SEDONA, ARIZONA

Stop five of our epic southwest road trip, with our teardrop trailer, was Sedona, Arizona. From Williams we headed east on I-40 towards Flagstaff to south AZ- 89A. This hour and and a quarter drive takes you through Oak Creek Canyon. Oak Creek Canyon is a spectacular scenic drive of switchbacks descending the canyon river gorge. Please keep your eyes on the road as traffic can slow down near Slide Rock State Park and at trailheads. If you are pulling a big rig or are not very confident towing through switchbacks you can stay on I-17 south and come through Oak Creek to Sedona. Traveling in this direction will take an hour and a half. Definitely, come back and drive this National Scenic Byway once you settle into a campsite and unhitch your trailer.

Since the drive to Sedona was short we had plenty of daylight left to explore, so we headed to Montezuma Castle National Monument. This majestic cliff dwelling is located in Camp Verde approximately 36 minutes from Sedona via AZ-179A and I-17S. Montezuma Castle is nestled in a limestone cliff and dates back to between 1100 and 1425 AD. It is believed that this five floor apartment style structure was built high up in the cliff to protect it from exposure and the elements. There is a $10 entry fee for adults, children under 16 are free, admission will also get you in Tuzigoot National Monument. As this is A National Monument a National Parks Annual Pass (America the Beautiful Pass) will also get you in.

Sedona is known for it's red rock buttes, steep canyons, pine forests, incredible hikes and off-roading. Hiking was on our itinerary during our visit and deciding on where to hike was a bit daunting, so our first stop was The Hike House / Energy Cafe. The Hike House located at 431 AZ-179, has everything you need for a hike- apparel, food and local guides who will help you map out your hikes. We also found it incredible helpful to have the All Trails App on our phone.

Our first scenic destination was The Chapel of the Holy Cross. This Christian monument was designed by a student of Frank Lloyd Wright and is situated in the center of an energy vortex. Built between two red rock formations this National Register of Historic Places towers 200 feet above the ground and has a cross that spans 90 feet.  Sedona's vortexes are believed to be concentrations of energy that raise up through the earth and bring healing, balance and enlightenment to those who visit them. 

From Sedona head south on AZ-179 for roughly 10 minutes, signs will direct you to the parking area. There are no public bathrooms available at the Chapel and parking is limited.

Just south of Sedona sits the very identifiable Bell Rock, which rises 4,919 feet from the great basin. Continue south on AZ-179 from the Chapel of the Holy Cross for approximately 10 minutes, again a sign will direct you to the parking area. The parking area has plenty of room but there is a user fee that can be taken care of at the pay station. If you will be in the Sedona area for a few days you might want to invest in a weekly ($15) or annual ($20) Red Rock Pass. America the Beautiful Pass and Every Kid Outdoors Pass are also accepted, passes must be displayed in the windshield of your vehicle when unattended.

A 1.8 mile loop will take you around Bell Rock or you can continue on the Big Park Loop Trail and circle Courthouse Butte as well. If you would like to hike up Bell Rock follow the Bell Rock Climb signs, cairns will identify the trail. Bell Rock is also the site of a vortex and its energy is strongest on its northern slope.

Soldiers Pass trail is a 3.5 out and back hike that takes you past Devil's Kitchen and the Seven Sacred Pools. This trail is used for not only hiking but biking and Jeep tours as well. The gated parking area is open from 8 a.m. to 6p.m. and is located in a residential area. From Sedona head west on 89A to Soldiers Pass Road and continue north 1.5 miles to Rim Shadows Rd and turn right. Two tenths of a miles on the left you will see the gated lot. It is best to arrive early as the lot only has room for approximately 15 cars. 

A quarter mile up the trail you will reach Devil's Kitchen a collapsed sink hole. This sink hole was created by water dissolving the limestone below and the cap rock collapsing. Major collapses have occurred in 1989 and 1995, and the sink hole currently measures 150 feet across and 50 feet deep.

Continue on the trail for just under a mile and the next geological feature you'll reach are the Seven Sacred Pools. On rainy days these pools cascade downhill into each other, if it has not rain in a while the pools will be dry. These pools were carved into the sandstone by a seasonal stream and are considered sacred by the Apache and Yavapai Nations. The area near the pools is a bit steep so please watch your step. From here you can continue hiking into the Red Rock Secret Mountain Wilderness or return the way you came.

Our base camp for our 3 day stay in Sedona was Lo Lo Mai Springs Campground south of Sedona, just off of AZ-89A. Lo Lo Mai Springs is situated on a beautiful  3/4 mile stretch of Oak Creek. Swimming, fishing and even a jacuzzi hole (rocks have been moved to create a place to relax) in the creek can be enjoyed by visitors. Additional amenities include a swimming pool, laundry room, camp store, playground, basketball court and horseshoes. Free WiFi is available at the clubhouse. Do not expect to have cell service during your stay, except near the store and clubhouse. Some challenges with the campground are that some sites are very tight due to the trees. But, don't despair the camp staff will expertly direct you into your site. Finally, there is a steep entrance into the campground so take it slow.

Please check out our Sedona Video. You can find it under the video tab.

ADVENTURE ON