Arizona has been on our travel list for quite some time and we finally made it happen this Thanksgiving break. What’s the main attraction that bring us here? Of course is the GRAND scheme of landscape - the Grand Canyon! Daddy has always worried about kids or even mommy unable to take the hiking challenge. We proved him wrong.
This is one of the longest time we spent at a single State and not having to rush from one place to the other. Which was a good choice as we got to enjoyed the beautiful scenery that Arizona has to offer. This trip covers Sedona, Grand Canyon, and Page. Few gems we found along our journey that has not been virally released from searching the web. We learned that it is well worth to pay a visit to the visitor center. You never know what gems you could find from the rangers!
By the way, mommy has finally received her Global Entry pass (thanks to Chase Sapphire Reserved), which comes along with TSA pre-check. Without it, we may have well missed our flight due to unforeseen circumstances on the freeway that had delayed our commute time to nearly an hour. The TSA pre-check privilege help us zipped through the TSA in less than few minutes. A note that both parents do need their own TSA pre-check but children under 12 could follow along.
Sedona, Arizona
We heard so much great things about Sedona, so that will definitely be a stop or two. We made Sedona our first stop from Phoenix; about 2 hours drive. Coming from the city, it was amazing to witness cactus along our road trip. We don’t get to see that too often.
Waking up to the cold weather of mountain view is just priceless. Our very first visitor center, the Coconino National Forest. This is where we became member of the U.S. National Park Service (NPS), after contemplating a good long time. It was a very difficult decision, eh?
Sedona, the Red Rock Country is where you will see the rich red landscape of scenery. It dwarf the red rock experience we had in Colorado. Ready to hike? Here we go...and trust me, it isn’t too bad at all. If our 4 & 6 years old can do it, you can too. Chilly weather definitely help.
Our first hike to explore the Sedona Courthouse-Butte trail. Boys had a blast running the trail, playing with rocks, and chasing each other.
Next stop is the Chapel of the Holy Cross. Stop by for few pictures and the view is amazing looking down from the chapel. There’s a gift shop in the underground of the church. If you ever need a postcard, get it there. One of the cheapest around town.
Tlaquepaque Arts & Craft Village is an outdoor market with restaurant and shop. The atmosphere was fabulous along with Fall Foliage you will see throughout the area. Foliage? Remember this is the end of November? We think it could be gorgeous at night with all the Christmas lighting and decoration. It is relaxing. Daddy likes this place. This covers the morning itinerary and it is time for lunch.
We ate at the Wildflower Bread Company for soup in a sourdough bread boule. Something different, but not the best. The soup is not bad, but sourdough bread was too hard.
From the restaurant, you can also get a good view of the Snoopy rock. We called it the baby Snoopy. See that?
After lunch, it is time for a little nap. We drove up to the Slide Rock State Park; perfect timing for kids to nap. So, the NPS pass does not work at the State Park as the name spells it out "State" Park. Admission is $10 per car. This is such a beautiful park and definitely recommend a visit. We can imagined how crowded the park could be during the summer time. Kids had a great time here, and so do we. There were some young adults brave the freezing water and slide down the stream. Crazy!
Montezuma Castle National Monument
Another one of the popular search from the web, Montezuma Castle National Monument, also occupied in the 11th century. Wonder how people back in the days built such an amazing structure.
Flagstaff
Wupatki National Monument
Got extra time to spare? Since we joined the National Park Service membership, so go figured. Fully optimizing the benefits. Wupatki National Monument, one of U.S. National Monument where you could explore how the Native American once lived in the 11th Century. Not much excitement here, but a good hour or two to be out and about.
If you have a binocular, do bring it along.
Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument
Not far from the Wupatki is the Sunset Crater Volcano, an ancient volcano. There’s a one mile trail (one two miles for additional unpaved trail extension) where you could hike to explore the lava and rocks. Pretty unique experience to walk on those rocky road.
This concludes Sedona / Flagstaff itinerary. Stay tuned for the GRAND stuff on our next post.
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