Worried about Flagstaff

As I take in my mountain town I am left with worried thoughts.

During my undergrad at NAU I could easily drive up Milton without worrying about traffic. I could drive up Milton and see only a few chain restaurants/fast food establishments. I could look up at the sky and know we were one of the cleanest air cities in the country.

These moments are changing.

I now avoid Milton at all costs. I now see so many fast food places throughout the city. The area where Whole Foods/Wildflower/etc. are used to be nothing. Literally nothing was there. And now it is filled with stores, shops and apartments. I look up at the sky and know we have moved down the list of clean air cities.

My parents are retiring here to get away from the busy ways of Southern California, but we are quickly shifting into such a place.

I worry for the future of Flagstaff. More people, means excess. Excess means people who don't care about our forests, clean air and keeping it local. I worry I'll see more trash on the trails, Fossil Creek will be completely shut down and Oak Creek will become too contaminated with senseless trash, bottles and feces.

It seems like a pessimistic view but I don't believe we can retreat as each decision is powered by money and we all know money always wins.

Here's to hoping for more years of exploration, getting outdoors and keeping this a quiet mountain town.

Camping at 7 East

Found a new favorite camping spot! I want to share this with you knowing it may not be my secret little spot....but it is so beautiful, I want others to experience it!

Drive about 13 miles after Snowbowl and you will make a left to what is called "7 East". Don't make the same mistake I did...we pulled in and I immediately said "we are camping in a place without trees?!!?!?" in an annoyed tone. I am still being made fun of for this comment. HAHA.

As you drive down the dirt road you will see a beautiful pasture and ahead is the forest. Plenty of trees for us all to enjoy!

We drove about 5 miles back to find a camp site. There are many camp sites back in here which a lot of Phoenix-folks don't really know about. We camped here during July 4th and there was only 1 other small group of campers! It was amazing to see Flagstaff flooded with campers, knowing we were going to a spot no one else was going to.

This area is where a lot of hunters go during hunting season so you can expect to see deer and possibly elk. I have yet to see them, but I did see plenty of cows!! They came right up to the campsite! I am an animal lover so I was happy to greet them.....the bull dogs weren't though, so we had to give them some loving encouragement to walk away.

Enjoy this beautiful place! Even if you aren't camping, there are spots to hike, hammock and picnic!!

Top 5 Hammock Spots

Hammocks are my biggest obsession. There is something about the ease and feeling of swinging through the trees that makes this incredible invention so magnificent. I keep my hammock in my car all summer so I can enjoy it at a moments notice.

Here are my favorite hammock spots. I am excited to share these treasure spots with you and hope you seek out your own hammock locations!

1. Aspen Corner
Located near the top of Arizona Snowbowl, this spot is a recent favorite. I found it much easier to hang up my hammock on Aspen trees instead of my usual Ponderosa Pine trees. I hiked a bit back until I found the perfect space between two aspens to hang my hammock.

I remained close to the trail so as not to damage any sections of forest. While there were a few ants which fell onto my hammock, it was nothing compared to the beauty I was surrounded by. You can hear the leaves of aspens flickering and feel isolated in the world.

2. Buffalo Park
When I need a close by hammock afternoon I head to the very back of Buffalo Park. You'll park, and head down the stretch of trail straight through the middle of Buffalo Park. You'll see a stretch of trees in the very back away from those utilizing the Park trail. Here is a perfect place to hang the hammock up for some reading, napping or lounging.

3. FR 151
Forest Road 151 is one of my favorite places on Earth so I knew there would be some prime hammock spots. Really you can hammock just about anywhere along this road, but I like to head about 3-4 miles in where there is a large stretch of Aspen trees ready to chill under.

4. End of the World
Head straight down Woody Mountain Road to find this special spot in Northern Arizona. You can hammock along the rim where Flagstaff and Sedona meet. Absolutely perfect.

5. Lake Mary (Upper)
When it is warm enough I like to head out to Lower Lake Mary to put the hammock up in view of the water and sunset.

Food in Flag

This is going to be controversial. But I can take it.

We have some awesome food in Flagstaff. So awesome in fact, I would encourage everyone to never eat at a chain restaurant again. The local food here is rich, fun and will keep you wanting more. By supporting local you are supporting Flagstaff which is something we can all get behind.

I visit each of these places as often as possible. While there are MANY more yummy goodies to find in our town, I went with those I immediately think of when someone asks where to go get food. I also tried to give some variety (anyone who knows me knows I lean toward eating Mexican food all the time, so I tried to ensure the top 5 weren't homogenous).

5. Criollo
Mmmmm just the name of the restaurant makes me think: MARGARITAS!!! And they are so fresh, cool and unique. I had a butternut squash margarita here....like, what??? What are they thinking?!?!? Clearly they are thinking great things because I remember it so vivdly as being one of the best margaritas of my life.

Criollo is a latin themed bistro with an inspired menu. Their breakfast, lunch and dinner are just perfect. They serve local Arizona goodies and the menu is consistently changing to accommodate what is in season. I am always impressed by their chips and salsa, nachos, tacos and really everything about this place.

4. LaFonda
When I was a freshman at NAU I heard about a hidden mexican restaurant only known among locals. I had to find it. In the middle of a snowstorm I loaded up my little Ford Ranger with a few friends and we made the trek across town to discover this diamond in the rough. While sliding in the ice and being terrified my truck would get stuck in the snow we found it and instantly become infatuated.

Margaritas, horchatas, enchiladas, tacos, burritos...oh my. I was and am obsessed. This place gets packed and for a good reason. While the atmosphere isn't the most clean, the food makes it worth it. LaFonda serves the best enchiladas I've ever had. And as you stuff your face with chips and salsa, your meal and cocktails you think "I can't possibly eat more." But just then, they bring out the sopapillas. Pillows of fried dough and honey nestle on your table and suddenly an opening in your tummy is created so you can enjoy this special treat.

3. Fratellis
Perfection in a box. Best pizza in Flagstaff, possibly best pizza I've ever had. This place is no joke. I get jalapenos and sun-dried tomatoes on mine and am set. Great prices, great venues and just delicious. I don't even need to write anymore, the pizza speaks for itself.

2. Diablo Burger 
While I can't speak to the actual meaty burger (which I consistently hear is incredible) I can speak to the veggie burger. Perfection in a bun. I get the Netsky with a fried egg and green chilis. You'll order inside, but I recommend finding a spot outside to hangout while you wait for your basket of goodness to arrive. You'll receive about 1000 french fries along with a gigantic burger. Savor each moment, it is just so perfect.

1. Karma
Tempest. Enough said. While I love every sushi roll I have ever had there, the tempest is what you'll dream about.I don't even know what is in it. I just know it is what brings me back as often as I do. When locals think sushi, they think Karma. The venue is gorgeous and the wait is worth it. They have a great happy hour and so many sushi varieties to choose from.

Hiker Update!

Well it has been a long road, but I am here. I underwent a major surgery weeks ago and have been missing my trails, being outside and exploring Northern Arizona. While I hated being away from my favorite pieces of life, it gave me time to research more places to explore for you all!

Being away and incapable of hiking has made me appreciate it 100x more. The moments of deep breath, smelling pine and the crunch of dirt I hear with each step were gone. The moments of connecting with trails and trees and other hikers were deleted for what feels like forever.

This weekend I make my return. While I can't fully dive into a huge hike until I feel 100% healthy, I am thrilled to tie my hiking shoes, buckle my hiking belt and fill up my Nalgene.

So get ready for me to be back in gear with blogging and helping you discover all that is Northern Arizona!!!

Lower Oldham: Quiet Hiking Trail

When you are seeking the quiet sounds of trees, Lower Oldham trail is one of my favorites. This one is called Lower Oldham because there is an Upper portion as well which I have yet to hike. I like that you park at Buffalo Park for this one which makes me feel like my car is a little more secure.

How tough is it?
The trail is accessible for all body types. There's a hill here or there but nothing to scare anyone away from checking it out.

What to bring:
-Water
-Bear Mace
-a light snack if you like a little something
-I wear my light waist pack for this one and put my phone/ID/keys in a pocket then my water bottle and mace in a separate pouch on the waist pack. It works great and keeps my hands free.

Trail Facts:
-nearly 3 miles one way
-out and back trail
-the trail ends in the Schultz area where you will turn around and head back. Or you can keep going and complete Upper Oldham as well
-you'll be under trees the majority of the time

Getting there:
From Flagstaff head toward Buffalo Park. Park in the parking lot and you'll walk straight to the back of Buffalo Park (when you enter you can veer left or veer right, but you'll want to walk straight to the end of the park). You'll see some small buildings and signage for the Arizona Trail and the Flagstaff Urban Trail System. Sign-in at the post and you're set!

Boynton Canyon: Epic Views

With the warming weather it is time to get back out there! I recently headed to Sedona, AZ with my family and hiked into Boynton Canyon. This gorgeous hike gives you a little bit of everything. You'll start in more desert like conditions, head into beautiful canyons and red rock and then into Ponderosa Pines.

The one pitfall is the first 1/2 mile or so will connect you to the Enchantment Resort. When I hike I don't want to see civilization, so this was a bummer for me. However, it eventually went away as I traveled further into the hike. Oh! Also it is a popular trail. You're likely going to run into other folks and dogs.

The views at Boynton Canyon are exceptional. I could feel myself getting lost in happiness every where I put my gaze. The canyons surrounding me made me feel so small among these giant landscapes.

Boynton Canyon is about 6.2 miles. This trail took me about 2.5 hours, however I wish we would've had more time to hang out at the end of the trail and relax in the canyon more. The trail is relatively flat, until you get to the actual canyon where you will have to climb up some steps. Just take your time and you will make it!

Getting There:
Head down to Sedona via 89-A from Flagstaff. Follow 89-A through Uptown Sedona and pass all the roundabouts until you reach Dry Creek Road. Turn right. Follow the signs to Boynton Canyon which is located near the Enchantment Resort.

Top 5 Local Places To Study/Read

As an educator I always hear students asking where the places are to study in good 'ol Flagstaff. While you of course can check out the on-campus library, I love to encourage them to head off campus for some local favorites. These locations are some of my go-to spots when I want to read, or study for an exam or work on homework.

I am an extrovert so I love having people and noise around me. I need this in order to study and do my best work. Silence kills me. So being mindful of this I included varied types of environments for you.

1. Late for the Train

• switches between quiet and busy depending on the hour
• Free Wifi
• Amazing coffee drinks for you to indulge in while you study

2. White Dove

• Free Wifi
• Great coffee!
• Very quiet....seems like not a lot of people know about this treasure

3. Cultured

• Free Wifi
• You can enjoy coffee and sweet treats like Frozen Yogurt while you study
• This place has increased in popularity significantly. Great decor and fun atmosphere.

4. Firecreek

• A locals favorite. Very chill atmosphere with people coming and going but generally pretty quiet.
• I'm not a huge fan of the coffee there because it is too strong for me, but I know plenty of people who swear by it.
• Free Wifi

5. Campus Coffee Bean

• Yumminess! IF you don't go to study/read, go to eat. They have an amazing take on a caprese sandwich. Great coffee, smoothies and local delights.
• Free Wifi
• Depending on the hour it could be quiet in there and then turn crowded. This has been a local favorite for years.

Loving Red Rock Crossing

It's official!!! I have found my NEW FAVORITE place in all of Northern Arizona. It is beautiful, magical, wonderful, glorious....how many adjectives can I write in here to help you see how amazing this place is?

Red Rock Crossing is simply special.

When you drive in you will be charged $10 which is totally worth the experience you are about to have. You'll drive through a few parking lots and can hopefully find a spot in the furthest parking lot in the back. From here you can access what will likely be my favorite picnic spot for the rest of my life. The open grass area is surrounded by historic artifacts and the beautiful Oak Creek.

As you head in the opposite direction the Creek flows in you will come upon a beautiful view of Cathedral Rock. You can cross the Creek to take a 2-ish mile hike around Cathedral rock to see it up close. You can also follow the Creek toward Buddha Beach and other picnic areas as you follow a easy path for about 1.5-2 miles.

Red Rock Crossing is a wonderful venue for you to hang out with yourself, family, friends and pets. It is easily accessible for all body types and you can get your feet in the water or layout on the beach areas to enjoy some Sedona sun.

Getting there:
Drive west from Sedona on US 89A. Just outside town, turn south on FR 216 (Upper Red Rock Loop Road). Drive about 1.5 miles  and veer left and follow the signs to Red Rock Crossing. 

It costs $10 to get in.

Top 5 Benefits of Getting Outdoors

1. Fresh air has more oxygen and just feels great! 
Capturing the unique fragrances of trees, dew and rocks feels amazing.

2. Hiking keeps you mindful!
Much research is being done on the power of mindfulness. Hiking helps you be more present in the moment. With just trees, mountains and squirrels around you it is easy to just be. And it feels wonderful.

3. Being outdoors is healthy!
Physically, mentally, emotionally- getting out there is going to make you a healthier person. Hiking gives me uninterrupted time to think, to feel and to breathe. It keeps you active, centered and increases serotonin levels.

4. Hikers appreciate the small things!
Whether it be the chirping of birds, fresh mountain dew or a beautiful sunset, hikers get IT. Hikers see nature as truly beautiful and appreciate its complexities and simplicity. We are able to be more mindful of our impact on the earth and contribute to a more sustainable way of life so as not to damage the beauty we get to see while out hiking.

5. Being outdoors helps you make decisions!
Without the congestion of media, disruptions and constant noise you are able to have a more clear mind when reflecting on important decisions, life and/or your overall self. I have made many life altering decisions in the middle of nowhere all of which I stand by and have lead to great things.

Getting Wicked at Wicked AZ!

In the words of one of my favorite musicals, "I'm starting to feel a little....Wicked."

We all are a loyal to our coffee shops, but let's get out of the chains and head into some local yumminess.

When I need a coffee fix with a fun menu, great customer service and easily accessible I head to Wicked AZ. This is THE spot. They have multiple locations around town and a drive thru for easy access to grab and go on your way. The workers are always so friendly and willing to help you in making a decision on your order because everything is so delicious! I usually go for the Almond Joy or the Mexican coffee iced without whipped cream.

I highly recommend adding them on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/wickedazcoffee) as they post discounts and deals all the time! Go get your next coffee at Wicked AZ! You will thank me :)

Snow Is Here

Winter in Flagstaff is here! And by "winter", I do mean SNOW! It is an exciting time to get out there and enjoy the beauty of Northern Arizona during this time of year.

Chunk loves the snow! He rolls and slides on his back for hours in it.

While many of the trails are closed right now, it doesn't mean you need to be stuck inside. You can head toward many trail areas, park and hike around. My favorite places include trails near Sandy Seep and Little Elden Spring. These trails are relatively flat which makes it less unknown and scary than one with a lot of incline/decline.

I also recommend Buffalo Park (a local favorite) or Schultz Pass Trail.

Chunk & Gizmo out and about in the Flagstaff snow.

If you do head out be sure you have checked the weather to ensure another snow storm isn't on its way. Additionally, people often think the cold weather suddenly indicates they can skip on water.

Uh, no.

You still need water! Always and forever :)

Finally, wear lots of layers as you will heat up throughout your stroll, but it important to still have warm clothes accessible. You can also go rent snowshoes to make your hiking more fun!

Happy snow hiking!

Top 5 2016 Hikes To Conquer

It is January 3rd and while everyone is making and maybe breaking those resolutions I am taking this tradition in a different direction. I am creating a list of hikes I want to get through this year. There are SO many options out here in Northern Arizona and I've created a brief list of the bigger hikes I hope to conquer in 2016.

Each of these holds a place in my heart as some will challenge me, others will humble me and all of them will introduce me to more of what we have in beautiful Northern Arizona (#2 is close, but is in Utah!).

1. Humphrey's Peak

2. The Narrows

3, Secret Canyon

4. West Clear Creek

4. Pacheta Falls, White Mountains

5. Horton Creek