Cathedral Rock is Everything

This hike is more of a rock climb. This is an uphill climb to this:

Image courtesy of http://visitsedonasoon.com/wp-content/gallery/sedona/cathedral_rock_3.jpg

Literally on the edge.

As you ascend the rock formations the beauty increases. This is one of the hikes where you especially need to look for cairns (those piles of rocks secured with metal to indicate which direction to go in). Essentially you are heading up. Parts of the hike definitely use those thighs. For those who aren't used to hiking you'll want to take your time and take breaks. It is such a short hike but you are working through steep terrain.

When you reach the top you get to sit in the "cathedral".

Hike details:

• 1.5 miles roundtrip
• I would recommend going in Fall or Spring. It gets really hot in the summer.
• You will need a Red Rock Pass or America The Beautiful Parks Pass.

What to bring:

• Water
• Tennis Shoes with excellent grips (you are literally climbing rock and don't want to slip)
• Sunglasses/hat (There is no shade)
• Sunscreen/sunblock (put on before)

Directions:
From Flagstaff head down 89A toward Sedona. Take 179 south for 3.5 miles to Back O' Beyond Road on the right. Go 0.6 miles to the trailhead parking lot which is on the left.

So worth it. This place is gorgeous and so peaceful.

Sunsets at the Peaks

Sometimes we all need a perfect sunset to remind us of how beautiful things are.

From the top of the San Francisco Peaks.

I have taken a few friends up to the top of the Peaks to enjoy a peaceful view of beautiful Northern Arizona. We usually drive up around 5:30pm or so and spend a few hours simply watching the fading of the sun and the darkness take over.

From the top you can see Kendrick Mountain/Park, the Grand Canyon (on a clear day), Hart Prairie, etc. There is a trail that connects to the Arizona Trail which makes for spectacular views, but I wouldn't recommend being on it at dark.

Caution:

Once the sun has gone down you are likely to see many deer on the road back down to town. Please be aware, smart and caring of these animals. They don't deserve to suffer or die so we can haul ass down the mountain. Use your bright lights, but turn them off as soon as you see another car coming up the road. Just think :)

Also know the temperature drops significantly as you go from town to the top of the mountain.

Directions:

From downtown Flagstaff you will head north (toward the mountains) on Humphreys St. Turn left onto Highway 180. Turn right at the Arizona Snowbowl signage. Make your way up the mountain curves and park in the lower parking lot (the signage will say toward "humprey's trail). You don't want to head all the way up to the lodge. 

The Devil Has A Bridge in Sedona

If you are in Northern Arizona you have probably heard of the Devil's Bridge. It is a Sedona must-do hike and you will no regret this uphill climber once you reach the bridge of red rock.

Trail Distance and Intensity:
If you have a vehicle that can make it to the trailhead you are looking at 2 miles roundtrip.

If not, you will park about 1 mile from the trailhead, making it a 4 mile roundtrip hike.

The hike is short but uphill. If you take your time you will be good to go. If you already hike you will find this one to be a breeze. The first time I hiked it I was a new hiker so it was probably harder than it actually was. After getting in to hiking I went back and it was simple, easy and a nice thigh workout. You've got this. With each few feet you make upward, the better the views become.

Welcome to Red Rock Country!

The trail is full of gorgeous red rock views. You will be walking on rocks seen above as well as climbing them.

Note: I had some students I work with complete this hike, however they it took them an entire day because they got lost. Please please please be aware of trail markings, cairns and other traffic.

Here is the bridge before walking out onto it.

This hike is a popular one so be mindful of when you head out. I hiked it early in the morning (arrive by 8am) and in the evening. The second time I wound up making the mistake of heading out too late and it became dark during my hike out (a huge safety hazard I would never recommend and definitely regret doing!). If you are hiking in the summer, please bring a lot of water. Sedona is Northern Arizona, but it still gets hot out there. My favorite time to make the trek out here is in January. I hiked it for the first time on New Years Day and it was cold, not crowded and just beautiful.

Check out the lower view of the bridge. A lot of people skip this part, but it is so worth it to check out.

Another view under the bridge.

Once you reach the top you can walk out onto the bridge. It is pretty narrow and so beautiful.

Directions:
From Flagstaff you will take 89A south toward Sedona.

(High-Clearance vehicle)- Continue through Sedona to Dry Creek Road at the west end of town. Turn right on Dry Creek Road and drive for two miles to where FR152 forks and take the right fork (leaving the paved road). This road is rough; high-clearance vehicles required. It is not recommended during wet weather. About 1.3 miles up this road, turn right to Devil's Bridge Trailhead and parking lot. 

(Regular vehicle)- Continue on Dry Creek Road to the stop sign at the intersection of Long Canyon Road, turn right and travel 0.2 miles to the Mescal Trailhead on the right. Use the signed Mescal-Chuckwagon trail connection to reach Devils Bridge Trailhead. The round trip to Devils Bridge from this trailhead is 3.8 miles.

Camping at the Edge of the World

Ya'll....this is my happy place.

Welcome to the Edge of the World.

The Edge of the World is a lesser known camping destination in Flagstaff, AZ and thank goodness because this place is a gem. As you crawl down Woody Mountain Road, you would never guess you could eventually make it to this beautiful scene. All of a sudden you see what appears to be a drop off, and as you exit your car and walk 10 or so feet your jaw will drop to the ground. Out passed the drop off is amazing Sedona. So your feet are in Flagstaff, but you get to see all of Sedona's red rocks.

Who can beat that?

Pick a camping spot (they are free!) and enjoy the peaceful sounds of Ponderosa Pines, birds and the occasional cow.

Campfires are a must! Be sure you know what you are doing before you start a fire though, please!

Camping with the pups makes my heart happy.

What To Bring:

• Tent
• Rake (to remove pine needles from around the campfire area)
• Water & food & (if you are into this) your favorite cocktail
• S'mores---hello, you are camping! It is a must!
• Bear mace
• Sleeping bag/mat/pillows
• Fire starter & wood
• Trash Can- pack out everything you pack in
• Knife
• Sunscreen
• Hammock if you have one!
• Folding Chair
• Lantern/something to give you light at night
• Toilet Paper
• Camping Stove & pans based on what you plan on eating
• Dishware
• Ice and cooler
• First-aid kit
• Toiletries (no need to be all glam out there, but a brush is nice...oh and a toothbrush!)
• Board Games

Getting There:
From Flagstaff head west down Route 66. Turn left onto Woody Mountain Road and follow it until you reach the end. It is all dirt roads so it will take a little patience to make it through, but it is so worth it!

Hammock naps will change your life.

Exploring Out Of Africa

Ok ya'll let's take a moment to brag on the magic that is Out of Africa.

The giraffe just took a carrot out of my mouth, it was the wildest feeling (thus the reaction).

A Bit About The Park
According to the website, Out of Africa Wildlife Park was founded in 1988 and "has become home to hundreds of exotic animals from around the world, including Africa." The park is built to resemble the African Bush and is less so a zoo, and more like an experience to get close to these animals.

This little guy loved his pool.

Out Of Africa holds a special place in my heart because of its commitment to conservation and animal care. I am not a zoo person. I don't enjoy the idea of innocent animals being locked up for people to look at, take tons of photos of and be loud around. It just isn't my thing.

There is something to be said though about organizations that strive to help animals. Many of the animals at Out of Africa are in recovery, or were saved from a variety of situations. At one time they had a Rhino named BoomBoom who was rescued from a caged "hunt" where someone paid to shoot the animal while it was locked in a caged area.

Part of the park's focus is educating visitors about species. You get to interact with some of the animals.

Additionally, everything about the park is about education. During the African Bush Safari your guide will share much information about each animal, while also letting you interact with them. From giraffe to zebras to tigers to bears, you will see it all and you will learn so much about these amazing creatures.

One of my favorite animals.

Could he be any more fluffy?

Perhaps the best thing to see at Out of Africa is the Predator Feed. The workers at the park literally chuck huge pieces of meat over the fences of the hyenas, bears and tigers areas and you get to see them catch it in the air and chow down. It is amazing.

There is also a Tiger Splash where the staff actually swim with tigers. It is pretty entertaining, but since EVERYONE goes to it I usually use that time to go see the animals again with fewer people around.

You can see the chunk of meat coming straight for this tiger's mouth.

Random Information:

• They have food trucks at the park and the food is actually pretty good. 
• Bring water as it can get hot in the summer.
• I found it was best to get there pretty early in the morning, right when the park is opening.
• You get in free on your birthday!
• They have added ziplining over the tiger/bear exhibits.
• Wear comfy shoes and know you will be in dirt the entire time.
• Wear sunscreen....this is Northern Arizona, but it isn't Flagstaff.
• http://outofafricapark.com/ for more information

Directions:
Located near Camp Verde so from Flagstaff you will head down I-17 toward Phoenix. Exit #287 and turn right toward Cottonwood. Continue for about 3 miles and turn left at at Cherry Rd at the intersection. Proceed one block and take the first right at Commonwealth Drive. Proceed another block straight into the entrance. There are a lot of signs so you can't miss it!

Views at Doe Mountain

Few trails have made me breathless like this one.

The top of Doe Mountain.

As you climb up the mountain you wonder what could possibly be at the top. The views continue to improve with every few feet you escalate. Take your time on this hike as it is a perfect place to feel at peace, connect with nature and enjoy panoramic views of Sedona.

The edge is part 2 of the trail if you choose to walk it. It is worth it!

You'll see several of the infamous rock formations while atop Doe Mountain including Bear Mountain, Boynton and Secret Canyons, Chimney Rock, etc.

Good to know:

• You need a Red Rock Pass for this trail. You can use a American The Beautiful Parks Pass if you have one or there is a machine at the beginning of the trail for you to purchase one. It is $5 for the day.
• The trail is only 0.7 miles long. Just know that it is all uphill though. It goes by very fast and is so worth it though!
• Once you reach the top you can walk around the edge which is 1.3 miles, or just walk straight out for a beautiful view.

All I need is a picnic basket and I could stay here all day long.

Directions:

From Flagstaff drive south on 89A. You will pass through downtown Sedona and want to turn right onto Dry Creek Road. You'll drive about 3 miles to the Boynton Canyon intersection and turn left. The trailhead is about a mile from there on your left.

Doe Mountain is one of the best places I have been in Northern Arizona. So gorgeous!

Dig In at Burritos Fiesta

If you know me, you know Burrito's Fiesta is one of my favorite places in Flagstaff and you know it has to be my first food blog of Northern Arizona.

You can typically find me here once a week diving into this delicious local eatery. I have been going to Oscar's (he is the owner) since I was a freshmen in college at Northern Arizona University (back in 2004).

This picture was taken in 2012. Those red cups are the hot salsa and it is amazing!

I used to lead the sales team at our college newspaper and the Orientation Leaders for the school and would invite them with me to enjoy tacos, enchiladas and their amazing guacamole. I tried my best to get students into this joint as I was enamored by its food and service.

It didn't take long for the staff there to get to know me. I went away for graduate school for a few years but when I came back to Flagstaff I knew my favorite place would still be there. I was there digging into some enchiladas within 24-hours of moving back to Flagstaff.

Burrito's Fiesta has me addicted. I've never been let down by this place and consistently take friends, family and co-workers here so they can support the business. Go local people :)

Best plates (in my opinion):

• Enchiladas---yes yes yes! They are perfection.
• Breakfast burrito- I get the vegetarian one. You'll be full for hours, but it is worth it.
• Quesadilla- so simple, yet so good.
• Guacamole- seriously. I can't get over it. I make some awesome guac myself, but this stuff is glorious!
• Taquitos- I never have tried them but my Dad gets them every time and I trust his opinion.
• Burrito Macho--get it enchilada style and you will be in a food coma of happiness

Location:
1530 S Riordan Ranch St, Flagstaff, AZ 86001
(Next to Sprouts and Bookmans)