AIRPORT MESA
Airport Mesa
Sedona, AZ
Airport Mesa is known as “the” sunset spot in Sedona. A short drive from anywhere in town takes you to the top, where you’ll find a large, flat parking area and an overlook where you can watch the sunset with visitors from all over the world.
If you’re a guest at the Sky Ranch Lodge, you can watch sunset on their patio or take a one-minute walk from your room to the overlook.
For a more natural setting, watch sunset from the rocky knoll about half way up Airport Road to the left (as you drive upward). Parking is limited and hard to come by. The views, however, are well-worth the short, steep climb.
Bring a picnic dinner and watch the sun dip into the western horizon or meditate on the edge of the rock and see if you can tap into the vortex energy up here.
Some nights the clouds put on an amazing show. I’ve seen curtains of rain pouring over distant Thunder Mountain, and plumes of fiery smoke from wildfires up the canyon. Most nights are calmer as the sky simply slips from azure to periwinkle to indigo and the stars begin to twinkle. On moonlit nights you can sometimes catch both sunset and moonrise.
Years ago, you were allowed to sleep anywhere outdoors in Sedona, so I spent a few freezing cold nights up here burrowed in a sleeping bag under the blinding light of the full moon. If you feel energy, this rock really seems to hum at sunset. The wind kicks up after sunset too, so bring a blanket or wear a warm jacket.
If you’re an early riser, climb the knoll for spectacular sunrise views. Vibrant liquid gold paints the red rocks as the sun creeps up over the eastern ridge of the canyon, and you can practically feel the earth humming. Dress warmly or bring a blanket. It can be very cold and windy.
After sunrise, drive back down Airport Road, turn left onto West 89A and go a few minutes down the road where you’ll see Coffee Pot restaurant on the right. It is a favorite breakfast spot where they offer plentiful coffee, 101 omelettes, and almost anything else you can imagine. If you’re lucky there might be entertainment on the back patio.
Details…
Directions:
From Phoenix, take I-17 north to Hwy 179 (exit 298). Turn left onto 179 and follow it past the Village of Oak Creek to the Sedona (Burger King) “Y”. Turn left at the “Y” onto West 89A. Watch for Airport Road to the left and when you see it, turn left onto it. Drive just a few minutes up the road and look for the dirt parking lot pull off to the left. Hike up the short trail to the mesa to your left for the best views. Alternately, drive to the top for easy parking and a great view with no hiking at all.
Difficulty:
Easy at the top. Moderate if you climb the knoll.
Things to bring:
Wear comfortable shoes if you’re hiking up the knoll. If you’re going to the top nearly anything works. Bring a camera, a picnic dinner, and something warm in cooler weather. The temperature can dip rapidly at sunset, and it is often very windy at the top.
Things to bring:
Wear comfortable shoes if you’re hiking up the knoll. If you’re going to the top nearly anything works. Bring a camera, a picnic dinner, and something warm in cooler weather. The temperature can dip rapidly at sunset, and it is often very windy at the top.
Fees:
Check with the US Forest Service for pass and fee information before your trip. A Red Rock Pass is required for parking in most locations.
* Last time I went, there was a few dollar parking fee at the top 🙂
SEDONA QUICK LINKS:
• HIKING
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SEDONA QUICK LINKS:
• HIKES
• SUNSETS
• SWIMMING
• ATTRACTIONS
• SCENIC DRIVES
• DINING
• LODGING
• SHOPPING
• ADVENTURE
• MUSIC
• BODY & SOUL
• VISITOR INFO
• HISTORY
• DISCLAIMER
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