet atmosphere.
• —Sedona Heritage Museum (Jordan Historical Park) — Located in the historic Jordan farmstead, this museum preserves the history of Sedona's early pioneers from 1876 to the present. The park includes the original Jordan home, a fruit-packing shed, and a tractor shed, showing the town's agricultural past.
• —Oak Creek Canyon Vista Point — On State Route 89A north of Sedona, this viewpoint provides views of Oak Creek Canyon, a gorge with vegetation contrasting with the red rocks. It is a stop for photographs and to see the canyon's scale.

Sedona is a year-round destination, but the best times for comfortable weather and outdoor activities are spring (March to May) and fall (September to November). Daytime temperatures are mild, ranging from the mid-60s to low 80s°F, suitable for hiking. Spring brings wildflowers, while fall offers autumn foliage, particularly in Oak Creek Canyon.

Summer (June to August) can be hot, with temperatures often reaching the high 80s and 90s°F, sometimes exceeding 100°F in July. This is also monsoon season, from early July to early September, bringing afternoon thunderstorms. Winter (December to February) is the quietest season, with cooler temperatures in the 50s°F during the day and chilly nights. Snow is rare but can dust the red rocks. To avoid crowds, consider visiting in winter or during the summer months.

Sedona does not have its own major airport or train station. The closest major airport is Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX), about a two-hour drive south. Flagstaff Pulliam Airport (FLG) is closer, approximately 45 minutes north, offering regional flights. Most visitors arrive by car, and having a vehicle is recommended for exploring the wider area and accessing trailheads. Within Sedona, Uptown Sedona is walkable, with shops and restaurants concentrated along Main Street. However, many attractions and trailheads are spread out, requiring a car. Parking can be challenging at popular trailheads, especially during peak seasons, so arriving early is advisable. There is no extensive public transportation system in Sedona. The Sedona Community Farmers Market is held weekly on Sundays. During the summer season (June to October), it operates from 8 AM to noon, and in the winter season (November to May), it runs from 11 AM to 3 PM. It is located in the Wells Fargo Bank parking lot at 2201 W State Route 89A.