Arizona

Hi friends! Next week, Michael and I are going to Arizona for our THREE-year anniversary and his birthday. As you may know, we got married three days before his birthday so now it’s a combined celebration year after year that involves a thought out trip! 

We plan to see Phoenix, Sedona, Flagstaff, the Grand Canyon, Antelope Canyon, and Scottsdale all in six days. 

Why Arizona?

Funny story about why we are taking this trip. During Christmas time we visited my sister living in San Diego. Our whole family flew out there, but separately since none of us live in the same state. Michael and I are avid Southwest flyers. We even have the companion pass! Well, if you remember in December 2022, Southwest flights across the country were delayed and cancelled due to the huge winter storm. Our flight was one of those. (Don’t worry, Southwest more than redeemed this mess!) We decided to take fate into our own hands and DRIVE from San Diego back to Oklahoma. 

This is about a 21-hour drive.

It's not for the faint of heart. We decided we would stop in two places – somewhere in Arizona near the Grand Canyon so Michael can finally see it and Amarillo, Texas. We searched for airbnbs as we drove. Overall, it was an easy road trip through California and western Arizona. We stayed in the coziest airbnb, got some rest, and left early so we could head north to Flagstaff and Grand Canyon National Park. 

Everything was going well and then…

We hit snow. While it was pretty, we soon reached the front gate of the Grand Canyon National Park and wondered what this would mean for the spectacular views I promised Michael.

We parked, carefully walked through the snowy/icy parking lot, and made our way inside the visitor center to warm up (I luckily brought my huge coat with me to San Diego since it was cold leaving Tulsa, but Michael didn't). We walked to the south rim overlook. 

Guess what we saw?

We could not stop laughing. We stared into the wintery abyss for a little while longer before (carefully) making our way to the car and heading out to make the two-day journey back home. 

All that to say, the Grand Canyon had to redeem itself! So we’re heading back! 

Let’s talk itinerary, shall we?

Don’t worry, once we come back, we’ll let you know what we checked off our checklist, what changed, and what spontaneous adventures we stumbled upon that you should add to your plans. 

Sunday 

Nonstop flight to Phoenix!

Pick up Turo – We highly recommend Turo. If you haven’t heard of this service, it’s like airbnb, but with a vehicle. We can typically find something really nice for a great price and Michael always gets Apple Car Play.

Red Rock State Park (2 hours from Phoenix) - Pass is $5 for the day

We’ll visit the following in order:

• Bell Rock - Bell Rock is visible from Hwy 179 and there are numerous pull offs and vistas that offer good photo opportunities. It is also visible from many of the trails to other rock formations around Sedona. A relatively flat wide trail linking Village of Oak Creek with Sedona.
• Cathedral Rock - The best views of Cathedral Rock can be seen anywhere along Hwy 179, and even more so along Verde Valley School Road.
• Chapel of the Holy Cross
• Devil’s Bridge — highly recommended. Hike should take about 2 hours. (I am a little scared of heights, even though we hike mountains all the time. Don’t judge me for the person I am in our videos and pictures when we report back on this part of the hike.)

Sedona stop after Red Rock State Park (20 minutes)

• Eat at The Hudson — Reservation at 5:30pm (Happy Hour from 3pm-6pm in the bar and lounge)
• Verde Valley Wine Trail (Print out passport) - Page Springs Cellar, Javelina Leap, Oak Creek Vineyards, Arizona Stronghold, Merkin Vineyards Osteria
• Winery 1912

Sedona to Flagstaff (1 hour)

Airbnb check in - 4pm

Grocery shop for Flagstaff and make dinner at home

Relax at airbnb since have two days of hiking coming up

Monday 

Flagstaff to Grand Canyon (1.5 hours)

• Grand Canyon day! We have a National Park Pass and this is a money saver! For $80 a year you have unlimited access to U.S. National Parks and federal recreational lands. Last year we used it four times and didn't have to pay the park entrance fee every visit.
• Hike Bright Angel Trail 
• Cook at home that night

Tuesday 

Flagstaff to Antelope Canyon (2.5 hours)

• Leave airbnb by 8am
• Antelope Canyon day! Booked reservation for 11:45am - 1:15pm
• Drive 15 minutes to Horseshoe Bend
• Lake Powell
• Additional place to view if have time: White Pocket at Vermillion Cliffs National Monument (pretty far out of the way and difficult to drive to)
• Cook at home that night

Wednesday 

Flagstaff to Tempe (2.15 hours)

• Airbnb check out - 11am

• Anything in Sedona we missed before that we want to do - figure out in moment

Tempe/Scottsdale

• Wine Trail in Old Town Scottsdale
• Airbnb check in - 3pm
• Cielo at Adero happy hour 3pm-5pm (1/2 drinks) 
• Cielo at Adero dinner reservations at 6pm (1/2 select wines all night) 

Thursday

Tempe/Scottsdale

• Morning Squeeze breakfast at 10am - Click here for menu
• Hike Camelback Mountain
• Pool day at airbnb

Scottsdale or Phoenix that night – Spontaneous plans!

Evening options - Choose in moment

• Camelback Mountain in Phoenix
• Outrider Rooftop Lounge - one of best but busiest rooftop bars
• Cottontail Lounge at the W Scottsdale - one of best rooftop bars
• Straight Up Whiskey Bar - Speakeasy opens at 7pm 
• Arizona Distilling Company - 4pm-10pm 
• SanTan Spirits - open 4pm-7pm 

Friday 

Airbnb check out - 10am

Brunch/lunch — pick up something fast on way to airport

Return Turo at 12

Nonstop flight! 

Additional Planning Notes

Red Rock State Park: https://www.visitarizona.com/places/parks-monuments/red-rock-state-park/

Things to do in Sedona: https://www.earthtrekkers.com/best-things-to-do-in-sedona-arizona/

All Grand Canyon trails if needed: https://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/day-hiking.htm

Antelope Canyon Tour: https://antelopecanyon.az/how-to-book-a-tour-for-antelope-canyon/

Near Antelope Canyon: https://www.visitarizona.com/places/parks-monuments/antelope-canyon/

There you have it. We're excited to get our hiking fix and celebrate some milestones in the city! Subscribe so you can receive an update after we return and get your free itinerary.