We can thank weather and the earth’s natural cycles for all of it. Geologically speaking, Sedona is a gold mine. It offers a truly unique set of topographic features that is iconic for the southwestern region of the United States. Explore these features as you hike, off-road, drive, bike, or even horseback ride through the stunning landscape in Sedona.
Volcanic Activity
The different layers of basalt found in Sedona were formed by the surrounding volcanoes. As lava flowed through the area, and was eventually covered with new dirt and vegetation, it hardened and formed thick layers of basalt with every eruption. The San Francisco Volcanic Field located to the north around Flagstaff covered the area in thick layers of lava millions of years ago. Isolated eruptions from this underground body of magma have been dated as recent as 950 years ago, and have been tracked back more than 2.8 million years. These layers can range from 1-100 ft thick where they are present.
A Growing Landscape
The ground below and around Sedona is mobile. Due to the large amount of geological movement happening below the surface the topography in the area is always stretching for the sky, this is known as uplift. While it may be at a snail’s pace, roughly a few millimeters per year, the Colorado Plateau is rising.The Colorado Plateau is an area that covers a large portion of Utah, Colorado, Arizona, and New Mexico. The region is still experiencing an uplift in one huge section. The cause of which remains unknown. Geologists continue to monitor and study this uplift, hoping to one day definitively decide its origin.
See It for Yourself
There are so many ways to enjoy the incredible beauty found in and around Sedona, Arizona. Anyone who is a geology buff, is studying similar subjects, or simply enjoys the beauty of the outdoors will find the Sedona area a prime location for work, relax, and play. For those who want to get a special look at the Sedona area, consider a Sedona Tour from Grand Canyon Adventures. Get professional knowledge on the geology, history, and ecology of the area. Let a local professional pilot you across the Sedona countryside giving you a personal and unique perspective of the area. It will be something that you will never forget.