Redrock Vibes: there’s something very special about Sedona.
FORESTS, MOUNTAINS, DESERTS – NORTH CENTRAL ARIZONA HAS IT ALL
A PLACE FOR A
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E forewarned: A trip to North Central Arizona involves hopping around between climate zones and landscapes. From cool forests to hot deserts to rough ‘n’ tumble mountains, this region has it all. Located north of the greater Phoenix area, North Central Arizona is a sprawling area of four distinct seasons. Winter skiing is surrounded by an alpine vista. Year-round, there are hiking opportunities through the brilliant red rocks of Sedona or the sprawling pine forests of Payson. 36
ARIZONA
But it’s not just the size of the place that impresses, it’s the variety. Each community has something unique to offer. Best to know a little bit about each: Those who know Sedona know the area has something very special about it – a mystical energy, the famous New Age vortexes, canyons and a panorama of the unforgettable red rocks. Sedona has always attracted artists and spiritualists – but it’s also known for its golf courses, world-class spas, hiking trails and outdoor recreation. At a mile high in elevation, Prescott’s four-season mountain setting makes it
CANADIANTRAVELLER.NET (56) SEPT 2013
a magnet for outdoor adventurers. And there’s history here: the city also holds the distinction of having been Arizona’s first territorial capital with a town centre peppered with Victorian architecture. In Payson there is a national forest to discover, rugged mountain panoramas, creeks and streams to fish and a spider web of trails for hiking, biking and horseback riding. Once called the “Wickedest Town in the West,” Jerome has a lively history as a copper mining town. When the copper market collapsed, Jerome faced fading away as a ghost town, but artists, galleries