Arizona's whirlwind of activities

With its radiant red rocks and energy vortexes, Sedona, Ariz., is a mecca for nature enthusiasts and those looking to relax.

It's where hippies and yoga buffs feel just as welcome as hikers and mountain bikers.

And the perfect season to visit is nearly here. September and October not only bring major music, art and food festivals, but it's when torrid temperatures in the desert city begin to drop.

Sedona is a two-hour drive from Scottsdale - a Western town that lassos tourists in with its posh spas and golf courses. And the recently revamped downtown scene gives good reason to couple Scottsdale with a Sedona getaway.

Both cities are spa-speckled, but Sedona thrives on its spiritual element. For a chance to learn all about the area's energy, view the scenery and get in some exercise at the same time, try one of the Sedona Spirit Vortex Hikes (888-282-9901; yogalife.net ).

Led by Bronx-born Johanna Mosca, or one of her guides, the tours set out around massive sandstone formations - some of which are vortexes, or centers of spiraling energy. It's believed the spots are ideal for meditation, healing and prayer.

There are four major vortexes in Sedona, Mosca explains at the start of one recent three-hour yoga hike. Some have masculine energy, known as electric. "They arouse you, stir you up and motivate you," she says.

Others have feminine, or magnetic energy. "It's energy that draws you inward, quiets you," explains Mosca. "It has you recall a past life, and makes you feel a deeper calm and peace."

The vortexes of Airport Mesa and Bell Rock have masculine energy. Cathedral, named for its spires, is feminine. Boynton Canyon is said to be electromagnetic, a perfect balance between the male and female energies.

"Locals say they need to get out of Sedona every once in a while because it's too powerful," Mosca says. "There's a lot of Native American energy here. They came here for pilgrimages, but they thought it was too sacred to live long-term."

She leads the group to the base of Bell Rock. "It's supposed to be a portal to another dimension, meaning a place where you could access higher dimensions of your being," says Mosca.

"It's said that Bell Rock has the most UFO sightings because the energy shoots up from the top of it."

After a hike, we settle on the flat surface of the rock's first tier, where Mosca begins to show us stretches and poses. In view are Cathedral and Airport.

After a 45-minute routine, we lay with our backs flat on the warm, red rocks and Mosca talks us into relaxation. There are no UFO sightings, but everyone gets up calmed and refreshed before another hike to the top of a mountain.

Tours are personalized and can incorporate as much yoga or hiking as you want. You can even opt to cut the yoga out completely.

The three-hour excursions are $85 per person for two or more, or $135 if you want to be led solo. The cost for children 15 and under is $35, with full-priced admission for their parents.

Try to plan your trip around the Sedona Jazz on the Rocks festival (Sept. 26-30), featuring established and emerging performers against a breathtaking backdrop. Or be there for the Sedona Arts Festival (Oct. 6-7), showcasing the work of 110 of the country's top artists and craftspeople.

If you're headed to Sedona, make time to spend a few days in Scottsdale even if you've been there before. More than $2 billion has recently been pumped into the downtown area for new nightclubs, restaurants, stores and hotel renovations.

The Scottsdale Waterfront, built along an ancient Indian canal, has just been completed. Highlights include the Olive & Ivy Restaurant and Marketplace, and Estilo Boutique, which carries trendy dresses, skirts and tops.

Southbridge, to open in phases beginning this fall, will boast boutiques and eateries that aren't part of any national chains. Fashion shows and live modeling will take place at The Mix, a three-building fusion of fashion and food.

With temptations like that, you'll need that calming yoga hike after all you're likely to spend.

IF YOU GO ...

Sedona

• Amara Creek Resort & Spa It's across the street from the shops of Uptown Sedona, yet tucked quietly back along Oak Creek. Rates for standard rooms vary from between $138 and $348. (866) 455-6610; amararesort.com.
• L'Auberge de Sedona The spa resort is next door to Amara Creek. In August, rates range between $175 to more than $375. By their peak month of October, they rise to between $275 and $525 & up. (800) 905-5745; lauberge.com.
• El Portal All of the 12 unique suites in this luxury inn are decorated with antiques authentic to the period between 1890 and 1930. Rates run between $175 to $550 until Aug. 24. After that, rooms range between $250 and $550 through October. (800) 313-0017; elportalsedona.com.

Scottsdale

• Royal Palms Resort & Spa The resort recently opened a new enclave of rooms overlooking a garden terrace with a reflecting pool, fountains and views of Camelback Mountain. Standard rooms range between $199 and $419 through the end of the year. (800) 672-6011; royalpalmshotel.com.
• Hotel Valley Ho Perfect for a younger group looking to party, the recently renovated '50s-styled hotel features a martini-shaped pool and is located in downtown Scottsdale. The summer rate package ($149) lasts until Sept. 7, and includes a drink upon arrival, shopping coupon book and a complimentary appetizer. September rates start at $199, and October rates begin at $259. (480) 248-2000; hotelvalleyho.com.