Four Day Roadtrip Guide to Arizona
Arizona in November.
I set out to plan a relatively short (yet action packed) trip in November. Although my location brainstorming process was a little hectic, the idea of doing a roadtrip in Arizona was a recurring thought. Ultimately, I was enthralled in the idea of experiencing the mystical red rocks, feeling the energy charged atmosphere, witnessing incredible geological features, and of course learning about the Native lands and communities.
This trip was very special in many ways. I had been planning the details with a few different friends over the span of a month. Yet, it just didn’t work out. I was really considering doing a solo trip at this point. I put my planning aside to enjoy some special moments with friends and during one of these moments, I mentioned my failed trip planning to one of my good friends Sara. She said, "well I can probably go, let’s do it.” Sara and I used to go on trips together all the time in the past and we always had the best times. I was overjoyed to travel and reconnect.
Ok, so here we go. We booked a last minute flight to Phoenix and then confirmed our accommodations, booked a car, and tentatively planned our route in the following two weeks. We definitely knew we wanted to see several different areas of Arizona, yet we were only working with four days. Challenge accepted. Our strategy was simple: just head north (one of my personal favourites). We had to prioritize the type of trip we wanted to embark on, so we opted for an immersive outdoor adventure for this one. The plan was to start in Phoenix and make stops along the way to Page, then stop over at the Grand Canyon before making our way back. As impromptu trips often go, our plans were readjusted quite a bit, though our experiences were still incredible and action packed.
This post will outline what each day entailed, including points of interest, accommodations, and notable restaurants.
Bell Rock
Waterhole Canyon
The First Night
Our flight to Phoenix was quite late, therefore, I’m not considering the first night as ‘Day One.’ However, it was certainly an interesting experience that I cannot omit.
After a four hour flight on a small Air Canada Rouge plane (which was definitely not generous with leg space), we arrived in Phoenix at around 11:00 pm. Since we only had a carry on, our exit was nice and quick. Conveniently, in the outdoor arrivals zone at the airport, there was a shuttle ready to take a group of us to the main car rental center nearby, which hosts all of the different rental companies. This shuttle runs every 5-10 minutes.
We were grateful that everything had been so seamless thus far. And then we arrived at our rental agency and those spirits quickly dropped. As soon as we stepped foot inside the center, we noticed one excessively long line, and of course it was at the agency we booked with: FOX Rent A Car. Oh well, what can you do; we got in line and waited our turn. At this point, it was around 12:00 am. We booked a motel about 20 minutes out of the city, in Scottsdale. As we were heading north early the next day, we thought this was the best option. We waited and waited, and listened to the attendants gossip and yell at each other about matters both related and unrelated to the people in front of them, who were simply waiting to get their vehicle.
An hour and a half later, it was finally our turn. After listening to the very unprofessional banter between attendants, we were a little concerned about the entire process. However, despite the terrible customer service skills displayed, our actual renting experience was simple and accurate. We added an extra driver and paid the USD$355 security deposit, and our balance was essentially what we were quoted when we booked (there are often many complaints about this online). The true test of patience was everything that followed. Our documents were completed in about five minutes, yet we waited half an hour at the front desk because they could not reach the attendant in the garage and they could not find us a car (?). We had booked a “Compact SUV.” Our first offer was a Dodge Durango, which is a seven person midsize SUV! Not only was this excessive, but they were also outwardly laughing about the fact that it was having some issues. We then waited 15-20 minutes as the two front desk attendants could not get a hold of anyone in the garage once again, and they were yelling at each other about which car to give to whom. After our long wait, we were offered a Toyota 4Runner. At this point we were exhausted, realized we were not getting anything compact, and decided we were content with a car that seemed promising for our outdoor travels. As soon as we got the keys, we threw our bags in the car and drove off to Scottsdale as fast as possible.
Our Rental Car & Superstition Mountains
Phase two of this eventful night. We booked a Motel 6 in ‘Old Town’ Scottsdale in advance, so we just needed to check in once we got there. We got there at about 2:30/2:45 am and everything around us was extremely silent (naturally at this time of night) and it just felt eerie because we were so drained and slowly losing it. What we would have done for that silence to last, though. We checked in quickly, got to our room (luckily there was a parking spot right in front of the door) and just collapsed. We promptly fell asleep, and then it all began. A couple of hours into the night (or I guess morning at this point), a group of teenagers decided to use the floor (and balcony) above us as their personal nightclub, FOR HOURS. I think we slept for about three hours before our two hour drive the next day.
We found out the next day that Scottsdale is quite popular for their nightlife. Made sense.
Day One
Although we did not have the most desirable night, we woke up to the sun shining - with a lot of excitement for the journey ahead. We got ready quickly and went on the hunt to find a decently healthy breakfast place. We found a juice bar on Google Maps, which appeared to be across the street from us. We quickly crossed the busy road and stumbled upon one the most beautiful apartment complexes I’ve ever seen - called ‘Optima Sonoran Village.’ It was an interesting discovery, as we went from a loud main road to an entire oasis, surrounded by reflective rainbow coloured apartments. We walked around for ten minutes, trying to find the juice bar, as we gawked at this incredible display of nature and architecture working together cohesively. The buildings surround an abundance of trees and plants, along with various walkways leading throughout the complex. The greenery even dangles from the balconies themselves. We finally located this (not so) elusive juice bar - called ‘Kaleidoscope Juice Bar.’ It was bright and airy, and refreshingly full of good energy. They had a plethora of coffees, bowls, smoothies, shakes, herbal tonics, and more! And all very reasonably priced. After some great conversations with the lovely ladies there, we ordered a delicious Acai bowl to enjoy on the road (not exactly the most efficient meal for a drive but we made it work, ha!). We immediately forgot about our wacky night, and we were in great spirits!
The plan was to head to Sedona, but not before a quick detour at a very interesting place.
Stop One: Jerome, Arizona
Jerome, Arizona is about two hours from Scottsdale, and it sits 5000 feet up on what is called: ‘Cleopatra Hill’ in Yavapai County. Cleopatra Hill is actually about 1.75 billion years old, and the mineral deposits (in summary) were the product of a caldera eruption. The town is often advertised as ‘Jerome Ghost Town,’ but it is a historic mining town (copper mostly - but also containing silver, and gold) that declined and eventually became a tourist hub and the artist community (population of just under 500) it is today - composed of artists, musicians, writers, business owners, etc. It was originally inhabited by Native American tribes that used the abundance of copper ore to create pigments for their bodies and fabric. Spanish explorers eventually arrived in search of gold, though didn’t think it was worth staying, and finally the “big guns” (American investors) arrived and began a copper mining camp - a literal community of tents, which grew into a booming operation - before it crashed in the Depression. During this peak, the population consisted of 15 000 people (composed of 30 different nationalities), and then declined to 100 people in the 1950s, and these remaining people promoted the town as a “ghost town.” This title seemed to have stuck.
The history behind this town is actually quite interesting. Check out these two articles that outline all of the events that led to where it is today (in a less butchered version than my little summary): AZ Jerome.
Getting to Jerome is beautiful in itself; we went through Cottonwood and up the 89A. The road to the hillside town winds around the mountain, opening up incredibly scenic views along each bend. It does get narrow at times; just take it slower on the bends and you’ll be fine. Once you reach the top, right before you enter the town, there is a stunning panoramic view of Jerome. There is a little groove where you can veer off so that you can get out! It is interesting to see how this town was built right into the hillside and to imagine it in its peak mining days.
Once we entered the town, we parked at a pay-to-park lot. There are many free parking spots in front of the shops and restaurants, though most of them seemed to be taken. We opted for the first open space we could find. There are four paid lots that are enforced from 10:00 am - 4:00 pm daily, and they were USD$3 for up to 4 hours, and $5 for the whole day (prices may be different in 2024). The revenue from these lots goes towards infrastructure improvements in the town, so we definitely did not mind contributing to this initiative. We paid with a credit card.
Upon my initial decision to stop in Jerome, I read about the history, though I didn’t do much research on what there was to do there. Therefore, we only gave ourselves an hour here, yet there was so much to see and do - from shops (gift, vintage, antique, etc) to wine tasting rooms, to restaurants, to historic tours. We decided to walk around the streets and immerse ourselves in whatever caught our eye. The first shop we set foot into was very special. It is called: “Jerome Artists Cooperative Gallery.” It is a gallery that displays the artwork of various fine artists and crafts people that live and work near Jerome. The lovely woman working there told us that they normally house (and sell) the artwork and crafts of about 35 artists. Everything we witnessed was breathtaking, including the handmade jewelry that Sara couldn’t resist. What really adds to the charm of this shop is the fact that this gallery is situated in the old ‘Hotel Jerome;’ a building that is about 150 years old.
We aimlessly strolled around town,weaving in and out of shops. Two of my favourites were: Retro Road Runner Vintage shop on Main Street (wonderful owner with a great eye for vintage items) - across from the Artists Cooperative, and a crystal shop (which I can’t seem to remember the name of, but it was the very last shop on Main Street beside ‘The Newstate Shops’ sign). The owner of the crystal shop was incredible; we sat there listening to his stories about his studies in Italy with (now) famous artists, and his journey of walking down a highway from America to Canada. His parting words to me were something along the lines of “you have the attitude of an old whacked out hippie” and he wished us a safe and soul fulfilling trip. Checks out. He is also an artist and his woodwork is displayed in an old school in town.
Even though Jerome is very much a tourist hub, you still feel the essence of that old mining town shine through, as many of the old abandoned buildings and ruins still stand beside the ones that found a new life in this thriving society of artists. Make sure you also climb to the higher part of the town and view the stunning Verde Valley below, beautiful red rocks, and ‘San Francisco Peaks’ in the distance.
After spending two hours in Jerome, it was time to head 40 minutes away to the heart of divine red rocks: Sedona.
Sedona
Sedona is a city between the counties of ‘Coconino’ and ‘Yavapai’ in the northern part of Verde Valley. The land was originally inhabited by various Native tribes throughout the years (starting around 11,500 - 9000 B.C.). The Anglo Americans settled in the 1870s, and today most of the land is developed - making Sedona a major tourist hub. In spite of this, I felt as though Sedona seemed to retain its spellbinding nature (for the most part). Its powerful geology takes the stage and speaks to those who want to listen. And I think that the majority of residents and visitors respect this. Sedona is typically attributed to the extraordinary red and orange sandstone formations that can be found all around the city. As you approach the outskirts of the city, the first glimpse of them takes your breath away. It is very difficult to put into words. You just need to be there to embrace it with your whole being. The best time to view all of these incredible formations is at dusk, when the golden light illuminates the entirety of the land in a ethereal fashion.
There is just so much to do in Sedona. We heard many times that we need at least a week to fully experience it, and this advice was not wrong. From the strong art culture displayed in galleries, museums, shops, and performances, to the large spiritual and wellness emphasis that is utilized through spas, yoga, retreats, organic restaurants, and crystal shops, to the endless amount of trails and hikes of all durations. The entire main street of Sedona is teeming with shops, galleries, tour companies, and restaurants. There are many attractions for people of all ages. With only two days, we had to pick and choose a few influential spots to visit. The ‘Visit Sedona’ website is a great resource to find everything to do there.
It’s important to note that, because there is widely known emphasis on metaphysical and crystal healing in Sedona, a lot of businesses and tourist companies take advantage of this in a commercialized and less authentic manner. You will see many of these in the busiest tourist section of town (naturally) where the majority of shops are situated. Just be mindful. One particular approach I take when it comes to buying a craft or “handmade item” is to ask the store attendant to give me a full explanation of where the item was made and by whom. The best and most positive way to take home an essence of this magical place is to support a local artist.
Stop Two: Bell Rock, Sedona
The first destination on our way into Sedona was Bell Rock. Bell Rock is one of Sedona’s most popular red rock landmarks and hikes, and also holds a powerful energy centre known as an “energy vortex” (the region has several). It is one of many breathtaking sandstone formations, and it gets its name from its resemblance of a church bell.
An energy vortex is said to be a location on earth that is charged with a high concentration of energy, that circulates from the core to the surface. These powerful locations are epicenters for those seeking to connect with themselves; find clarity and purpose, expand consciousness, release negative and toxic build ups, and seek overall rejuvenation and healing of the mind and body. They are wonderful places to meditate and are said to be dimensional portals; that everyone on a divine journey (or even those simply looking for a feeling of genuine wellbeing) should bask in these special places on earth. You can read about them in a document from Sedona Visitor Center, which gives insight into the different categories and outlines some of the best spots to find the vortexes: Check it out here.
There is no need to search for Bell Rock; the incredible specimen dazzles you entirely on the way into town, as it sits along the main highway into Sedona (highway 179). It is directly past the Village of Oak Creek, which is essentially an area on the outskirt of Sedona - the “doorstep of Sedona” as they call it. There is a sign right before the Rock, that reads “Bell Rock Vista,” which we actually missed, as we were enthralled in the various shades of red all around us. We ended up in the next parking lot over, called “Courthouse Vista,” which also provides access to the trail leading in to the area. We decided to head back to the Bell Rock Vista parking lot, as this is the main one. The lot is quite large, though it does fill up since it is a high traffic area. The Courthouse Vista parking lot is even smaller and the chances of getting a spot are even more sparse. Since we spent quite a bit of time in Jerome and ended up in Sedona in the afternoon, all of the parking lots were extremely full. We circled around for a little while until we found a spot in the main parking lot (South lot). There is a parking pass requirement here, but it’s only USD$5 for the day. There are several parks in Sedona that require a parking pass (called the “Red Rock Pass”) for conservation efforts, so be mindful of this if you plan on hiking. I believe the USD$5 covers a full day pass for all of the locations that require it - but I would double check this. There are kiosks that accept credits cards (which we actually weren’t able to locate), and I am assuming the other locations also mimic this. On our way to find out where to get our pass, as luck would have it, this kind woman decided to donate hers to us on her way out.
From the South lot, you hike down a path for a short while, until you reach two signs. One veers left to continue straight to Bell Rock, and one veers right, to embark on a longer trail called ‘Big Park Loop’. This longer trail connects to another one called ‘Courthouse Butte,’ which leads you to the Courthouse Butte rock formation, a formation called ‘Spaceship Rock,’ and then around Bell Rock. Due to time constraints (we started the hike at about 3:00 pm - oops), we opted for the Bell Rock Trail (about 4.5 kilometres there and back). The hike itself is quite easy and the path is maintained well, though it is quite rocky - so come prepared with good hiking shoes. We thoroughly enjoyed our walk along the bright red terrain surrounded by various trees, dry bushes, and little clusters of cacti. There is a section of the trail that lines the highway, which does create a break in serenity. However, once you reach the rock of the hour you forget all about it. Once we finally got a glimpse of the entire north side of Bell Rock, we decided to climb up a little higher. We didn’t get too far because it was too late to continue upwards (it was already 6:00 pm, and the sun’s golden rays were beaming down), though we did find an interesting plateau to climb onto.
There is a small side trail that leads to a ledge that requires arm and leg support, as it was a little tough to scale (pictured above). Others who were already atop of this ledge actually continued along the trail, as it leads higher into Bell Rock. We were quite content with this vantage point, as we got some magnificent views of the North side of Bell Rock and the valley below on the opposite side. The stillness of evening was settling in, yet the sun was still blanketing the peaks with a warm embrace.
Some extra notes about the Bell Rock area: there are a couple of (modest) bathrooms beside the parking lot, make sure you bring water (we were there during off season, but the summer does get extremely hot), try not to keep any valuables in your car (theft does happen occasionally), and it does get quite populated with hikers and mountain bikers - so be mindful. A big highlight was that every single person we came across on the trail greeted us kindly; we exchanged laughs and photo taking with many. This was the first time I had seen a positive and sociable hiking community to this extent, and we loved every bit of it!
And then it was off to Sedona!
Accommodation:
After our hike we drove into Sedona to unwind at our very eclectic Airbnb, filled with beautiful art and native artifacts, in West Sedona. This is a very special place, as it seems to create a community of travellers on their own special journey. The hosts, Soaring Eagle and Vivian (and their lovely cats) open up the majority of their house to visitors all year round, as they have several rooms available. From the moment we walked inside, they made us feel welcomed, and Soaring Eagle took us on a tour of the house, telling us stories about the art and the land; sharing some fascinating stories of his spiritual quests and studies, as he has a doctorate in Metaphysics. And he gave us some great advice and direction on where to find the most influential spots in Sedona. The home sits right below ‘Thunder Mountain,’ and Soaring Eagle actually mentioned that there is a wave of energy that runs down the mountain and passes through the property, and its presence was definitely felt. The outdoor patio has 180 degree views of the sacred
Once we got settled in, we decided it was finally time to head to dinner. After a wild and exciting day, we decided to treat ourselves!
But before we left, I got a message.
Earlier, when we were chatting with Soaring Eagle, he mentioned that his home seemed to produce these moments of serendipity. He told us that he’s had many couples meet there and fall in love. I thought it was quite charming but didn’t think too much of it. Until I got my serendipitous moment.
We were leaving the house, to wait outside for our Uber driver, when suddenly a young man burst outside the door to ask us what the WiFi password was. Once that was settled, we quickly found ourselves in a conversation about our experiences in Sedona so far. Upon learning more about him, he told us he was an astronomer from Peru, there doing a retreat. We were actually supposed to stay in the upstairs loft, but we ended up trading it with him since the loft had a view of the sky.
Something about his presence triggered clarity in my soul. The idea of going to Peru was something that entered my life right before I left for Arizona. I was trying to figure out a trip for January - an experience that would really mean something to me - when I was approached about going to Peru with a friend from work, whom at the time, I didn’t really know that well. I was on the fence. I know this sounds a little dramatic and “woo woo”, but travelling for me isn’t just about “pretty places.” I put a lot of emphasis on signs from the Universe; they are important deciding factors in a lot of how I approach life. Talking to this new friend for a short while was all I needed for some strange reason. We talked a bit about Peru, and although it was such a brief conversation overall, something within me suddenly said with all its might: “you need to go.” I can’t explain the overwhelming feeling of just knowing something is completely right for you at an exact moment in time. We didn’t see him again, but I knew this kind guy was sent as a messenger to me, and I felt very thankful that we crossed paths that day. I hope his experience there was equally as profound. (As this blog post sat in drafts for quite a while, I did end up going to Peru in January of that year, and it was the most incredible and impactful adventure).
Check out the Airbnb here: Casa Remuda. It is in a great location, as it is in a dark serene area, yet shops and restaurants are only 5-10 minutes away. red rock formations that bring Sedona life.
Dinner: ChocolaTree Organic Oasis
For dinner, we were both set on finding a nice vegan meal (while in Sedona). ChocolaTree seemed to have some great reviews online, and we were sold. It was a great find. As soon as we entered, we felt welcomed.
The restaurant contains an indoor dining area, a tree covered patio, a marketplace (with wellness products, desserts, jewelry, and more), and an ethereal garden lounge in the back (where they host ceremonies, chanting circles, and an overall space for collaboration and connection). Once again, it was one of the places we found that is located on a main street, but as soon as you enter, you are transported into an oasis. The owners are comprised of a gardener and a chocolatier, who created this environment to nourish the community in the healthiest way - physically and mentally. All of their ingredients are sourced out of their personal gardens or very carefully treated upon arrival if outsourced, to ensure they contain nothing harmful (sourced as locally as possible and treated with artisan spring fed water). All of their meals are created from scratch. As the name suggest, their chocolates are prominent. They have so many varieties, and they are made from all natural sweeteners.
One of my absolute favourite aspects about this business is their environmental initiatives. All of their packaging is 100% recyclable (and at least 80% post-consumer recycled) - bags, to-go containers, toilet paper, napkins, labels, business cards, advertising materials, menus! Their chocolate boxes are made from cacao tree leaves, their honey is sourced locally from small bee farms, their seed butters are placed in glass instead of plastic, they use all natural cleaning products, and the jewelry, crystals, and minerals in their marketplace are ethically and sustainably sourced. They also support various indigenous groups by selling their handcrafted goods, and contribute 20% to non-profit organizations annually.
Our meals weren’t aesthetic masterpieces, but certainly were flavour masterpieces. We even ordered a slice of cake (because how could you not want to try everything) and a bottle of wine, and to say we went home full and pleased in every way possible is an understatement.
As we were waiting for our table (this place does often fill up quick, so you probably have to wait for a table), I was still processing my recent serendipitous moment as I walked around to check out the little marketplace beside the dining room. As I was sifting through the various books that caught my eye, I noticed something that gave me another shock to the system. One lone copy of The Alchemist. The Alchemist is my favourite book, and one I constantly refer back to for guidance and inspiration. Also, we found a wonderful kombucha called ‘Olinka Kombucha,’ made by a local husband and wife, and their two kids.
Here’s the restaurant website: www.chocolatree.com. I 1000% recommend visiting if ever in Sedona. Sidenote: even the Uber drivers in Sedona are cool. On the way to the restaurant, we were driven by this groovy hippie woman, with an entire welcome basket displayed in the middle compartment and the smell of incense emanating from the car.
I sat in my bed that night and just felt a state of ease. I wasn’t worried about about all of my societal responsibilities, I wasn’t worried about money, I wasn’t preparing for stressful situations at work. I was just there. Present and content. That was the happiest I had felt in a while.
Day Two
This was definitely the most physically demanding day of the trip. With some recommendation from Soaring Eagle, the plan was to do two big hikes. We initially planned about four different activities, but we soon understood why Sedona is a one week trip minimum - not two days!
Our aim was to wake up around 7:00 am to head out, but comfort took over. We definitely needed a good night’s rest because we were completely energized and ready for another epic day. We found a neighbourhood juice bar right around the corner from where we were staying, called: ‘Local Juicery.’ They had an incredible avocado toast, and they also had an abundance of waffles, breakfast bowls, grab and go salads, smoothies, wellness tonics, juices, and of course coffee. We grabbed a wellness shot and salad to go because we knew we would definitely need it later on. Their ingredients were also organic, gluten free, refined sugar free, paleo friendly, and loaded with superfoods. The only downsides are that everything is quite pricey and they don’t have a restroom.
After a great breakfast, we were off to our first hike.
Stop One: Devil’s Bridge
Devil’s Bridge is one of the most popular hiking spots in Sedona, as it is known for its famous sandstone arch that creates a picture perfect bridge for hikers to traverse.
We followed a pretty simple route to get there. Off of the main highway that runs through Sedona (89A), there is a road called ‘Dry Creek Road.’ You basically just follow this road until you reach the Devil’s Bridge parking lot (the lot is located where the road splits into Boynton Pass Road on the left and Dry Creek on the right). It is a very busy area, which means the parking lot fills up quite quickly. We were there on a Sunday around noon, and even though it wasn’t busy season, the parking lot was still at full capacity. However, there are many grooves along the main road to pull into. We actually got a decent spot close to the entrance. Dry Creek Road continues all the way to the official trailhead for the hike; the road becomes both a hiking path for those on foot, and a road for vehicles that have enough clearance and spirit to make it on the uneven terrain. There are also Jeep tours in town that offer this hike as part of their packages (one of the most popular being the ‘Pink Adventure Tours,’ which take you around on bright pink Jeep Wranglers). Therefore, you see a lot of Jeeps passing by as you are hiking. There is another trail, called the ‘Mescal Trail,’ which also leads to the Devil’s Bridge Trail. I don’t think any of the lots for Devil’s Bridge require payment.
If you start the hike from the parking lot, it is about 6.8 kilometers there and back (make sure you have comfortable hiking shoes!). Once you reach the actual trailhead with the sign for ‘Devil’s Bridge,’ you begin to ascend a narrow forested area. It is a lovely little hike with hints of uniquely shaped red rocks and openings that provide breathtaking views of the escarpment. There are moments where it does get quite steep, and at times require mild scaling of rocks. Before you reach the top (where the arch lies) there is a set of rocks you can climb to a plateau with the most stunning panoramic view of the forest and red rock formations - the highlights of the area. It is an incredible spot to stop and take a couple of photos.
Once you reach the top, the trail widens and it is a simple walk to the main attraction.
Here is where the fun begins. On social media, it’s common to see photos of people standing on the bridge with the escarpment in the back; it truly makes for an epic shot. However, the question is: how long did they wait to get that shot? As soon as you are in view of the bridge, the first aspect that strikes you is the long line up of people waiting to get that same epic photo. There were probably a good 40 people lined up when we arrived, which was wild to see, though also not surprising. We weren’t particularly set on getting “that photo” so we opted out of the experience. We definitely wanted to keep the adventures going rather than standing in a line for an hour.
We took some photos of the bridge itself, as it truly is a masterpiece of nature, and we headed back down. We had an even longer hike coming up next!
I would highly recommend starting this hike first thing in the morning.
Stop Two: Enchantment Resort and Boynton Canyon
Boynton Canyon is another decently popular hike in Sedona. It is not too far from Devil’s Bridge, and it is known to contain one of the most powerful energy vortexes. You can access the trails from the parking lot (which is on Boynton Canyon road) or around the corner at a resort called ‘Enchantment Resort.’ The parking lot does have a fee of $5.00, same as Bell Rock. There are two trails leading into Boynton Canyon: The ‘Vista Trail’ (which is about two kilometers in and out) and the ‘Boynton Canyon Trail’ (which is about 10 kilometers in and out). We opted for the latter and it was certainly our favourite hike, as it was diverse and dazzling on every corner.
Prior to the hike, we actually explored a little bit of the Enchantment Resort, which is a stunning resort comprised of individual Southwestern Pueblo-style guest houses (referred to as ‘Casitas’), situated in between a panorama of the dramatic red rock canyons belonging to Boynton Canyon. I can’t speak much for the experience, as we only walked around admiring the scenery and hopping into a gift shop. You can check them out: www.enchantmentresort.com. There is access to the trails from Enchantment Resort, however, this gate access is only granted to the people staying there.
We started the hike pretty late; it was already afternoon (which wasn’t the brightest idea). It turned out to be a beautiful sunny day, and it got quite hot in the open areas. The Boynton Canyon Trail actually loops around the Enchantment resort, therefore you can see a lot of it from above. As you pass by the resort, you walk along a narrow trail surrounded by bushes and trees; the grandiose multicoloured rocks jutting out in front - creating a real life painting for you as you walk. After a while of walking on a sandy red path, you reach a deep forested area. The temperature difference is quite prominent at this point, as the atmosphere drops several degrees. From here, you are essentially walking through the forest, and along the creek the entire way to the canyon. There were times where we almost felt as though we were on a hike back in Ontario, if it weren’t for the sudden glimpses of vibrant canyon walls. The trail does progressively elevate, and the temperature drops significantly. We eventually reached a point where everything around us was coated in frost and it became so chilly that our hands went numb. A few people we came across prior to this actually turned back because it got too cold for them. We weren’t prepared either, but we trudged through. We wore light jackets, but it wasn’t enough to stay warm so we sped up our pace!
It was a long hike. From the Enchantment Resort area, it’s about two hours (factoring in stops to take some photos). Once you reach the last bit of the trail (and your legs are ready to fall off), you are now faced with a steep climb to the top (with a little bit of rock scrambling) - where a box canyon lies. Once you are up, there is an open area that allows you to sit and take in the powerful energy of the canyon walls that embrace you from every side. We pulled out our lunch and allowed ourselves to simply become present in the experience. Quite a few people ended up piling in, and although we definitely enjoyed the company and some laughs from kind strangers, the downside was that we weren’t able to focus on embracing the silent meditative state we were hoping for. After a little while of sitting and enjoying the scenery, it got very cold - to the point where I would have been happy to have brought a hat, gloves, and a winter jacket! Also, we definitely did not bring enough water, as we drank a lot of it at Devil’s Bridge, and we were very dehydrated by the time we reached the top. Make sure to bring a lot of water if you are planning on doing two hikes in Sedona, as there were no fountains anywhere.
A box canyon is a narrow canyon with a flat bottom and vertical walls - although I would say the resting spot was more of an incline than flat bottom, ha!
Soaring Eagle had told us he would climb into the grooves at the top of the canyon to do his meditations. This section is a lot steeper and requires a good amount of climbing. If it weren’t for the cold, we probably would have explored a little more.
Our hike on the way back was a lot shorter because we didn’t make too many stops and we were now on a decline. We were also getting a little worried because the sun was starting to get lower in the sky and we certainly were not feeling adventurous enough to hike in a dark forest. Before we reached the clearing beyond the forest, we were blessed with a visit from a sweet little deer, which seemingly came out of nowhere. Overall, the longer version of the hike was incredibly worth it and I would recommend it. The Boynton Canyon area is very special. If you plan on visiting, make sure you take a moment to respect the Yavapai Native Americans, as it is their ancient sacred site, and a location full of legends. There are also ancient Indian ruins and burial sites hidden within the canyon walls. Take some time to read about the history.
There are also several other interesting trails in the area, though one can only explore so much in a day. A highlight of trails in Sedona is the flora: wonderful juniper trees, cacti, and agave plants everywhere. It is said that Juniper trees are known to bend and twist wherever energy vortexes are found!
Dinner: Mexican
That night we were starving and decided to try out a Mexican place (we didn’t really enjoy it sadly, so I won’t mention the name). We were looking for a restaurant with a view (completely omitting the fact that we would be there after dark and the view would be blanketed by darkness). Although the Mexican casa-style décor and service at the place we chose were wonderful, the dishes were unfortunately bland in taste, and essentially seemed like an Americanized version of their Mexican counterparts.
After dinner, we decided to check out some shops downtown. I was disappointed in how commercialized a lot of these shops felt. One store in particular had such a great assortment of crystals - many that I have not seen in stores before. We spent quite a bit of time in there marvelling at everything, and I excitedly asked the store attendant a few questions about some of the more unique ones, and she rudely told me she had no idea and that all she knew was that she “was ready to go home.” It was unfortunate. If you’re looking to buy crystals or any other special gift, make sure you hop into several different stores.
Accommodation: Casa Remuda (same as Day 1)
Day Three
We woke up to a frosty morning, as we were getting ready to leave Sedona. The funny part is I got a lot of comments from friends saying: “you’re lucky you get to go somewhere hot,” as the weather in Ontario was cooling down. Since the winter months were also hitting Arizona, the weather did fluctuate quite a lot. We certainly were not expecting our car to be fully frosted over though! We had some garbage left in the car (classy I know - but we had a long day so don’t judge), and luckily we had a salad container lid we could use to improvise as an ice scraper. When you fully embrace road trip life, you find a way to solve any problem, ha!
It was time for a change of scenery, as we were heading all the way up North to Page - which is about three hours from Sedona and borders Utah. It’s a straightforward drive, as the majority of it requires driving north on Highway 89 until you reach a road that veers off into the town (called Lake Powell Road). In the first stretch of the drive, Highway 89 passes right through Flagstaff, which was where we would come back to stay for the night.
The drive was quite unique; the terrain changed entirely throughout. As we left Sedona, we passed through Coconino National forest, which eventually opened up to beautiful panoramas of forested hills as the road climbed upwards. After this beauty, we were welcomed by level ground (and bouts of snow!) as we approached Flagstaff. The drive through Flagstaff is actually quite lovely because the snow covered San Francisco Peaks dwell in the distance, yet still appear so grand in the front window. San Francisco Peaks are three summits (named Humphreys, Agassiz, and Fremont) that sit on the rim of an extinct volcano. They were left after a huge eruption over six million years ago. Humphreys is actually 12,633 feet high - the highest point in Arizona! The mountains are a popular area for skiing and other winter activities, hiking, and scenic drives. The Navajo, Hopi, Zuni, Havasupai, and Yavapai-Apache actually consider these peaks to be incredibly sacred - where earth meets heaven. Interestingly, there is a trapped area of molten rock beneath Northern Arizona that occasionally rises and creates volcanoes! You can read more about the peaks here.
Once you’re outside of Flagstaff, it feels as though you are entering an entirely different planet. The terrain flattens immensely, yet there are various (formerly) volcanic lumps that seem to jut out of nowhere. The atmosphere almost feels desolate and otherworldly for a bit. Further down, as you begin to enter into the Navajo region, the land is still quite flat, though now you begin to see beautiful marble mesas and unique rock formations of various shapes and sizes, which are a great example of what is to come.
We noticed there were a lot of little huts along the way (where people sell various items). Most of them were not open, otherwise we would have loved to stop and buy something handmade.
Page, Arizona
Page is a small city surrounded by incredible canyons and a (man made) lake named ‘Lake Powell,’ which is part of the Colorado River (and creeps into Utah). The lake was created when a dam called ‘Glen Canyon Dam’ was created to flood the Glen Canyon. The town was initially a camp for workers who were building the dam, beginning in 1957. It eventually became an incorporated town in 1975. The dam was built here because the area had a good foundation, capacity to hold a lot of water, and a lot of resources. Today, the dam (which draws from the Colorado River) provides water and hydroelectric power for the States in the southwest. It even provides water storage in the event that there is a drought. You can read more about the dam here. Lake Powell is now a popular destination for lodging and water-based recreation.
Waterhole Canyon
Waterhole Canyon
Waterhole Canyon
What is most important about Page is that it sits beside the Navajo Indian Reservation. What is now ‘The Town of Page,’ used to belong to the Navajo. However, the federal government provided the Navajo People land in Utah in exchange for 17 square miles here - in order for the dam to come to fruition. Navajo Nation is the largest Native American group in the United States, and a self governing nation. The Navajo view their lands as spiritual entities, so we knew that it was incredibly important to be as respectful as possible. It is great to know at least a little bit about the Navajo (and their rules) before visiting the land. Here is their website: www.discovernavajo.com.
Page is best known in the media for the immensely popular natural attractions: ‘Antelope Canyon’ and ‘Horseshoe Bend.’ It is the home of ‘slot canyons.’ Slot canyons are narrow canyons with high walls, created by water penetrating through rocks and eventually creating tunnels through erosion. A lot of the attractions in Page are owned and operated by Navajo, while some are owned by the City.
When we arrived in Page, we actually decided to drive to a few of the companies that offered tours of Antelope Canyon. I had read online that in the off season, it can be possible to find a couple of spots on at least one of the tours, so we had (foolishly) left this as a last minute decision. Our aim was to check out Horseshoe Bend, a tour of Antelope Canyon, and explore a lesser known canyon in the area. It was becoming routine for us to try and fit as many activities in one day as we could, and we didn’t seem to learn from our mistakes. Due to this, we did not book any canyon tours in advance. Well, what we completely didn’t take into account was that it was Thanksgiving in America (being Canadian, we have a different Thanksgiving date). OOPS.
Antelope Canyon tours are run by Navajo companies; we had called a couple of them on our way up. They were both full, which got us concerned, but we thought there might still be hope. Nope. We went to every single tour company and the best we could find was a long waitlist. We put our names on it and headed to the Page Welcome Center for some last minute inquiring, and some advice on other canyon options (since we were very much still interested in seeing the less touristy gems). We had a great experience at the welcome center. The quirky woman working behind the desk was very knowledgeable about the area and recommended so many great activities and companies worth checking out. We shared lots of laughs and stories, and she actually contacted a local family that does slot canyon tours. She claimed that this was one of the best canyons to visit and we were instantly sold. They reserved a spot for us later that afternoon. There are many interesting canyons to see in this area, besides Antelope Canyon.
Fun fact about this part of Arizona: Navajo Nation recognizes Daylight Savings Time, while the rest of Arizona doesn’t.
Stop One: Horseshoe Bend Trail Rides
Horseshoe Bend is another extremely popular spot within Glen Canyon Recreation Area, for photographers and tourists alike. As its name suggests, the section of the Colorado River that sits here loops around the sandstone formations and creates a vivid horseshoe shape from above. These beautiful walls are filled with many minerals, including: hematite, platinum, and garnet! There is a large cliff that allows people to view the entire phenomenon from above, which sits at 4200 feet above sea level. The public area of Horseshoe Bend is actually owned by the City of Page, and lies in the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. Thus, the parking lot is on city territory and there is a USD$10.00 fee per car. There are other options to experience this breathtaking beauty, which includes floating in the river below and seeing it from the air via helicopter or plane. I cannot say anything about the hike here because we actually decided on a more unique experience.
We were really avid on finding a horseback riding experience on this trip. I initially only searched tours in Sedona and we didn’t find anything that particularly stood out. I did a quick search the day before we left for Page and found everything we dreamed about, and more.
‘Horseshoe Bend Trail Rides’ is a company entirely owned and run by a Navajo family, who are actually the family of one of the earliest settlers on the land there, Mr. Manson Yazzie. Every generation has owned livestock and greatly value horses and horseback riding as part of their culture. With that said, they offer horseback tours to the viewing point of Horseshoe Bend (how fitting). However, the section of land that the tours operate on is private Navajo territory. It is literally right beside the public area, however, visitors are not allowed to trespass.
We were absolutely thrilled to experience such a prominent landmark with someone who was opening up their sacred family land to us. They have both one and two hour tours. We opted for the one hour tour for 1:00 pm (since we wanted to explore the canyons afterwards), which was USD$60 ($120 as of 2024). We called the day before and booked a deposit on our credit card (which gets refunded once you arrive), and then we paid cash on site.
These rides are limited to six riders per tour, which is wonderful and personal. We lucked out and ended up being the only two people on the tour! Surprisingly, since it was Thanksgiving. There is a gated lot directly after the public lot, where you wait for your tour guide to pull in with the horse trailer. We were a little early, so we decided to buy some Mexican food in town and have a feast in the car while we waited (not the greatest idea, but it was delicious). We were slightly shocked that our Mexican takeout tasted way better than the Mexican restaurant in Sedona!
Once our guide arrived, he told us to continue through the gate and drive all the way down a steep hill to another lot, where the trail begins. Once we got out of the car, we were greeted with a warm welcome by our guide Britten (who was the son) and the sweetest pup named Stryker. He quickly got our horses ready (they were very well kept and trained) and we were off on the uneven mix of sand and rocky ledges. On the way, we learned about the family’s land and history, and we learned all about Britten and his rise to success as a young rodeo star. You almost expect to arrive at Horseshoe Bend with a level of excitement, yet with a layer of authenticity stripped off due to the excessive social media posts online. However, there is so much more to this “internet sensation” than the beautiful photos. After we tied up our horses, we climbed up a giant rock that led us to an overhead view of the entire plateau and river below. I found the most spectacular view when I climbed down to the edge of the cliff (at a safe distance of course).
As your eyes begin to follow the flow of this blue horseshoe below in its entirety, the energy of rich minerals, pure silence (away from the excessive amount of tourists), and sacred Navajo spirit engulf you into a state of bliss. You are at the mercy of a powerful piece of nature and your mind is at ease. There is a bench here; a great spot to sit and reflect if you get a chance.
We took a few photos and made our way back, finding some opportunities to pick up speed on the even parts of the trail! We were very grateful for the opportunity and I highly recommend booking a horseback tour to get the best experience of Horseshoe Bend. Most importantly, you are supporting a Navajo family and their land.
The family also offers various canyon tours nearby. We had already booked a different one, otherwise we would have definitely checked it out. You can check out their website here.
Stop Two: Waterhole Canyon
After our wonderful trail ride, we were heading about two minutes down the road to our canyon tour. We were referred to ‘Waterhole Canyon Experience,’ which is another great company run by a Navajo family.
There is a little kiosk in their main lot, where you can pay cash or credit. They offer both hiking tours and photography tours (same as all of the Antelope Canyon tours). You can also email them about specialty tours. We opted for the regular hiking tour, which was USD$56 for 1.5 hours (cost might be different in 2024). The woman at the kiosk was very pleasant and welcoming.
Once we paid, a van arrived (with our tour guide inside). We were then driven to another lot, where we began our hike at an entrance into the canyon. Because everyone was flocking to the famous Antelope Canyon, once again we ended up being the only two people on the tour with our guide. This was fantastic because we were able to truly immerse ourselves in conversation with our guide Meredith (who was the sweetest). She pointed out unique elements and facts about the canyon and told us many stories. She shared information about her background, about the land we were on, and we talked a lot about the state of the world, including her dreams of a living in a world of equality.
It was a very enlightening and refreshing walk, as we were climbing in and out of nature’s obstacle course. We had ample time to stop and take photos (Meredith kindly offered to take photos of us in spots that she thought were best), although I think we spent more time chatting than taking photos - that’s when you know it was a worthwhile experience!
This is a great one to explore because the main canyon is comprised of three different slot canyons. Each corner is unique; we embarked on climbing down ladders in tiny crevices, walking along pathways surrounded by otherworldly sandstone specimens of all shapes and sizes (resembling the famous Antelope Canyon walls), and exploring open desert plains. The uneven canyon walls were full of colour variations, textures and grooves.
The hike actually ends at the welcome centre, where we parked our car. There is a bit of a climb back up to the top, and a great view of the canyon from above. What is interesting is that the main highway through town (89) is beside the parking lot, and it becomes a bridge over the canyon. The hike is about 3.2 kilometers and it is quite easy, though there are many spots where you have to climb up and down steep sections. I do believe that there are more difficult sections of this canyon, though I think the only access now is through the tour company, and they do not take you to these more extreme areas.
Meredith mentioned that they find quite a few rattlesnakes on the warmer days, within the grooves of the rocks. The weather was cooling down a lot in the afternoon, and of course the temperature inside the canyon is several degrees cooler. Definitely no rattlesnakes that day. She also noted that cougars and lynx occasionally pass through as well!
What’s important to know about all slot canyons is that if it rains heavily in the day(s) before you plan on visiting, it is unsafe and tours will often get cancelled. These canyons do get flooded (that’s how they came to be) and you don’t want to get stuck in there in those conditions, as it can be deadly. Also keep in mind, slot canyon tour companies will not allow GoPros, drones, selfie sticks, or any bags!
There is so much to do in Page, so I would recommend at least going for a few days. We actually picked up a map at one of the facilities, and were surprised at the large amount of landmarks there were to visit.
After an incredible day, we headed back down to Flagstaff to our Airbnb. The weather network was calling for a lot of rain in Page (we were lucky to experience the slot canyon prior to this), so we quickly headed out after our tour. To our surprise, we got caught in a snow storm on the highway - close to Flagstaff. Once we arrived in Flagstaff, there was so much snow that we could barely see the lines on some of the roads! It was a shock to the system, since we had experienced so many different weather patterns over the past two days.
Flagstaff
Olinka Kombucha
Flagstaff Airbnb
Dinner: Red Curry Vegan Kitchen
Once in Flagstaff, we headed downtown to grab some vegan Thai food to-go from Red Curry Vegan Kitchen (which was delicious - I’d recommend it). It was actually quite busy on the roads, despite the bad weather. Passing through Flagstaff early, it seemed like a sleepy city from the outskirts. However, with some driving around downtown and the nearby areas, learning more about the art culture, and experiencing the energy there, we found it quite bustling and very charming.
Accommodation:
After we grabbed some soup (since we were back into the winter paradise we tried to escape from, ha!), we headed into the countryside to find our home for the night. It was a bit frightening to drive, as it was very dark on the roads outside of the downtown area, and the snow was really coming down. I believe that this was the second significant snow storm here. Of course, our Airbnb was also located near the base of the ‘ Arizona Snowbowl,’ which is the ski resort within the San Francisco Peaks.
Our Airbnb was really interesting. It looked like a lodge from the outside, while inside it was an explosion of retro music vibes from the 1960s. The house actually holds the oldest recording studio in Flagstaff (since the 1970s) - which is still in use for artists because it is a non profit recording studio! It definitely warmed my heart to know that my stay helped contribute to the local arts! It was a little tough to find because there was a lot of snow on their road, and it seemed to cut off into a snowy field - though it was still there, just submerged.
I wish we could have stayed a bit longer, as the hosts and their children were so sweet and welcoming, but we only caught them at night. The story about how they moved into that house is heartwarming and we would have loved to chat with them more about it.
We had a relaxing night eating delicious Thai soup, having a few beers, and wrestling with the spunky family pug, named Ringo.
Here is the link to the Airbnb: Mod Lodge
Day Four
We woke up the next morning to the most beautiful view of the San Francisco mountains. However, it was also a freezing, snow filled, winter day.
This day was initially going to be quite special, as we planned to head to the Grand Canyon (only a little over an hour away). Sara had never gone to the Grand Canyon, and I hadn’t been back there in about 12 years, so we planned a very action packed day to go there early in the morning and drive all the way back to Phoenix to catch our flight late that night (or I guess early the next morning). However, in the comfort of a warm and cozy bed on a cold winter day, it was tough to wake up early and get going. We had anticipated spending the majority of the trip in milder weather, and our hearts weren’t set on visiting the magnificent landmark in these weather conditions - with only a day to spare, no less.
Therefore, we decided to head back south on the highway and make stops on the way back to Phoenix.
Stop One: Uptown Sedona
We couldn’t resist stopping in Sedona one more time. We spent some time exploring the uptown area in the day time, weaving in and out of gift shops.
This is when I actually found a gift shop that I thought was so wonderfully genuine, called Sedona Wonder. We entered the shop and there was no one inside, so we decided to look around. Soon after, we were greeted with a big smile and warm welcome from the shop owner. We quickly immersed ourselves in deep conversation, with nothing but good vibes. The store held beautiful crystal jewelry, hand made crafts, and other art. To our pleasant surprise, the store works directly with local artists (craft makers, jewelry makers, painters, woodworkers, and photograhers - many being local Native Americans). With a breath of fresh air, this felt like a true representation of Sedona. We bought several gifts here.
We also fell upon a couple other shops that we enjoyed. One was a Native art gallery named: ‘R.C. Gorman Navajo Gallery,’ and the other was a jewelry store that held stunning jewelry and crafts by Hopi and Navajo artisans, called ‘The Humiovi.’ Sara bought a beautiful ring from them.
Stop Two: Chapel of the Holy Cross
About ten minutes away from downtown Sedona lies ‘The Chapel of the Holy Cross,’ which is a must-see piece of architecture for both religious and non religious visitors. It is very unique, as it is built within the red rock, sitting at the base of a 1500 foot cliff. The side of the church that faces the road consists of floor to ceiling glass, with a giant iron cross dividing the sections. The other side of the church is also glass and has a view of the cliffs. The chapel was created in 1956, inspired and commissioned by a local rancher and sculptor named Marguerite Brunswig Staude. She was inspired by the construction of the Empire State Building. The church is another landmark known to sit on one of Sedona’s energy vortexes.
There are a series of parking spots below the church, and you can also drive up the road that loops around to the top to drop people off, I do believe there are more spots at the top. However, it is a high traffic area, so you might not find a spot right away. We were there on a Tuesday and it was still very busy. We only stopped quickly to see the structure; however, I do know that there is a gift shop inside, they host weddings, and there are no regular masses here (only at their main church in West Sedona). The architecture was certainly admirable.
And then, from one cliff to another.
Stop Three: Montezuma Castle
Our next destination was about 40 minutes south of Sedona, within the town of Camp Verde.
Montezuma Castle was one of the most awe-inspiring landmarks that we visited on the trip. I had read about this location in advance, and thought it was interesting. However, witnessing this work of art in person was truly breathtaking and beyond words. Montezuma Castle is one of the best preserved cliff dwellings in North America. it is a five story building that was seamlessly built into a limestone cliff by the Sinagua Natives. The Sinagua Natives were pre-Colombian hunter gatherers and farmers. We learned that they were great at using the natural resources in the area to create tools, dye fabrics, and weaved intricate designs. This area was an entire epicentre; the Sinagua were great at trading and bartering, and each person had a function. They held meetings, stored crops and resources, and contributed their skills to the community. They ended up leaving abruptly by 1425 A.D. and, despite a few theories, no one actually knows exactly why. It is really a great example of stability and perseverance. You can more about it here.
The ‘Montezuma Well’ is also located upstream, which is a 55 foot deep limestone sinkhole. The natural springs underneath pump 1.5 million gallons of warm water into the well each day. The water flows into an irrigation ditch, which is actually still used today by the Verde Valley residents - to water their gardens and livestock. There are parts of the ditch that are over 1000 years old.
Once you reach the parking lot, there is a visitor centre and there is a USD$10 pass required to enter the site. Once you purchase a pass, you are free to walk around the area on your own. There are plaques outlining information about the ruins and the various flora. There is also a great glass covered diagram of what the castle looked like in its prime, along with audio outlining the lifestyle of the Sinagua.
Visitors initially had the opportunity to climb up a set of ladders to explore the ruins, however, the excessive visits were damaging the structures. The access was discontinued in 1951, and now people are only able to view it from below.
Chapel of the Holy Cross
Montezuma Castle
Last stop: Goldfield Ghost Town
We decided that our next stop should be closer to Phoenix, as we didn’t explore much of that side of Arizona. After Montezuma Castle, we drove about two hours away (which actually ended up being a lot longer because the traffic was terrible going through Phoenix), to ‘Goldfield Ghost Town.’
Goldfield is about 45 minutes east of Phoenix, and it is an old mining town. It is located within a city called ‘Apache Junction.’ In the 1890s, Goldfield consisted of three saloons, a boarding house, a general store, a blacksmith shop, a brewery, a meat market, and a school house. Similar to what happened in Jerome, the ore mines here was booming, and then after the town was completely built up, the flow and composition of gold quickly dropped and the town flopped. There were many attempts to reopen the mines, with no success. In 1926, the town was rebuilt with historical replicas of what it would have looked like in its thriving days.
You can walk around the town for free; they have various shops, cafes, a “saloon” steakhouse, church, ice cream shop, photo studio, and various attractions (such as: ziplining, horseback riding, gold panning, train rides, museum, and mine tours). They are also known for their gun fight reenactments.
We mainly just strolled around the town, though we did stop into one of the gift shops, and we also checked out the reptile exhibit - which housed an abundance of poisonous creatures that the owner was very passionate about. Since we did not see any rattlesnakes on our trails, we couldn’t leave Arizona without a taste of what lies out of sight. Although it is interesting to see what the town looked like in its prime, it is very much a tourist trap. Despite the dramatized feeling of the replica buildings, it was well built in terms of capturing the essence of the town, which made it immersive and great for photos.
The town itself is surrounded by the mountains, most notably the mountains near the entrance of the town, called ‘Superstition Mountains.’ It is believed that the main mountain was formed by volcanic activity 25 million years ago, and there are many stories about the mountains containing Apache Native treasures - which are said to be protected by a curse. The mountains were named by the Pima Natives, who believed that they held many secrets and evil spirits. There are many trails in the Superstition Wilderness zone, though the mountains are known to be the most rugged and untamed in America. Apparently about four to five hikers die every year due to the unforgiving terrain, temperature, harsh winds, and wildlife, and/or (allegedly) some other force out there. There are many noted instances of people who have died in questionable and dreadful ways, while on the hunt for the gold. Many people who have spent time out here have mentioned that they often get feelings of dread. Definitely not a place I would choose to explore.
Apparently paranormal activity is prominent in Goldfield, and even though we were there in the early evening and did not get a sense of that, the atmosphere itself did feel quite somber and eerily quiet, despite the decent presence of people. So, who knows. If this interests you though, look up information about the area. There are some insane legends and apparent occurrences within Goldfield and the surrounding Superstition area.
If you want to check out everything you’ll find in the town, head to: www.goldfieldghosttown.com
We then headed back to Phoenix, where we decided to grab some dinner before heading to the airport. We found a great make-your-own poke bowl take out restaurant called Ahipoke - which was only seven minutes away from the airport! Everything was fresh and delicious.
Overall, the most important aspect of visiting Arizona is taking some time to learn and understand the history and importance of every location, as this really added a lot of value and respect to the lands we visited. As a note, this trip was pre-pandemic. Everything listed here is still available and worth visiting, though the experience might be a bit different, and prices will reflect 2024.
Stay tuned for the next adventure.