Thursday, March 31, 2016

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!

Tuesday, March 15, 2016

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.

Sunday, March 6, 2016

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.