Sedona AZ
Sedona AZ is a little more than 100 miles north of Phoenix. The drive there, up RT 17, takes you through a couple of small towns but just off RT 17 close to Camp Verde is Montezuma castle national monument. Montezuma Castle Monument is the location of the native cliff dwellers in North America from 1000 years ago. This is an amazing sight and well worth seeing. It is hard to believe that people used to live in these rooms high up in these limestone cliffs. There is a lot to see here and a good break from the drive.
I am not sure of the elevation as you go north from Phoenix and not much grows the further north you go. On many parts of the drive you might think you were on the moon. Very interesting, beautiful drive and I recommend it.
Sedona is called “Red Rock Country” and whether you’re into archaeology; arts and culture; shopping; or the spiritual and metaphysical, you can do it all here. Very fascinating scenery, nice town, some good restaurants, hotels, and nice shopping make for a good day in Sedona. I don’t get the spiritual thing but some wacko hippies like to bring people here and profess to them that they “know the way” to well being. If you’re into that hang on to your wallet.
All-in-all Sedona and the drive north from Phoenix is quite enjoyable and I recommend it.
