“Be the energy you want to absorb.” J.D. Posey
Our drive from Joshua Tree to Sedona made us arrive after sunset. The plan was to camp on BLM in the Coconino National Forest. This was the first time we had to set up the trailer after dark – and I mean dark sky initiative dark. We crept up Forest Road 525 not knowing what to expect. We saw a strange creature cross the road, with awkward movement, stripes and a humpback I wasn’t sure what we were getting ourselves into. I later learned that the creature was a Javelina; a pig like animal related to a hippopotamus. And apparently is a real treat to come across in the woods. We eventually found an empty space about 5 miles up, which takes over 30 minutes in the dark with the trailer on a rutted gravel road. I even had to move rocks around to get the trailer across the ditch. In the morning we were surrounded by red dirt, pine trees and red rock bluffs in the distance. The plan was to camp in the forest for two nights and then two nights within Sedona to be able to walk into town.
We found the Huckaby Trail; a 5.4 mile out and back trail with some small climbs. Surrounded by fall colors and wandering close to Oak Creek made for a very picturesque hike. The trail was speckled with agave, yucca and of course red sandstone. It was also dog friendly as is most of Sedona. You can take your pups almost anywhere even Visitor Centers and the patios of most restaurants! We headed back to the camper with Açaí bowls, we sat outside in the National Forest and enjoyed the landscape and the beautiful Arizona sunshine.
The next day we parked the trailer at Rancho Sedona RV Park. This campground is by far the most beautiful and well laid out park we have stayed at. There is a dog run and even access to Oak Creek in several spots. It’s also within walking distance from the art galleries, restaurants and bars in Sedona. That day I walked with the pups around the property and Brennan ventured on a trail run called Marg’s Draw. After cleaning up and dressed in our city clothes we decided to partake in some happy hour bargains around town. We stopped at The Hudson first for bruschetta, then to Javelina’s for margaritas and a cheese crisp! These were on a lot of menus around town. A large crispy tortilla baked with cheese and poblanos. Kind of like a Mexican pizza, but for $6 at happy hour we were in heaven. We stopped at Oak Creek Brewing last for a night cap. Everything in town closes at 9 and even the RV Park told us to be inside our trailer by 10 with lights out, which I thought was odd. But it turns out that Sedona follows a dark sky initiative to cut down on light pollution. Making the starry sky absolutely breathtaking and a very interesting walk home.
The next day we got up early to hike to Cathedral Rock. This was a steep climb up to a saddle between large sandstone spires. The summit of this hike is considered a Vortex. There are 5 known vortexes in Sedona. They are labeled as magnetic or electric in a symbolic way, not in actuality. Some say it’s geological because the rock is high in iron and silicon. Cathedral Rock is a combination vortex of upflow (reflection and stress reducing) and inflow (meditation and healing) energies; making this vortex hike recommended for lovers. This trail is very popular and is supposed to be an overall well being experience. The slick rock makes it challenging but the view from the top is amazing. We were the only ones up there briefly, but the crowds followed.
After the hike we explored more of the town including New Age book stores, gift shops and infused tequilas of 89 Cantina. The fountains in art plazas were filled with gourds, cholla wood, and Spanish moss making for an autumn spectacular. We enjoyed the patios at The Secret Garden and The Hideaway House. We walked back to the camper – this time before dark. Sedona is a beautiful Gem of a city. I would say the landscape is similar to Zion National Park but with a town setting that is much more enjoyable. It’s filled with opportunities to get outside and explore balanced with a chance to find inner peace and relax.
After leaving Sedona we decided to stop at Petrified Forest National Park. We wanted to do a small hike in the painted desert. This National Park is incredibly close to I-40 so it was easy to get to. We started on the Onyx Bridge trail. A wilderness hike that descended into the Lithodendron Wash. The pups were even allowed on this National Park hike. The trail is essentially endless and unmarked, winding through beautiful colored dunes and samples of petrified wood everywhere. The sky turned overcast and it started to drizzle so we only ended up seeing about 2 miles of this trail. It was a good opportunity for us to stretch our legs. That night we camped very cheaply at Sky City Casino, owned by the Acoma Pueblo of New Mexico. The wind howled and pushed up against the side of the clipper with 40 mph gusts. Sometimes traveling is only glamorous in retrospect!
Huckaby Trail
Oak Creek filled with yellow trees
Sandstone
Oak Creek
Sedona
Cathedral Rock
Cathedral Rock
Morgan the model 
Top of Cathedral Rock
Fours filled fountain!
Mustang sculpture in Plaza
Autumn in Sedona
Frog Prince Sculpture 
Painted Desert in Petrified Forest National Park
Petrified Wood – Matisse for scale
Onyx Bridge Trail
Onyx Bridge Trail
#arizona #sedona #petrifiedforestnationalpark #hike #camp #blm #coconinonationalforest #art #vortexhikes #energy #gooutside #hikingwithdogs #wanderlustweenies
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