by "davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com" (davesaddiction)
Published 06/05/2017 at 11:56
by "davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com" (davesaddiction)
Published 06/05/2017 at 11:56
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STARS: 0
Mrs. addiction and I are heading to Sedona this weekend to celebrate our 17th (!) anniversary. Will be her first time to the Grand Canyon, and the first time to Sedona for both of us. We’re staying at a nice place in Sedona we found on Airbnb - getting in Thursday evening and leaving Sunday afternoon - and planning to leave early Friday morning for a day at the Grand Canyon.
Looking for personal recommendations of great short-to-medium length hikes, awesome places to eat, and cool arts/culture in the area to take in. Thanks!
"DipodomysDeserti" (dipodomysdeserti)
06/05/2017 at 12:24, STARS: 2
Congrats! Art and culture in Sedona means a retired stock broker selling “Indian jewelry” to tourists. There’s plenty of hotels and cafes to eat at in Sedona. There’s nowhere “good” to eat near the Grand Canyon. The Bright Angel Trail is a fairly easy trail and you can choose how far down you want to hike.
https://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/hiking-faq.htm
"Gone" (goneforever1234567890)
06/05/2017 at 12:35, STARS: 0
I’m assuming South Rim of the Canyon?
Food:
El Tovar - Historic, delicious, but $$$
Hiking:
Define short/mid...
I’d say South Kaibab. Harder trail, shortest distance to the river/Phantom Ranch (if you have the time to make it there), and much better views. Bright Angel is easier as a hike though IMO. Kaibab gives you Ooh Ahh and the Tip Off, among others, all of which are amazing. These are the classic Canyon views. Ooh Ahh is an hour or less hike depending on Canyon traffic.
Also good views of the black and silver bridges:
"benjrblant" (benjblant)
06/05/2017 at 12:36, STARS: 1
I second the Bright Angel trail. It’s relatively easy but remember that you start by going down and the return trip back up will be more difficult and time consuming. Start in the early AM when its cool and quiet.
"TorqueToYield" (torquetoyield)
06/05/2017 at 13:04, STARS: 1
Chapel of the Holy Cross.
I did a pink jeep tour and thought it was fun. Depending on your opinions of cheesy tour guides driving bright pink Jeeps off-road for you YMMV. It was a quick way to see lots of nice desert scenery.
The drive up 89A to Flagstaff was really pretty. There seemed to be some legit native american artists/sellers at one of the rest stops on the way.
"davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com" (davesaddiction)
06/05/2017 at 13:12, STARS: 0
Thanks! We’re definitely hitting the Chapel, probably pass on the Jeeps (I’d want to drive myself - ha!), and looking forward to some great drives.
"BobintheMtns" (bobinthemtns)
06/05/2017 at 13:21, STARS: 2
Oak Creek Canyon is the road between Flagstaff and Sedona-- the West Fork of Oak Creek trail is really, really nice. And shady too... It’s about halfway up the canyon on the left side (as going uphill towards Flag). Check it out.
"TorqueToYield" (torquetoyield)
06/05/2017 at 13:22, STARS: 0
I’m sure there’s somewhere to rent one if you were so inclined. Seemed like plenty of off-road trails in the area in varying difficulty.
"davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com" (davesaddiction)
06/05/2017 at 13:22, STARS: 0
Thanks! Yes, South Rim and will head out to the east. Planning to do South Kabib - not sure if we’ll make it all the way to Tip Off, though.
"davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com" (davesaddiction)
06/05/2017 at 13:25, STARS: 0
Thanks! We’ll watch out for those stock brokers - ha! We’re planning to be back in Sedona for supper on Friday, so it will really just be grabbing lunch somewhere near the canyon. Appreciate the link and recommendation.
"davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com" (davesaddiction)
06/05/2017 at 13:28, STARS: 1
Yup - complete opposite of a normal (mountain) hike! We’ll see if I can convince my bride to wake up with the son that morning to hit the road up to the canyon. That’s the plan!
"davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com" (davesaddiction)
06/05/2017 at 13:46, STARS: 1
Thanks! Found some pictures - looks great.
"davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com" (davesaddiction)
06/05/2017 at 13:47, STARS: 0
If we had a couple more days, I’d look into it. I think we’ll keep plenty busy for the few days we’ll be there!
"Gamecat235" (Gamecat235)
06/05/2017 at 13:53, STARS: 1
I wish I could give you more for directly in Sedona and up around the Canyon, but being a local Arizonan, I tend to avoid the tourist traps (when I lived in Chicago I never saw Navy Pier or the Hancock building), so I haven’t been to the Canyon in more than a decade (though that will change this year).
Depending on what’s too far, and what’s too expensive, and what your tastes are, there are a couple of pretty interesting places a bit west of Sedona drink-wise.
One thought is that Caduceus Cellars is in Jerome (which is where I was conceived, no... really), if expensive wine is your thing, they are pretty good. (it’s also Maynard James Keenan’s winery, if that name means anything to you).
Another thought is to head further west and head out to Prescott to Superstition Meadery. They also are not cheap, but their meads are something to behold. They have released some of the best meads I have had in my life, and regularly release new and different varieties.
Food and hiking? Sorry, don’t know that specific area well enough.
Enjoy and congrats!
"davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com" (davesaddiction)
06/05/2017 at 14:35, STARS: 1
Thanks! Had no idea MJK was a winemaker. My wife and I do like good wine, but the mead is very intriguing - might have to check that out.
"BobintheMtns" (bobinthemtns)
06/05/2017 at 15:00, STARS: 1
it’ll prob have some cool waterfalls and water this time of year—
Hike it in some sandals or shoes that you don’t mind walking/crossing a creek while wearing---
"davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com" (davesaddiction)
06/05/2017 at 15:02, STARS: 0
Great tip. I know Yosemite’s crazy right now with all the snow they got up there. Did Arizona have a wetter than normal winter/spring, too?
"BobintheMtns" (bobinthemtns)
06/05/2017 at 15:05, STARS: 1
I think they had a pretty good winter.. but over-average or not, it’s springtime, which equals running water.
(but that’s a good thing! Running water is NICE... waterfalls and pools are kewl)
"davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com" (davesaddiction)
06/05/2017 at 15:19, STARS: 1
Oh, absolutely! I meant crazy GOOD - waterfalls in places that haven’t had then in decades. Feet in cool water on a hot day is very nice!
"BobintheMtns" (bobinthemtns)
06/05/2017 at 15:22, STARS: 1
True that!
"Agrajag" (Agrajag)
06/05/2017 at 22:47, STARS: 1
No recommendations just congratulations!!! Have fun!
"wiffleballtony" (wiffleballtony)
06/05/2017 at 22:53, STARS: 1
You’re in luck we go hiking in Sedona fairly often. My recommended hikes are Airport Loop, Bell Rock and Long Canyon. As for food I like The Blue Moon Cafe and Pogos, both are in the Village of Oak Creek just south of Sedona.
"wiffleballtony" (wiffleballtony)
06/05/2017 at 22:54, STARS: 1
WATCH OUT FOR VORTEXES
"DipodomysDeserti" (dipodomysdeserti)
06/05/2017 at 22:56, STARS: 0
+1 crystal
"wiffleballtony" (wiffleballtony)
06/05/2017 at 23:03, STARS: 0
Mine gives me bonuses against Orcs
"davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com" (davesaddiction)
06/05/2017 at 23:49, STARS: 1
Thanks! I’m a lucky man.
"davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com" (davesaddiction)
06/05/2017 at 23:50, STARS: 1
Thanks for all this!
"wiffleballtony" (wiffleballtony)
06/06/2017 at 09:37, STARS: 0
You’re welcome and watch out for spiritual vortexes.
"davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com" (davesaddiction)
06/06/2017 at 11:17, STARS: 1
Haha - I’ll keep an eye out. Wouldn’t want to get caught up in one of those. Might end up naming one of my kids Reality Winner...
"wiffleballtony" (wiffleballtony)
06/06/2017 at 12:36, STARS: 1
They’re supposed to give you a spiritual experience they just made me poop.
"davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com" (davesaddiction)
06/06/2017 at 12:46, STARS: 1
I’m like that guy with the lawnmower around vortexes, spiritual or otherwise.
"Tim" (dirtsunrise)
06/06/2017 at 15:06, STARS: 0
Just about any rental car can make Schnebly Hill road. If it looks muddy abort, but otherwise have fun! https://goo.gl/maps/bsdVgE3grcU2
Side trip to Jerome is worth it.
Hike wise, you can’t really go wrong! Just go with one of the top rated ones and have at it! Plan to go on a hike down to the creek as well. Nice to jump in or at least put your feet in.
"davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com" (davesaddiction)
06/06/2017 at 15:17, STARS: 1
Thanks, Tim! Looks like it hasn’t really rained for weeks, so we might be good. Jerome looks really cool.
Someone suggested the West Fork Oak Creek trail (water & shade) - probably going to hit it one afternoon.
"Tim" (dirtsunrise)
06/06/2017 at 15:21, STARS: 1
You should be good. I took an Oldsmobile Silhouette down it once so I give it my stamp of approval for just about anything higher than a Koenigsegg.
"davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com" (davesaddiction)
06/06/2017 at 15:24, STARS: 1
Yes! That’s fantastic.