I have planned for the road trip to visit Sedona, Flagstaff and South Rim of the Grand Canyon. My friend, PG came along with me and was my faithful driver throughout the trip.
Day 1:
We flew into Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport, rented a SUV, and started our journey late Thursday afternoon. We took 17 North from the airport then 179 North to Sedona, AZ. There are beautiful red rock landscapes and shopping outlets along 179. The scenic beauty of Sedona just took my breath away. The view was spectacular.
In the evening, we attended a flute presentation by Wolfs Robe at Los Abrigados Resort and Spa. He is a Native American Flute Maker/Player. He played with different kinds of flute: Finger Flute, Ancestor Pueblo Flute, Grandfather Flute and etc. He said that every performance is unique and is a gift to the listener. He doesn't know how to read music notes yet he played beautifully and mystically too.
Day 2:
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| View from Mather Point |
We continued our journey on 89A North then 180 West. Along this scenic route, we stopped at Midgley Bridge, Slide Rock State Park and Native American Craft Market in Oak Creek Canyon. Then we continued on 64 North to the South Entrance of Grand Canyon. We took in our first canyon view at Mather Point, a short walking distance from Grand Canyon Visitor Center. The pastel-streaked skies and the hazy silhouette of the canyon is just magnificent.
The goal was to soak in the vistas along the Desert View Drive, a 25-mile east bound drive. Either we were totally immersed in our conversation or the signage is non-existant until Moran Point. We came to realized that we have missed 4 recommended viewpoints and then decided to go to Watchtower next, turned back to Moran Point then end the day at Lipan Point as it is a magnificent spot to watch the sunset. It is free to climb the Desert View Watchtower so check out the 360° east view of the canyon and Colorado River.
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| View from Lipan Point shortly before sunset |
Day 3:
Our first stop was Yavapai Point. There we popped into the Yavapai Geology Museum and Observation Station then headed on to the second scenic route Hermit Road Drive on the west end of South Rim. Our timing was impeccable as we were there when Hermit Road Drive is accessible to private vehicles which is from December to February. This time, we stopped at almost every overlook/vista and feast our eyes with the exceptional views along this drive. My favorite was Mohave Point because the Mohave Desert seemed to be visible from a distance on the west side.
In the afternoon, we left Grand Canyon and headed south via 64 South then the scenic route 180 east. Since we are facing San Francisco Peaks as we headed east, in my opinion, the view was much prettier when I compared to the journey heading west. I had the intention to hike inside River Lava Cave which is 10 miles north of Flagstaff however the route FR245 was closed to traffic. It is a pity, I did not get to experience hiking in a lava cave. We stayed in Flagstaff and had dinner at Alpine Pizza which is a local joint for the NAU students.
Day 4:
We went back to Sedona, the scenic red rock beauty and the spiritual town. We promenaded along Sedona Uptown, took an old-time portrait at "Pistols & Petticoats" then hiked Bell Rock Pathway.
I got to see these famous monuments: Bell Rock, Cathedral Rock and Courthouse Rock from different angles and at the end of the day, I am thrilled that I could easily distinguished them.
I am glad to experience a little piece of Grand Canyon and learn a little bit about Arizona.
I feel positive and calm. Perhaps the vortex energy in Sedona has energized me. Thank you!
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