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  • Things To Do Besides Hiking In Sedona Arizona

    Things To Do Besides Hiking In Sedona Arizona

    Best Things To Do Besides Hiking in Sedona

    Hiking is our favorite activity while visiting Sedona but there is so much more! Here is our list of things to do in Sedona besides hiking. Enjoy!

    Chapel of the Holy Cross is stunning. It’s a definite must stop with breathtaking views. Depending on what time of year you are visiting, it can get very busy. We always make sure to get there early when the chapel opens to avoid big crowds. You can light a candle for someone you love, shop in the chapel store, or just sit for a quiet moment. If you park at the lower level, there is a golf cart driver that will take you to the top or you can get in a short strenuous hike. You can also book a tour through the Sedona Trolley Company.

    Amitabha Stupa and Peace Park is the perfect location to relax and take a deep breathe. It’s a place for meditation and spiritual renewal. The 14 acres located next to Thunder Mountain is considered holy to the native peoples. This beautiful 36-foot stupa gets its name from Buddha Amitabha, the Buddha of Limitless Light. Peace Park is free and runs off donations. It’s such a special spot, I visited this park almost every day while in Sedona.

    Amitabha Stupa and Peace Park Sedona Arizona

    Posse Grounds Park is Sedona’s first park. 78 acres to explore and enjoy! There are trails, a dog park, skate park, softball fields, tennis courts, bike skills park, basketball court, sand volleyball court, picnic tables, a multi-use grass field, and our favorite…the fitness trail.

    Posse Grounds Park Sedona Arizona

    Of course, so much shopping! Tlaquepaque Arts and Shopping Village offers many unique shops and restaurants. You can spend a full day walking around, shopping, eating, and people watching. We really enjoyed sitting on the Oak Creek Brewery patio and drinking their locally brewed beer. I also loved stopping at Sedona Candle Magic shop and watching them make the candles (See below). A couple other favorite shopping locations are Hummingbird House and the Hillside Sedona Shopping Center.

    My favorite shop to buy crystals is Mystical Bazaar. The staff is so helpful and friendly. They also offer aura photos, psychic readings, and beautiful jewelry.

    things to do in Sedona

    There is a huge artist market too! I found great gifts here.

    I also always find the local farmer’s markets when traveling. It’s a great way to enjoy fresh food and local shopping. The Sedona Farmer’s Market is open in the winter and summer seasons.

    Last but not least, treat yourself to a massage at Therapy on the Rocks or one of the many spas in Sedona.

    Happy Traveling!

    Originally posted in 2020.

    © What Stirs Your Soul Media

  • Goulding’s Lodge & Tours – Monument Valley

    Goulding’s Lodge & Tours – Monument Valley

    Do you remember this spot from the Forrest Gump movie? There have been many movies filmed in Monument Valley which makes for fun trivia when road tripping through!

    Best place to stay in Monument Valley, Arizona

    Speaking of movies, staying at Goulding’s Lodge in Monument Valley on the Arizona/Utah border, feels like you’re on a set. The lodge is located approximately five miles from the Monument Valley Tribal Park Visitor Center, which allows you to get up close and personal with the monuments. Plus, you can set up exclusive tours right at the lodge or drive the 17-mile Tribal Park Loop on your own. This iconic view!!!

    view of monument valley

    Goulding’s offers a variety of lodging options, including spacious rooms, suites, stand-alone villas, and a campground/RV park. Amenities include the onsite Stagecoach Restaurant, Grocery Store, Laundromat, and Gas Station. We loved the convenience of having everything we needed so close. Some rooms are dog friendly, and we loved that each unit has its own door. It makes it so much easier when traveling with the dogs. The views of the monuments are incredible; both sunrise and sunset were spectacular. There is easy access to hiking right out your door and not to mention all the onsite attractions. There is so much to do and see at the lodge and beyond.

    a picture of a hotel at monument valley

    Sunrise views from our room.

    Things to do in Monument Valley

    The dogs loved the trails and hiking around the Goulding’s property. Other onsite attractions include the Goulding’s Museum, Gift Shop, Earth Spirit Theater, Navajo Culture, and history, including “John Wayne’s Cabin” filled with movie memorabilia. 

    a dog looking at monument valley

    You have to try the traditional fry-bread at the Stagecoach Restaurant! Mouthwatering.

    a picture of fry bread

    Monument Valley is magical. This was our second time visiting, the first time we just drove through and this time we stayed a couple of nights. I didn’t want to leave. Here are more incredible views…

    Check out my Southwest Utah and Monument Valley blog post from a few years ago for more places to see: https://tracyseesstuff.com/2020/03/08/monument-valley-southern-utah/

    Life is short, never stop searching for what stirs your soul. ❤️

    ©Tracy Blowers

  • Best Sedona Hiking Trails

    Best Sedona Hiking Trails

    Sedona Hiking Trails

    We have visited Sedona, Arizona, for extended stays over the years. One of the best parts about Sedona and the surrounding area is that there are endless adventures and things to do. Our favorite activity is hiking! We love how accessible the hiking trails are and the range of difficultly. Below are highlights from some of the best Sedona hiking trails.

    Views of snow on Courthouse and Bell Rock in Sedona

    Bell Rock and Courthouse are the first two iconic formations that you see as you drive into Sedona coming north on the Bell Rock Scenic Byway/SR 179. The Courthouse Butte Loop is a moderate 4.3-mile trail. This area is very popular so depending on the time of year, it’s best to go early morning (plus it’s the best time to beat the heat). We normally visit in January when it’s not quite as busy or too hot.

    There are pay machines for parking that take credit cards. Parking can sometimes be a challenge but if you wait a few minutes, turnover usually happens quickly. Another option is to purchase a Red Rock Pass to display in your window or America the Beautiful passes are also honored.

    Dog-Friendly Sedona Trails

    Almost all the trails in Sedona are dog-friendly as long as your dog is on a leash. Please make sure to clean up after your pup. #LeaveNoTrace

    If you love climbing rocks, Bell Rock Trail is the hike for you! Look how small all the people look in the picture below. You can see all of Sedona as you make the climb. This hike is considered moderate but if you’re afraid of heights, you might find it difficult.

    Bell Rock in Sedona

    Little Horse Trail tends to be our go-to hike. We love the views. This is a 3.8-mile moderate hike. You can make it easier by not going as far, the view below is less than a mile on the trail. It’s incredible to hike this trail at sunset, the rocks turn a beautiful orange.

    Picture of Little Horse Hiking Trail sign in Sedona, Arizona.
    Picture of man hiking Little Horse Trail in Sedona, Arizona
    Picture of red rocks at sunset in Sedona, Arizona

    I was super excited to hike Soldier Pass and see the Seven Sacred Pools. They are easy to walk past, so keep an eye out for them. There’s also a large sinkhole on your way called Devil’s Kitchen which is very cool. This trail is considered moderate but we felt like it was a little more difficult especially beyond the pools. We ended up turning around on our first hike (which was still an amazing hike).

    Picture of Seven Sacred Pools in Sedona, Arizona.

    Red Rock Crossing/Crescent Moon Picnic Site is another go-to spot for us. This is a great area to relax, picnic, leisurely walk, swim in Oak Creek, or play with your dogs. There is a lot of open area with grass, picnic tables, and benches. All of this with the beautiful backdrop of Cathedral Rock. This is also a vortex site and a sacred area in Native American history.

    Picture of Cathedral Hill in Sedona, Arizona.

    My favorite thing to do is to visit after it rains and take pictures of all the reflections in the puddles. You have to find the perfect angle to see them.

    ALWAYS be careful after a rain, pay attention to the news, and ask questions before you go. Even when the rain stops, the runoff can be very dangerous and catch you by surprise.

    The staff and owners at The Hike House are super helpful. They will answer any questions and make sure you are geared up correctly for your hike. It’s important to be prepared even if you think the hike will be short.

    Another great resource is the Sedona Hiking App. This app gives you all the details of each hike, directions to the trailheads, and a map to follow as you hike. You can also search by the difficulty of the hike. For more details about Sedona, visit the official Sedona Tourism Site – visitsedona.com

    If you’re looking for other fun things to do besides hiking, visit my blog post HERE.

    Enjoy your travels!

    Please don’t hesitate to email me with questions.

    ©What Stirs Your Soul Media

  • Horseshoe Bend Arizona

    Horseshoe Bend Arizona

    Horseshoe Bend Arizona

    This is what you see as you walk the 3/4 mile from the parking lot to the overlook of Horseshoe Bend. It’s so flat that it’s hard to believe you will see an awe-inspiring deep canyon. I kept imagining what the first people must have thought as they traveled this flat land and then to come to the edge of this incredible site.

    Horseshoe Bend

    Horseshoe Bend has been on my bucket list for awhile. We’ve driven by many times but haven’t stopped due to overcrowding. This site has become quite the social media sensation. It’s best to go early morning or evening. We didn’t have that opportunity so there were a lot of tour buses and people (see video below). Luckily because we visited in February, we were still able to park in the lot and walk to the overlook to capture this beautiful view.

    Horseshoe Bend Arizona

    Horseshoe Bend is part of the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. The Colorado River carves its way through the sandstone on its way to the sea. The Glen Canyon area covers 1.25 million acres. There is so much to see and do that I don’t think we could do it all in a lifetime (Goals!). The nearby Lake Powell offers tons of water activities including houseboat rentals. Plus there is endless hiking, camping, and backcountry recreation.

    Even though it is a relatively easy hike to the overlook, make sure to be prepared with plenty of water and hiking shoes. One of the girls playing on the rock in the video almost slid off. Her friends were quick enough to catch her but it was terrifying. Please respect the land, Mother Nature and the rules.

    Horseshoe Bend Dog Friendly

    Horseshoe Bend and this whole area is pet-friendly. They even gave Allen a dog treat as we entered. He loved stretching his legs and the view. 🙂

    Best Friends Roadhouse and Mercantile is an amazing pet-friendly hotel in the area, and while exploring this area, make sure to check out Lone Rock Beach!

    © What Stirs Your Soul Media

  • Fay Canyon Trail Sedona Arizona

    Fay Canyon Trail Sedona Arizona

    Hiking Fay Canyon Trail Sedona Arizona

    Fay Canyon Trail – Sedona, Arizona in the enchanted Coconino National Forest is an easy to moderate trail without much elevation gain. The moss and greenery among the red rocks stood out to us along with the awe-inspiring sandstone formations overhead.

    The trail is an out and back 2.4 mile hike. There is a secret natural arch to keep an eye out for or you will miss it. Check out the Sedona Hiking App for directions and details. On this hike, we decided to bring our ukulele just for fun. I don’t know how to play it yet but it’s one of my goals. I wanted to snap some pictures with it against the red rocks. The ukulele ended up bringing us much more than we expected!

    When we made it to the end of the of maintained trail, we met a couple who asked us about the ukulele.

    We chatted a little bit and the gentleman asked if he could play it. He even tuned it for us and then…

    It was so fun to listen to him play on the trail with the sound echoing off the rocks. We had a great conversation and exchanged some recommendations. It continues to amaze me how we can meet complete strangers on the trail and become fast friends. We started working our way back and then met a woman who asked us about the ukulele. She also asked if she could play it.

    She was such a sweetheart and helped Terry learn a few chords.

    This ended up being one of our all time favorite hikes because we got so much joy out of listening to people play and our conversations. Sometimes it’s more than the trail. ❤️

    Use the search box on the right to find all of our Sedona blogs.

    Safe travels! Don’t forget – leave no trace.

    Life is short, keep searching for what stirs your soul. ❤️

    ©What Stirs Your Soul Media

  • Best Restaurants In Sedona – Arizona

    Best Restaurants In Sedona – Arizona

    Best restaurants in Sedona

    Our all time favorite restaurant in Sedona is The Hudson. We order the pork chop every time. The Hudson’s tagline is “A Neighborhood Restaurant” and we couldn’t describe it more perfectly. When we sit at the bar and chat with the bartender, locals, and tourists, it feels like we’ve known everyone forever. Their service is impeccable. Do not leave without ordering dessert! I can’t resisit their flourless chocolate cake. Enjoy this list of the best restaurants in Sedona, your mouth will be watering!

    Hudsons Sedona Arizona

    Our favorite dessert in Sedona

    Speaking of dessert, this beauty is from Creekside American Bistro. This hot banana churros with ice cream is incredible! Yes, that IS banana bread. It was so good! I would recommend ordering this as your meal. 🙂 We loved stopping in for a lunch and sitting at their cozy bar. They also have great burgers and I really enjoyed their salads.

    Best Restaurants in Sedona, Arizona
    Salads in Sedona

    Breakfast at the airport offers the most incredible views

    Breakfast at Mesa Grill is a must! Beside a yummy breakfast, you get an amazing view on the way up, and it’s cool to watch the planes land. They also offer an awesome dog-friendly patio with a full dog menu. They even bring your dog a bowl of water when seated. We were so impressed by the level of service especially with our dog. Allen gave it two paws up.

    Breakfast in Sedona, Arizona
    Best Restaurants in Sedona, Arizona
    Best Restaurants in Sedona, Arizona
    Best Restaurants in Sedona, Arizona

    Best brewery, winery, coffee shop and more in Sedona

    The Oak Creek Brewery is a great location to sit at the bar and catch a game OR sit on their patio for some sun. The cheese tray is perfect to split and enjoy with your drinks. My husband’s favorite Oak Creek Brewery beers were the Amber Ale and Gold Lager.

    Best Restaurants in Sedona, Arizona

    The Secret Garden Cafe has the best rueben and coleslaw. The slaw has blue cheese and raisins added which brings it to another level. The perfect spot to stop after shopping at the Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village. They offer a cute patio and we appreciated their friendly service.

    Best Restaurants in Sedona, Arizona

    The views from Mariposa are unbeatable! My favorite item on their menu is the deep fried avocado. Oh yes….let me say that again…deep fried avocado. Delicious!

    Best Restaurants in Sedona, Arizona
    Best Restaurants in Sedona, Arizona

    For a special treat, enjoy lunch at the L’Auberge de Sedona. The patio sits right on beautiful Oak Creek. It’s so peaceful listening to the sounds of the creek while sipping on a glass of wine. Make it extra special and book an appointment at their spa.

    Best Restaurants in Sedona, Arizona

    For coffee, stop by Creekside Coffee (now Rattle & Hum Coffee Roasters). They source the highest quality green beans from around the world. Their coffee warms the soul. Look at that view!

    Best Restaurants in Sedona, Arizona

    For fresh juice (and for more superb coffee or a delicious meal), visit Indian Gardens. This cafe and market is a historic general store just 4 miles north of Sedona. It’s a nice short drive with hikes along the way. They have wonderful to-go lunches for your hike or picnic.

    Best Restaurants in Sedona, Arizona
    Best Restaurants in Sedona, Arizona

    There are a lot of wineries to check out while in Sedona. We ended up only stopping at Page Springs Cellars. It was one of our favorite afternoons with live music, an excellent cheese tray, and very good wine. Page Springs Cellars is located approximately 15 miles south of Sedona. Another beautiful drive with other wineries on the way, you can make a day of it.

    Best Restaurants in Sedona, Arizona

    Last food tip. Check out the Whole Foods nightly happy hour! Great prices and good food. They also offer a really good coffee and juice bar.

    Please let me know if you have any questions about the best restaurants in Sedona. I would love to help!

    Check out our “things to do besides hiking” blog post for more fun Sedona ideas.

    Happy traveling!

    #WhatStirsYourSoul

    ©What Stirs Your Soul Media

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