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Message
Sedona Trip BUMP trip update (no pics) and LONG
Posted on 4/2/21 at 1:39 pm
Posted on 4/2/21 at 1:39 pm
Booked flights to Phoenix for trip to Sedona 6/5-6/9. Planning as follows
Saturday and Sunday - Hoping to arrive Saturday 10am....Do Sedona all day Saturday and Sunday (is this enough)
Monday morning drive to GC, Stay Monday night near GC
Tuesday morning drive back to Sedona for the day/night
Wednesday morning drive from Sedona to Phoenix to catch noon flight out.
My first request is recommendations for places to stay in Sedona...I used the search, and while there are lots of Sedona threads, most don't mention places to stay. Is a resort stay necessary (as i hope to spend my time out and about)?
Second request is recommendations for must dos/sees in Sedona given the time we anticipate spending there
Third request is recommendations for GC lodging/things to do.
Oh and i guess is a Jeep necessary? This will be my first trip so I'd likely be inclined to do the tourist stuff.
UPDATE FROM TRIP
What a geat trip. I'll break down by categories..hiking/trails, restaurants, grand canyon, hotel
Hiking
Day one arrived into Sedona around 11
Fay Canyon - easy out and back 2.2 mile trail. End of trail has a climb up to arch that is not listed on the trail.
Airport Mesa - 4 mile loop trail (wasn't overly impressed)
Day two
Devil's Bridge - early morning hike starting at Mescal/Chuckwagon trailhead (alternate route is highly recommended). 4.2 mile round trip and easily our favorite hike.
Catherdal Rock - midday hike, approximately 1.2 miles with challenging portions that were somewhat difficult. Got lucky and found a parking spot at the trailhead (which is very limited).
Chapel of the Holy Cross - not really a hike, but sort of. Parking was an issue so it was a pretty long uphill walk but certainty worth the effort....beautiful chapel surrounded by great views
Courthouse View Loop - Afternoon hike, long loop (4 miles) around Courthouse and Bell Rock. Relatively easy hike with good views
Day three
Bell Rock - Early morning short hike (1.2 miles) but mostly vertical. The first half was challenging and the top half was difficult as the face is relatively smooth in many areas and it wasn't apparent if there was an easier route (since there were few people out at 6 a.m. in the morning.
Baby Bell - half mile hike from Bell to Baby Bell. Easy climb and great views from the top on a beautiful morning.
Baldwin/Templeton - A 2.4 mile hike mostly along a beautiful creek (the only water we encountered during the trip) and then some vertical. This is also an alternative route to Cathedral Rock that I'd recommend if the CR trailhead is full. Makes it a longer hike but very scenic.
Fay Canyon (yes again) - We did this 2.2 mile hike again to end our hiking for the trip...actually went a bit further around the arch then we did the first time.
Restaurants
Elote - couldn't get a reservation...I tried online exactly 30 days prior to arrival with no luck. Called the restaurant 30 days prior and they placed me on a waiting list for our first night. Strangely enough I received a call during our airport mesa hike saying they could take me. Some have mentioned that it was overrated, however it was easily the best meal we had in Sedona...hands down.
Butterfly Burger (Lisa Dahl) - located in the village of Oak Creek, it was an exceptional burger in a very swanky restaurant. No views, as it is in a strip mall but the build out for the place was first class and the food was great.
Mariposa (Lisa Dahl) - Was fortunate to get reservations online 1 month prior. The restaurant, patio, scenery are unmatched. We had an 8:15 reservation and sat outside. The views were great. The food....not so much. Wife had the filet (tasty but average), I tried the Pollo Rustico (as it was listed as an award winner). I was somewhat disappointed. The side dish of Elote was very good. Overall it wasn't bad, but not as good as I anticipated or as good as the other places we dined.
The Hudson - Located within walking distance from the Arabella, food was very good with a diverse menu. Didn't have reservations, place was packed to the rafters but there were 2 spots available at the bar, which we jumped on.
Grand Canyon
Day trip to the Canyon. Easy drive (1 hr 50 minutes) and easy to navigate within the park area. We actually parked and hopped on the Hermit's Rest bus trail that brings you to various viewpoints along the south rim. The Canyon is certainly grand...almost overwhelming. A must do, if you've never seen it and are within a couple of hours of it.
Hotel
Arabella....Nothing fancy, but certainly met our needs. Located near Cathedral Rock, Chapel of the Holy Cross, Bell Rock, Baldwin/Templeton etc...was in close proximity to many of the hikes
Overall it was a great trip. We logged 20+ miles of hiking in 3 days and fit in a day trip to the GC. Exhausting 4 days but well worth it and will definitely do it again. There were areas of Oak Creek Canyon that we drove through that I'd like to explore on another trip as it seems like totally different terrain.
Saturday and Sunday - Hoping to arrive Saturday 10am....Do Sedona all day Saturday and Sunday (is this enough)
Monday morning drive to GC, Stay Monday night near GC
Tuesday morning drive back to Sedona for the day/night
Wednesday morning drive from Sedona to Phoenix to catch noon flight out.
My first request is recommendations for places to stay in Sedona...I used the search, and while there are lots of Sedona threads, most don't mention places to stay. Is a resort stay necessary (as i hope to spend my time out and about)?
Second request is recommendations for must dos/sees in Sedona given the time we anticipate spending there
Third request is recommendations for GC lodging/things to do.
Oh and i guess is a Jeep necessary? This will be my first trip so I'd likely be inclined to do the tourist stuff.
UPDATE FROM TRIP
What a geat trip. I'll break down by categories..hiking/trails, restaurants, grand canyon, hotel
Hiking
Day one arrived into Sedona around 11
Fay Canyon - easy out and back 2.2 mile trail. End of trail has a climb up to arch that is not listed on the trail.
Airport Mesa - 4 mile loop trail (wasn't overly impressed)
Day two
Devil's Bridge - early morning hike starting at Mescal/Chuckwagon trailhead (alternate route is highly recommended). 4.2 mile round trip and easily our favorite hike.
Catherdal Rock - midday hike, approximately 1.2 miles with challenging portions that were somewhat difficult. Got lucky and found a parking spot at the trailhead (which is very limited).
Chapel of the Holy Cross - not really a hike, but sort of. Parking was an issue so it was a pretty long uphill walk but certainty worth the effort....beautiful chapel surrounded by great views
Courthouse View Loop - Afternoon hike, long loop (4 miles) around Courthouse and Bell Rock. Relatively easy hike with good views
Day three
Bell Rock - Early morning short hike (1.2 miles) but mostly vertical. The first half was challenging and the top half was difficult as the face is relatively smooth in many areas and it wasn't apparent if there was an easier route (since there were few people out at 6 a.m. in the morning.
Baby Bell - half mile hike from Bell to Baby Bell. Easy climb and great views from the top on a beautiful morning.
Baldwin/Templeton - A 2.4 mile hike mostly along a beautiful creek (the only water we encountered during the trip) and then some vertical. This is also an alternative route to Cathedral Rock that I'd recommend if the CR trailhead is full. Makes it a longer hike but very scenic.
Fay Canyon (yes again) - We did this 2.2 mile hike again to end our hiking for the trip...actually went a bit further around the arch then we did the first time.
Restaurants
Elote - couldn't get a reservation...I tried online exactly 30 days prior to arrival with no luck. Called the restaurant 30 days prior and they placed me on a waiting list for our first night. Strangely enough I received a call during our airport mesa hike saying they could take me. Some have mentioned that it was overrated, however it was easily the best meal we had in Sedona...hands down.
Butterfly Burger (Lisa Dahl) - located in the village of Oak Creek, it was an exceptional burger in a very swanky restaurant. No views, as it is in a strip mall but the build out for the place was first class and the food was great.
Mariposa (Lisa Dahl) - Was fortunate to get reservations online 1 month prior. The restaurant, patio, scenery are unmatched. We had an 8:15 reservation and sat outside. The views were great. The food....not so much. Wife had the filet (tasty but average), I tried the Pollo Rustico (as it was listed as an award winner). I was somewhat disappointed. The side dish of Elote was very good. Overall it wasn't bad, but not as good as I anticipated or as good as the other places we dined.
The Hudson - Located within walking distance from the Arabella, food was very good with a diverse menu. Didn't have reservations, place was packed to the rafters but there were 2 spots available at the bar, which we jumped on.
Grand Canyon
Day trip to the Canyon. Easy drive (1 hr 50 minutes) and easy to navigate within the park area. We actually parked and hopped on the Hermit's Rest bus trail that brings you to various viewpoints along the south rim. The Canyon is certainly grand...almost overwhelming. A must do, if you've never seen it and are within a couple of hours of it.
Hotel
Arabella....Nothing fancy, but certainly met our needs. Located near Cathedral Rock, Chapel of the Holy Cross, Bell Rock, Baldwin/Templeton etc...was in close proximity to many of the hikes
Overall it was a great trip. We logged 20+ miles of hiking in 3 days and fit in a day trip to the GC. Exhausting 4 days but well worth it and will definitely do it again. There were areas of Oak Creek Canyon that we drove through that I'd like to explore on another trip as it seems like totally different terrain.
This post was edited on 6/10/21 at 12:07 pm
12
Posted on 4/2/21 at 6:47 pm to failuretocommunicate
Arabella
Hyatt Residence Club
No need to book hotel near GC. You can day trip from Sedona (2 hr drive).
A Jeep would be fun but not necessary.
Day trip out to Cottonwood/Jerome
Stargazing
Sedona New Day Spa
Hyatt Residence Club
No need to book hotel near GC. You can day trip from Sedona (2 hr drive).
A Jeep would be fun but not necessary.
Day trip out to Cottonwood/Jerome
Stargazing
Sedona New Day Spa
Posted on 4/2/21 at 8:22 pm to failuretocommunicate
I’d recommend El Portal Sedona if you’re interested in a Boutique style. Really cool place in a good location.
Posted on 4/2/21 at 9:19 pm to TigeRoots
We just stayed there last week. We stayed at the Hilton resort. It is little south of town but we liked that it wasn’t as hectic. You don’t necessarily need a Jeep. We did do a pink Jeep tour to the top of Schnebly road. Pretty bumpy but awesome. If you want a nice restaurant Mariposa was amazing but you have to book early. Her Italian place Cucina is right by the Hilton and was amazing as well. Elote is supposed to be amazing but we couldn’t get reservations. If you go to Cottonwood eat at Colt 804 grill. Awesome food. Can’t wait to go back. Ps...we did Grand Canyon in a day. Left by 8 and got back that afternoon. That is all you need to do.
This post was edited on 4/2/21 at 9:23 pm
Posted on 4/3/21 at 1:59 pm to failuretocommunicate
We stayed at Enchantment for our honeymoon a year ago. It was great.
Posted on 4/3/21 at 6:57 pm to failuretocommunicate
Junipine Resort up in the canyon
Posted on 4/3/21 at 11:08 pm to failuretocommunicate
Posted on 4/5/21 at 10:43 am to bluestem75
Second the Arabella
Posted on 4/5/21 at 1:45 pm to Pirate0714
Thanks to all. Arabella has been booked. Will try to get reservation at Elote (not taking reservations this far in advance).
Any other can't miss ideas are appreciated!
Any other can't miss ideas are appreciated!
Posted on 4/5/21 at 2:05 pm to failuretocommunicate
I would imagine all the GC hotels are fully booked already for June. I'd just stay in Sedona the whole time and do a day trip to the GC. It's not that bad of a drive, and unless you're a hardcore hiker, you can see enough of it one day. If the East Gate is open(I've read it's been closed due to Covid), enter the park there, drive along the rim pulling off at the stops along the way, until you get to the main area. We stayed and watched the sunset, then stopped in Flagstaff on the way back to Sedona for dinner. We just went to a brewery in Flagstaff. Food was nothing spectacular.
We didn't rent a Jeep and never had any issues.
Couple of nice hikes in Sedona - Devil's Bridge and Cathedral Rock. Both can get VERY crowded, so I'd recommend doing them early in the morning. But honestly, every hike we did there was enjoyable because it's so different than Alabama hiking.
Grasshopper Point is a nice swimming hole to kill a lazy afternoon. We were there in June a couple of years ago, and the water was freezing cold, but it felt nice since it was in the 90's that day. Couple of cliffs to jump off of as well if that's your thing.
We didn't rent a Jeep and never had any issues.
Couple of nice hikes in Sedona - Devil's Bridge and Cathedral Rock. Both can get VERY crowded, so I'd recommend doing them early in the morning. But honestly, every hike we did there was enjoyable because it's so different than Alabama hiking.
Grasshopper Point is a nice swimming hole to kill a lazy afternoon. We were there in June a couple of years ago, and the water was freezing cold, but it felt nice since it was in the 90's that day. Couple of cliffs to jump off of as well if that's your thing.
Posted on 4/5/21 at 2:14 pm to The Spleen
Second Devil's Bridge and Cathedral Rock. Get there EARLY! The amount of people trying to go up and down Devil's Bridge was crazy when we went but wow was it worth it once you get to the top. Soldier Pass was another good hike we enjoyed that wasn't as crowded as the top tier for the area.
Posted on 4/6/21 at 7:48 am to Pirate0714
Both Devil's Bridge and Catherdral Rock look fantastic. We are not hikers per se, but we are both in shape and up for the challenge. The things i've read mention going to both sites either very early or late to avoid crowds....which is likely what we'll try to do.
Posted on 4/6/21 at 8:42 am to failuretocommunicate
Cathedral Rock does have a section where you have to scramble up a rock face. There's kind of a natural ladder to make it a bit easier, but we saw a few novices struggling with that section, and a couple just give up. I say that to prepare you for it, not to discourage you. The view once you get to the top is worth the effort.
We got to Cathedral Rock very early one morning and the parking lot was already almost full.
We got to Cathedral Rock very early one morning and the parking lot was already almost full.
Posted on 4/6/21 at 8:53 am to failuretocommunicate
Something else you might want to look into is booking a stargazing trip one night. We keep hearing how great it is but it's filled to capacity every time we try to book. I know a company runs a stargazing tour there and Sedona is one of the best places in the nation to do it apparently.
Posted on 4/6/21 at 9:00 am to failuretocommunicate
We stayed at Los Abrigados a few years back. Wasn't too expensive and in a good spot to get everywhere from.
Posted on 4/6/21 at 9:21 am to Pirate0714
quote:
booking a stargazing trip one night
Glad you brought that up....wasn't on my radar.
Seems like this trip will be a non-stop adventure.
Posted on 4/6/21 at 9:28 am to failuretocommunicate
quote:
Seems like this trip will be a non-stop adventure.
We did a week in Sedona and felt like we had barely scratched the surface the day we left.
Posted on 4/6/21 at 4:34 pm to failuretocommunicate
quote:
try to get reservation at Elote
Don't waste your time. We were unimpressed with it. Mariposa Grill was worth every penny.
Posted on 4/7/21 at 8:02 am to The Spleen
quote:
Couple of nice hikes in Sedona - Devil's Bridge and Cathedral Rock.
Agreed but my favorite was the West Fork hike - it goes through the canyons. Lots of fun.
Posted on 4/7/21 at 8:32 am to Antonio Moss
quote:
Agreed but my favorite was the West Fork hike - it goes through the canyons. Lots of fun.
The one we didn't get to do that I really wanted to because we ran out of time. A couple of trails near our VRBO were also nice, and got very little traffic - Secret Slickrock and Ramshead.
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