As my husband and I rounded the sharp corners, the ground seemed to rise, enveloping us in a breathtaking landscape of vivid colors and foreign terrain. Each turn revealed towering rocks presenting scenery straight out of a storybook. After 25 years of marriage, awkward silences don’t really exist. In this case, our silences were contemplative, rendering us speechless by our surroundings. The music on the radio not only served as the ode to times gone by, but also as the perfect soundtrack to our current dramatic backdrop.
It was nearly impossible to capture the beauty through my iPhone camera; I was torn between seeing it with my own eyes and documenting it to remember the splendor. Let’s be honest, pictures and videos rarely do justice to the beauty surrounding us. I didn’t want to blink, hoping to memorize the majesty of nature and these moments.
Our rental car served as a trusty tour guide (How did we travel before without GPS?), a relief for us Florida drivers as we encountered all types of weather and terrain during our 10-day adventure. Driving in the snow isn’t something we experience much, especially in April! Although the snow only lasted a couple days, the changes in elevation, twists and turns through the peaks and valleys were unfamiliar. We put nearly 1,200 miles on our car in a variety of environments between Phoenix, Lake Powell, Grand Canyon, Flagstaff and Sedona. The weather kept us guessing — we went from shorts and tank tops to gloves, scarves and hats within sometimes hours.
While each day was packed with activity, we did allow ourselves some down time to simply relax if needed. The different scenery was my favorite part of our entire trip. It felt at times like being on another planet!
It is hard not to highlight each place we visited; however, here are the travel hacks and highlights to create a memorable trip of your own.
TRAVEL TIPS
Do your research. I spent nearly nine months doing extensive research, planning an itinerary that promised adventure and relaxation. We wanted to experience the local flair, immerse ourselves in the outdoors and eat great food. While driving around Arizona and the surrounding areas, gazing at a million twinkling lights from what seemed like the middle of nowhere, isn’t a bad way to vacation, ensuring we maximized our time was important in stamping those treasured memories in our love story.
Researching itineraries from fellow travelers on social media was priceless. It started as a wish list then copious notes until our final itinerary began to take shape. Travel group pages, local foodie pages and tips from friends served as a foundation. The tips, tricks and restaurant and tour recommendations took the guess work out of planning. Google Maps helped to make the plan efficient. YouTube also was a great resource to view the hiking trails we were interested in attempting.
Reservations are key. When it comes to restaurants and excursions in a world-renowned tourist area, it’s important to figure out where you’d like to dine and tour so you can familiarize yourself with their reservation policies. Many popular restaurants will require you to make reservations far in advance. Once you’ve nailed down your “must-eats,” then seek out restaurants where the locals eat. You won’t be sorry!
For any tours or excursions, book early to reserve the best time as an anchor to your day. Then plan any other activities around it.
Organize. Keep a solid itinerary which includes dates/times, reservation numbers, and any other notes that would be helpful. I kept mine on my phone, so it was handy at all times. Keep in mind travel and wait times when planning. Google Maps again played a key role in estimation of arrival between activities.
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
Oak Creek Canyon Scenic Drive: The drive between Flagstaff and Sedona, the Oak Creek Canyon Scenic Drive (Route 89A), is ranked the most scenic drive in the U.S. for a good reason. It’s a must-see when you’re in the area. My husband and I navigated it a few times during our trip and each time appreciated the opportunity to do so. The drive is absolutely breathtaking.
Rock Spring Cafe (35900 Old Black Canyon Hwy., Black Canyon City, AZ): About 45 minutes from the Phoenix airport, the Rock Springs Cafe, a dusty, side-road restaurant, served as a great welcome to the west. With its origin dating back to the turn of the 20th century, its decor was a cross between a western saloon and general store, and they served up a selection of world-famous pies and homestyle American cooking. It was a great solution to fuel us for our day of driving to Lake Powell.
Fry bread at Cameron’s Trading Post in Navajo Nation (466 US-89, Cameron, AZ): The landscape between Phoenix and the Flagstaff area is mostly desert, with tall saguaro cactus, winding canyons and incremental elevation. As you make your way into the Navajo Nation, the terrain shifts again with massive mesas and buttes standing like skyscrapers. We were in search of fry bread, a traditional food tradition of the Navajo community. The perfect combination of airy, soft, and chewy goodness, it’s eaten as-is, as a base for Navajo tacos or with a little cinnamon honey and butter. We found ours at the Cameron Trading Post. Established in 1916, Cameron Trading Post is a great stop with a large gift shop featuring Native American art, jewelry, pottery and more. There is a gallery onsite as well as the restaurant.
Under Canvas Lake Powell - Grand Staircase (555 S. Jacobs Tanks Rd., Big Water, UT): Stepping outside of our comfort zone, we wanted to glamp under the stars. Under Canvas Lake Powell is the world’s first DarkSky-certified resort, perched on a Canyon Rim Plateau with its own on-site slot canyon and sweeping views right outside your tent. Our tent was cozy with a wood-burning stove that kept us toasty in the sub-20-degree night. It was true glamping with en suite bathroom and comfy beds with nice linens. The resort boasted a cute base camp for meals providing healthy dining options. We loved the fire pits, complimentary coffee and s’mores. This was a place great for families as well.
Lake Powell Paddleboards and Kayaks (836 Vista Ave., Page, AZ): We booked an Antelope Canyon kayaking and hiking excursion as a fun way to see the canyon’s beauty. This tour by water was a fantastic way to experience the outdoors. With the majestic canyon walls and incredible slot canyons, Antelope Canyon is unlike anywhere else on earth. Our tour guide was extremely knowledgeable and made it a morning to remember.
Toadstool Hoodoo (Kanub, UT): In Utah, the Toadstools are a really cool site to see. We hiked quickly at sunset for our view. This beautiful hike, located conveniently between Kanab and Lake Powell, is a must-do next time you are driving along Highway 89, with easy parking. It’s a stark difference to the red rock formations of Sedona.
Shoshone Point (Desert View Dr., Grand Canyon Village, AZ): We aren’t fans of crowds, and Grand Canyon with all its beauty was definitely packed with other tourists. Because of the crowds, we weren’t thrilled about hiking the most popular Grand Canyon trails (although we did a couple). However, we found a trail off the beaten path (and not on the brochure map given to us) called Shoshone Point. It offered the same breathtaking, epic views with solitude away from the congestion. It was an easy trail with great parking at the trailhead. You wander through beautiful pine woods and are rewarded at the end with incredible panoramic views. The trail features picnic areas, shelters and restrooms. We enjoyed the serenity as we explored the surrounding areas.
El Tovar Restaurant (1 El Tovar Rd., Grand Canyon Village, AZ): Located in the historic El Tovar Hotel, the dining room is majestically rustic upon entry with large stone walls and murals depicting customs of Native American Tribes. Pro tip: Especially in high tourist season, you’ll want to make sure you book early. El Tovar opens their reservations 30 days in advance, and they go fast. The menu is traditional, and it is the premier fine dining restaurant in Grand Canyon Village.
Mariposa (700 W. Arizona 89A, Sedona, AZ): This is a must-eat restaurant in Sedona. We considered this our anniversary celebration meal. Rated as one of the most romantic restaurants in the U.S. and owned by Chef Lisa Dahl, one of the country’s leading female chefs and restaurateurs, it did not disappoint. Upon reserving a table, we told them it was our anniversary, and they treated us with an exceptional table with wonderful views, delicious food and the top-notch service they are known for. Mariposa is extremely popular, and you must make reservations well in advance unless you’d like to eat at an off time.
Sunrise hike at Devil’s Bridge: The time change from Central to Mountain time can serve as a benefit when you’d like to hike some of the popular trails around Sedona. It wasn’t a big deal to be ready before sunrise. Most will encourage you to go early in the morning to avoid crowds, secure parking and experience the best views. Devil’s Bridge was a bucket list hike for Bill and me. The moderately difficult 4.2-mile hike begins easily but the final mile is more difficult as you approach the bridge. Once you arrive at the bridge, there’s a line of fellow hikers waiting to get their obligatory picture. Pro tip: Parking at the Dry Creek Vista and the Mescal trailhead is very limited. Sedona offers a free shuttle service to the Dry Creek Vista and Mescal trailhead from a designated park-and-ride within central Sedona. For more information on shuttle schedules and locations, visit sedonashuttle.com. As with all the hikes, don’t forget good hiking shoes and water!
Pink Adventure Tours (204 N. State Route 89A, Sedona, AZ): If you need a reprieve from hiking yet want to take the opportunity to still see more of Sedona, take a Pink Jeep tour. You won’t miss these jeeps around town with their signature pink color! This off-road adventure takes groups over the rough terrain of Sedona’s iconic red rock formations. The ride is bumpy, but the local guides are full of interesting information about the area. This is another tour you will need to make sure you book well in advance. Sunset is a fabulous time to go for a ride!
Chapel of the Holy Cross (780 Chapel Rd., Sedona, AZ): Completed in 1956, the Chapel of the Holy Cross is one of the most beautiful churches in the world and a top attraction in Sedona. It sits atop red rock formations and serves as a place for prayer and reflection. Make sure to look up their hours before going and don’t stop at the first parking lot! Deceivingly, there is more parking as you get closer to the chapel itself. Because of the winding and steep entrance, attendants on golf carts provide a ride to and from the top.
Side trip to Jerome (Jerome, AZ): About 30 miles from Sedona, we took one afternoon to explore the small historic ghost town of Jerome. Founded in 1876, Jerome at one time was a booming copper-mining town. Its intriguing hillside downtown boasts quaint shops and restaurants. We dined at the Haunted Hamburger. While we didn’t experience any paranormal activity, we did eat a great hamburger!
Flagstaff for shopping and eats: Flagstaff served as our home base for a majority of our trip. We found a fabulous Airbnb close to town and easily accessible to the highway. Flagstaff is a vibrant, little city with a thriving mountain culture and lifestyle. We enjoyed wandering its downtown area offering a variation in vibe, food and shopping. Humphreys Peak, the highest point in Arizona, serves as a backdrop with its snowy summit.
As big fans of Food Network’s “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives,” we had to try Fat Olives in Flagstaff. Owned by John Conley, Fat Olives has been featured in many publications and touted by Food Network as a “Top Place to Eat.” They serve authentic Italian food including their famous wood-fired pizza. To stay true to Triple D’s recommendation, we ordered their specialty pizza, the Belgio Dolce — a white base, mozzarella, pecorino romano, oregano, shaved Brussel sprouts, Calabrian chili oil, Molinari soppressata, local honey and crushed pistachios. It was delicious!
