Create Your Sedona, Arizona Adventure

“Create” – to bring into existence; to produce through imaginative skill; to produce or bring about by a course of action or behavior; cause or occasion. (Miriam Webster).

Make the most of your visit to Sedona and create an adventure that is all yours…create memories that will last a lifetime! With so many excursions, journeys, experiences, there is one (or more) for you.

Create your personal adventure today…

First, decide outdoor or indoors. Next, do you want it to be spiritual, restoring & rejuvenating, rigorous or serene? Or is the cultural side of Sedona more appealing?

OK, got it? Here are some of our suggestions…

For the arduous, outdoor adventure
Hike take-your-breath-away, drop-dead incredible Cathedral Rock, Bear Mountain, and/or Wilson Mountain trails
RZRing, 4WD, ATV, off-road tours
Mountain biking
Kayaking the Verde River

For the cultural adventure
Sedona International Film Festival Premieres
Tour the museums of Sedona
Sedona History Walk – A Walk through Time

For the spiritual adventure
Hike with Sedona Philosophy Experience
Experience the mysterious cosmic forces of a vortex
Look into the invisible realms of heart, mind, and soul

For the restore & rejuvenate adventure
Connect with a reiki master to promote relaxation and healing, and reduces stress
Take a private day retreat at a spa, some have outdoor gardens, hot tub, and fountains
Experience desert treatments such as deep healing massage, body purification, and detox

For the indoor/serene adventure
Our suggestions?
Shopping, dining, stroll Oak Creek, or just relax at El Portal Sedona Hotel

Sedona offers an array of experiences – MAKE ONE YOURS TODAY!

At El Portal Sedona Hotel we offer our guests personalized concierge services to help you get the most out of your trip to Sedona. At this AAA Four Diamond boutique hotel, we will assist you in anything and everything Sedona!  Give us a call and reserve your room today 1.800.313.0017, or book online.

Bringing Philosophy Outdoors to the Majestic Natural Beauty of Sedona – Finding Meaning in Sedona’s Red Rocks

Sedona, Arizona has long been recognized as a mystical place ideal for soul-searching and revelation. Visitors from all over the world are drawn to the awe-inspiring beauty of Sedona’s towering red rock formations, as well as the area’s profound sense of peace and multitude of vortexes—spots where the power of the earth’s energy is thought to elicit spiritual renewal. Sedona Philosophy Experience (SPEX) is an innovative outdoor exploration led by academics that know how to make philosophy fun and meaningful. Guests have an opportunity to ponder life’s great questions and engage in philosophical dialogue while they explore Sedona’s captivating natural landscape. 

Offering a variety of philosopher-guided hikes, SPEX gives visitors the unique chance to contemplate the meaning in their lives while traversing the hiking trails of stunning Red Rock State Park. As a designated environmental education center, Red Rock State Park aligns with SPEX’s mission of advancing environmental and philosophical awareness. Additionally, the trails in Red Rock State Park—which are recognized as some of the most beautiful in the world—offer unparalleled access to the serenity of Oak Creek. Under the shade of the trees that line Oak Creek Canyon, the creekside Kisva (Hopi for “shady water”) Trail stays cool even in the heat of summer.

All SPEX guides are professional philosophers who live in Sedona and northern Arizona and know the region intimately. The company’s founders were inspired to start SPEX after realizing that philosophy was practiced almost entirely within academia and inside classrooms and few efforts were being made to extend philosophical discussions to the general public. As a result, philosophy has suffered from the common misconception that it is a dry or intimidating subject – or that you need some sort of formal training to do philosophy. But as Andrea Houchard, Ph.D., one of the founders and guides for SPEX says, “philosophy is for everyone and philosophy is fun. It is relevant to every person’s life—happiness, friendship, love, death, life, beauty—these things matter to all of us, and there is no better place to think about them than among Sedona’s magical red rocks.” 

The personalized nature of SPEX hikes distinguishes them from other guided hikes. “Many traditional guided hikes are transactional and information-oriented,” says Dr. Houchard. “Our hikes, on the other hand, are about the unique experiences of each of our participants.” As they explore Sedona’s breathtaking scenery, SPEX participants have the special chance to reflect on and talk about humanity’s place in nature, as well as their own experiences and what matters most in their lives. It creates an opportunity for individuals to heal, reflect, and explore. Though it may leave the red rocks behind, you can carry the insights from a SPEX hike wherever you go. 

 

SPEX offers group hikes at Red Rock State Park every Saturday from 8:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Hikes are limited to eight people, so participants are encouraged to sign up online to reserve a spot. The cost is $110 per hiker. Private hikes ($135/person at a two-person minimum) may also be arranged by calling 928-274-8737 or emailing andrea@sedonaphilosophy.com. SPEX conducts special events throughout the year, such as for Earth Day. To learn more, visit http://sedonaphilosophy.com.

Recognized for the unique and transformative experiences that it offers, SPEX has gleaned support and recommendations from local businesses, including El Portal Sedona Hotel. Located near the best of what Sedona has to offer, El Portal provides a peaceful and relaxing haven for guests participating in SPEX and the area’s numerous other activities. El Portal has been named a AAA Four Diamond Hotel, one of the top hotels in the Southwest by Condé Nast Traveler, and has received Trip Advisor’s Certificate of Excellence Award.

Contact us at 1.800.313.0017, www.ElPortalSedona.com, or info@ElPortalSedona.com

Sedona Vortexes – What Are They?

Time to test your “vortex” knowledge.  What is a vortex?  Are there different vortexes?   What do they do?  Where are they?  How many vortex sites are around Sedona?  All very good questions. 

A vortex is thought to be a particular site on earth where swirling energy is either going into the earth or being released. At these mystical places, trees often exhibit this swirling or twisting of their trunks due to the powerful vortex energy at its core. Some people believe Sedona’s vortex energy is so powerful that they can actually feel it, and they come here to experience their life-transforming, soul-nourishing spiritual growth.

Sedona is the perfect place for personal and spiritual enrichment of the body and soul. In fact, “you may feel a range of sensations from a slight tingling on exposed skin, to a vibration emanating from the ground when you encounter a vortex. Most often a vortex is felt by palpable sensation across the nape of the neck and the shoulder blades. Many people believe Sedona has several vortexes or power spots, making it a highly sought-after spiritual and metaphysical destination.” (Sedona.net) Sedona has no less than five vortexes; Airport Mesa, Boynton Canyon, Chapel of the Holy Cross, Bell Rock, and Red Rock Crossing.

Did you know there are three types of vortexes? Magnetic, electrical and balanced; each one being able to enhance the spiritual experience providing energy, clarity, spiritual amplification and more.

The Native Americans believe that spiritual transformation can occur more quickly and easily in Sedona because the veils to other dimensions are thinner here. Whether or not you believe that energy vortexes actually exist, one thing is for certain, there is “something” about Sedona that has made people travel here for something more than just its incredible beauty.

Come and stay at El Portal Sedona Hotel and take one of the vortex tours we recommend! It is said El Portal is situated on a vortex –  a “portal” to an energy field. Call 1.800.313.0017

About El Portal Sedona Hotel
We are a boutique hotel located in the heart of Sedona. Our inn offers unpretentious luxury for guests and their pets. We are a AAA Four Diamond Hotel and pet friendly, with no fees for pets.

Sedona – a Dream Destination for the Solo Traveler

Traveling alone offers a special magic that is often lost when traveling with companions. Solo travelers are able to fully immerse themselves in their destinations and explore according to their own interests. The small city of Sedona, Arizona is renowned for its natural beauty, plethora of outdoor activities, profound spiritual vibe, and casual, welcoming atmosphere, making it a quintessential destination for solo visitors.

Considered one of the most beautiful places in the U.S., Sedona’s landscape is defined by towering red rock formations that evoke scenes from classic Western movies, fresh green canyons, and the sprawling skies that are characteristic of the Southwest. Outdoor enthusiasts gravitate to this stunning area, which boasts numerous hiking and mountain biking trails suitable for all skill levels. These activities offer solo travelers a chance to spend peaceful, reflective time in nature while enjoying an up-close look at the area’s fascinating environment.

Visitors can also enjoy outdoor relaxation with a picnic in the verdant Oak Creek Canyon or an excursion to Red Rock State Park, a 286-acre nature preserve that features activities such as hiking, bird walks, and other opportunities for wildlife viewing. Solo travelers who would like to share their adventures with others have the option of joining group hikes or jeep tours, which traverse Sedona’s dusty back roads under the guidance of drivers who provide witty explanations of the area’s history and geology.

In Uptown Sedona, solo travelers will find an exciting array of activities that they can comfortably enjoy on their own. Uptown is packed with a diverse array of boutiques, art galleries, cafes, and restaurants. Visitors can buy a souvenir to remember their trip or simply view impressive artwork at the galleries, which boast various styles such as pottery, sculptures, jewelry, and paintings that capture the area’s awe-inspiring beauty. Tlaquepaque Arts and Crafts Village is a charming plaza of cobblestone paths and Spanish architecture along the banks of Oak Creek, with an eclectic selection of shops and top rated restaurants. Sedona is generally considered very safe, so solo travelers can expect worry-free exploration of the city.

Sedona is known as a major center of spirituality and New Age thinking. This reputation is rooted in the area’s abundance of vortexes, which are believed to be places where the earth’s energy is so powerful that those who come near them may experience healing, self-exploration and spiritual transformation. Since the vortexes were identified in the 1980s, visitors from around the world have made the pilgrimage to Sedona in search of physical, mental, and spiritual renewal. The area offers a variety of restorative activities—even for visitors who are skeptical about the existence of the vortexes. These activities, which include yoga, meditation, aura readings, and indulgent spa retreats, facilitate introspection and revitalization for solo travelers seeking to tune out the incessant noise of the modern world and reconnect with themselves.

Solo travelers will find a serene and welcoming home at El Portal Sedona Hotel. Conveniently located in the heart of Sedona, this pet-friendly boutique hotel offers unpretentious luxury in twelve uniquely appointed suites that reflect a traditional “hacienda” style. Guests have access to personalized concierge services to help them make the most of their time in Sedona. El Portal is a AAA Four Diamond Hotel, has been named one of the top hotels in the Southwest by Condé Nast Traveler, and has received Trip Advisor’s Certificate of Excellence Award.

To reserve your room call 1.800.313.0017 or book online at:  http://tinyurl.com/ElPortalBookOnline

What to do in Sedona…National Forest Service Approved

Sedona offers a wide array of activities, events and festivals for visitors to experience. From art hikes to van tours, there is so much to do and see in this incredible city and area.

There’s fly fishing, mountain biking, hiking, jeep tours, balloon tours, and don’t forget the metaphysical! The list goes on and on! The following is a list of National Forest Service approved guides on public land. For more on what to do in Sedona visit our website.

When visiting Sedona, plan to stay for more than just a day or two, you will need more like four or five days to appreciate Sedona. At El Portal Sedona Hotel, we offer our guests personalized concierge services for the Sedona area. We love to help our guests plan excursions; where to go, what to do, hiking trails, restaurants, galleries and the wondrous Grand Canyon!

We strive to meet our guests’ every need and help with all your arrangements. Here are just a few of the many adventures and journeys Sedona offers.  For more information pick up the hotel phone and simply ask.  And always end your day back at El Portal Sedona Hotel – for the ultimate in tranquility, relaxation, and service.

Art Hikes

Sedona Art Hikes – 928-254-8709

ATV Guided Tours                                                                                           

Arizona ATV Adventures – 800-242-6335
Arizona Off Road Tours – 928-451-1777

Balloon Tours                                                                                               

Northern Light Balloon Expeditions – 800-230-6222
Red Rock Balloon Adventures – 800-258-3754

Equestrian                                                                                                       

M Diamond Ranch – 928-300-6466

Fly Fishing                                                                                                        

Sedona Fly Fishing Adventures – 928-451-0492

Hiking Guides                                                                                                  

360 Adventures – 480-722-0360
Arizona Natural History Association – 928-203-2922
Atlas America International – 928-203-4383
Backroads – 800-462-2848
Birding of Northern Arizona – 928-380-0555
Center Focus Experiences – 928-567-8580
Country Walkers – 800-234-6900
Discovery Treks – 480-247-9266
Four Season Guides – 928-525-1552
Hermosa Tours – 877-765-5682
Hike House – 928-282-5820
My Sedona My Journey – 928-300-1842
Sedona Adventure Outfitters & Guides – 877-673-3661
Sedona Center for Conscious Living – 928-282-3574
Sedona Trail Zen  – 928-451-1952
Southwest Outside – 928-821-1929
The Wildland Trekking Company – 800-715-4453
Trail Lovers Excursions – 928-533-1799

Jeep Tours                                                                                                       

Arizona Safari Jeep Tours – 928-282-3012
A Day in the West – 800-973-3662
Adventure Company – 928-282-6656
Arizona Safari Jeep Tours – 928-282-3012
Earth Wisdom Tours – 928-282-4714
Native American Journeys – 877-367-2383
Pink Jeep Tours – 800-873-3662
Red Rock Western Jeep Tours – 800-848-7728
Sedona Off-Road Adventures – 928-282-6656

Metaphysical                                                                                                   

Crossing World Journeys – 800-350-2693
Free Soul Public Education – 928-282-9425
Sedona Metaphysical Spiritual Assoc. – 928-300-7796
Sedona Nature Excursions – 928-282-6735
Sedona Red Rock Tours – 928-282-0993
Sedona Spirit Journeys – 928-301-9049
Spirit Quest Sedona Retreats – 928-282-2509
Spirit Steps – 866-508-0094

Mountain Biking                                                                                             

360 Adventures – 480-722-0360
Hermosa Tours – 877-765-5682
Sedona Destination Adventures – 623-980-3383
Western Spirit – 435-383-1817

Shuttle                                                                                                             

America Travel Factory – 928-282-0840
Atlas America International – 928-203-4383
Hermosa Tours – 877-765-5682
Over The Edge Adventures – 928-282-1106
Red Rock Magic Trolley – 928-821-6706
Sedona Center for Conscious Living – 928-282-3574
Sedona Destination Adventures – 623-980-3383
Sedona Trolley – 928-282-4211

Van Tours

Vaughn’s Southwest Custom Tours – 800-513-1381

 

 

El Portal Sedona Hotel Sponsors Film at ILLUMINATE Film Festival

El Portal Sedona Hotel is the sponsor of the film A New High at the ILLUMINATE Film Festival 2016! And as a sponsor that means you receive a discount on the film! Use the promo code NEWHIGH and get a 10% discount.

This is the third year of the festival! ILLUMINATE 2016 showcases thought-provoking and beautiful stories through films that will have you laughing and crying! From June 1 through June 5.

A New High is a documentary feature about the addicted and the abused in downtown Seattle’s Union Gospel Mission and how one man at the mission, an ex-Army Ranger, believes in them and mountains. These people have no hope, no self esteem; watch as this one man takes them on a journey of their lives – climb 14,400-foot Mt. Rainier, to give these recovering addicts hope again. Will their personal mountains be overcome?

See this incredible story and testament of hope 0n Sunday, June 5 at 10:00am at the Sedona Performing Arts Center. Purchase tickets here, don’t forget to use the promo code NEWHIGH for our sponsored movie!

Watch this inspiring trailer…and believe in hope…”choose joy”…

El Portal is a pet friendly hotel in the arts and crafts district of Sedona; offering our guests personalized concierge services for the Sedona area. Stay with us, a AAA Four Diamond Hotel, on your trip to Sedona for the ILLUMINATE Film Festival 2016!