USA Road Trip 2023 - Part 1 (page 3 of 9)

WUPATKI PUEBLO TRAIL – WUPATKI NATIONAL MONUMENT - ARIZONA

From the early 1100s to the mid-1200s, this large ancestral pueblo structure was a bustling hub for trade and agriculture. Made up of 104 rooms, a ceremonial ball court, and a large community hall that likely hosted dances and ceremonies, Wupatki Pueblo is the largest independent pueblo in northern Arizona. You can view the entire pueblo from a viewpoint a few hundred meters behind the visitor center along an accessible trail, or you can continue on the 0.8 km round-trip trail to get closer to this important heritage site.

One of the most popular features of all the pueblos in the Monument is the ball court and the blowhole, both located at the farthest point of the trail.

Although it is no longer physically occupied, descendant communities believe that the people who lived and died here remain spiritual guardians. These places are commemorated and maintained, not abandoned. These sites and the lands they stand on are culturally significant to the 13 traditionally associated tribes of Wupatki National Monument, all of whom have ancestral ties to this region.

https://youtu.be/RXw5vPa1fIY

DONEY MOUNTAIN TRAIL – WUPATKI NATIONAL MONUMENT - ARIZONA

This 0.75-mile round-trip hike starts at the Doney picnic area and gradually climbs the side of a volcanic cinder cone to a panoramic viewpoint.

Interpretive signs along the trail tell you about the unique ecology of this rugged region and the adventures of Ben Doney, who prospected these hills for gold. You’ll even see one of Doney’s old dig sites along the way.

Also along the trail, you’ll find two prehistoric ruins with signs explaining their role in the local community and how they were tied to prehistoric farming practices.

35.53161, -111.40482 Parking and trailhead 35.53068, -111.40367 Field House 35.52760, -111.40630 End of trail

https://youtu.be/PgcXU6BwK0g

CITADELLE & NALAKIHU PUEBLOS TRAIL – WUPATKI NATIONAL MONUMENT - ARIZONA

Nalakihu is a Hopi word meaning "house standing outside the village" and is the smallest sandstone structure at the start of the trail. Based on tree-ring dating, construction likely took place in the late 1190s AD. It had ten rooms on the ground floor and three or four rooms forming a second story.

It’s hard to say how many people would have lived here, though it may have been a family with several generations, along with aunts and uncles, all living together at the same time.

The Pueblo Citadel sits atop a small cinder hill and can be seen from any of the surrounding small pueblos like Lomaki and Box Canyon. The walls were built to follow the contour of the hill and constructed with both sandstone and basalt (volcanic rock).

There are hundreds of small pueblo structures (1 to 20 rooms) around the citadel, as well as traces of agricultural fields, terraces, rock alignments, water catchments, and control dams.

Soil samples taken around these sites revealed pollen and seeds from domesticated plants such as corn, squash, beans, tobacco, and even cotton.

Though no longer physically occupied, the Hopi believe that the people who lived and died here remain spiritual guardians.

35.56627, -111.47047 Parking and trailhead (400 m round trip) 35.56613, -111.47104 Nalakihu Pueblo 35.56584, -111.47177 Citadel Pueblo

https://youtu.be/3oY4iB-PttM

LOMAKI & BOX CANYON PUEBLOS TRAIL – WUPATKI NATIONAL MONUMENT - ARIZONA

Lomaki means "Beautiful House" in the Hopi language. Located at the end of this trail, it had nine rooms built from local limestone and sandstone in the last decade of the 1100s. The interior and exterior walls may have been plastered, though nothing remains of it today.

The two smaller structures on either side of the earth fissure may have housed the extended family of those living in Lomaki. These structures are just a few of the dozens that surround Lomaki and the citadel.

With a keen eye, you can spot other walls above the neighboring mesas. At one time, this was a thriving community that traded with other communities hundreds of miles away.

35.57669, -111.46923 Parking and trailhead (1 km round trip) 35.57780, -111.46975 Box Canyon Pueblo 35.57841, -111.46964 Box Canyon Pueblo 35.57950, -111.46801 Lomaki Pueblo

https://youtu.be/HSaKgFxXEh8

EXPLORING FLAGSTAFF, ARIZONA

Flagstaff is a city in northern Arizona. It’s located south of the San Francisco Peaks, the state’s highest mountain range, and is crossed by the legendary Route 66.

We made a few stops by car and took a 2.7-kilometer walk around the city to discover historic buildings and several beautiful murals.

35.21404, -111.59955 The Museum Club 35.21045, -111.60623 Miz Zip's Cafe 35.19497, -111.62966 Western Hills Motel

2.7 km walk around the city:

35.19549, -111.64910 Parking on Cottage Ave 35.19642, -111.64882 Mural: Mother Myth 35.19689, -111.64801 Gandy Dancer 35.19740, -111.64723 Mural 35.19728, -111.64681 Mural 35.19818, -111.64744 Hotel Monte Vista 35.19831, -111.64774 Babbitt's Backcountry Outfitters 35.19858, -111.64804 Heritage Square & Mural: The Veridic Gardens of Effie Leroux 35.19906, -111.64806 Mural: History of Flagstaff 35.19973, -111.64987 Mural: The Flagstaff Portal 35.19982, -111.65018 Mural: Learning to Fly 35.19843, -111.64982 Mural: Unity 35.19861, -111.64947 The Orpheum Theatre - & Murals on the side and back 35.19844, -111.64887 Weatherford Hotel 35.19836, -111.64908 5 murals 35.19771, -111.64924 The McMillan Bar and Kitchen 35.19735, -111.64929 Flagstaff Train Station (Visitor Center) + murals on the wall and street (66) 35.19687, -111.65095 Mural: All Dogs Go to Heaven 35.19655, -111.65251 Mural: What Flows Beneath Our Feet & another mural on the other side 35.19549, -111.65305 Mural: Galapagos 35.19443, -111.65069 Murals on the front and side Back to the parking lot

35.18734, -111.65935 Riordan Mansion State Historic Park - Photo stop 35.19221, -111.66206 Galaxy Diner

https://youtu.be/dnRWm3rdeSI

ON THE WAY TO SEDONA - ARIZONA

Highway 89 is a very winding road that snakes through Oak Creek Canyon over a distance of 37 kilometers. It’s considered one of the most beautiful roads in America.

When we passed through this area in winter, a thick layer of snow covered the pine forests, making the landscape simply magical.

It’s also worth mentioning that Oak Creek Canyon is famous for its stunning rock formations and the changing colors of its cliffs.

https://youtu.be/CJnvWF1bCFo

SLIDE ROCK STATE PARK - SEDONA - ARIZONA

Slide Rock State Park gets its name from a 24-meter-long natural water slide formed in the sandstone of Oak Creek Canyon.

You can swim there, slide down the natural chute, or just relax on the smooth sandstone banks.

The park’s trails lead to wading pools and fishing holes along a 1-kilometer stretch of Oak Creek.

The park is also a historic site where you can explore the Pendley Homestead, a 17-hectare apple farm dating back to 1912.

We stopped by in January, but the site was closed. Still, we took a short walk along the river to enjoy the surrounding scenery.

Check out this website for more info about the park: https://azstateparks.com/slide-rock/

https://youtu.be/1NdSESdrkfY

MIDGLEY BRIDGE TRAIL - WILSON CANYON - SEDONA - ARIZONA

We stopped at Midgley Bridge, a steel bridge that towers above the canyon. A short trail leads to viewpoints offering nice views of the bridge and the canyon below, where you can see a beautiful waterfall cascading into the creek.

4.88577, -111.74163 Trailhead 34.88520, -111.74179 Oak Creek Vista & Midgley Bridge

https://youtu.be/J_zTW3qHkVo

TLAQUEPAQUE ARTS & SHOPPING VILLAGE WALKING TOUR - SEDONA - ARIZONA

This is actually an artists' district built in the 1970s that offers visitors over 50 galleries and shops, as well as several restaurants.

It really feels like a small Mexican village with shaded plazas, fountains, sculptures, and hidden little staircases. A lovely place to wander around.

34.86251, -111.76318 Parking 34.86197, -111.76368 Additional parking 34.86193, -111.76326 Chapel 34.86169, -111.76295 Fountain

https://youtu.be/UhSSgZY0XC0

CHAPEL OF THE HOLY CROSS - SEDONA - ARIZONA

The Chapel of the Holy Cross is one of Sedona’s most popular attractions. This Catholic chapel was built on a rocky spur, and the surrounding landscape is breathtaking.

A 27-meter-tall cross stands at the center of the chapel. The interior decor is very simple, but one of its facades is entirely made of glass, offering a stunning view of Sedona’s red cliffs.

The site includes a large parking lot and a souvenir shop.

It’s open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM, and entry is free.

Location: 34.83200, -111.76689

https://youtu.be/DgGVBv7_y1U

HIKE AT CATHEDRAL ROCK - SEDONA - ARIZONA

34.82516, -111.78860 Parking and trailhead 34.81927, -111.79185 Cathedral Rock Vortex 34.81877, -111.79229 End of the trail

The trail, which is 1.2 miles round-trip, first leads us to a stream we need to cross. The climb starts off gently. Cairns mark the path, and we take a few rocky stairs that lead to a plateau offering a spectacular view of Sedona.

After that, we go through a rocky section leading to a fissure in the rock that rises at a 45-degree angle over about 12 meters. This section is tough, especially since there was ice on the rock during our hike. Extreme caution is required.

There are plenty of hand and footholds to help navigate this crevasse. However, this part of the trail can be challenging for those afraid of heights.

We reach a second plateau where we can take a break. We watch hikers climbing the crevasse—the elevation gain is impressive. We’ll have to descend this section on the way back!

We continue our climb to the top of the cliff on slippery rocks. Handholds are necessary in some spots.

A sign reading “End of Trail” confirms we’ve reached the top of the cliff. However, it’s possible to turn right or left at this sign since a trail offers both options.

Heading left, the trail allows us to climb even higher via a crevasse in the rock. The ascent is steep, though. There was ice on the rock during our hike, which made it even more difficult.

At the summit, a rocky spur rises before us, and we have a stunning panoramic view of the surrounding landscape.

Heading right, the trail, about 1.5 meters wide, runs along a ravine and leads to the edge of the cliff. There’s no protection on this trail, and the ravine is very deep.

This hike is considered difficult. It’s important to wear hiking shoes with good grip to make the ascent and descent easier.

https://youtu.be/-0V57kA1wwQ

HIKE ON THE BELL ROCK TRAIL - SEDONA - ARIZONA

You have several options to get to Bell Rock. For our part, we took the Bell Rock Pathway trail to get there.

At 4 km round trip, it offers stunning views of Bell Rock, Courthouse Butte, and several other rock formations.

This trail is easy to hike since most of it has a wide, hard surface and is very well marked.

We only went as far as the base of Bell Rock, where there’s a lookout with a fantastic panoramic view of Sedona’s many red cliffs.

However, you can later climb the rocks to reach the top of Bell Rock. Be careful!

34.79146, -111.76164 Parking and trailhead 34.80168, -111.76492 Viewpoint

https://youtu.be/nKmuZ5MtQXE

HIKE ON THE AIRPORT LOOP TRAIL - SEDONA - ARIZONA

The Airport Loop Trail is a moderate 3.3-mile hike that circles the upper slope of Airport Mesa, also known as Table Top Mountain.

This hike can also be extended to visit the Airport Mesa Vortex site by taking the Summit Trail (a 0.25-mile round trip). We actually started our hike on this trail.

Uneven steps carved into the rock lead to the top of a hill that offers a stunning 360-degree view of the entire area.

The Airport Loop Trail is a loop trail that provides incredible views of many rock formations as well as the town of Sedona.

It features many technical rocky sections exposed to thorny vegetation. The trail is mostly packed dirt. Rocks and roots are scattered along the ground. Caution is advised!

34.85575, -111.78007 Parking and trailhead 34.85580, -111.77912 Airport Mesa Vortex (Summit Trail) 34.85519, -111.77978 Sedona Trail View Point 34.85518, -111.77994 Continuing on Airport Loop Trail 34.84530, -111.79530 About halfway through the route

https://youtu.be/Xba3qY3NaLQ

AMITABHA STUPA AND PEACE PARK - SEDONA - ARIZONA

Established in 2004, this park, located at the foot of Thunder Mountain in Sedona, is a spiritual destination set in a stunning landscape.

It features an 11-meter-tall stupa (Amitabha) as well as a smaller one. A stupa is a monument considered a living presence of Buddha.

Visitors come to the site to pray, meditate, or simply stroll through this peaceful haven. Many also bring offerings they place at the foot of the stupa.

You’ll also find a medicine wheel, an ancient Native American symbol representing the circle of life and, in a broader sense, a map of the universe and the spiritual powers it holds. At the center of the wheel is a circle of seven stones called the Seven Sacred Dancers.

From this central circle extend the paths of the four directions. Each direction has a guardian spirit and a teaching corresponding to the four seasons, the four elements, the four times of day, and the four stages of human life. It also includes the relationship with the Father Sky above and the Mother Earth below.

It was created to honor the Indigenous peoples of Sedona and the surrounding area, namely the Hopi, Navajo, Yavapai, and Apache.

The site is also adorned with a beautiful wooden Buddha statue, prayer flags, and benches where visitors can sit and meditate.

Entry is free. Donations are welcome.

34.874810, -111.807738 Parking and trailhead 34.875541, -111.808307 Amitabha Stupa 34.875515, -111.807733 Tara Stupa 34.877482, -111.808221 Medicine Wheel

https://youtu.be/rBohu1XWoLo

HIKING THE BOYNTON CANYON VORTEX TRAIL - SEDONA - ARIZONA

The town of Sedona, Arizona, is famous for its energy vortexes. Each vortex is said to have a different type of energy. People come from all over the world to see and experience them.

Sedona’s vortexes are considered swirling energy centers ideal for healing, meditation, and self-exploration. These are places where the earth feels particularly alive and full of energy. Many people feel inspired, recharged, or uplifted after visiting a vortex.

To reach the Boynton Canyon Vortex, simply park at the Boynton Canyon Trailhead parking lot. Restrooms are available on-site.

You’ll need to follow the Boynton Canyon Trail, also known as the Boynton Vortex Trail, until you reach the Boynton Canyon Vista Trail.

The Vista Trail will lead you to the vortex site. There are a few sections with uneven steps carved into the rock, as well as a short, moderately steep climb up to the Boynton Vortex, located on a plateau near a red rock spur called Kachina Woman.

The panoramic view from this site over the canyon and the various rock formations is truly breathtaking.

During this hike, we were surprised to spot wild boars roaming near the trail. We kept a safe distance to observe them.

34.90743, -111.84852 Parking 34.90767, -111.84910 Start of the trail (1.1-mile round trip) 34.91172, -111.84819 Boynton Canyon Vortex

https://youtu.be/qIbQsupj8Z0

HIKE ON DEVIL'S BRIDGE TRAIL - SEDONA - ARIZONA

Devil's Bridge is a sandstone arch located in the Coconino National Forest in Sedona.

The trail to get there is 6.3 kilometers round-trip and starts on an unpaved road called Dry Creek Road (FR 152).

After driving 1.8 km on this road, you’ll find the official trail leading to Devil’s Bridge on your right.

Most of the trail is easy to hike since it’s relatively flat, except at the end where you’ll encounter steep steps carved into the rock.

For us, melting snow covered the road and a thick layer of ice covered the steps, which made the climb to the top of Devil’s Bridge a bit of an adventure. The scenery was magical, though, with all the snow that had fallen the day before.

The arch is impressive and set in a stunning natural landscape. You can even walk on top of the arch!

Since this trail is very popular, you might have to wait your turn—it’s a super busy spot.

34.88988, -111.82050 Parking 34.90304, -111.81419 Right turn (official trail) 34.89765, -111.80771 Devil's Bridge

https://youtu.be/K1HdLU8HxbA

HIKE TO BIRTHING CAVE TRAIL - SEDONA - ARIZONA

This trail, 3.1 kilometers round-trip, leads to a stunning cave with breathtaking views of Sedona’s red cliffs.

The trail is wide, flat, and sandy for most of the way. However, the last section is steep and requires climbing the cliff to reach Birthing Cave.

The cave entrance already offers an incredible view of the surrounding landscape. For an even better view from inside the cave, you just need to climb the walls.

Be cautious—the cave walls are smooth, and there aren’t many places to grip while climbing.

You can also walk along a higher ledge inside the cave, but if you lose your footing, the fall could be fatal.

Where does the cave’s name come from? The Hopi, native to the Red Rock area of Sedona, believe their people were born from the center of the Earth. Because of its strong resemblance to a woman’s uterus, the Hopi sent pregnant women to Birthing Cave to give birth.

34.90670, -111.82430 Start of Long Canyon Trail (3.1 km round-trip) 34.91252, -111.83075 Left junction 34.91235, -111.83712 Birthing Cave

https://youtu.be/QnnKsNG0-RE

BELL ROCK INN - SEDONA - ARIZONA

This hotel is located in the tourist area of Sedona, close to restaurants, hiking trails, and a golf course. The staff at the front desk when we arrived were really friendly.

We got a nice large room, apartment-style, with a kitchen, living room, bedroom, and bathroom. Wi-Fi access is also available in the room.

Several amenities are offered: outdoor pool, hot tub, barbecue, laundry, and a fitness center.

https://youtu.be/CvpPdEPMl2g

ON THE ROADS OF SEDONA - ARIZONA - PART 1

Sedona is a town located in the Arizona desert, about fifty kilometers from Flagstaff.

Sedona is known for its red rock formations, steep canyons, and pine forests. It’s also famous for its vibrant arts community.

Sedona is packed with shops, spas, and art galleries inspired by the New Age movement.

Red Rock State Park, located on the outskirts of town, offers numerous hiking trails and picnic areas.

I’ll share some of the viewpoints we discovered while driving around Sedona. You’ll find breathtaking landscapes!

https://youtu.be/EWkfeKURQeo

ON THE ROADS OF SEDONA - ARIZONA - PART 2

More stunning landscapes we saw while traveling the roads of Sedona.

https://youtu.be/1ou6WkeQPl4