Life is a Highway in Arizona
Sedona, Sunsets and Snapshots
Jaw-dropping: A phrase used to describe an encounter in life so tremendous that words, photos or facial muscles simply won’t suffice. Here is a fair warning – expect to pick yours off of the ground the moment you set eyes on this extraordinary locale.
Recently, I had the pleasure of cruising through the Southwest United States and experiencing some of the most beautiful landscapes in the country. The best part of this mini vacation was the thrill of feeling like I was driving straight through a screen into one of my favorite Pixar movies to date: Cars! Words truly can’t describe the scenery as the ribbon of blacktop winds its way through the vast expanse of desert towards the faint outline of jagged peaks glowing in otherworldly hues of reds and oranges as the sun hits their surface. As you begin to approach these stunning geological formations, it’s difficult to comprehend that these unbelievable wonders are in fact real and not simply a masterpiece painted on canvas.
Roughly two hours north of Phoenix, as you exit Highway 179 towards Route 89A, prepare for a sight to behold as you enter red rock country through the roundabouts along Oak Creek (make sure to be careful as you pass these because the scenery can be quite distracting) where you can catch your first glimpse of the perfect Southwest getaway – Sedona, a sleepy sanctuary of around 10,000 residents. Sedona is an enclave for artists, hikers, foodies and anyone with an appreciation for the mesmerizing red rocks and lush pine forests that have made this location famous. This magical town is situated within driving distance of Scottsdale, Paradise Valley, Flagstaff and the Grand Canyon National Park, making it an ideal base for visitors to explore a large chunk of the state’s offerings.
Below are a few of my recommendations for making the most out of your trip to Sedona!
Must Do: Sedona Edition
Pink Jeep Tour – Sedona may be the only place in the United States where it is all but a guarantee to see multiple bubble gum pink jeeps ambling through the desert roads. Without a doubt the best way to see the best of Sedona is to hop in one of the infamous jeeps and hold on tight as your driver and tour guide take you through Sedona’s ancient history and most impressive sights! Ranging anywhere from mild off-roading to climbing steep boulders, there is a tour for everyone whether you would like to learn more about the Sinagua Indian tribe that settled the area hundreds of years prior, or get up close and personal with the red rocks themselves in an action packed adventure.
Vortexes – The Sedona vortexes are one of the area’s best kept secrets and one that residents have a sense of pride in as it adds to the quirky and unique foundation that the city is founded upon. For those who are unfamiliar with the term vortex (as I was myself), it refers to a location that has become the center of energy in a specific spots around Sedona and for those who visit, is a spiritual renewal not to be missed.
Chapel of the Holy Cross – Simply look up to see a sign of perhaps the grandest architectural marvel in the Sedona Valley, a striking cross embedded on a church built directly into a red rock cliff face: the Chapel of the Holy Cross. Perched high above Sedona, the Chapel has one of the most stunning views in the city as it overlooks the Sedona Valley from its one of a kind vantage point.
The most astounding places to view a sunset in Sedona for visitors looking for gallery style photos of their own:
Sedona Airport – The Sedona Airport makes the top of my list for the best spot to catch the sunset in Sedona because of its standpoint at one of the highest locations in the city with no obstruction. As soon as the sun begins to dip, the rocks come to life as if they are ignited from the inside out, leaving viewers with a show that cannot be duplicated. Extra tip – stay at the airport once the sun is fully set for the best stargazing in Sedona.
Cathedral Rock at Red Rock Crossing – This spectacular formation received its name due to its towering red spires that soar over the Red Rock Crossing State Park making for a brilliant backdrop for photos as the rushing Oak Creek flows in the forefront. Be sure to go in the afternoon so you can dip your toes in the bubbling water while admiring the sun’s effect on the russet rock face.
The most remarkable hikes for all levels of nature enthusiasts who are willing to test their adventurous side:
Courthouse Butte/Bell Rock Loop (easy) – Bell Rock and Courthouse Butte are two of the most beloved and recognizable landmarks in Sedona, and for visitors, there is a loop that winds around both, providing ample opportunity to get photos of these incredible formations. The loop is relatively flat and not too strenuous so it is a balanced combination ideal for families wanting to immerse themselves among the red rocks.
Devil’s Bridge Trail (intermediate) – The Devil’s Bridge hike is not for the faint of heart, however, if visitors have enough courage they will be rewarded handsomely with an iconic photo opportunity and an exceptional view (just don’t look down)! The route up requires tires with good traction and the hike itself is for those with more experienced expeditions under their belt, but don’t let that stop you from the view that awaits you at the end!
The Granddaddy of the Southwest
The second stop on this Southwestern journey is about a two hour drive northwest of Sedona and it’s a location so massive it can be seen from space and so wondrous it’s become one of the most visited places in the world and truly where I believe the definition of jaw-dropping came to fruition: the Grand Canyon!
At first sight, there is no surprise that the Grand Canyon is listed as one of the Seven Wonders of the Natural World due to the sheer immensity of its size and depth. However, seeing the Grand Canyon in person brings the enormity into perspective, and it is a moment that is certainly unforgettable. It is unfathomable to grasp both the age of this geological masterpiece as well as the amount of land it covers, so standing on the rim of this tremendous wonder has been the single most humbling experience I have been fortunate enough to enjoy in my travels thus far! Although it is not possible to convey the feeling it catalyzes, it is something I hope each and every person on Earth is privileged to visit in their lifetime! Peering down into the awe-inducing cavern of multicolored strata and a churning Colorado River as far as the eye can see is a quintessential example of how small we really are in comparison to this planet’s most beautiful and extravagant offerings.
Tips for those on a budget: One of my recommendations for visiting the Grand Canyon is to purchase a National Parks Pass for $80.00 and this gives you access to over 50 national parks in the United States for an entire calendar year AND the pass covers up to 4 people per visit. In addition, the Grand Canyon is even more beautiful with a light dusting of snow, so bring your jacket, beanie and snow boots and don’t be discouraged from visiting in winter as you are able avoid the heat and the crowds of summer, plus you will see the National Park enveloped in a white wonderland.
Bonus: On your way from Sedona to the Grand Canyon National Park is another Arizona gem by the name of Flagstaff. Eccentric like Sedona to its south, Flagstaff is a wonderful pit-stop for a break from the road and a taste of the outdoors along with a vibrant art scene. Situated as a gateway to the highest mountain range in the state, Flagstaff enjoys some of the best snow sports in the region along with a lively downtown that’s become a burgeoning tourism center in Arizona making this small city a perfect place for stretching those legs and enjoying a libation on your trip through the Southwest!
