Let the healing begin:
With no plane ticket from Arizona, we took to the open road set on getting to Kenab, Utah and Telluride, Colorado while making as many scenic stops as we could along the way. First on the list was Sedona, Arizona, to heal our souls from hardships past. Known as one of four power spots and one of two positive vortexes , which we can attest to, the prehistoric surroundings of Sedona will suck you instantly and time will cease to exist... Here is an excerpt from an interesting title, found on the nigh table at our Airbnb.
Following a wonderful few days and nights in Tucson, Amaris and Fox were rolling north on I-10 West with Sedona in their sights. For those who have not driven through Arizona, the route from Tucson to Sedona, via Phoenix, is a gorgeous ride. Depending on the season, and recent rains, the desert will be a sea of green saguaros that sweep across the occasional peak. Thirty minutes into the trek we were approaching Picacho Peak and the famous Ostrich Farm nearby. For those not traveling in the heat of summer, a hike up the 3,374 foot peak takes a little less than three hours with a four hour or less round trip. Pack some snacks, plenty of water, and enjoy the phenomenal desert views that truly give a new appreciation to the landscape.
Three hours later and we were turning off of I-17 and north onto Arizona Route 179. The 4Runner was entering "red rock" country and we were awe struck. We arrived to stores full of magic gem stones, gift shops, and quaint restaurants. Wanting to explore after the drive in, we immediately discussed if we were going to make it to Devil's Bridge and, if so, knew time was of the essence. Late afternoon began creeping in, the out and back was 4.5 miles, and a 5am work call the following morning meant this was the only time. With wonderful conditions we made our way a short distance to the Dry Creek Vista Trail parking lot and trail head while being completely entranced.
The desert filled us with joy as we strolled by the closer parking, which requires 4x4, and began to head up the rugged trail for the final mile. The late afternoon heat and dry environment drained our bodies as we scrambled ever higher towards incredible views. Throughout the approach both of us continuously commented on the magic of where we found ourselves, a far cry from the city lights and resorts. As we continued to gain elevation the magnitude of the @Brins_Mesa became more and more overpowering. The massive red and orange cliffs, standing tall above the rolling sea of green, were a truly magnificent sight worthy of the vortex designation.
After losing the trail once or twice, we found ourselves nearly climbing up a rock staircase to the final turns of the trail. Make a left around a treed cutback and the landscape gives way again to stunning views, including the first glimpse of Devil's Bridge. There were a few other families absorbing the grandness and catching their breaths from the ascent. A few minutes later we were making our away along a narrow path over to the bridge and wider footing. The two of us were in for a nice surprise as we were walking away from the bridge when a woman let us know she took the candid photo below!
As the shadows were beginning to get longer, and we had had quite a day, we said farewell to new acquaintances and began the return trip to the upper parking lot. The late desert sun, paired with the smell of trees, made for a refreshing walk as we floated along in bliss. Upon arriving back to Sedona, with empty stomachs, we quickly parked and got an outdoor table at the Cowboy Club Sedona. The early evening was washed down with a nice steak and a glass of red wine
As dusk turned to night we went to the Sundowner for a nightcap where an entertaining scene unfolded when a few teenagers from California came in asking for "gluten free" food, which was quickly met with a "what?" from the woman behind the bar.
Girls - "you know, food without bread"
Bartender - "Sweeties, everything here is breaded and fried"
Pro tip - bring snacks and don't expect non-gluten food on vacation after 10pm
The following morning began with Fox on a 5am phone call in the cozy Airbnb while Amaris wrote in the guest log. Time was taken for a quiet breakfast with coffee on the patio, picked up from Coffee Pot Restaurant, in the cool morning and a few final moments before departing north. The drive out of Sedona north on route 89a is simply magical as vehicles snake along a river with cliffs all around.
The early and slow start to that day would be one of the few times the duo wasn't on the move for the remainder of the day with Flagstaff Arizona, Horseshoe Bend, and Grand Canyon North Rim all on the agenda with Kenab, UT as the stopping point for the night.
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