Flagstaff > Slide Rock > Bell Rock Loop > Pink Jeep Tours > Sedona > Meteor Crater Landmark
That evening we headed down to Sedona but stopped in Flagstaff along the way. We stayed in a clean Courtyard Marriott right off the interstate https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/flgcy-courtyard-flagstaff/?scid=bb1a189a-fec3-4d19-a255-54ba596febe2. A continental breakfast was included and there is a small, indoor pool. The scenery from Flagstaff to Sedona along 89A is AMAZING. It is winding road, covered in big evergreens, and absolutely beautiful. We decided to stop at Slide Rock State Park and boy, am I glad we did! This was by far my son’s favorite part of the whole trip. It’s a beautiful spot to explore and go swimming, including sliding down the red rocks. Capped off with a ridiculously big ice cream cone. Get there early. There is a line, it’s busy and I am sure they have a cut off limit.
Then we headed into Sedona. Again, more amazing scenery along the way.
We stayed at Orchards Inn in Sedona and the view from our room was great! See pic below. It is also very close to the entrance in the town. And not far from the shops and restaurants. They had a picturesque pool overlooking a valley. https://www.orchardsinn.com/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=business_listing.
One major reason we came to Sedona was to hike and learn a lot about geology. It had all of that. Sedona is just beautiful and if you are into all things “earthy” and “artsy” then this is the place for you as well. My Mom taught my son the different types of rocks as a toddler, so despite proclaiming I would never spend money on a rock, it happened. Labradorite….lapis lazuli…..How many can you name and identify? Better yet, how many can you spell correctly? Apparently, none for me .
Bell Rock Loop
Bell Rock Loop is a simple, flat, 3.5 mile hiking trail with great views and climbing rocks is you so desire. Perfect for the grandparents and kids alike.
As you can see, there are options for every level so if 3.5 miles is too much, you can choose a shorter route. It cost $5.00 to park a vehicle.
Just playing in the dirt. Isn’t this what real childhoods are all about?
Chapel of the Holy Cross. We saw a coyote when driving up.
One thing different that we enjoyed was the Pink Jeep Tours in Sedona. I liked it because we got to meet some other families and it gave us a different “perspective” of the rocks. Plus, its like what I imagine monster truck drivers do except on rocks. I only wish the tour was longer.
Rain on the rocks. Just beautiful.
Last stop before heading back to Vegas was the Meteor Crater Natural Landmark. The visitor center was very good and the crater was… enormous. I just wish you could get down closer to it because you can’t fully appreciate how large it is from above.
TigerlillyMama 