Sedona, Arizona

Cathedral Rock

Wow, what can’t I say about this magical city? With phenomenal eats, breathtaking hikes around every corner and an energy that will leave you wanting more, Sedona is without a doubt one of Arizona’s gems. I spent 5 days here on a solo trip that was much needed and incredibly worth the money. Hiking was at the top of the itinerary for me, mixed in with good eats and a little bit of shopping thrown in. I flew into Phoenix on a Monday and I booked my rental car in advance so I would be all set once I arrived. After tons of research with multiple tabs open on my laptop, Hertz ended up having the cheapest rates listed on Kayak’s website  for a 4 door sedan which was all I needed. I also booked it with an offsite location because pro tip, booking rentals from the airport is almost always going to cost more. Sedona is a two hours drive north/northeast from Phoenix. The drive for me was gorgeous because I’m not used to mountains living in the sunshine state. Anytime I’m surrounded by them I’m in complete awe. My Airbnb was in the perfect location and I was hosted by the loveliest couple. The views driving to their house were amazing and once I met them I knew I made the right choice. They were so kind, extremely hospitable and staying with them was one of the cheapest options I was able to find when I was researching my trip. 

Even though I didn’t get to do all of the hikes I planned on, I still did a few really incredible ones that were challenging yet rewarding at the same time. Sedona was extremely hot so I was exhausted after doing one hike a day. I had decided pushing myself may not be the best idea in the Arizona heat. The hikes I was able to do were Cathedral Rock, Devil’s Bridge, and I was also able to find two of the many secret caves in Sedona; the Birthing Cave and the Subway Cave. Going during the week was the better decision as I had to take the longer more scenic trails to both Devil’s Bridge and Cathedral Rock. Parking at the trailheads was next to impossible even in the early hours of the morning. 

I took the first day to settle in and familiarize myself with the city. After I checked into the Airbnb and organized myself, I went and treated myself to a nice meal at The Secret Garden Cafe.  I knew I wasn’t going to be able to do an entire hike before sunrise so I decided to watch the sunset at the Airport Mesa Lookout. It was packed with people but that honestly was hay I expected. After that I hit up the grocery store to get some food and snacks for the next few days. I knew I wanted to have breakfast at the Airbnb most days to save money. I also knew I would need healthy snacks to keep me energized on the hikes.

On the first full day things weren’t going according to plan. I slept in later than I meant to (I was wiped out). There was no parking at the trailhead for Soldier Pass or the second trailhead option that had the longer route. I then decided to go into town and try and get more information, also with no luck finding parking. Eventually I found a spot and stopped in at the visitor center for some brochures, maps and I had a nice chat with an employee. By then it was midday and too hot to start any long or strenuous hikes. I decided I was going to try and find The Birthing Cave. Things were starting to look up for me. I got a parking spot and I met a kind stranger who also was on a solo trip and wanted to find the Birthing Cave. So together we followed the map and used the AllTrails app and made our way. The hike wasn’t that long and it was relatively easy until you got to the mouth of the cave. That part was sketchy due to the incline and rocky terrain. Luckily we made it up and into the cave. It was breathtaking! My first time being in a cave will forever be one for the books. I spent some time up there photographing, recording video and just enjoying the view. I honestly didn’t want to leave. After some time we decided to head back. My first hike I was able to complete was a success. I was giddy with excitement. Once I got to my car it was approaching dinner time so I figured I’d get food and I also was out of water. I was unsure of where to eat but after some googling I found a restaurant I had read about online called Creekside American Bistro. This place was so good I ended up going back a second time later in the week. I then headed back towards the Airbnb, pulled off at a lookout to take some photos, enjoy the view and then decided to call it a day.

One of the famous spots at Cathedral Rock

Wednesday morning I woke up a little earlier, had my breakfast and went off to try and find parking at the trailhead for Cathedral Rock. That also was a fail and after stopping at a hiking store, I made my way to a second trailhead after finding out more information from the employee. I had to go a bit out of my way but the scenic drive definitely made up for that. Once I made it to the trailhead I gathered up my gear and set out on the 4 mile round trip hike. This hike royally kicked my ass but it was beyond worth it. Cathedral Rock is a must do if you’re visiting Sedona! This route was longer and more scenic taking you from the Baldwin trailhead to the Templeton trailhead which eventually merges with the Cathedral Rock trail. One of my favorite parts of this trail was passing by Oak Creek. Crystal clear, ice cold water and much needed shade was the perfect way to cool off after hiking in the heat. The section of the trail leading up to it makes you feel like you’re in the jungle which was super cool. PRO TIP: Bring water, water, and extra water! I made the mistake of not carrying enough on me and a fellow hiker that I met at the top gave me an extra bottle of water. If I’m being completely honest, that’s probably why reason I didn’t pass out from heat exhaustion. It was extremely hot and that day especially. This trail is somewhat intense terrain and it changes a few times with an increase in elevation. Make sure to pack your hiking boots and comfortable clothing based on the weather. 

I had to make sure I was back from this hike in time for the sound bath I booked on Airbnb. Yes, you heard that right, a sound bath! This was another first for me but it ended up being worth it as it was the perfect ending to a long and strenuous day hiking. With only two other people in my group it was a small and relaxing session. We wrote down a few manifestations and then our guide put them each in the corresponding chakra sound bowl. She gave us a quick explanation and then we laid down on yoga mats and closed our eyes. It was a really cool experience to feel the vibrations (sound waves) traveling through your body (yes you can really feel them!). It lasted about an hour and it almost put me to sleep. It is believed that the sounds promote relaxation and healing. Sedona is a very spiritual place so I highly recommend checking out one of the many experiences it has to offer.

The next day was Devil’s Bridge. All the articles I read said to get there early because it’s a famous “Instagram” spot so it fills up with people waiting to get the perfect shot. I made sure to get up early and of course, I ended up taking the longer more scenic route, another suggestion from a local. This route, the Mescal Trail to the Chuckwagon Trail which then intersects with the Devil’s Bridge Trail, ended up being another pleasant surprise. Not only was the weather perfect, sunny with a breeze in the high 60’s, the scenery on this hike is gorgeous. There are mountains in every direction as you hike and I got to see the hot air balloons that took off super early. It made for some great photos! The majority of this 4 mile round trip hike is through wooded terrain and is moderate in terms of difficulty. It’s not until the very end when you finally reach Devil’s Bridge area that it gets really rocky and uphill. There were already a lot more people than I had expected and I was only at the base. I then made my way to the top so I could get in line for my photo and scope out the area. It was so beautiful up there that I hung out for a while, had a snack and people watched. The photos I ended up getting were awesome and I had help from a few of the other hikers. After I got my photos and sat for a but I got to see what the articles online were talking about. A crowd quickly formed and at that point I decided to make my way back. PRO TIP: Don’t let the crowd of people up there intimidate you or make you second guess getting the photo you want! I was a bit hesitant at first but it’s worth it, I promise. Walking out onto Devil’s Bridge is not as scary as it looks and everyone is usually supportive in getting the photo you want. After Devil’s Bridge I spent the rest of the day walking around the shops of Tleaquepaque since it was too hot to hike during the day.

The next day I was supposed to be flying home and something was telling me it wasn’t time for me to leave Sedona just yet. After all I hadn’t attempted to find one of the secret caves that I told myself I had to see. I made a few phone calls and with the benefits of flying standby, I was able to extend my trip for one more day. I knew I wanted to try and get to the cave for golden hour before sunset (which was risky in itself with the time of day). I couldn’t think about the what ifs though, I had to at least TRY to find this place. So I took my time checking out of the Airbnb and grabbed some food in town for brunch. I cruised around a bit more and enjoyed the scenery. At 4pm I decided to head to Long Canyon Trail to try and find this secret cave all by myself (another first, lots of then during this solo Sedona adventure). I had my maps, I had my apps, I had my gear…I was ready. I even had a blog post saved that detailed the route to find this cave which was off of the main trial. Long Canyon Trail ended up being MUCH more difficult than this blog post described which was a little frustrating. Throughout the trail I passed people and each group I talked to said the cave is accessible and pretty easy to find if you follow the directions. I confirmed the directions with each group to make sure I had them right. The sun was slowly starting to set which was making me nervous but I knew I was getting close according to google maps. I did end up passing the turn off without realizing and then had to retrace my steps. This part of the trail in my opinion got even more difficult. It was rocky, uphill, there were switchbacks, cacti, and the forest was extremely dense. I continued along the trail and had to continuously keep my anxiety in check. Finally, after climbing for what seemed like forever, I saw the cave from down below and I then ran to it. I was so excited and I couldn’t believe I was able to find it! It was absolutely incredible, breathtaking, every adjective of the like. Since the sun would be setting soon I had to hurry up and take my photos, get the footage I wanted and then head back. The only regret I have is not giving myself even more time to have up there, to soak it all in and enjoy as they say. keeping my space seemed best. That, for me, is a must whenever I find myself in a magical place like this. I was able to walk around to the other side or what looks like across the way and see the ruins up close. The energy here was really intense, it even made me emotional. Some people walk inside those ancient ruins but something was telling me not to, that it was disrespectful and with the intense energy I was feeling, keeping my space seemed best. The hike back was honestly a bit scary and I forgot my headlamp so I had to use the light from my phone for the last half of the way. What scared me the most was getting lost because the canyon was enormous and you can easily get disoriented when in a panicked state. Everything looks the same in every direction if you’re not careful or you don’t know what you’re doing. Eventually I made it back to the car (in the dark) and may or may not have cried a little. The emotion from accomplishing what I set out to do, the energy from the cave and ancient ruins, and then being scared in the dark by myself. It all hit me at once but it was okay because I was happy and proud of myself. To me, that’s all that mattered.

The view from inside the secret cave.

Since I had extended my stay, I had to figure out where I was going to sleep. I could have booked a place but I really felt like being on my own for some reason. What I really wanted to do was sleep in the car…so I did. McDonal’s was the spot I ended up choosing since there wasn’t a Walmart in Sedona. Some sweatshirts and a blanket served as curtains so I would have more privacy. I curled up in the back row after grabbing a sandwich and chips at the grocery store. It was late once I finally got settled in and went to bed. The next morning, I was woke up to a very loud family standing outside their car next to mine, eating and talking VERY loudly. I knew I wasn’t going to be able to go back to sleep so I slowly started to wake up and get ready to pack up. I left and got breakfast at Local Juicery one last time before heading to drop off the rental. That was a pretty easy process but I had to wait a while for my Lyft to the airport in the heat because they had closed right after I got there. The Arizona heat really is no joke! Once I got to the airport I went right to my gate and waited for my red eye flight home. I was sad to be leaving but I could not believe how much Sedona blew my expectations out of the water, even with doing tons of research prior. It’s always great when that happens while traveling. I was also so very excited to edit all of the photos I had gotten and get back into making my vlogs. I highly recommend adding Sedona to your bucket list of places to visit and hike. I created a list of tips for planning the perfect Sedona trip, which you can find here. Red Rock Country will steal a piece of your heart, I can promise you that!

Just keep exploring friends.

xx

- Cass