Sedona + Grand Canyon
My high school buddy Gray decided to visit me in Arizona. This blog will recount a short adventure where I attempt to cram all the noteworthy scenic locations of Arizona into a two-day itinerary for my friend. For those of you who have not been to Arizona, I would definitely check out some of the hikes and places I touch upon, but this does not serve as a comprehensive list.
Our first day started at 5AM in Phoenix. The drive to Sedona is only a short two hours. The mountain scenery makes the time experienced during the drive even less. Also, luckily for the two of us, it was a weekday and the number of tourists were much less than usual. We got to our first trailhead, Cathedral Rock, at 7AM and so began our outdoor excursion.
The hike to Cathedral Rock is 1.2 miles out-and-back, but there is a 740 feet altitude gain. I think at this point it's probably just a me thing, but Gray and I ended up severely off the main trail and had to scramble through steep terrain and prickly shrubs. Once we found the main trail again, the smooth sailing returned. Soon enough, we were at the top. The rock feature itself from a distance isn't the most impressive, but the views from the top are very much worth it.
We quickly scrambled back down the rock and drove over to our next trail: Devil's Bridge. This hike is probably the most popular hike in the entirety of Arizona. There is a road trail and a path trail. Honestly, the path trail isn't worth it unless you're dying to get extra terrain and distance for minimal shade and views. There is not much aerial scenery on this hike until the very end, but the location finds itself in a valley of mountains and rocks that are quite pretty. If you find yourself at a fork where there is a sharp elevation gain, you can either take a right (conventional path) or you can take a left and hike under the bridge. You can still make it up from taking the left path but a fair bit of rock scrambling is required.
After this hike we we're pretty exhausted and found a nice swimming hole at Oak Creek. This place also had a cool cliff jumping spot. I took a quick nap while Gray enjoyed the waters. We freshened up here for the rest of the afternoon before driving up to Flagstaff and finding a place to crash for the night.
Our morning started much later the next day. We ate a hotel breakfast and drove into the Grand Canyon. By far the optimal way to explore the canyon itself is to raft the canyon. If you're into geology, it really doesn't get much better than this. It's bewildering to think that the oldest rocks at the bottom of the canyon are about two billion years old. Rafting through the canyon itself is like going back in history as you watch the canyon itself reveal more and more of its layers. It really is an incredible sight to see. I didn't even mention the plethora of rock patterns engrained into the side walls. The experience itself is ineffable. I hope all of you can check it out sometime.
Unfortunately, Gray did not have time to raft the Grand Canyon so we just drove around the park and walked along the rim. Still, just a few views of the canyon is more than enough to put you into awe.
If I had a few more days, I would have added Coyote Buttes and Horseshoe Bend. Horseshoe Bend is a little touristy but it is the iconic mac photo and is worth checking out; however, Coyote Buttes really is a must see. You need to play a lottery for a permit to get in, but if you can get it, please go. The sandstone patterns will blow your mind.
I hope some of these photos inspire a bit of wanderlust into you. For all my friends, I look forward to see you again and having you tell me about all of the cool things you do this summer!