Hello travelers! We're back from a truly memorable trip to Arizona. Let's go through our checklist to highlight the top moments so you can plan your own incredible trip to the beautiful state of Arizona. Check out our original article that outlined how we planned for this getaway. Subscribe to receive access to our full itinerary, which includes details such as costs, driving time, and ratings of locations.

Itinerary for a Memorable Trip to Arizona

Sunday

• Fly into Phoenix
• Drive to Red Rock State Park (near Sedona)
• Red Rock State Park - See Bell Rock, Cathedral Rock, Chapel of the Holy Cross
• Dinner at The Hudson (in Sedona)
• Wine tasting at Winery 1912
• Drive to Flagstaff

Memorable Highlights

First thought when we left the airport: It was HOT in Phoenix! So hot, they were breaking records.

Red Rock State Park

Good thing we were heading north toward the mountains and surprisingly a lot of rain. First stop: Red Rock State Park near Sedona to see the well-known Bell Rock and Cathedral Rock. It was $5 a day for a pass to park and hike, but we were there for the sights so we didn't wander far from our car to snap a few photos. Next up, nestled in more rocks, was the Chapel of the Holy Cross. These were all great quick stops to get us excited for the trip ahead.

Tip: Red Rock State Park accepts the National Park Pass, so we did not have to pay the $5 day pass. We just left our pass on our dashboard.

Dinner at The Hudson

If you recall in our original plans, we wanted to squeeze in Devil's Bridge next before dinner. Since our car pickup delayed us an hour and it was raining, we decided to do Devil’s Bridge on Wednesday. We arrived early for our dinner reservations at The Hudson so we sat at the bar to enjoy happy hour before we were escorted to our table.

The food was delicious! Just look at Michael's pork chops and my butternut squash ravioli. I still dream about it. For our anniversary the staff brought us ice cream -- how sweet! (....Get it?)

We would highly recommend reservations here!

Monday

• Drive from Flagstaff to the Grand Canyon National Park
• Hike Angel Bright Trail
• Drive back to Flagstaff
• Mother Road Brewing Company
• Dark Sky Brewing Company

Memorable Highlights

Grand Canyon National Park

As you may recall in our planning article, our trip to the Grand Canyon National Park in December was a hilarious detour with not much to see. We had to go back, and this time the Grand Canyon did not disappoint.

We chose to hike the Bright Angel trail and made it down to the 1.5 mile rest stop. There was a beautiful place to take photos of the whole valley. We decided this was a good place to turnaround and head back up.

Tip: Going up is more challenging than going down. Make sure to bring plenty of water. In addition to our water bottles, we brought an additional gallon jug of water and filled it up at the rest stop. It was also recommended to bring drinks with electrolytes and eat salty snacks.

Local Flagstaff Breweries

What's better after an exhausting hike than checking out the local breweries? We googled some places and stumbled upon Mother Road Brewing Company and Dark Sky Brewing Company in Flagstaff.

Tuesday

• Drive from Flagstaff to Page
• Lower Antelope Canyon Tour
• Grand Canyon Brewing Company
• The New Wave
• Horseshoe Bend
• Drive back to Flagstaff

Memorable Highlights

Antelope Canyon

Wow, Antelope Canyon was amazing, and pictures do not do this place justice. The two hour drive from Flagstaff to Page was well worth it and we would highly recommend Dixie’s Lower Antelope Canyon Tours. Their tour guides took the time to share history about the slot canyons, captured the perfect photos, and told funny jokes along the way.

Tip: Arizona is on Mountain Standard Time and does not observe Daylight Saving Time, with the exception of the Navajo Nation. Our Apple maps said the Antelope Canyon Tour would be in a different time zone, but they follow Arizona Standard Time (MST), which is the same time as the City of Page, Flagstaff, Grand Canyon, and Phoenix. During Daylight Savings, there is a time change driving through the Navajo Reservation. Our phones moved one hour ahead. We were supposed to arrive at the tour 45 minutes early so we decided to get there an hour and 45 minutes just to ensure we made it on time (blame it on the Type A planner in me). They had an earlier tour time available, which worked in our favor because rain was on its way! We finished the tour just as it started to pour.

Grand Canyon Brewing Company

As it began to rain, we decided to wait it out at Grand Canyon Brewing Company with a beer flight and a whiskey flight! Both were great options to share and try out something new.

The New Wave

As the rain slowed down, we decided to check out The New Wave right outside of Page. This was free to get in to and does not have a lottery like The Wave in western Arizona.

Horseshoe Bend

Transitioning to our next outdoor activity, we drove to Horseshoe Bend. If you are scared of heights, it's best to stay behind the designated railing or your memorable trip may be for another reason. There are several places away from the crowds to take in the gorgeous view.

Note: Horseshoe Bend is technically free, but you have to pay $10 to park in the parking lot and you cannot get dropped off.

Wednesday

• Travel from Flagstaff to Sedona area
• Hike to Devil's Bridge and cross it
• Page Springs Cellar
• Oak Creek Vineyards
• Travel from Sedona to Tempe
• Dinner at Cielo at Adero (outside of Scottsdale)

Memorable Highlights

Devil's Bridge

Imagine walking across a rocky "bridge" with no railings and a 50 foot drop. "Yeah, I'll cross it" is what I told everyone before this trip knowing I would have to overcome my fear of heights.

We parked at the Mescal Mountain trailhead and walked to the Chuckwagon Trail which led to the Devil's Bridge trail. Finally, after some steep rock steps that gave our thighs a great workout, we reached Devil’s Bridge.

Fear, panic, and horror were all the emotions I felt as I watched people walk over this natural bridge.

A brave soul who already crossed the bridge numerous times offered to take our picture.

Guess it was our turn.

Although I was a bit shaky as I tried not to look over the edges, we both crossed the bridge and now have some iconic photos we need to hang in our home from this part of our memorable trip.

Tip: Devil's Bridge was wider than it appears from a distance.

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Verde Valley Wine trail

Another hike done means it was time for something to quench our thirst. There are a lot of winieries along the Verde Valley Wine Trail, and we stopped at Page Springs Cellar and Oak Creek Vineyards. Page Springs had a lovely outside area with a babbling brook nearby. Oak Creek had the friendliest staff and a nice covered patio that shielded us as another burst of rain passed through.

Dinner at Cielo at Adero

Dinner reservations were at Cielo at Adero, a hotel about 25 minutes away from Tempe. It was Wine Wednesday so 50% off bottles of wine, which worked with our wine theme for the day.

Thursday

• Hike Camelback Mountain
• Breakfast at Morning Squeeze
• Pedal Haus Brewery
• Pool day at airbnb
• Rift - Taco truck outside called Random AF Tacqueria Birra & More

Memorable Highlights

Camelback Mountain

You would think after three days of strenuous hiking we would take it easy. Instead, we woke up ready to hike Camelback Mountain in Phoenix and decided on the Cholla Trail, the "easier" option. After a nonstop week of activities, this hike was quite challenging for us, but we made it to the summit.

You probably guessed our next adventure on this memorable trip. There's a risk and reward theme happening here. Risk: We could fall off a high mountain or rock. Reward: See a breathtaking view and then enjoy a delicious beverage.

Brunch and dinner

We had brunch at The Morning Squeeze in downtown Tempe. The menu and mimosa bottle service were great options for anyone who wants to sit and relax after a long hike. Afterward, the inviting brewery across the street, Pedal Haus Brewery, called our names. They had a funky atmosphere and great beer. Wish we could have spent more time, but we had a pool waiting for us back at the airbnb.

For dinner we decided to take it easy. Our airbnb host recommended a nearby food truck within walking distance called Random AF Tacqueria Birra & More, located in the parking lot of Rift. I know I already said The Hudson's meal was the best we had on the trip, but these tacos were OUT OF THIS WORLD.

Friday

Wrapping up a memorable trip to Arizona

Friday was Michael’s birthday and our travel day, which is always a fun time getting to hear TSA wish him a great day!

Arizona did not disappoint and it was truly a memorable trip with its great views, meals, and adventure. Overall, we spent most of this trip hiking, which is why we recommend investing in some high-quality, comfortable hiking shoes or boots. We can't wait to go back and check out some of the other places we didn't get to visit.

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