 BEAUTY & NATURE
Sedona's natural beauty extends from its wide variety of beautiful pine and piñon trees, blossom-ing cactus, abundant wildlife including hava-lina, coyote, mountain lion, and a multitude of cawing ravens, to its splendid valleys and breathtaking canyon vistas.
Photographers and artists of all walks come here to be inspired by Sedona's breathtaking beauty. We say "You can't take a bad photo in Sedona," because it's true. Any time of the day you can take some amazing  photos, but of course there are certain times of the day and year that are especially beautiful ... sunrise, sunset, spring, summer, autumn's colorful splendor, and ... snow, which in Sedona's case is always "decorative."
HISTORY OF SEDONA
Since preshistoric times, indiginous tribes from many nations and cultures pilgrimaged to Sedona every year for sacred ceremony. Tribes from Canada, North and South America found their way to this amazing jewel in the middle of the high desert.
Sedona's history started over 6000 years ago with the first settlers to the area. Native Americans lived in and around the Sedona area in a series of cave dwellings, some of which still exist today. In particular, the Hopi Indian's, in a feat that is still marveled at today, managed to grow corn, beans and squash in an area that averages only 15-20 inches of rain per year. Examples of the 4 or 5 story structures such as Montezuma's Castle or the Casa Grande ruins, built by various aboriginal cultures such as the Sinagua, Anasazi and the Hohokam, provide excellent examples of early life in the area, although why the last tribe disappeared around 500 years ago still remains a mystery.
 SEDONA ARABELLA MILLER SCHNEBLEY
Between 1870 and 1900 the first non aboriginal settlers to the area began to homestead around the Verde Valley area. Because of the remoteness of the region, initial growth was slow but over time as more and more settlers arrived, the need for another postal station arose and T.C. Schnebly filled this void, naming the station after his wife, Sedona [Arabella Miller Schnebly]. Today, Sedona Arizona has a population of approximately 21,500 residents with thousands of visitors each year enjoying the natural beauty and energy of the area. (Hmm, Sedona and the actor Christina Ricci look alike.)
Sedona is a blending of cultures, from the artistic works of Mother Nature 350 million years ago and the carved rock formations painted striking red to the first human beings, magnificent cave dwellings, humble homesteads and artistic tributes that make Sedona the one-of-a-kind place it is known as. A visit to Sedona is an experience that won't soon be forgotten. READ MORE
HOLLYWOOD IN SEDONA
There have been many movies filmed within Sedona and filming continues to date. We also hold an annual International Film Festival. Walt Disney lived here in the 40's and 50's. Sedona inspired him to create his theme parks. He wanted to build the first, Disneyland, right here in Sedona. Instead he created theme rides like Disneyland's Matterhorn and Disneyworld's Thunder Mountain roller coasters, Disney's movies, "Thunder Mountain", and "Fantasia."
Nowadays, Arizona is making it much easier for filmmakers to work in this state so be on the lookout for many more film crews in and around these amazing red rock formations.
THE "DISNEYWORLD" OF SPIRITUALITY
THE SPIRITUAL CAPITOL OF THE WORLD
We call Sedona "the Disneyworld of Spirituality" because Sedona has over 33 different churches, synagoges, and temples; 50 cults, and when we Googled "Healers Sedona", over 97,500 links appeared. Sedona is the world's largest spiritual mecca. The indigenous people who lived very close to nature were aware of the vortexes' power and gathered at these places to perform ceremony. They felt that these auspicious places coupled with a specific time event were openings or "portals" to other dimensions. The energies of Sedona are compared to those of Stonehenge and Glastonbury in England, the great pyramid in Egypt and Machu Picchu in Peru. READ MORE
WHAT'S THE NAME OF THAT ROCK?
Regarding the "why?" for names of Sedona's famed red rock formations, Coffeepot, out on Soldier Pass Road; Steamboat, at the north end of main street; Merry-Go-Round, way up on Schnebly Hill Road; and Snoopy, practically uptown, obviously were named because of their unique shapes. There are good stories associated with other names, however.
For example, most people don't know that Cathedral Rock used to be over by Bell Rock, where Courthouse Rock is now. That was when Courthouse Rock was Church Rock, and when Cathedral Rock was Court Rock. Old-timers credit this confusion to newcomers. "If they don't know the name of a rock, they call it whatever they want," say these early residents.
WHAT IS A VORTEX?
A Vortex area is where a number of ley lines meet and create a swirling outflow or inflow of energy. It is a giant magnet of energy natural to Mother Earth.
Sedona has many vortexes which act as transmitting stations; some of the more famous are Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock, Boynton Canyon, the Kachina Woman and Airport Mesa to name a few.
The indigenous people who lived very close to nature were aware of the vortexes' power and gathered at these places to perform ceremony. They felt that these auspicious places coupled with a specific time event were openings or "portals" to other dimensions. The energies of Sedona are compared to those of Stonehenge and Glastonbury in England, the great pyramid in Egypt and Machu Picchu in Peru.
SEDONA - THE PERFECT RETREAT OASIS
The beautiful town of Sedona is located 4500 ft over sea level in the high desert of northern Arizona. It's magic and beauty has enchanted people for millennia. From the Native Americans who view this place as very sacred, to the early settlers and modern seekers of all ages.
Sedona has four seasons with very mild winters and hot summers and is the perfect place for your retreat any month of the year. 
Beneath the beauty and climate, what makes Sedona so special?
The red rocks are located on top of a giant magnet that is natural to Mother Earth; we call the energies that are created in this electro-magnetic field vortexes. Many are drawn to Sedona for personal growth, transformation, rest and relaxation. The indigenous people knew that the vortex energies magnify everything for those who choose to enter this sacred land. We have found that whatever you intend when you come to Sedona is expanded by the energy of the vortices. Therefore, we recommend you become very clear on your intentions as you plan for your retreat time. When you come with us on an individual or group Sedona Retreat, we take great care to insure that your intention and purpose for your Sedona visit is fulfilled. Some examples are:
- Focusing on relaxation, meditation, releasing what no longer serves you
- Connecting deeper with your inner wisdom
- Clarifying your life's purpose
- Taking your next steps
We will take care of your needs and help you have the time of your life on your Sedona retreat. (928) 300-1236 or vortexjah@shangrilasedona.com.
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