Sedona, Arizona in the Springtime is a Spiritual Experience

Sedona in Northern Arizona is not as well known as two other Southwest U.S. vacation destinations, Arizona's Grand Canyon and Las Vegas in Nevada. Just 100 miles north of Phoenix, the major attractions of Sedona are the mountain-sized, deep red rocks that surround the town. Sedona is a great place for Springtime travel and is often overlooked for the more popular Southwest destinations.

Springtime Weather in Sedona
The average high daytime temperature for April and May is 75 degrees, and a cool 45 at night. At an altitude of 4,500 feet above Arizona's dry desert landscape, the area is from 10 to 20 degrees cooler than Phoenix. Annual Sedona rainfall is less than 20 inches, with about two and a half inches coming in March, just in time to encourage wildflower growth.

Springtime Blossoms in Sedona
Throughout, springtime brings out hundreds of varieties of wildflowers that bloom in perfect harmony with the scarlet cliffs serving as perfect backdrops. There's the Evening Primrose, that opens its blue-white petals at sundown and closes at sunup.

Others with colorful blossoms and names include Indian Paintbrush, Naked Delphinium, Golden Columbine, Mormon Tea, Indigo Tea Bush and Apricot Mallow. More common flowers are the Daisy, Fleabane and Penstemon.

Sedona's Healing Powers
Sedona has long been a destination for those who seek the physical, mental and spiritual healing powers of the plant and geology of the area. The cathedral-like rock formations serve as inspiration for those who believe in finding solace there in one of nature's most beautiful settings.

Sedona daytime landscapes are always bathed in brilliant reds and greens, and cool moon-lit nights offer dramatic sights of the cliffs and bluffs along the trails. Climbers, bikers, hikers, as well as those on the famed Sedona jeep ventures, find a sense of enduring peace and tranquility.

Springtime Event in Sedona
Tlaquepaque, at 336 Highway 179 in Sedona, offers 40 shops and art galleries, as well as four restaurants. Its big springtime happening is the Cinco de Mayo (May 5) Fiesta. It includes many varieties of Mexican foods, items for sale, mariachi music and colorful ethnic dances.
tlaq.com

Sedona Lodging
The Enchantment Resort is a jewel of luxury set among the towering red rock formations, and is steps away from picturesque nature hiking and biking trails. The resort buildings are pink adobe and blend in with the spectacular canyon setting. The location is complimented by five-star service, fresh, local food and an array of mind and body healing spa treatments.

Enchantment Resort
525 Boynton Canyon Road, Sedona, AZ 86336
enchantmentresort.com

Sedona Dining
From the outside, the Heartline Cafe resembles an old-fashioned Pullman car set down among Sedona's red rocks. Inside, it's a cozy, upscale restaurant with an eclectic array of delicious foods and drinks. It's our favorite place to eat in Sedona and we seem to make an annual pilgrimage to have a meal there.

Along with Mexican fare of pesto quesadilla, chipolte and green chile, there are French dishes and Italian pastas and American standards, such as New York strip steak and grilled wild salmon. It's just good food.

Heartline Cafe
1610 W Highway 89A, Sedona, AZ 86336
heartlinecafe.com

Summary
Sedona in the springtime, though often overlooked, offers visitors breathtaking natural views, warm desert temperatures, enjoyable activities, comfortable lodging and fine dining.

You can follow travel writer Ted Sherman on twitter, @travel4seniors and check out his blog, travel4seniors.com

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