A Week in Sedona and Northern Arizona: 25 Miles of Hiking; 600 Feet of Climbs; 4 Pints of Ice Cream
When I think back on my week in Arizona, I think in terms of numbers: miles hiked, vertical feet climbed, pints of ice cream, and, had I counted them, number of tissues used. While the first part of my trip involved rejuvenation, the second half found me with strep throat and a cold virus. I got a whole new experience while living on the road: traveling while sick. Those that know me best, however, will know that this couldn’t possibly slow me down.
Arizona Hot Springs & White Canyon – 7 Miles of Hiking
After nearly a week and a half of being indoors due to rain and gross weather, I was itching to get back into the wilderness. I left Utah and headed for Arizona Hot Springs, right near the border close to Hoover Dam.
For those wanting to head right to the hot springs, there is a trail that will lead you into the canyon where you can take a dip. I chose to do this trail on the way out instead and take the White Canyon trail down to the Colorado River. While it was a simple hike down through the wash, I found it to be beautiful and with nobody on the trail. It was exactly what I needed.
When I arrived at the opening at the river, I was amazed. I expected it to be bigger, but it was breathtaking. I spent a great deal of time just running around along the river, playing, laughing.
By the time I got to the hot springs, I was filled with wonder and ready to soak. It’s basically a small section of slot canyon where people have used sandbags to trap the water. After climbing up an installed ladder up the small waterfall of hot water, you’ll find yourself in the deepest pools.
I headed up to the top pool where it was the hottest and the least crowded and stayed until almost dark. Although it was bit creepy hiking back in the dark, it was fun to not use a headlamp and be led by the light of the moon (but don’t worry—I had it in case I needed it). I then had a second-wind of energy and drove all the way to Sedona.
Bear Mountain, Sedona – 7 Miles of Hiking, 1 Pint of Ice Cream
Although the elevation was not incredibly high, Bear Mountain is my first official mountain peak. With 2,000 feet of elevation gain in 3.5 miles, it was a challenge but not undoable. I was, however, proud that I did not stop to take a break until I got the top.
Only half a year ago, I started hiking elevation for the first time. So with this hike, I felt like a warrior at the top. Not that long ago, it would have taken me twice as much time and many more breaks to reach the top. The view was incredible, and it was a great way to get oriented with the area by looking down on it.
Looking down on Sedona from the top of Bear Mountain.
By this point of the trip, I was starting to get an itchy throat, so I headed straight for ice cream after I reached the bottom of the mountain.
Boynton Canyon & Cathedral Rock: Two of Sedona’s Vortexes – 10 miles, 3 pints
I woke up the next day, used a flashlight to look in my throat and realized “yup, I have strep again.” Luckily, I had my first positive experience with health insurance and telehealth and was able to get a prescription quickly.
Next stop: Boynton Canyon and the off-shoot hike to the “subway.” I’m going to go ahead and let the pictures speak for themselves:
One important thing to note is that the end of the canyon is noted as one of Sedona’s spiritual vortexes. I came with an open mind and zero expectations. I soaked in the sun on the rock and journaled for a bit. Although I didn’t feel anything overwhelming at the time, as soon as I started to hike again, I had an overpowering desire to RUN. Now if you know me, you’ll know I do.not.run. I ran nearly a mile, so certainly some sort of energy was working within me!
By this time, my throat was on fire, so many, many spoonfuls of ice cream were consumed. This was all that relieved it. Sickness finally took over, and I checked into an airbnb and rested for the next day.
A friend came to visit for the weekend (after I was no longer contagious) but sadly also brought a cold virus. We hiked Cathedral Rock (very short) at the end of the day. With this vortex, I mostly just felt a calming presence. Then, more ice cream.
Submarine (Steamboat) Rock Climbing: 600 feet, 7 pitches
At 7 pitches, this wall was definitely my longest rock climb even if the routes weren’t very difficult. But it wasn’t the hype I had hoped. Many of the overhangs made it hard to see my climbing partner (which is less fun in my opinion) and it got SO windy that it started to get bitter cold. We got a late start and were feeling quite sick still, so it was dark when we had to find anchors and rappell down. We were hungry, we were tired, and by the top we were over it.
But just before the last climbing pitch, I looked out as the sun set on the cliffs around us (magic time on the rock for me), and all I could feel was gratitude. Because a year ago, I never imagined I’d be out here on my own, doing the things. Certainly didn’t imagine that “doing the things” would include rock climbing! Life has so many twists and turns, and the journey is what it’s about. But sometimes it’s just as important to step back from reality for a split second to see how far you’ve come, to see and appreciate the life you’re living!
Horseshoe Bend, Page – 1 Mile
So this wasn’t really a hike as much as a walk, and it’s pretty easy to get out to. At this point in the sickness, I was so exhausted but I wanted to make sure I didn’t miss it. This was my last adventure before crashing at a friend’s house for a couple of days to recover. While I don’t think I enjoyed this space as much as I could have, I’d still say it’s worth a stop if you’re in the area!
