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Whether seeking a sacred space to practice meditation or wanting to enjoy a spa retreat, visitors regularly seek out Sedona, Arizona, as a spiritual haven. But the area is not just for the spiritually minded or those who want to be pampered. Steep canyons, soaring red rock formations, dense pine forests, and miles of trails winding through them offer a playground for nature lovers. Plus, the area’s Spanish-style shopping village is replete with charm.

Below, learn about the 10 best ways your incentive trip earners can soak up the tranquil ambiance of Sedona.

1 – HIKE TO CATHEDRAL ROCK

You can see Cathedral Rock from Highway 179, but hiking to it and viewing the grand rock formation up close is an unforgettable experience. The moderately difficult Cathedral Rock hiking trail is also a great team building exercise. You will travel through green pine trees and scrub brush, as well as walk alongside scenic creeks on your way. These sights alone are worth the time and energy spent hiking. Once you reach Cathedral Rock, prepare yourself for the breathtaking vision of a giant red rock formation with natural “towers” that seem to reach up and touch the blue sky.

PRO TIP: Make sure you avoid wearing clothing that hangs down, as it could get caught on cactus prickers along the way.

2 – TAKE AN OFF-ROADING TOUR

Several companies provide off-roading tours of Sedona’s natural splendor. All-terrain vehicles safely navigate the rocky terrain. This is an excellent option for travelers who might prefer to sit back and relax instead of trekking on trails. In addition, the tour guides share fascinating information that you will not get on a self-guided hike.

3 – VIEW A STUNNING EXAMPLE OF ORGANIC ARCHITECTURE

Man-made structures built around natural formations are designed and constructed using the organic architecture style. Tucked seamlessly into the rocks around it, Chapel of the Holy Cross is a fine example of this style. The building seems to have risen from the landscape of its own accord. Best of all, you can get a sweeping view of Coconino National Forest from the terrace of Chapel of the Holy Cross, which is located in the forest.

4 – GO FOR A SCENIC DRIVE THROUGH A CANYON

The 90-minute round trip on Oak Creek Canyon Scenic Road turns a simple drive into a picturesque outing. Starting in Uptown Sedona, take 89A north as it travels through Oak Creek Canyon. You will see pretty sights from Slide Rock State Park and West Fork Hiking Trail. The finale of the 16-mile drive is Oak Creek Vista, where impressive views of Coconino National Forest await. It is a fitting end to a truly lovely mini-road trip.

5 – EXPLORE ONE OF SEDONA’S HIDDEN CAVES

Accessible via a hike through a canyon in the Red Rock Secret Mountain Wilderness, Subway Cave is among the most stunning of Sedona’s hidden caves. In addition to its beauty, Subway Cave offers hikers a vantage point over the canyon floor below. As with any hike, it is imperative to exercise caution and follow all posted rules and regulations.

6 – TAP INTO POSITIVE ENERGY AT ONE OF THE VORTEX SITES

The four main vortex sites in Sedona are a spiritual treat. You can find them at Airport Mesa, Cathedral Rock at Red Rock Crossing, Boynton Canyon, and Bell Rock. Here, you will come across people taking advantage of the powerful and peaceful energy that flows at these sites. Yoga and meditation are two of the most popular activities. Regardless of the chosen activity at the vortexes, many visitors feel positive emotions like creativity, serenity, hope, happiness, and love.

7 – PICK UP A SPECIAL KEEPSAKE OR GIFT FROM A QUAINT VILLAGE

Tlaquepaque Arts and Crafts Village is a series of Mexican-styled buildings that house over 50 boutique arts and crafts shops. You will enter the utterly charming village through an arched gate bearing its name. The centerpiece of the village is a circular “square” with a four-tiered fountain in its center. Whether you prefer to window shop or purchase something special, strolling down the cobblestone streets is a delightful experience. You might catch a glimpse of talented sculptors or artists at work in a gallery or see a wedding party posing for pictures against one of the many picturesque backdrops.

8 – VISIT A CLIFF ONCE INHABITED BY THE SINAGUA PEOPLE

Journey back in time to the heyday of the Sinagua people, who made their home on various cliffs in Sedona from 1,100 AD to 1,400 AD. Ancient buildings and pictographs give visitors an intimate look at the daily lives of the Sinagua people. Palatki Heritage Site is the easiest to reach and arguably the most impressive of the largest sites. The pictographs, which are symbols painted on the cave walls of the cliffs, were done by every native culture that once occupied Verde Valley. (1) Three different trails, ranging from wheelchair accessible to difficult, are open to visitors. Tours are limited to 12 people at a time and require reservations. Make sure you book well in advance, as these tours tend to be popular.

9 – TASTE SUPERB WINE AT NUMEROUS LOCAL WINERIES

Sedona and the surrounding area are a wonderful place for wine connoisseurs, courtesy of the Verde Valley Wine Trail. Numerous wineries line the trail, welcoming visitors for tastings and tours. Page Spring Cellars, with its covered decks and patios, as well as walking trails, is one standout. Arizona Stronghold in neighboring Cottonwood is another. Once you have worked up an appetite from all that wine tasting, satisfy your hunger at Merkin Vineyards Hilltop Winery and Trattoria.

10 – GET AN AERIAL VIEW OF ROCK FORMATIONS, CANYONS AND CREEKS

Some places are so breathtaking that leaving without flying above them would be a mistake. Sedona is one of these places. Fortunately, you can book a hot air balloon ride (or rides, depending on the size of your group) to get a bird’s eye view of the area’s high desert foliage and vibrant red cliffs. These tours also provide a rare look at Mt. Humphrey’s, the tallest peak in all of Arizona. If traveling by hot air balloon sounds nerve-wracking, you can opt for a helicopter tour.

Sedona is an ideal destination for a group incentive trip. Its appealing mix of gorgeous natural landscapes, historic sites, wineries, and shops truly has something for everyone. 

Are you considering a travel incentive program? Contact Gavel International to help plan a program that maximizes your budget and results in rave reviews from attendees. 

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SOURCE(S):

1  https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/coconino/recreation/outdoorlearning/recarea/?recid=55368&actid=119

Jeff Richards
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