While in Phoenix for a business meeting, CPT also made time to visit Sedona, Arizona. Sedona, which lies in the Verde Valley area of Arizona, is famous for the prevalence and beauty of its red sandstone formations. Yet, the history of Sedona and recent commercial development have added even more to the town’s allure.
Before the arrival of industrialized civilization, the Verde Valley was home to the Yavapai and Apache tribes. However, in 1875, under orders from President Ulysses S. Grant, the US military marched the Native Americans from the Verde Valley to the San Carlos Indian Reservation. Many Indians died during the march. Moreover, they lived in squalor in San Carlos after their forced relocation and subsequent 25-year internment. Interestingly, the Yavapai and Apache situation has not vastly improved. The 2000 Census showed a 68 percent unemployment rate for tribe members residing on the reservation.
After the government ordered relocation of the Native Americans, white settlers moved into Sedona. Initially, the area was predominantly a ranching and farming community, with an affinity for growing stellar peaches and apples. However, since the 1950s the principal mode of commerce has been tourism and real estate. Sedona’s stunning rock formations attract tourists from around the globe. In addition, Sedona has become a popular location for persons to purchase vacation and retirement homes. Due to increased tourist and retirement patronage, both commercial and residential development expanded in the 1980s. The current residential population is listed at slightly over 10,000.
The City of Sedona states that over 4 million people visit annually to partake in the magnificent scenery, outdoor recreational activities, southwestern galleries, restaurants, spas, and vineyards. The sandstone formations are known to change appearance based on the weather and the time of day, which sets Sedona apart from many other rocky areas. Sedona and the surrounding 1.8 million acres of national forest provide outstanding hiking, biking trails, and climbing opportunities that should satisfy almost any outdoor enthusiast. Meanwhile, the town provides modern comforts for tourists wishing to rest after a day amongst the rocks or the woods.
The media has frequently voted Sedona as one of the most beautiful places in America, including a number one vote from the USA Today Travel Section. CPT agrees that Sedona is a beautiful place.
CPT’s Mark Spivak hiked, climbed, and trail ran throughout the day while accumulating a number of wonderful photographs. We hope you enjoy the photos.
