I think how you consciously entered Sedona for the 1st time will determine your favorite Sedona Rock Formation. In case you enter from the North, driving down Arizona State Route 89A from Flagstaff, Wilson Mountain might become your favorite. If you arrive from the West, driving on 89A, the beautiful sight of Capitol Butte or Coffee Pot Rock will be burned into your memory for ever. However, should you arrive from the South, driving North on I17 (Interstate 17 is a north–south Interstate Highway located entirely within the state of Arizona .. so not really an Interstate Highway) you will enter Sedona on State Route 179, aka the Red Rock Scenic Byway, entering Coconino County from Yavapai County, Bell Rock and Courthouse Butte will become an unforgettable sight for the rest of your life.
300 million years ago the Sedona area was at sea bottom. Shells of sea creatures formed a layer of limestone and its red color is the result of iron oxide deposited in the rocks by water in later eras.
For me, entering Sedona from the South is impressive beyond words. Once you have passed Bell Rock your eyes will focus on Sedona’s Cathedral Rock on your left, which might be so stunning that you won’t notice the Elephant Rock Formation located in Little Horse Park, an area known to locals as the “Chapel Area.”
You may need a little imagination so see the Elephant (mountain climbers call the elephant’s trunk Devil’s Thumb or Praying Monk).
Elephant Rock
180 Degree Panorama
Climbing Elephant Rock – The Video
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