A trip to Sedona in mid-February is absolutely perfect. With fewer tourists to contend with, crisp fresh air to breathe in, plenty of sunshine to warm my cheeks, and its signature red rocks for which to thank my lucky stars – I am going to keep coming back here as long as these old legs can walk the paths.

Click on the first photo in each group and scroll to see the square photos at full size.
To start at the beginning of this series, visit Return to the Red Rocks 2024.

Into the Canyon

“Oak Creek Canyon is approximately 12 miles long, and Oak Creek flows year-round along the bottom of the Canyon, providing water for plants and wildlife, as well as fishing and swimming opportunities. Oak Creek continues on through Sedona, meeting up with the Verde River southeast of Cottonwood.

The depth of the Canyon ranges from 800 to 2000 feet, with trails providing access from the Canyon’s bottom up to the 6500-foot eastern rim and 7200-foot western rim. Some of these trails follow historic routes early Oak Creek Canyon settlers used to access the top of the plateau in the days before the road was built. Trails on the west side of the Canyon head into Red Rock-Secret Mountain Wilderness.” ~ READ MORE

This breathtaking drive takes about 45 minutes – with trails, day use areas, and pull-offs that will most certainly add to that timeline. The National Park Pass is pretty well-known, but the photo at the left speaks to the Red Rock Pass which covers a lot of the day use areas around Sedona. It’s cost-effective to grab a hangtag if you’re going to be in the area for a few days and plan to explore.

Weather in the mountains can be unpredictable and can turn pretty quickly in mid-February. Since today was going to be a fabulous day, we set our sights on the Vista and then worked our way back down at a leisurely pace. I would highly recommend seeing the canyon from both directions, but if switchbacks and hairpins are not your thing, twice might be one (or two) too many very curvy drives. In that case I’d visit the Vista on your day trip to Flagstaff or the Grand Canyon.

Oak Creek Vista

Oak Creek Vista is really something to see with hiking, wildlife, and breathtaking views of Oak Creek Canyon. Jewelry and other craft items are for sale by local Native American artists who have displays along the pathway. The artists have stories and the meanings behind a lot of the symbols that are hand painted on most items.

You may even be able to build a snowman, or enjoy the fruits of someone else’s labor. The third photo was taken on a previous trip and the last photo shows the three layers of switchbacks we experienced – and will experience again – on our way back to Sedona.

Slide Rock State Park

I have to stop at Slide Rock every time I’m in Sedona because it is stunning no matter when we visit. Today the shadows were harsh, but the blue skies and warm breezes were just what the doctor ordered. We sat for a while on a bench up the hill for a great view and some moments of solitude. It appears the young girl in the pink jacket had her own idea of the perfect spot to relax.

As temperatures rise, the smooth red rocks act as nature’s water slide and folks visit to cool off from the hot sun. I prefer this time of year with fewer people around, but here is a great video of some fun being had at this beautiful place.

“As one of the few homesteads left intact in the canyon today, Slide Rock State Park is a fine example of early agricultural development in Central Arizona. The site was also instrumental to the development of the tourism industry in Oak Creek Canyon. The completion of the canyon road in 1914 and the paving of the roadway in 1938 were strong influences in encouraging recreational use of the canyon. Hence, Pendley followed suit and in 1933, built rustic cabins to cater to vacationers and sightseers.

Today’s visitors can still enjoy the fruits of Pendley’s labor. Historic cabins are available for viewing, and the creek offers the park’s namesake slide for adventures seekers and those looking for a place to cool off.” ~ READ MORE

Midgley Bridge

A slightly strenuous but quick hike down alongside Midgley Bridge offers great views of Mitten Ridge, some familiar rock formations, and Oak Creek making its way down the canyon. Although parking is very limited, there are three picnic tables, toilets, and access to five hiking trails – including the trailhead to Sedona’s highest summit at 7,122 feet. Click here for a great long-distance view of the entire bridge.

“Excavation of the canyon walls began in March 1938 for foundation placement. The steel structure was completed October 31 of that year the bridge was fully completed in 1939. The Midgley Bridge, named after area cattle rancher W.W. Midgley, has carried traffic on US 89A ever since.

Although the bridge is not as visually impressive as the nationally significant Navajo Bridge (over the Colorado River at Marble Canyon in northern Arizona), the Midgley Bridge is a well-preserved and picturesque example of a dramatic structure type. It’s also historically noteworthy as the final link on the Oak Creek Highway between Sedona and Flagstaff.” ~ READ MORE

Indian Gardens Oak Creek Market

Indian Gardens was settled in 1876, and a stop at Indian Gardens Oak Creek Market is always warranted for a fabulous lunch and one of their potent local beers. A lovely spot to listen to Oak Creek trickle by is just across the highway.

“Considered to be the oldest continually operated general store in the Sedona area, Indian Gardens has a history that includes $1 rib-eye steaks, a roller-skating rink and something called a Ferrari sandwich.” ~ READ MORE about some history of the Market

Boynton Vista Trail

“Boynton Canyon is one of the most scenic of the box canyons that make Arizona Red Rock Country so famous. This particular trail enjoys the additional advantage of being conveniently accessible to nearby towns on well paved roads… The good news is you don’t have to bounce down a dusty jeep track to get to the trailhead. The bad news is you may have more company than you hoped for when you arrive.” ~ READ MORE

This section tells of a different day where we set out to see the views and experience two more vortexes. On this day I was feeling a little under the weather, so I approached the Boynton Vista Trail with caution. Here is a video of the entire hike, and you would have found me about halfway up on one of those flat rocks waiting for the more energetic in our foursome to return from their trek to the vista. In the quote below are links to our visits.

Sedona’s Vortexes

“Although all of Sedona is considered to be a vortex, there are specific sites where the energy crackles most intensely. The four best known Sedona vortexes are found at Airport Mesa, Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock and Boynton Canyon – each radiating its own particular energy. Some are thought to produce energy flowing upward while at others the energy spirals downward, entering the earth.” ~ READ MORE

Although all three of our vortex hikes were very refreshing and beautiful, I can’t say I felt any kind of energy flow through my body. I do know that after this hike I was feeling much better, and was able to finish the Airport Overlook hike with ease – although that was downhill – but we had to watch our steps because it was quite rocky. I think maybe on our next trip with this same couple, us ladies should venture out (in our yoga pants) and sit on the red rocks, and meditate on our lives, and breathe in the fresh air and sunshine, and try again. What do you think girlfriend?

A Side Order of Views

What else can be said about Sedona? Many restaurants offer views of the stunning landscape while dining. Beautiful, healthy, and delicious creations were abundant almost every time we ventured out for a meal. And what could be better than that!

Goodbye Sedona – Dammit

Up next: A Solemn Day in OKC

Happy trails,
Barb