Sedona (from Phoenix)

Two hours north of Phoenix, Sedona's red rock formations look like Mars decided to be beautiful. Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock, and the Chapel of the Holy Cross are the headliners, but the real magic is the light — sunrise and sunset turn the sandstone into colors that don't exist in the Pantone book. Hike Devil's Bridge for the Instagram shot, drive through Oak Creek Canyon for the "Arizona's little Grand Canyon" experience, and eat at Elote Cafe (make a reservation or weep). The vortex thing is whatever. The geology is real.