Red Rock State Park

It’s true, it really is more comfortable in the dry heat of 104 degrees of Arizona, compared to 95 degrees in Houston. But in either place, stay out of the sun, that’s intense!

I would not normally think about traveling to Arizona in August, but there was a family reason, so that is why Ray and I went. We actually were in the towns of Chandler and Gilbert, two cities in the region, and two of the fasted growing cities in the United States. We decided to take a road trip to Northern Arizona, and the Verde Valley.

Base yourself in the scenic and artsy town of Sedona.  Sedona is nestled in Verde Valley and surrounded by beautiful towering red rock formations of the Red Rock State Park. At sunset they glow a rich red and inspires the artists who create the wonderful pictures and sculptures that are found in the many galleries in town. Sedona is a haven for artists, and crafts persons, and for the tourists that love to shop and look. The architecture of town is a style of adobe, blending with the surroundings. It’s a busy, yet serene setting.

There are many types of accommodations in Sedona, from the beautiful Auberge de Sedona deluxe resort, to your standard Holiday Inns but the town does not become tacky.

From Sedona, take a daily exploration drive in all directions. Go west to the old ghost town of Jerome, or what was a ghost town. Today the artists fill the old buildings with wonderful galleries and the tourists snoop in all the shops looking for unusual knickknacks. Be forewarned though, Jerome is a challenge to the leg muscles as it is very hilly. The town also has a number of quaint B & B’s, as well as the Jerome Hotel, which was the former hospital/sanitarium. The restaurant and bar has an absolutely stunning setting and what a romantic stop for a sunset cocktail or dinner.

Going north from Sedona, you can reach the south rim of the Grand Canyon in about a two hour drive. Spend a few hours here, take a hike or a donkey ride to the bottom. If you like to experience trains, drive to Williams, AZ, where the train takes you on a two hour trip to the Canyon. On your return, if it’s not too late in the day, drive the Oak Creek Canyon road, an outstanding scenic area, with a panorama of majestic rock formations and hiking trails.

If Indian History is your thing, visit the Tuzigoot National Monument, an ancient pueblo built by the people of the Sinagua culture. The Yavapai-Apache Center is south of Sedona and along the way you must visit Montezuma Well and the Montezuma Castle. The castle is a five-story, 20 room dwelling also built by the Sinagua in about 1450 AD. This is one of the best preserved cliff dwellings in North America. The Well is a limestone sink formed long ago by the collapse of an immense underground cavern.

Sedona and the surrounding area and towns is a wonderful region for the whole family to explore. And, you do get away from the 104 degrees of Phoenix.

Arizona Sunsets are Spectacular

For more specifics Call or