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These 15 Photos Perfectly Capture the Beautiful Red Rocks of Sedona, Arizona

The images from the Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest archives will have you packing your bags for the mountains of the American Southwest

Iconic Cathedral Rock
Iconic Cathedral Rock

Iconic Cathedral Rock is just one example of the natural beauty found in Sedona, where iron oxide (or rust) stains the sandstone a vibrant red.

Arvin Vicente, 2018

These 15 Photos Perfectly Capture the Beautiful Red Rocks of Sedona, Arizona

The images from the Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest archives will have you packing your bags for the mountains of the American Southwest

Photographs selected by

Iconic Cathedral Rock
Iconic Cathedral Rock is just one example of the natural beauty found in Sedona, where iron oxide (or rust) stains the sandstone a vibrant red. Arvin Vicente, 2018

That’s what welcomes visitors to Sedona, Arizona, also known as Red Rock Country. The rust color is a product of iron oxide found in the land where a sea helped to shape caves, hills and buttresses millions of years ago. Today, they have made Sedona and surrounding areas a bucket-list destination for many, including these Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest entrants who captured the distinct beauty of this natural marvel.

The Fay Canyon hike
The Fay Canyon hike might seem unassuming, but just when you are about to turn around and head back, a pleasant surprise awaits you. The sudden gain in elevation allows for a panoramic view that will make your trip worth it. Marco Cartas, 2019
Sinagua people
The Sedona region was originally inhabited by the Sinagua people from roughly 500 CE to 1425. Michael Wilson, 2024
A small pool of water
A small pool of water offers a reflection of the massive Cathedral Rock. Daniel Dragoon, 2019
Stunning Courthouse Butte
Stunning Courthouse Butte rises 5,454 feet. Rebecca Hobert, 2023
From afar
From afar, the rocks of Sedona may all look the same color, but on closer inspection, the various shades of red and orange become clearer. Julia Ericksen, 2021
Clouds, trees and rust-colored mountains
Clouds, trees and rust-colored mountains stretch for as far as the eye can see from the famous Subway Cave landmark in Sedona. Glen Strickey, 2023
a fiery mountaintop all aflame
The setting sun nearly gives the appearance of a fiery mountaintop all aflame. Craig Lefebvre, 2020
Devil’s Bridge
Devil’s Bridge is a natural arch, more than 50 feet above the canyon floor, formed over thousands and thousands of years. Jake Virus, 2022
ancient Pedregosa Sea.
Cathedral Rock was formed roughly 275 million years ago during the Permian period from sand dunes near the ancient Pedregosa Sea. Gerry Groeber, 2018
a towering medieval structure
It’s little wonder this butte, resembling a towering medieval structure on a hilltop, is referred to as a cathedral. Steve Hammond, 2021
Fluffy clouds
Fluffy clouds dot the blue sky above a landscape in Sedona. Richard Atkins, 2018
hot-air balloon
Sure, hiking is fun, but viewing the red rocks of Sedona while soaring above in a hot-air balloon sounds both fun and relaxing. Megan Jones, 2022
The Subway Cave
The Subway Cave, with its curved shape that would seemingly accommodate a commuter train with ease, is a bucket-list item for many hikers. Lisa Petrarca, 2022
Stars of the Milky Way
Stars of the Milky Way light up the sky above Cathedral Rock. Darcy Pino, 2019

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