Hello, friends! After a busy and beautiful fall in Iowa, filled with 1,000s and 1,000s of photos. I was able to take a few day break to vacation with my family in Sedona, Arizona. With a little break before another holiday rush, the time was pefect for a quick escape, and our boys were more than willing to miss a few days of school for this adventure.
Arrival and Relaxation
As soon as we arrived at our cozy Airbnb, the boys wasted no time and jumped straight into the pool, making the most of the warm(er) Arizona sun. Luke and I took a moment to unwind from our travels, catching up with my parents, who made the trip with us from Missouri. It’s always such a joy to spend time with family, especially since we don’t get to see them often.
A Day in Jerome
Our first full day was dedicated to exploring the fascinating ghost town of Jerome, just a short drive from Sedona. We had wanted to visit last fall but ran out of time, so we were thrilled to finally make it! Jerome, once a bustling mining town, now has a small museum that showcases its rich history of gold, silver, and copper mining from the early 1900s. It’s incredible to think about the lives of those who worked so far underground with minimal technology.
We enjoyed a delicious lunch at The Haunted Hamburger, where the views from our table were as delightful as the food. After some light shopping, we headed back to Sedona and hiked the beautiful Fay Canyon Trail. The scenery was breathtaking, and the climb was definitely worth it!
That evening, we indulged in some Szechuan takeout—a local favorite—and spent the rest of the night relaxing in the pool and hot tub.
UTV Adventures and Cliff Dwelling Exploration
Day two was packed with excitement as we embarked on a UTV trail driving adventure. Renting a six-seat UTV from Sedona Off-road Center, we fueled up with breakfast at Cafe Jose and hit the trails. This was, hands down, one of the highlights of our trip! We drove up the Powerline Trail and hiked Robbers Roost Trail to Shaman’s Cave. After a bit of a climb, we had to scale the side of the rock to reach the cave—an exhilarating experience that I only let the boys and my dad attempt after doing it myself a couple of times. The cave, with its stunning views, was one of the coolest places we've ever explored, and it felt like a true hidden gem.
After our thrilling UTV ride, we decided to visit the ancient Honaki cliff dwellings in West Sedona. It was fascinating to see how the Sinagua people lived over 800 years ago, constructing their homes high up in the cliffs. The boys were particularly intrigued by the history and architecture, and we enjoyed a leisurely walk along the trails, soaking in the beautiful surroundings.
Relaxation and Stargazing After a full day of adventure, we returned to our Airbnb to relax. That evening, we decided to yet again indulge some hot tub time while gazing at the stars. Sedona is known for its dark skies, and we were treated to a spectacular view of the Milky Way. It was a perfect way to wind down after an action-packed day, and the boys loved spotting constellations and sharing their knowledge about space.
A Day Planned by Finn: Adventure in Prescott
On our last full day in Sedona, we decided to let Finn take the reins and plan our itinerary. At just 12 years old, he was excited about the challenge, and we were eager to see where his adventurous spirit would lead us. After a quick stop at a local Mexican market for some treats and candy to fuel our day, we made our way to Prescott, about an hour’s drive from Sedona. The journey was breathtaking, with gorgeous views of the Arizona landscape that made the drive enjoyable.
Once we arrived in Prescott, we grabbed a quick lunch before diving into the local shops. Finn allowed a couple hours of shopping in our intineary so we shopped the square and bought some souvenirs. We made a stop at the Prescott Western Heritage Center. It turned out to be a fantastic choice, as we all learned about life in the early 1900s in the area, well before Arizona became a state. The boys were fascinated by the stories and artifacts, making it a fun educational experience for the whole family.
Next on Finn’s itinerary was a visit to a local prospecting store to grab some supplies for gold panning. We followed his lead down a slightly questionable dirt road to Lynx Creek, where we set up our gold panning gear. With the sun shining and excitement in the air, we got to work sifting through the dirt and gravel. To our surprise, we actually found a few small flakes of gold! The thrill of discovery was noticeable, and we couldn’t help but feel a sense of accomplishment. Before heading back, Finn suggested we bag up some dirt to take home so we could continue the panning fun at home. As we packed up, we couldn’t stop smiling at how well Finn had planned our adventure.
That evening, we returned to Sedona, filled with stories of our gold panning exploits and looking forward to relishing leftovers and ice cream together. Letting Finn take charge of our day not only made it special but also reminded us of the joy of exploring and discovering new things as a family. It was an experience we all cherished, and one that further deepened our love for these family adventures.
Rodes and His Photography Adventure
One of the highlights ofourtrip was watching Rodes immerse himself in photography. Armed with my good camera, he took every opportunity to capture the breakthaking landscapes and family moments. throughout our adventures. It was heartwarming to see his enthusiasm as he snapped photos of the stunning read rock and candid shots of us enjoyng our time hiking.
During our downtime, I took the time to show him how to adjust the shutter speed to let in more or less light, and he quickly grasped the concept. It was amazing to see him experiment with different settings, trying to find the perfect shot. I'm excited to share some of his favortie photos below.
Sedona was a fantastic choice for a family getaway, offering a perfect mix of relaxation, adventure, and family bonding. We returned to Iowa with a renewed spirit, ready to embrace the upcoming winter season, but with the warmth of our Sedona memories to keep us cozy. If you’re looking for a family-friendly destination filled with adventure and stunning scenery, I highly recommend Sedona.
Recommendations for Your Visit If you’re planning a trip to Sedona, here’s a list of our favorite spots, restaurants, hikes, and activities that made our family vacation truly memorable:
Favorite Airbnb:
 Red Rock Vibes- Beautiful home with all the amenities. Stunning views and perfect location.
Favorite Restaurants
1. Szechuan - Delicious Chinese cuisine with a local twist.
2. Sedonuts - A must-visit for their amazing donuts and coffee.
3. Jose’s Cafe - Their breakfast burrito is amazing.
4. The Haunted Hamburger - Tasty burgers and stunning views.
5. Tortas de Fuego - Perfect for authentic Mexican tortas and casual dining.
Favorite Hikes
1. Fay Canyon - A beautiful trail with breathtaking views, perfect for families.
2. West Fork - A stunning hike along a creek with plenty of shade and scenic beauty.
3. Devils Bridge - A popular hike leading to an iconic natural rock formation.
4. Airport Mesa Loop - Offers panoramic views of Sedona, especially stunning at sunset.
5. Cathedral Rock - A challenging hike with rewarding views at the top.
6. Robbers Roost - A thrilling hike that leads to Shaman's Cave, perfect for adventure seekers.
Favorite Spots
1. Honaki Ruins - Explore ancient cliff dwellings that offer a glimpse into history.
2. Montezuma Castle - A fascinating National Monument showcasing ancient architecture.
3. Cottonwood - Enjoy shopping in the historic Main Street with local boutiques and art galleries.
4. Prescott - A charming town with a beautiful downtown square and unique shops.
5. Grand Canyon - Just a 3-hour drive away, it's worth the trip for awe-inspiring views.
6. Tuba City - Home to fossilized dinosaur footprints; great for a fun stop on your way. T
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