Discover the Magic of Sedona

It’s one of the most magnetic, memorable places in the U.S., yet it doesn’t have a beach or an active volcano, or waterfalls or anything people usually associate with a beautiful backdrop. Sedona is renowned for its terra firma: from the red rocks to the green valleys to the gorges to the canyons. Some say it’s magical, and some just say it puts them at ease. Whatever the case, here are a few of the best ways to experience the essence of Sedona.

Hike “the vortex” at Cathedral Rock. What is the vortex, you ask? It’s more a metaphysical thing than a physical trait, but thousands of people believe in Sedona’s power as an energy vortex, and Cathedral Rock is one of the most recognizable and reachable landmarks. The trail is steep but it’s only 1½ miles round-trip, and leads you through the three “saddle points” that can be easily seen even from afar.

Phoenix Trip Idea: "Cactus League" Spring Training

Baseball's spring-training camps offer fans the chance to watch their favorite teams and get close to the players, in an environment that's much more relaxed and affordable than regular-season games. In Phoenix, spring training is known as the Cactus League and runs from March 3-April 3, 2010. Fifteen Major League Baseball teams are in town, with games being played throughout the Greater Phoenix area. There are stadiums in Phoenix and the suburbs of Scottsdale, Glendale, Mesa, and more, but all are no more than a 45-minute drive away from each other. This makes it easy to catch your favorite team at their home stadium plus at their "away" games. Teams playing in the Cactus League for the 2010 spring-training season are as follows:

Travel Icons: Grand Canyon National Park

The Grand Canyon is one of life's most awesome spectacles, and a rafting trip down the Colorado River that carved this wonder is one of life's must-do experiences. Typically a 225-mile float, the classic trip takes about three weeks and hits some tough Class III-IV+ whitewater. The water is relatively chilly year-round, though the post-summer months are best for cooler temps and fewer river rats.

Photo credit: Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona (Alistair Wearmouth)

Must-See Arizona: Sedona

The magnificent red-rock landscape of Sedona, Arizona—the result of 350 million years of erosion—inspire awe and amazement in millions of visitors every year. Many Native American Shamans consider Sedona an important sacred site where several mystical vortices, doorways into the spirit world, are located.

Photo credit: Sedona, Arizona (Photodisc/Getty)

Top 3 Affordable Desert Escapes

You don't have to go to the Sahara to experience the desert. These sandy getaways, all accessible via major airports with regular flight deals from around the country, certainly don’t skimp on luxury. However, book a trip during the slow season (ie, the hottest summer months) and they can make for a surprisingly affordable vacation.

The Arizona Biltmore, Phoenix, Arizona
A desert oasis offering Frank Lloyd Wright-influenced architecture, spa and golf packages, and a full menu of activities from salsa dancing to lawn chess, this circa-1929 resort blends vintage charm with modern amenities. Kids will enjoy the comfort food at the hotel's delicious new Frank & Albert's restaurant.

Phoenix Outdoor Adventures: South Mountain Park

Just outside of Phoenix, South Mountain Park encompasses 16,500 acres of mountainous desert country. Along the nearly 50 miles of hiking and equestrian trails, you'll enjoy impressive views of the valley, prehistoric petroglyphs, giant granite boulders, and stately saguaro.

Photo credit: South Mountain Park, Phoenix (Alistair Wearmouth)