Red Rocks & Green Initiatives

Sedona, Arizona, has an impressive sustainability strategy and various certified businesses to support during your stay.

Gorgeous red rocks surround the desert city of Sedona, where nearly 3 million tourists visit every year. This enchanting destination draws in spiritual humans who go to experience the renowned energy vortexes, as well as outdoor enthusiasts who can choose from more than 200 trails for hiking, running or biking.

In February, this nature-centric city introduced a Municipal Sustainability Plan, which states its intention to become “an international model for the successful balancing of environmental protection and human wants and needs.” The plan outlines initiatives to become zero waste and carbon neutral, in addition to a general reduction of energy and water usage.

We must steward our valuable natural resources and ensure that the city of Sedona is more prosperous in the future.

—Justin Clifton, city manager

This came with recognition from the Sustainability Alliance, a nonprofit that does audits on sustainable businesses in Sedona and Verde Valley, which awarded Sedona a silver sustainable certification. This was a step up from the city’s bronze certification in 2017, which shows its commitment to progress.

Officials are also working to complete a Climate Action Plan by January 2021, which “will be a strategic road map to guide the Sedona community in preparing for climate risks, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and protecting the well-being of residents for decades to come.”

After visiting this stunning city and experiencing some of its eco-conscious businesses firsthand, I’ve curated a selection of the best places to stay, dine and play in Red Rock Country.

Where to Stay

When I found Sedona Sacred Rocks through Airbnb—which launched a global Office of Healthy Tourism in 2018—I knew it was the space for me. Though it’s not a certified sustainable business, the owner hosts metaphysical workshops and healing sessions with donations benefiting various nonprofits. Those organizations include Operation Underground Railroad to stop human trafficking, Feeding America to end hunger, Believe Ranch and Rescue to save horses, as well as native elders in the Hopi and Navajo tribes, plus many more.

Some sustainable accommodations include Enchantment Resort (pictured above), which has a silver certification and is adjacent to the popular Boynton Canyon hike and vortex, or the bronze-level Sedona Rouge Hotel & Spa. The latter is in the heart of downtown and I had the pleasure of visiting its spa for a facial, which incorporated plant-based beauty products.

Where to Dine

After a relaxing spa treatment, continue your evening at the hotel's on-property restaurant Reds Sedona Grill. A self-proclaimed conscious eatery, this #Sedonable dining establishment serves Southwestern-inspired American dishes that feature locally grown ingredients, for both breakfast and dinner.

For a light, healthy brunch, an absolute must-try is ChocolaTree Organic Oasis, which has a silver certification and a plethora of local accolades. Its mission is to provide organic, gluten-free fare that is made from scratch using locally sourced or wild-crafted ingredients whenever possible. The outdoor patio is an idyllic place to tuck in to your meal—I opted for the avocado herb sandwich and an iced chai tea (pictured below).

If you're solely looking for a caffeine kick, check out Synergy Lounge & Kitchen, another silver-certified option serving vegan and organic fare that’s sure to satisfy. My rich cup of chocolate chai was even served in a to-go cup made of post-consumer recycled materials.

For dinner and drinks, head to the region's only brewery with a silver certification: Sedona Beer Co. Its malt comes from a local company that works to conserve water in Verde Valley, while other sustainable initiatives include maximizing barrel usage, composting all food and beer waste, providing compostable to-go containers made of sugar cane pulp waste, recycling, using reclaimed water for cleaning, as well as aiming to use only recycled materials and organic cotton in its merchandise. Try the vegan Beyond Burger with tomato jam, toasted cashew mustard, mushrooms and baby kale as well as a beer from the rotating drink menu.

Out of all my dining experiences in Sedona, it was Mariposa Latin Inspired Grill, which has a bronze certification, that blew all my expectations out of the water—pun intended, as this restaurant is known for its seafood. Not only are the views of the surrounding red rocks absolutely breathtaking, the fare is equally impressive. The Mariposa cocktail, a slightly spicy mango margarita, and the seared scallops appetizer (pictured above) make for a perfect pairing with deliciously similar flavor profiles.

For a delectable dessert, Mariposa’s bronze-level sister restaurant, Cucina Rustica, served up one of my favorites. The raspberry-white chocolate cheesecake (pictured below) is soft, creamy, and the perfect size for sharing or saving half for later like I did.

Last, but certainly not least, is Page Springs Cellars. This tasting room has a silver certification, with both the kitchen and vineyard partaking in an array of sustainable initiatives. These include using 100% solar power, employing a water reclamation system, recycling and selling sustainable merchandise whenever possible. Wine tastings allow you to try a flight of whites, reds, or a combination, all of which pair well with any one of the cheese board selections available. Afterward, take a glass of wine with you to sip while exploring the vineyard or overlooking Oak Creek below.

Where to Play

Other activities on the winery property are held at Page Springs Yoga & Massage. Choose from outdoor yoga, hula hoop dancing or intuitive massage. The latter takes you to a room situated on top of a flowing stream with a gorgeous view of the vineyard (pictured below). Upgrade your massage with body butter from Second Harvest, another certified sustainable business that upcycles waste from grapes produced by Arizona wineries, which is available for purchase in the tasting room.

For a more adventurous activity, Pink Jeep Tours is an award-winning attraction that provides off-road excursions. This bronze-level company offers an exclusive tour of the Broken Arrow trail (pictured below), which takes you through bumpy backroads, groves of juniper trees and right onto those famous red rocks. Pink Jeep Tours is solely responsible for sustaining this trail’s natural environment, so tour guides are experts in the native flora. Eco-friendly efforts include the likes of mindful maintenance, recycling and eliminating single-use water bottles.

Those looking for a necessary wardrobe addition, souvenirs or just some window shopping can turn to Twice Nice Thrift Shop, which is run by and supports the Verde Valley Sanctuary, as well as the Tlaquepaque outdoor shopping center. Both are certified sustainable and can provide hours of entertainment.

Another prominent pastime in Sedona is simply exploring the great outdoors. My favorite experience was waking up early enough to watch the sunrise from the top of Cathedral Rock (pictured below)—it was a challenging hike and a truly magical adventure. Regardless of the trail you traverse, be sure to bring a trash bag, gloves and hand sanitizer, so you can pick up litter along the way. This is a beautiful means of showing gratitude to our dear Mother Earth, and it’s satisfying to know you left somewhere better than how you found it.

No matter your preferences, there’s plenty to discover in the sustainable city of Sedona.

Please note: COVID-19 restrictions apply, but are subject to change and vary by state.

ChocolaTree Organic Oasis, Mariposa Latin Inspired Grill, Cucina Rustica, Page Springs Yoga & Massage, and Pink Jeep Tours photos by Ashley Probst. Cathedral Rock photo by Wanda Taylor.