Sedona, Arizona
Sedona, Arizona September 6-13, 2025
We’re thrilled to have embarked on our sixth vacation in Sedona, Arizona, since 2018. For the third time, we’ve had the pleasure of staying with our incredibly gracious Airbnb host, whose hospitality is truly unmatched. She makes us feel so welcome that it feels like we’ve found a second home.
Since I wrote an adventure blog post about our previous trip to Sedona in 2023, I’ll primarily focus on sharing different information about our journey in this post. Feel free to read about our 2023 adventure here.
Photo Credit: Lost the Path
Our journey began with a flight into Phoenix, the bustling capital of Arizona, nestled at an elevation of 1,086 feet. This sprawling desert metropolis is renowned for its year-round sunshine, vibrant urban culture, and breathtaking Sonoran Desert landscapes. It’s a welcome relief to leave the sweltering city behind as we venture north into higher elevations, where we’re greeted by cooler temperatures and awe-inspiring views of the red rocks.
Photo Credit: Lost the Path
Sedona, a picturesque desert town, is renowned for its stunning red rock formations and spiritual significance. Nestled within the vast Coconino National Forest, it offers endless opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts. Hiking and biking trails wind through iconic landmarks like Bell Rock and Cathedral Rock, allowing us to immerse ourselves in the natural beauty of the area. Sedona’s impressive elevation of 4,350 feet adds to its allure, attracting visitors seeking wellness retreats, vortex sites, and breathtaking sunsets that illuminate the rugged landscape. It’s one of our favorite vacation destinations.
During our time in Sedona, three things stood out to me: the hiking trails, the delicious food, and the fascinating people we met. Oh, and let’s not forget the bookstores! More on that if you keep reading.
Hiking Trails
Hiking in Sedona is an absolute delight, with well-maintained trails catering to all skill levels. My husband and I often opt for lengthy, loop-shaped trails that challenge us physically. We have several favorites that we’ve explored multiple times, while others await our future visits.
This time, we chose to revisit our beloved Mystic Trail, which encircles the mountains near the Chapel of the Holy Cross. We also ventured to Crescent Moon Ranch, a new destination that offers breathtaking views of Cathedral Rock and Oak Creek. Additionally, we returned to Little Horse Trail to witness the mesmerizing transformation of the red rocks during sunset.
Mystic Hiking Trail
We arrived in Sedona brimming with excitement and ambition! On our first day, we woke up at 6 a.m. and decided to embark on a hike along the Mystic Trail. Starting early in the morning is highly recommended to avoid the scorching heat of the day. The morning offers breathtaking views, with a cool temperature, the sun gradually rising, and a serene atmosphere. As we ventured deeper into the trail, it gradually transforms into several other trails, including Hog Wash, Broken Arrow, and Little Horse, before looping back to the popular Chapel of the Holy Cross.
The concept of Forest Bathing deeply resonates with me, and the hiking trails of Sedona provide the perfect setting to experience it. Once the trail winds around the mountain’s backside, the noise of traffic fades away, replaced by the soothing sounds of the wind rustling through the trees, lizards scurrying in the brush, birds chirping, our footsteps on the ground, and the gentle sloshing of water in our Camelbaks. It’s an absolute paradise.
The hike spanned a little over seven miles and took us approximately five hours to complete. The terrain was somewhat challenging, and we occasionally found ourselves disoriented. While the trails are generally well-marked with signs or cairns, in some areas, a washout can resemble a trail. The All Trails app proved invaluable in helping us retrace our steps. I’ve included a picture of the trail we hiked, captured on my Apple Watch.
We’ve learned to pack essential items for our hikes, including a compass and a first aid kit. Some hiking spots lack cell reception, but it seems to have improved in certain areas since our last visit. Water is an absolute must, and we use durable CamelBaks that are easy to carry and conveniently hold our other necessities in pockets.
We always encounter intriguing individuals in Sedona. During our hike on the Mystic Trail, we encountered a volunteer trail ambassador. I was unaware of the existence of such a role. He engaged in a conversation with us for a while, explaining his responsibilities in meeting hikers, ensuring they had adequate water, and inspecting the trails for graffiti. He was incredibly friendly as we discussed our past careers and various trails in the area. It’s inspiring to witness someone in their seventies hiking these challenging trails.
Little Horse Trail
We embarked on a delightful hike along Little Horse Trail, departing from a different trailhead. Our purpose was to witness the breathtaking Sedona sunset. As the trail ambassador had remarked, “In Sedona, we don’t watch the sunset. Instead, we witness the sun illuminating the vibrant red rocks.” It’s an awe-inspiring transformation that captivates the soul.
Crescent Moon Ranch
Crescent Moon Ranch, a new destination for us, offers a delightful park perfect for family gatherings. It boasts ample space for children to play and enjoy picnics. A concrete path leads to a natural trail that meanders through Oak Creek, where people swim and relax. Further along the trail, we encountered breathtaking views of Cathedral Rock. This easy hike winds alongside the creek, culminating in a close encounter with the majestic rock formation.
Our exploration led us to a popular spot called Buddha Beach, where people swim and unwind on what appears to be genuine sand. This unique ground covering contrasts sharply with the red dirt that dominates the rest of the trail. We arrived in time to witness the enchanting evening golden hour. The trail was an out-and-back, covering approximately two miles. There was a $15 entrance fee.
Jerome, Arizona
Jerome, a charming small town with a population of around 450, offers a glimpse into the past. Founded in the late 19th century, it was once a thriving copper mining town, earning the nickname “Wickedest Town in the West” due to its rough-and-tumble history. The town’s well-preserved buildings, such as the Jerome Grand Hotel (formerly a hospital) and the old mining structures, transport visitors back in time, creating a captivating time-capsule atmosphere.
Today, Jerome has transformed into a vibrant artist community. Its narrow, winding streets are lined with galleries, studios, and eclectic shops, showcasing the talents of local artisans. From paintings to jewelry, the town’s creative spirit is evident in its colorful murals and unique storefronts.
Perched at an elevation of 5,200 feet, Jerome offers breathtaking views of the Verde Valley and the distant red rock formations of Sedona. Its steep, terraced layout, clinging to the hillside, adds to its dramatic appeal, with switchback roads and stunning vistas.
Jerome’s haunted reputation is fueled by its abandoned mines, historic buildings, and tales of past tragedies. Ghost tours and stories of spectral miners add a touch of the supernatural to the town’s allure.
Our culinary adventure began at Bobby D’s barbecue, a place where I had fond memories of delicious food. However, as I savored my first bite of a pulled pork barbecue sandwich, I realized that this was the best barbecue I had ever tasted.
As we explored the eclectic shops, we stumbled upon the Jerome Heritage Shop, where we engaged in a delightful conversation with the owner, Windy. She was showcasing her locally made jewelry, which was a true testament to the town’s copper mining heritage. A local artist had crafted exquisite jewelry using copper with the intricate veining of a prickly pear cactus. It was a surprise to meet the artist herself after making our purchase.
We spent a considerable amount of time conversing with Windy. My husband has several tattoos, each representing an Edgar Allan Poe story. Our conversation naturally led to a discussion about Poe. Windy is an avid fan of Poe and has memorized several of his poems. In an unexpected turn of events, our conversation shifted to Vincent Van Gogh. Windy shared pictures of a Starry Night mural she painted on a wall of a house she used to reside in. Subsequently, I presented her with pictures of the ceiling in my library, which my husband painted, and which is also a Starry Night mural. This led to her gifting me a book titled ‘The Ghost of the Cuban Queen Bordello: A Story of a 1920s Jerome, Arizona Madam,’ written and signed by her friend, Peggy Hicks. Her generosity was truly heartwarming.
As we bid farewell, Windy directed us to visit her latest project in progress. She purchased an abandoned brothel that required demolition of the foundation and reconstruction. She is currently constructing it into a small hotel. Once again, we were fortunate to encounter another intriguing individual.
Meteor Crater
The Meteor Crater, located approximately 30 minutes west of Winslow, Arizona, is a breathtaking geological formation that has left an indelible mark on the Earth’s surface. Approximately 50,000 years ago, a colossal meteorite struck the Arizona desert, carving a magnificent crater. This awe-inspiring structure spans nearly a mile in width and plunges to a depth of 550 feet, its steep walls of reddish-brown rock standing in stark contrast to the surrounding flat desert plains. This otherworldly landscape creates an almost surreal experience, as if stepping onto the moon.
This marks our second visit to the Meteor Crater, and despite its cost, it is an experience that is truly worth every penny. The crater offers four observation decks, each providing a unique perspective of this remarkable formation. One of the decks is equipped with telescopes, allowing visitors to gaze into the depths of the crater where former scientists meticulously excavated, searching for the elusive meteorite. At the bottom of the crater, a six-foot-tall astronaut statue stands as a testament to the crater’s significance, visible only through the aid of the telescope.
Zoom in to see the astronaut.
On the day of our visit, the upper observation deck was unfortunately closed due to the extreme winds that plagued the crater. The Meteor Crater is known for its consistently strong winds, averaging between 5 and 15 mph, with gusts reaching up to 20 to 25 mph. On this particular day, we were met with unprecedented wind gusts of 30 to 50 mph, making it feel as if we were caught in a hurricane without the accompanying rain.
The visitor center of the Meteor Crater offers an interactive museum, captivating videos, and a charming gift shop. It appears that the center has added several components to enhance the overall visitor experience. (Lost the Path deserves credit for all of the photos taken at the Meteor Crater.)
Flagstaff, Arizona
Nestled in the Coconino National Forest at an elevation of nearly 7,000 feet, Flagstaff, Arizona, is a vibrant mountain town renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. We relish exploring the historic downtown, where charming brick buildings, local shops, and restaurants create a delightful atmosphere.
The shops in Flagstaff are quite eclectic, and we particularly enjoy shopping at Crystal Magic. This unique store offers a diverse range of polished stones, jewelry, gifts, home décor, and a variety of spiritual statues.
My favorite place to shop is the Bright Side bookstore. They boast an excellent selection of genres and local interests. What sets them apart is their practice of displaying single copies of books on their shelves instead of multiple copies of the same book. This approach allows them to have a much larger selection, making browsing a truly enjoyable experience. It was heartwarming to see the bookstore bustling with patrons. Although I rarely purchase books when traveling by air, I couldn’t resist getting a signed copy of Elizabeth Gilbert’s latest memoir, ‘All the Way to the River.’
After all the walking and shopping, we were hungry and decided to treat ourselves to a delicious meal at Collins Irish Pub.
Flagstaff is also home to Historic Route 66 and a vibrant railway system. Trains frequently pass through the town, and there’s an Amtrak station conveniently located inside the visitor’s center. Travelers can pick up souvenirs and gather information about the entire state of Arizona.
Restaurants
Sedona restaurants boast exceptional chefs who craft incredibly delectable cuisine. However, the prices have become quite steep. Below are the restaurants we visited. For more detailed information, please refer to my previous adventure blog post.
Sedona Pizza and Pasta Company
Bobby D’s barbebue (Jerome)
Collins Irish Pub (Flagstaff)
To beat the scorching heat, Sedona provides a range of ice cream parlors and dessert shops offering a diverse selection of flavors and indulgent treats.
Black Cow Cafe is a gem for those seeking delicious homemade cookies, pies, and ice cream. Their prickly pear ice cream is particularly noteworthy, an incredible treat that stands out.
Cream and Cake Couture offers delectable homemade ice cream and beautifully decorated desserts.
Sabrina’s, located in Canyon Breeze, offers a delightful experience with its variety of ice cream flavors. The outdoor seating area provides a stunning view of the red rocks, creating a picturesque setting for enjoying a sweet treat.
Shopping
My previous adventure blog post also mentioned popular shopping destinations in Sedona. As this is our sixth trip here, we reflected on how our shopping preferences have evolved. We’ve become less interested in typical tourist shops and popular souvenirs. We visited these shops just to see what they had to offer. However, over the past few visits, Sedona has become like a second home, and buying many souvenirs has become less appealing.
We do enjoy shopping at Little Tibet, where we can purchase clothes, journals, singing bowls, and decorative items from Nepal, India, and Thailand. Our frequent visits to this shop have made us friends with the owner, Choe. It’s truly a family-run business, and we’ve had the opportunity to meet the family members who work there. Regrettably, we missed Choe on this trip because he was attending a convention in Colorado. This time, we had the pleasure of getting to know his brother.
Gratitude
This week in Sedona has been a delightful blend of relaxation, adventure, and rejuvenation. We are incredibly grateful to our exceptional Airbnb host for generously allowing us to rent her charming studio for the week. As this was our third time staying with her, our bond has deepened, and we have had the privilege of sharing meaningful conversations about our spiritual beliefs. We delved into profound topics such as Buddhism, equanimity, the universe’s tests, judgment, and humility.
Our host is in the midst of a kitchen renovation and allowed us inside her beautiful home to show us her progress. An avid traveler, she showed us the magnificent statues she acquired during her stay in Nepal.
Our gracious host gifted us several cactus cuttings. My husband, an avid cactus enthusiast, is thrilled to have these cuttings of soap aloe, old man, prickly pear, and bunny ears. These additions will undoubtedly enhance our collection and be a heartwarming reminder of our adventure.
The studio we rented is a haven of coziness and beauty, offering breathtaking views of Sedona. The back deck became our favorite spot for leisurely breakfasts, watching the mesmerizing sunset reflect on the vibrant red rocks, conducting yoga and meditation sessions, and stargazing under the vast night sky. The exceptional hospitality and comfort of the studio have made Sedona feel like our second home.
The Poisoned Pen
Last but not least, we returned to Phoenix, where we spent a night to catch a flight home the following morning. We ventured to Scottsdale, where we had the pleasure of visiting my favorite independent bookstore, The Poisoned Pen, for the third time in person. This visit always fills me with excitement.
We spent some time browsing and exploring their extensive collection of signed books. I was delighted to again meet Patrick, one of the long-time booksellers. He’s incredibly helpful, and it’s always a pleasure to engage in conversations about books with him.
The store has a locked, glass front case containing some truly special books. I spotted a few great books and inquired about a Tana French, first US edition of ‘In the Woods.’ It was unsigned and priced at $100. I also asked about a Ruth Ware signed first edition of ‘In a Dark, Dark Wood,’ which was priced at $300. Unfortunately, I passed on both.
While browsing, I noticed a stack of ‘The End of the World as We Know It’ signed by Meg Gardiner. (The book is a short story anthology based on Stephen King’s ‘The Stand.’) I asked Patrick about the signatures, and he informed me that they were for sale and that they were also holding copies for customers who wanted to obtain more author signatures as they came through the store. He was certain that Richard Chizmar and Joe Lansdale would be visiting The Poisoned Pen soon and would also sign the book. I thought this would be an incredible opportunity and a magnificent addition to my book collection. I purchased the book, and Patrick graciously added it to the group of books that would be signed in the near future. He anticipates that my book will be shipped at the end of October, but we’ll see how things unfold depending on the other authors who visit the store.
But my book shopping adventure wasn’t over yet! My husband had to convince me to buy more books. Crazy, right?! I’m a fan of Lisa Scottoline and was intrigued by her daughter, Francesca Serritella’s, new book, ‘Full Bloom.’ The book cover is stunning, and the signature page is beautiful. I also spotted the first book, ‘We Are All Guilty Here,’ in Karin Slaughter’s new series, North Falls. I love her books and couldn’t resist adding her signed book to my collection.
While chatting about books with Patrick, author Carlos Ruiz Zafon came up in the conversation. Patrick is an expert at book recommendations. He had introduced me to Brian Panowich during a previous visit to the store. This time, he suggested Arturo Perez-Reverte, who is similar to Zafon. I decided to try a paperback copy of ‘The Flanders Panel.’ I also added a cute drink koozi to my book pile and was ready to check out.
It was a fantastic bookstore day and a great way to end our Arizona vacation. Thankfully, The Poisoned Pen was willing to ship the books to me. I had no room left in my suitcase, and I wasn’t keen on carrying books around airports all day. As you can see, all the books arrived safely.
After a long day of travel, we also returned home safely.
Photo Credit: Lost the Path
One final note: some of the pictures included in this adventure blog post were taken by my husband. I’ve given him credit by noting his website title, Lost the Path, on his photos. You can visit his website here.
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