Arizona

Arizona – April 2018

My mom’s bucket list has always included a visit to the Grand Canyon.  So, this spring, my sister, my mom and I set out to accomplish that goal.

What is Epic in Arizona?

The Grand Canyon

Sedona and the Red Rocks

The Landscape

Desert Botanical Gardens near Phoenix

 

Our quick tour to cover ground:

We landed in Phoenix and grabbed a rental car to head north to Flagstaff.  Our visit stop had to be lunch so on our way north on I-17 we stopped at the Guamuchilito Mexican Grill on Indian School Rd.  I had picked this place because of yelp reviews and the ease at which I could simply exit, in route, and quickly return to the highway.  Turns out that the food here was outstanding and we really enjoyed a tasty, big lunch! My sister just had them bring her whatever the chief recommended and we all absolutely loved it!

Driving north was just awesome – the views of the cactus, rocks, and hills, was all so fun to look at.  We had palm trees in Phoenix, Cactus to Sedona and then evergreen trees in the north.  It is all very diverse and interesting.  Maybe it’s because I have never lived in the desert, but it just feels so different that what I am used to that I really enjoyed the natural landscape throughout the state.

Friday night was for exploring the town of Flagstaff.  A vibrant downtown, with lots of restaurants and activity. There was also a lot of traffic, so you cannot be in a rush to get anywhere.  Better yet, park at the hotel and catch a ride.

Saturday was our Grand day for the Grand Canyon.  I had been here previously but was anxious to make this trip epic for my mom!  We parked and started out at the Grand Canyon Visitor Center at the South Rim. Mather Point was our first lookout point.   From here, we took the bus to the Bright Angel Trailhead.  The bus system is great and really the only way to get around.  I will say though that is was crowded. And due to the large crowds, everything just took longer.  You can not get in a rush here, and as we quickly realized, we would not be able to see and do all that we had planned to do this day.  And that was ok.  Just relax and realize it is not about time and checking points off the list but to just soak it all in and embrace the moments.

We stopped at many of the points and vistas on the Bright Angel Trailhead.  You can walk or take buses to each point.  You think that after a while they would all look the same but here it is – it is all breath taking and way more beautiful that you imagined. Block out the crowds and just enjoy the views and be in awe.  I would suggest walking the entire trail, if everyone in your party is able to do so.  Due to our party, we were not able to do as much walking or do any walking off the main paths.  But I can only imagine that if you could trek down further it would be even more awesome.

Main take away – there is so much more to see.  You could literally spend a week here!  Wear good walking shoes, be patient and let yourself be awed.  You will not regret any time you have to look out over this epic, grand Grand Canyon!

We spent about 7 hours at the Canyon and were exhausted, so we did not take the scenic route back to Flagstaff as planned but instead drove there the most direct route, although we did stop for dinner in the town of Williams.

Sunday – Rested and ready to continue our adventure, we did take the scenic route through Oak Creek Canyon on our way to explore Sedona today.  Again, the landscape is stunning.  The red rocks – there just are not words to explain how beautiful it all is.

There is much to do in Sedona.  But it is also very crowded.

Epic Stops – Hiking and the Chapel of the Holy Cross

We had planned to stay in Sedona all day, but the traffic was so congested and the crowds so large everywhere that we soon changed our plan and headed further south to the little town of Prescott.

We were not disappointed.  It felt good to be in a small town, strolling around the main square, stopping in all the little shops and chatting with the locals.  We chose to eat lunch on Whisky Row at Bistro St Michael.  We loved our server and the food was delicious.

Monday – Since we were back in Phoenix and we chose to spend our morning at the Desert Botanical Gardens.  I can honestly not say enough about how interesting and beautiful this garden was! It is 140 acres with 4000 species of cacti, succulents, trees and flowers.  I am not even a huge gardener (but both my mom and sister are) and I really enjoyed myself and they were both over the moon. We ended up having lunch here at the onsite restaurant – Gertrude’s – and it was fabulous! They are a farm to plate restaurant and they have an amazing, shaded, outside patio dining area.  Honestly – you want to eat here!  It was fresh, innovative and delicious!

My sister headed to the airport while I enjoyed the hotel pool and some relaxing before my mom and I headed out again for some shopping and dinner.  It was an epic trip and we got to cross off one of the items on my mom’s bucket list.  And now, having been back to AZ for the first time in years, I am reminded of just what an amazing and different place it is and I’m ready to start planning another trip back to explore all the great places I didn’t have time for on this trip.