Sedona, Arizona

Vortex Capital of America

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After our Phoenix spring training adventure hit a couple of speed bumps - first the rain, then the cancelation of the rest of spring training because of the coronavirus - the four of us (Tracy, Julie, Stephanie & I) went north for several glorious days of hiking and vistas before we had to return to the real world of Stay at Home orders and virus scares.

Many of you may have had the opportunity to explore the environs surrounding Sedona -- we've had the pleasure several times -- and, if so, you'll recognize the distinctive red rock terrain.  For the rest of you, this should put you on notice that if and when this pandemic ends, you need to put this northern Arizona spot on your travel bucket list.  It was J&S's first visit to the Vortex Capital of America.

Thanks for hiking with us.  Let us know if you decide to head to Sedona any time in the future and need suggestions.   Definitely worth your while.  In the meantime, BE SAFE!

When Julie & Stephanie first decided to come visit us during spring training - which was, duh, the REAL magnet for their visit - Sedona WAS part of their travel plans; they were kind enough to let us tag along.  Like us, they're experienced hikers; we let them configure our hiking plans.  Steph took the lead, and she did not disappoint.

The tour information guy first sent us up to the airport mesa, always a good vantage point to see the town and the surrounding mountains.  Unfortunately, it is not a good place for a hike after heavy rains because the trails are mucky bogs, sure to turn your shoes, clothes and car floors a bright Sedona red.  

Steph saved the day and shifted course, and we explored a little-used area right next to the high school:  The Schuerman Mountain Trail.  The photo that graces the top of this page is from that vantage point, as is the one top right.

The lone photo I took from atop the airport mesa, looking north; most of the town lies below us; the next two days we explored the land in and around the monolith in this photo.

On our last full day in town, we headed slightly north of town, just east of where we hiked the first day.  This was a more challenging walk, highlighted by an off-trail hike up to a ridge that gave us spectacular views.  Only part of the main trail had mud issues, until we reached Soldier Pass.  There we met three young ladies from Chicago; they all knew of Jenna's bar/brewery (Off Color Brewery).  If the place reopens after the pandemic passes, their first beers are on us; they were good with that!

Below right, J&S&T look up at the mesa we conquered off-trail.

Our next day, we headed NW of town, fairly close to our hotel.  We did the Thunder Mountain Trail, the Andante Trail & the Lower Chimney Rock Trail.  These are easy hikes on the outskirts of civilization, but with plenty of scenery.  J&S and I hiked up to the Little Sugarloaf ridge, a steep but short climb.

After our wilderness hike, Tracy (having been raised Catholic and all) suggested we head over to the Chapel of the Holy Cross, southeast of Sedona.  (You can see it off of the highway as you enter town from the south.)  It's a spectacular venue built in the mid-'50s, right into the red rock buttes.

In the afternoon, we grabbed lunch supplies and headed south of town to Red Rock State Park.  A ridge walk took us away from the groups of people along the valley floor who clearly were not social-distancing.  (Sedona was in the early stages of the coronavirus scare, although, frankly, even California had not yet gone to Stay-at-Home orders.  But restaurants seemed to know there was trouble a'brewin'.)  Nice scenery!

View to the east from the chapel; note the Madonna-holding-the-baby rock formation on the left, and the praying hands to the right.  Below, the panoramic view of the valley to the east.