HikeArizona.COM

I have a friend visiting from Chicago the weekend of March 22. She wants to be sure to see the Grand Canyon, and I want to be sure she doesn't skip Sedona. Does anyone have any great ideas for easy to moderate hikes in these areas?

At most we will leave Phoenix early on Saturday and return Sunday, but we may just be taking a short day trip (I know - how can anyone expect to appreciate in one day what it took millions of years to create?). I was told Bear Mountain and Loys Canyon were good stops near Sedona. I'm not too sure what the weather is like up there, either.

I sure would appreciate your advice!!!

Thanks,
John

You're right. One day isn't enough to visit the Grand Canyon AND get in even a short day hike in Sedona. That would be a tall order even when te sun sets at 8 p.m. in June. It's a fairly long drive to the Canyon from the metroplex and always seems somewhat longer coming back because you're tired, etc. Detouring over to Sedona will add more than an hour, depending on traffic. If you spend anytime at the Canyon and any time at all eating visiting visitor center(s), etc. You simply won't have time for a hike around Sedona, let alone one as time consuming as Bear Mtn. or Loy Cyn. Your best bet might be to do the 'drive-by hike' at Bell Rock on your way out of Sedona on Highway 179. That way, you would get to drive down the Switchbacks and through Oak Creek Canyon and the tourist hub-bub of Uptown Sedona and out through the Chapel area before pulling off near the Village of Oak Creek for a short yet scenic stroll. When we are in a hurry, this is where we go. Quick, easy and fun.
Otherwise, motel rooms are at rock bottom prices in Flagstaff due to the lack of snow for the ski area there. You can probably name your price at a medium upscale place. I certainly wouldn't pay more than $40-$50 a night, including tax. Then you could have a whole day to enjoy yourself in Sedona. We'll sapre you the details for a Day #2 unless and until you indicate Day #2 is likely. Good luck and spend your time at the Canyon. Afterall, the rocks you see in Sedona are the same geologic layers you saw at the Grand Canyon.

J & S in RR

I need to disagree. I think it is totally possible to do it in a day, especially at this time of year, as it is not unbearable with the heat. I have done the following day trip with visitors from back east 5 times in the last 2 years. We will be doing it twice in March with new visitors, so it is very possible.

Leave Phoenix as early as possible. I live in the Northeast valley (near Usery) and so this is crucial. Have your visitors grab a bagel or a bag of chips or something to get them thru the drive to Flag. Head straight to Flagstaff. As I'm sure a morning meal is needed, stop on old 66, just before the road turns right, at THE PLACE. This is the best breakfast place in the state. It's on the left/west side of the street, as I said, just before the road goes under the overpass and turns right at the courthouse. Order the hungry man's breakfast...you won't be hungry again for hours. The food is good, FAST and super cheap. It used to be cheaper, but they raised their prices by a buck or two in November.

Now that you are fueled, head for the canyon. Don't take 40. Go the other way. It is fast and much more impressive with views of Humphreys. I have yet to NOT see Elk. Great drive, and usually you can pick your speed. Now, once you have reached the canyon, follow the rim road. Now, others may disagree, but I say, skip Mather Point (the first viewpoint) as well as Yavapai (the second). These spots are swamped with people and buses. Go toward the train depot. Yes, you'll be going away from the rim, but wait. When you see the train depot, you have the option of taking a right turn toward the El Tovar Hotel, you go up hill, and off to the right there is a parking area. I always find spots here. You may have to wait or loop a few times, but find a parking spot here. It is basically right behind the Hopi House. Don't park illegally, as that's bad. I usually drop our guests and my wife (and dog) off here and they head to look around while I wait for a spot. This area gives your guests all they need. Walk from the parking area (maybe 20 feet to the rim) to the west, you have the Hopi House and the hotel (bathroom in the lodge and a portajohn behind the Hopi House). Walk along the rim sidewalk down to the Lookout Studio. Go thru the studio to the observation area outback. You can go down some stairs and actually look over the rim. The views of Indian Garden are cool, and you can see people hiking on the Bright Angel Trail. From the Studio continue down the sidewalk to Kolb studio and the Bright Angel trailhead. Your guests can hike a few feet down the trail and tell their friends back home they were in the canyon. Walk back to the parking area. Now, if they don't want gifts, you are in luck and you can head out, if they do, I recommend the General Store, which is away from the rim, follow the signs.

If you leave the Canyon around 1, you will have plenty of time. Head back toward Flag the same way as before, and continue back south on 17 until you hit the exit for 89A. Take this route to Sedona. Yes, you have the switchbacks thru the Oak Creek Canyon, but the view is awesome! Cruise thru town with the promise that you will return to shop after a short hike. Two options here...if your guests are in shape, head to Cathedral Rock. The trail head is right on Back O'Beyond Road, which is..nevermind, just print out the Trail Description from Traildex. The trail is steep, but not too bad, we took a moderately in shape friend up it last week, she did fine. The view from the saddle is stunning, every direction is a photo op, and there's even a vortex if you are so inclinded. If your guests are not the fit type, I'd suggest heading toward Airport Mesa, and pulling over at the parking area for the vortex. Can't miss it, it's on the right. Walk up to the saddle area, and if you'd like, follow the Airport Mesa trail to your right a bit for a stunning view and a bit of thrill as it is a steep drop. Totally safe trail, it'll impressive the people from back east. After whichever hike you take, head back to the tourist traps and walk around...they are open a bit later on the weekend. As for dinner, I'd recommend the rib place on the North side of the street...follow the smells.

This day trip results in driving home to Phoenix in the dark, but a good cup of coffee or a big gulp will do you well. If you want to do an overnight, I can recommend a place in Flag that is cheap to spend the night, and there is a GREAT place for dinner and adult beverages. I also know a guy in Sedona who has a hotel that is cheaper than you'd think it would be, but it isn't impressive, just a bed and a shower kinda thing...but the view is great!

Hope this helps, email or pm me if you want more info!

I've done similar to ck1's option.

Friends from Idaho insisted on seeing the GC. So last Oct we headed out at about 5am. We got in the bus ride plus shopping cause certain people must do that you know!...ugh We came down 89A and picked up the first mile of West Fork in full Autumn spirit. Catherdral is a good option but we did Boynton cause it's my favorite and I was driving

Personally I'd skip the GC. 8O

It is a good thing to be 'taken to task' now and then and ck1 and Joe are correct. Yes, you can do this in one day by following their directions. As usual, ck1 did a wonderfully thorough job of writing out a precise prescription for a really great day. Ditto, Joe, and we enjoyed his (lol) ending comment. Their two posts bring to mind a post on another topic on the HAZ-DEV category that perhaps we should have an 'age' indicator so readers can 'qualify' other people's comments. Us mid-50's people (at least THESE mid-50's people) aren't into leaving at 5 a.m. and coming home late. Also, you have to realize the world looks a lot different when you're traveling in a Suzuki whose top speed is 52 mph with a tailwind. 'Picking up speed' in an '87 Suzuki means getting from 20 mph to 40 mph on the onramp. Doing the interstate speed limit is about 20 mph out of the question! So, obviously, you need to 'color' our comments with the above in mind. And, secondly, one last comment: the original post included a request for easy to moderate hikes in 'these' areas. So we were presuming the desire for a day hike at the Canyon and not just a short visit to glimpse the abyss. If, indeed, you are wanting a short day hike there, walk down the South Kaibab as far as your time allows. Remember to add a little bit to the 'hike up time.' Likewise, there's a pretty nice asphalt paved rim trail connecting the obvious attractions. Don't be fooled. It might be asphalt and heavily traveled with ZERO elevation gain or loss but it is spectacular, especially on partly cloudly days when sun and shadow highlight and contrast various canyon features. ck1's and Joe's recommendations for Sedona hikes are excellent, as usual, should you arrive there with enough time to consider them. Happy Trails.

J&S in RR

Great thread everyone! I am a bit excited over it because I may overnight in Sedona soon. I need a hike close to the hotel area. Something dramatic if possible. Is it possible to walk to a good trailhead from there or do I need transportation?

Any recomendations on a place to stay close to a good hiking area within resonable economic considerations would be appreciated too.

It has been a few years since I have stayed there.

ck1, you have more energy than me. I tend to meander too much to do all you have put down here. Good post though.

Well, like ck1 said, you really can't beat Cathedral Rock for 'having it all.' It's one of those 'have your cake and eat it, too' deals. Trouble is, it's not near to any lodging. HOWEVER, I think Pink Jeeps runs some sort of shuttle service from their Uptown staging area. We see their shuttle bus zipping around town all the time and several of the official TH's in the area are signed for shuttle parking only. Give them a call or check out their website. Another really fun hike of about 3-4 hours is up Soldier Pass over to Brin's Mesa and back to Soldier Pass TH via either the Cibola or Jordan Trails. You could probably do it in less time. Once again, not near the lodging but maybe the shuttle will help. If you do Cathedral, be sure to detour on the Templeton down to Oak Creek or Eastward along that great sandstone esplanade. You get to a point where signs of man, houses, highways, etc. are pretty hard to spot unless you're really looking for them. Anyway, check with Pink Jeeps. Good luck.

J&S in RR

Glen - I'll leave the trail recommendations in Sedona to Joe, I believe it is his playground...however, I will say I have not done a hike in the area that I didn't enjoy. As for a place to stay...the last motel before you leave Uptown Sedona and begin the journey up Oak Creek Canyon is called the La Vista motel. It is run by a guy from back east, Minnesota I think. He is beyond cool. Now the place is not a Holiday Inn, but it is clean and well run. His rates were the best in town last time we stayed under a roof in the area. From La Vista you can easily access the creek. I believe you could meander to your hearts content along the creek...I'm not aware of lodging within walking distance of a more 'impressive' trailhead. We usually camp.

Oh, and I agree with you, I like to meander...but most of our guests have been on a strict time frame. I have a sweet deal. When my wife's relatives/friends visit and we do the canyon, I get to take the dog and go find a 'more' secluded area to just kick back and soak in the view. When my relatives/friends visit, I play tour guide and Pat gets the dog...it keeps things fair.

Skip the canyon Joe?

Boy - PM me where you're staying and I'll let you know what's on the menu.

ck1 - I know... I'm a nut!

Thanks to all for these elaborate ideas! I wasn't too sure about trying to get everything in in one day, but I see it's both doable and enjoyable. However, my friend and I decided to spend the whole day at GC (I think we'll do the Bright Angel trail for a few hours), so we won't have to leave PHX so early on Saturday. I'm happy to hear about the motel rates in Flag, because we'll stay there. Thanks, CK1, for the eats idea - we'll hit that Place on Sunday, then head to Sedona. I think I've done Boynton Canyon - is that the one that goes by a secluded resort area? I also seem to remember a trail as you travel up a two lane highway with several switchbacks, eventually leading to a lookout point with merchants selling their crafts. Anyway, the trail had running water and seemed like fun for the short distance I walked it. Know which one this is? I think I'll hit the TrailDex for more ideas in Sedona. I'm glad to know we'll be staying for two days. I also can't believe how great it is that all of you are so helpful to me and everyone else looking for ideas. I hope I can get to know this area better and return the favors some day. Thanks again!!!

John

Thank you for your kind reply to all the 'posters' on this thread. I am glad you are staying two days. (More on that later.) I believe the trail you are thinking about is called the Cookstove Trail which begins very near the Pine Flats Campground. Joe has excellent descriptions of it and its neighbor, the Harding Springs Trail on the TrailDEX. You may wish to consider the Harding Spring Trail and Joe's HC Trail as an alternative to the Cookstove Trail, if indeed that is the trail to which you refer. See TrailDEX.

Did you ever see that Chevy Chase movie entitled something like 'American Vacation?' A lot of it was filmed in Arizona. One of the classic moments in the film occurs when Chevy's character gets to the Grand Canyon. He walks out to the rim, does an exaggerated 'rubberneck' for about 2 seconds and says something like, 'Yep that's nice.' Ever since that movie, we and a lot of our friends have dubbed such drive-by tourism 'a Chevy Chase moment.' I think the NPS itself has credible statistics to show the average tourist spends only 45 minutes at or near the Canyon's Rim. So, it's nice to see someone consider all the advice and decide to stay a little longer and delve a little deeper than average! Thanks for not taking the Chevy Chase option!

J&S in RR