Dive In To Lake Powell

About 2 hours away from Flagstaff sits beautiful Lake Powell. Whether you are boating, jet skiing, swimming or cruising on the houseboat your options are endless to explore and enjoy this area.

We parked the houseboat in a beautiful canyon, isolated from other houseboats.

Lake Powell is a reservoir on the Colorado River and stretches between Arizona and Utah. There are multiple ways to access the lake and so many places to check out. The lake is gigantic so finding a place of your own shouldn't be too tough.

I am literally cave swimming. Fish are all surrounding me, but to say I've swam in a cave made it worth it.

Lake Powell gets insanely hot over the summer. But as soon as you are in the water you will be golden. The water stays beautifully cool. We would hop in in the middle of the night just to cool off.

Near Padre Bay, we are surrounded by canyons and places to explore.

Lake Powell has plenty of space for you to seclude yourself. There are also plenty of beaches for you to lay out on, park a boat or jet ski, etc.

What To Bring:

• Water--lots! It is hot out there.
• Food- I usually pack an ice chest
• Towel
• Camping Equipment if you are planning on camping
• Boat/Jet Ski- there are beaches you can park at but to really see the lake I recommend renting a boat or jet skis.

Exploring a cave near Padre Bay.

Directions:
From Flagstaff you will hop on 89A toward Page, AZ. The drive is a straight shot into Lake Powell. We parked at Wahweap Marina, but there are multiple places you can park to explore.

Up to Fisher Point

Nestled in the trees on Lake Mary Road is one of my favorite hikes. "Fisher Point" is filled with gorgeous views and this feeling as though you are in the middle of Alaska. You feel so isolated and away from civilization which makes for a much more fulfilling experience. As you reach the end of the hike, before you hike back out, you reach the cliff of the canyon and can see for miles. This one will take your breath away.

Trail, trees, blue sky--what could be better?

 Hike Details

• Out and Back
• 7.3 miles roundtrip
• It took me 3-4 hours, which included a long stop at the top of Fisher Point so I could take it all in.
• Ascending about 650ft.
• You will start off on Sandy Canyon Trail and it transitions to Fisher Point. Watch out for the signs. It is well marked so just stay on the trail and you can't go wrong.



At the edge of the cliff at Fisher Point. We have arrived. 

How Tough Is This One?
This hike is long, yes. But it is pretty easy. Nearly all of it is flat. But you do need to make that ascent to the top of the lookout. The nice thing (in my opinion) is it is one straight shot up and you are done. It doesn't drag out to where you are tired for a long time.

Just keep a nice pace and you'll be at the top before you know it. Take breaks to breathe and let those thighs and booty chill out for a second if needed. The important thing before any hike but especially one a long one is to stretch before you set out.

Almost to the top but you can see how great the view is.

What To Bring

• Water! I drake an entire Camelback full of water. It was needed. 
• Snack- This is a longer hike and you will get hungry. Bring something that'll stick to your ribs for a bit.
• Book/Hammock- When you get to the end, hang out for a bit. It is so peaceful, so enjoy it. I brought a book and read for about 45 minutes to ensure I was giving myself time to relax and take it all in.
• Knife/Pepper Spray- It is always good to be prepared. I saw no wildlife out there and I tend to hike when they are most active, but you should always plan to protect yourself whenever putting yourself in nature.
• Sunscreen- I am always working on my tan so I use a low SPF, but bring what you need. The sun is on you on this one.
• Disposable Toilet Paper- It is a long hike after all. But many people I know just let the wind dry things up! 

You have the option to continue into the Canyon, but to get up to Fisher Point you are going to make a left and hike on up.

Directions:
Drive southeast on Lake Mary Road (toward the lake). Turn right into Canyon Vista Campground. Park in the designated area for hikers and climbers. Lock up everything in your car and walk through the campground. You will see signs for the hike which will be labeled as "Sandy Canyon Trail." As you get into the hike you will see signage for Fisher Point. Really you are doing two hikes at once!

Note: you can also access this area from Campbell Mesa Trails. I haven't gone that way, but I hear it is awesome to mountain bike it.

Brace Yourself for the Pink Jeep Tours

Sedona is one of a kind. It will take your breath away with it's gorgeous red rocks, incredible views, cool creek water and delicious eateries.

Perhaps the most famous aspect of Sedona are the Pink Jeep Tours. These jeeps will treat you to one of the most unique, extreme experiences of your life. It is worth every cent and then some.

I was lucky enough to get to share my experience with some of my favorite women, Jennise (right) and Sarah (left).

Chicken Point- one of the stops you will make on the Broken Arrow tour.

 There are multiple trips you can choose from but I hear the best two are: Diamondback Gulch and Broken Arrow. I was lucky enough to enjoy Broken Arrow which allowed us to explore Submarine Rock, Chicken Point, Broken Arrow trail, the Devil's Staircase and more.

You will go down this and be nearly 75 degrees looking down. This picture does not do the steepness justice.

You will not be disappointed with the bumping wild ride as you scale large rock formations and hangout on cliffs throughout this part of Sedona. Wear your seat belt because you will be moving all over the place as your jeep makes its way through areas you never thought a vehicle could.

Get excited for the hilarious jokes told by your guide. They are knowledgeable and absolutely hilarious.

This picture does not do this experience justice, but trust me you will be laughing and asking "where's the road?"

Tips for a rockin' time:

• Wear something comfortable, bring sunscreen and sunglasses
• Sit in the back. It is the bumpiest!
• Turn your phone on Airplane mode--there is no Wifi out there (obviously!) and you want to save battery to make sure you get all the pictures you want.
• Bring a water bottle (but water is provided during stops if you forget)
• Give your guide a tip. They are awesome and deserve it.
• Check the weather before you go
• Try to avoid carrying too much. You don't need it. I carried a small wristlet wallet with my ID, ATM card, card keys and phone. That's all you need. It will just annoy you to have a big backpack (it will also annoy the others in your jeep because there isn't much room).
• If you are driving from Flagstaff or PHX be sure to leave early! They aren't going to wait for you.
• Laugh! The guide's jokes are cheesy, but just relax and connect with them. It makes it that much more special.
• Before you schedule your experience, check out Group On for specials.

Here is their website:
https://www.pinkjeeptourssedona.com/

This rock formation is called "the nuns". One of the many stops on your Pink Jeep Tour. Photo Credit: Jennise Martinez

Welcome to Northern Arizona!

Hey guess what. Northern Arizona is awesome.

For all those who I always hear say "there's nothing to do here", let's change your perspective. For anyone looking to get in touch with nature, let me show you how. For anyone looking to lose weight without going to the gym, I've got your answer. For anyone searching for the yummy foods provided by local producers, brace yourself. For anyone looking to see some of the most beautiful places in the world, get ready.

I work with college students and while we focus so much energy on getting connected to the campus, it is equally important to get connected to your community. To explore your town is to connect with history, beauty and yourself.

I am excited to share some of the beautiful finds I have explored and to help you discover more of yourself through nature.

Exploring Northern Arizona is real. I have so many hiking books that don't connect well with the "Average hiker". Sorry but a 9 mile hike is more than just a "little breather". Let's get real about the toughness of these hikes and what you should mentally and physically prepare for. I am an average woman who is all about building up my Beyonce thighs, but I also know when a hike is going to be too tough to get through. Exploring Northern Arizona is raw, real and user-friendly.

Let's get out there.