BK Olson, Travel Blogger

Category: Arizona

  • Red Rocks Recap

    Red Rocks Recap

    Blogposts from our 2024 southwest winter road trip are finally complete. This post provides an outline of where we went, what we saw and links to posts associated with each stop.

    If you haven’t seen any of the posts, you may want to start at the beginning. Near the bottom of each post, there is a green link that will take you to what’s “Up next: Enjoy!”

    Our itinerary:

    Return to the Red Rocks 2024
    Cedar Rapids, IA (1 night) Homewood Suites. Time with my brother with a quick exit to avoid a winter storm. Branson, MO (2 nights) The Falls Village. Rain!! Amarillo, TX (1 night) Comfort Inn & Suites. The Big Texan, Cadillac Ranch. UFO Spacewalk and a sandstorm en route to Deming, NM (1 night) Comfort Inn & Suites.

    Our Casita in the Desert
    Tucson, AZ (7 nights) Raven Ridge Ranch. We settled in and enjoyed our patio for coffee, cocktails, and bird-watching. A return trip to Saguaro National Park (east) for a drive, hike, and Visitor Center stop. We checked out several watering holes – especially for a great place to watch the Packers beat the Cowboys! J❤️10

    All Around Tucson
    As our stay in Tucson winds down, this post covers a few nice walks at Saguaro NP (east and west). We discovered an otter-copter at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum and had a night on the town at a brewery with a food truck and a concert at the Fox Tucson Theatre. And Mission San Xavier Del Bac’s renovation is complete!

    At Home in Phoenix
    Florence, AZ (2 nights) Stayed with friends with lots of catching up, sightseeing, and a museum. We ventured north to Peoria, AZ (20 nights) Cibola Vista Resort & Spa. We relaxed a lot with friends and family as tour guides and dinner dates. West Valley Art Museum, MIM, and a hot air balloon landing was a great ending to our stay.

    A Postcard Around Every Corner
    Sedona, AZ (7 nights) The Ridge on Sedona Golf Resort, then (7 nights) Sedona Pines. A friend said she was a descendent of the Schneblys from Sedona! We enjoyed stunning views from Airport Overlook and the Sedona View Trail, we found our favorite Happy Hour spot, some great restaurants, and we did some shopping!

    One of Seven Natural Wonders
    Our stay in Sedona continues with a trip to Grand Canyon. Gazing into the Canyon with mid-February’s brisk winds was not ideal, but the sun shined brightly and traces of snow were beautiful on the red rock. In Sedona we were only two hours from the Canyon, so a day trip worked well, especially with some closed viewpoints.

    Some Highlights of Sedona
    Our stay in Sedona continues with a visit to the Chapel of the Holy Cross, a stop at the Red Rock Visitor Center, and a refreshing hike around Bell Rock Loop to get closer to Bell Rock and Courthouse Butte. Next was a shorter hike up Yavapai Vista Trail to see Yavapai Overlook. A whole lotta mountains can be seen from there!

    Along Oak Creek Canyon
    Just south of Flagstaff, SR 89A descends a breathtaking series of switchbacks into Oak Creek Canyon – famous for its spectacular scenery. We started at the Vista with visits to Slide Rock State Park, Midgley Bridge, and Indian Gardens. On another day we hiked around Boynton Vista Trail.

    A Solemn Day in OKC
    Edgewood, NM (1 night) Comfort Inn & Suites, then El Reno, OK (1 night) Home2 Suites, then a stop at the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum en route to our next stop. There was not enough time to see the Museum, but the Memorial was absolutely beautiful and very moving.

    Relaxing in Ridgedale
    Ridgedale, MO (14 nights) Wilderness Club at Big Cedar. We have been here a lot, so sometimes we don’t even leave the resort – but sometimes we do! Lots of pictures of activities in Ridgedale with a visit to the fantastic Dogwood Canyon.

    Another great road trip is officially in the books!

    Up Next: xx

    Happy trails,
    Barb

  • Along Oak Creek Canyon

    Along Oak Creek Canyon

    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

  • Some Highlights of Sedona

    Some Highlights of Sedona

    Even after many visits to Sedona, the beautiful red rock formations never cease to amaze me. Mild temps and abundant sunshine in mid-February meet our requirements for escaping Wisconsin’s winter, and the hikes can be fine-tuned to our activity levels.

    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.

    One of my Favorite Places

    I think I am still as in-awe of Sedona as I was on my first visit so many years ago. The link in the quote below contains a pdf of the Sedona section of a coffee table book that I designed and wrote, and best describes my obsession with the place. Sedona was just one of my inspiration points for the project that didn’t make me rich, but ended up providing great gifts for friends who share my love of Arizona. Click here if you’d like more information on the book.

    Regarded by Native Americans as sacred, Sedona has a way of instilling inner peace, tranquility and spirituality for many visitors. Could it be the red rocks and the warmth of the sun? Is it the Native American history and their beliefs – or the vortexes with their energy flows? Or is it the combination of all of the above? ~ from The Natural Beauty of Arizona

    All Around Town

    On our way to a fabulous lunch at Mariposa Latin Inspired Grill, we stopped at the Chapel of the Holy Cross. There are several more nice shots of the interior in the pdf of the book and I used the exterior photo from there as well. The crucifix in the floor to ceiling window below was installed in recent years and adds another beautiful element to this lovely place on the hill.

    This amazing chapel was built in 1956, commissioned by Marguerite Brunswig Staude – local rancher and sculptor – who was inspired by the construction of the Empire State Building in 1932. The link above has gorgeous aerial and interior shots that can’t be experienced as just a visitor and should not be missed.

    Parking can be tricky in this very busy (and straight-uphill) place. There are several levels of parking and if your last resort is at the bottom, it’s quite a hike up. It’s possible to catch a golf cart as its driver makes his rounds, if you need assistance. We lucked into the closest space that is possible without a handicap parking pass because today was our lucky day!

    Bell Rock and Courthouse Butte

    A stop at the Redrock Visitor Center will get you fabulous views of Sedona’s iconic mountains, maps and help planning your stay, a great movie, a family of javelinas, and a photo with Smokey the Bear! You can also get info on which parks require which passes – a Red Rock Pass or the National Park Pass (the Federal Recreational Lands Pass).

    We started our day with a short hike in the red rocks near Bell Rock and Courthouse Butte – two of the easiest to recognize in the lineup of formations in Sedona. This cooler day in mid-February was perfect – with a slight chill that ended up just glorious. I’m not sure which path we ended up on, but it was a little over a mile and relatively flat. This Bell Rock Loop link offers several add-on trails to make your hike longer and more challenging if you prefer, since it’s possible to encircle both of these formations and even scramble to the top of both.

    “Sedona Red Rocks Map. Not only is this a great map to help you get to know the major sightseeing spots and best views in Sedona, it acts as a great self-guided driving tour map of Sedona. Even better, it’s a combination two points of view: an aerial view of Sedona coupled with pictures of Sedona red rock formations on the horizon.” ~ READ MORE

    Yavapai Overlook

    Since we drove right by on 89A on a previous outing, this time we did a quick pullout into the parking lot at Yavapai Vista Trail. A few more beautiful views surely couldn’t hurt, so we headed up for a little elevation. It turns out we could have gone just a little ways further to the actual vista and had more expansive views, and had we waited just a few more hours we could have caught a sunset. It seems another trip to Sedona is required for another pass at this beautiful overlook – one with a little more planning!

    Since we had just spent some time near Bell Rock and Courthouse Butte, I’ll start at the left end of the spectrum and end with those views from here. There is an option (once you click on the first photo below) to view at full size – making the photo as large as possible.

    If you follow the mountaintops from left to right, you’ll see The Twin Buttes (darker red), then The Nuns (smaller, almost beneath that tree), then Gibraltar (the tallest peak to the right), Lee Mountain, Baby Bell is in there somewhere (not sure where), and then Rabbit Ears. It’s kind of fun to put a name to just a few of the named mountains in this area.

    And some Closer-ups

    The second photo is a much better view of The Nuns, with the third a closer look at Gibraltar and the rest of its range. Rabbit Ears are to the left of Courthouse Butte in the fourth, with Bell Rock rounding out our panorama. Several photos at the end show the mountain behind us. I will say, this was the most panoramic view we’ve seen, and may have been more so from the actual vista.

    All I can say is WOW!

    Next up: Along Oak Creek Canyon

    Happy trails,
    Barb

  • One of Seven Natural Wonders

    One of Seven Natural Wonders

    Gazing out into the Grand Canyon with mid-February’s brisk winds was not ideal, but the sun shined brightly and traces of snow were beautiful on the red rock. Since we were only two hours from the Canyon in Sedona, a day trip worked well, especially when we found out that several of the viewpoints were closed.

    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.

    On The South Rim

    At 18 miles wide, 277 miles long and a mile deep, Grand Canyon simply takes your breath away. The clouds and ever-changing angles of the sun on its various elevations make for fabulous views from any of the lookout points at any time of day. Because of its easier access and longer tourist season, about 90% of the Canyon’s visitors view it from the South Rim. I don’t think I’ve ever seen the Canyon from the North Rim, which sparks thoughts of another road trip!

    On our last visit in early May we spent two nights at El Tovar Hotel so we could take our time and breathe in the beauty that was before us. The weather was perfect and all viewpoints were open, so we definitely needed the extra day. The option for a sunset and/or sunrise in this fantastic place added to the experience.

    Today Grand Canyon was only a two-hour drive from Sedona and with the weather far less predictable in mid-February, we opted for a day trip. Since it was pretty chilly up there, having less to see because of several closed lookouts probably worked out for the best. We took the more easterly route at Flagstaff – and started at the Desert View Watchtower where the views were amazing!

    Desert View Watchtower

    The first two photos below show the view of the Painted Desert standing outside the Watchtower facing east. Views are magnificent even from the ground, but get up in that 70-foot-high stone building and you’ll be at the highest point on the South Rim. To be honest, I thought there would be more snow in mid-February, but the dusting that remained was still pretty cool.

    “Built to Blend into the Environment. Mary Elizabeth Jane Colter, designer of the Watchtower wanted to make it difficult to tell where the rock of the canyon walls ended and the tower began. To achieve this, her design built-in the appearance of rubble at the base of the tower and she insisted the builders only use rocks at actual size and not cut, to keep their weathered surfaces.

    A truly unique stop, Desert View Watchtower stands at the eastern end of the South Rim. Featuring a concrete foundation and steel framework beneath the stones, it offers spectacular views of the Grand Canyon and the Painted Desert at each level. Paintings adorn the interior which depict various aspects of Hopi mythology and religious ceremonies [last three photos below].” ~ from The Natural Beauty of Arizona

    Worth the Drive

    The free shuttle buses from the Visitor Center don’t go out as far as the Watchtower, but it’s worth the drive to see it and the four additional lookout points along Desert View Drive. At every lookout the vastness of the canyon is breathtaking, and at the more easterly lookouts we have a bird’s eye view of the Colorado River on its journey southwest. The first photo below shows where we’ve been, with the Watchtower off in the distance.

    Moran Point

    We are truly blessed with so much magnificence in these United States. With so many incredible places to visit it’s hard to pick a favorite, but I am mesmerized every time I visit this Grand Canyon and hope to visit again some day.

    The Views Continue

    As we work our way to the Visitor Center, the views continue. The trees are gnarly and mostly bare, a raven was on the lookout for some lunch, and the grandness of this Grand Canyon amazed us once again.

    A Frigid End to an otherwise Wonderful Day!

    This time of year the options are limited for lunch, so we grabbed some pre-packaged (overpriced) sandwiches at Bright Angel Bikes & Café. We waited in a long line and our only option was a picnic table outside. Yes, I said outside! I don’t think we’ve ever eaten so fast to get out of the wind. We should have eaten in the car, or an even better choice would have been to wait just a bit longer for a stop in Tusayan on our way back to Sedona. Of course you know about hindsight.

    On our last visit, we stopped at the Visitor Center in Tusayan, grabbed some lunch, then watched a fabulous IMAX movie at the Visitor Center in town. On our way by, we remembered the IMAX and decided not to stop again, but it is something everyone should see (at least) once. It’s called Grand Canyon: Rivers of Time. Visit the link for a trailer.

    “Experience a Story 1.7 Billion Years in the Making. The Grand Canyon Visitor Center, located at the South Rim in Tusayan just outside the Grand Canyon National Park, is home to what you need to get the most from your Grand Canyon vacation.” ~ READ MORE

    Next up: Some Highlights of Sedona

    Happy trails,
    Barb

  • A Postcard Around Every Corner

    A Postcard Around Every Corner

    When a friend and I were talking about this trip, she said that she is a descendent of the Schneblys from Sedona. I had heard of Schnebly Hill Road, so I figured the name was pretty significant in the area. While doing a little research, I found out that is was very significant indeed!

    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.

    ^ The header photo was taken from Mariposa Latin Inspired Grill, which is just as beautiful inside.

    A Woman by the Name of Sedona by Lisa Schnebly Heidinger, great-granddaughter

    From the archives of Arizona Highways:

    “When Amanda Miller Schnebly looked down at her newborn daughter in 1877 and pronounced her to be named Sedona, she had no idea she had just coined an iconic word that would make marketers swoon, even into the 21st century.

    Asked how this unusual name joined the names of siblings Minnie, Edward, Noah, Edna, John and Goldie, Amanda allegedly said, “There’s a first time for any name or word.”

    In any case, instead of being known only to people in that small Missouri town, Sedona married Theodore Carlton, or T.C., Schnebly on her 20th birthday, moved west to Oak Creek because the Methodists in Gorin didn’t take to T.C. being Presbyterian, and established a farm with the only home big enough to host visitors. Ever the entrepreneur, T.C. led the building of Schnebly Hill Road up to Flagstaff and began bringing visitors back with him.

    The next logical step was a post office. His first name choices, Schnebly Station and Oak Creek Crossing, were rejected with a terse “too long” scrawled in the application margin by the postmaster general in Washington, D.C. So, T.C.’s brother suggested naming the town after Dona, as T.C. called his wife. And so, Sedona it was in June of 1902, and Sedona it remains today.” ~ READ MORE

    A Rose by Any Other Name

    If you READ MORE of the article above, Lisa goes on to say that people like pretty names, and if they had named the town Schnebly instead of the beautiful name Sedona, “the area probably would have remained relatively unspoiled.” But with that I disagree.

    They could have named the town Doofus and its three-million tourists a year would still come because it’s just that amazing. Unfortunately many Sedona residents believe tourists are “loving their town to death”, because many act like Doofuses.

    “So with an initiative they’re calling the Sedona Sustainable Tourism Plan, the chamber aims to educate visitors about how to be “sensitive guests.” They’re pointing travelers to the Sedona Cares Pledge (which includes declarations such as “I’ll make my own memories, but not my own trails” and “If I can’t find a parking spot, I will not invent my own”), along with Sedona’s seven principles of Leave No Trace, reminding people to respect wildlife, leave what they find and pack out their trash, among other things…

    “We also seek a new bond with travelers who share our love and respect for this Most Beautiful Place on Earth.” ~ from How to visit Sedona without being a jerk

    Two Weeks of Stunning Views

    When we were able to secure two-bedroom units for two consecutive weeks at The Ridge on Sedona Golf Resort and then Sedona Pines, we invited friends to join us.

    We arrived ahead of our friends and a little too early to check in, so we stopped by PJ’s Village Pub (for the first time, but not the last). Happy Hour has great deals on beers (Church Music again!), a nice selection of appetizers (which worked as meals a few times), and it was about three minutes from our condo. PJ’s was a great find!

    When our friends arrived, we all got moved-in and had dinner out at Dellepiane at The Collective Sedona for great empanadas. It was pretty spendy but delicious, which is usually the case in Sedona. The Collective offers a great selection of bars, several more restaurants, and a little shopping,

    Watching the Weather

    Since Phoenix is at 1,000-ft elevation and Sedona is a little higher at 4,500, temps are slightly cooler but still pretty moderate to us Wisconsinites. With those cooler temperatures comes a chance of snow, especially this time of year. I never thought I’d say this, but we were blessed to experience the snowfall pictured below in March several years ago. Good news is, it was short-lived as this day warmed up nicely. When we head to Grand Canyon in a few days, its 7,000-ft elevation will probably cool things off even more, but can you imagine a blanket of snow on those beautiful red rocks?