By Ashlee Simmons
The awe-inspiring Red Rocks of Sedona are took millions of years to craft. Once a vast sea, time, erosion, volcanoes and earthquakes formed the area. Butted up against the Mogollon Rim, this sacred area is home to about 10,000 people.
Time Frame
It's estimated that 350 million years ago the Redwall Limestone was formed. This portion of the Red Rocks is the oldest and deepest, exposed rock.
Effects
Remnants of iron ore color the Red Rocks. It is thought that the bright orange rocks are more than 250 million years old.
Identification
The largest red rocks have names: Cathedral, Coffeepot and Thunder Mountain. These three mountains encircle Sedona.
Features
A variety of activities await visitors and residents of the Red Rocks of Sedona. Some of the most popular are biking, rafting, touring, hiking, golfing and horseback riding.
Famous Ties
In 1876, J. J. Thompson squatted in the canyon, and was the area's first settler. His former home, Indian Gardens, is now part of Red Rock State Park.
Fun Fact
Rock art can be found all over the Red Rocks area. Several indigenous cultures drew the petroglyphs over a period of 6,000 years.
Resources
About the Author:
Ashlee Simmons has written professionally for more than 10 years. Her writing focus is travel, equestrian and health and medical articles, but she enjoys writing human interest stories as well. Simmons graduated from The University of Texas at Austin with a liberal arts degree.
