It was rather a random decision to go to Arizona, the one we will never regret or forget :) At first we wanted to travel somewhere warm, Caribbean would be ideal. We even started with the resort search until... the dreaded zika virus and me being 28weeks along. Carribean-crossed out. Luckily I came across with the panoramic pictures of one of the resorts, it looked like pure heaven - the sky, the rocks and cactuses they were so tall ! "I want to go there, where is it ?!" - I asked. It appeared to be a beautiful land of Arizona, state we never been too, state that had so much to offer to those, willing to explore.
4.5 hours flight from New York and here we are in Phoenix. When we planned our trip, my first priority was major attractions but with moderate physical activity. At the end it all worked out, so if anyone wants to follow this route while expecting go ahead, it was smooth and exciting!
First day we stayed at The Boulders Resort&Spa. Very comfortable, upscale resort,amazing landscape and golf fields. We didn't encounter much of night life but we had to get up early next day anyways.
*Things to be booked in advance: Photography tour to Antelope Canyon {See Day3 for more information}, Compass Arizona Grill Phoenix {360-degree views of the valley's mountains and cityscape in the only revolving restaurant in Arizona}
*In our camera bag: Canon 5DMark III, Canon 135mm f/2, Canon 24mm‑105mm ‑ f/4, tripod
I found this video useful for photography tips in particular {click here}
The main points that you need at least one wide/zoom lens, tripod and do not switch lenses in a canyon - super dusty.
Remember how I was lured to those tall cactuses at first. This was the place where I got to enjoy desert nature and Saguaro Cactuses to the fullest. Located in Sonoran Desert on 30.500 acres, short drive from Phoenix, every inch of this park screams - a scene from Clint Eastwood movie. Plenty of parking, water fountains, clean restrooms and free entrance. They are open from sunrise t sunset, 7 days a week. The staff will gladly help with all the questions about Preserve. Boards with information, available for self education.
There are many choices of trails, depending on your liking, just pick up the map. You can see some deers and birds on your way. We took the shortest Bajada Loop Trail, which was less than a mile, our purpose of visit was rather photography than hiking so it worked perfectly. The sun was still high up, yet we managed to capture some beauty of this place.
On the way back we've met a family and a photographer who carried a trolley full of props. They must've had One year milestone session for the baby. And I thought, yes, if I was a photographer living here - that would be my hot spot ! So pretty and absolutely worth visiting!
Eat, shop, walk :) Its a nice touristic area with great independent {not chain} restaurants, shops, art galleries and Wild West atmosphere, including famous saloons with swinging doors. Free parking all around and there is also a free shuttle bus. We arrived after sunset and hungry. Stopped at a place called Bandera. Limited menu but the food tasted delicious, real good, just what i needed at the end of hectic first day. Went for a short walk around Old Town.
Boulders Resort
Sedona is famous for its red rock formations. There are plenty of parks and places to enjoy the beauty of these nature creations. We chose Red Rock Park, because it was close to highway, there are different- from easy to harder trails and nothing crazy uphill. For those reasons for example I crossed out Cathedral Rock, though its another well-known beauty of Sedona, maybe next time :)
Entrance cost us $7per car. There was a little visitor center where we got to read more about park and grabbed the map.
Beware of rattlesnakes! We did the shortest trail, the view was fantastic, so vast and open. Hubby complained only about red dust setting on his new shoes, what he expected ha, its a RED Rock Park :D But don't worry much, there is a special brush to clean at the exit. We ended up leaving tripod in the car as there was area to take pictures without it. It was somewhat hot, bottled water is the must.
ChocolaTree {Organic Eatery}
I found about this place from other blog. It looked very interesting and unique on the pictures. And so it was ! Organic eatery or as they call it Garden Oasis. Even if you are not the biggest "all that healthy" eater you need to stop by just to experience. Its right of the road, yet its very tranquil and peaceful once you get in, surrounded by green bushes and plants. Fairy garden - that what come to mind. Entire place had hipster vibe: decor, hammocks, peace signs, dream catchers. The owner David and staff were very courteous, answering all the questions we had. They offer big and interesting menu. All organic and gluten free. I have to warn you though, in case you aren't accustomed to this type of cuisine it might not hit your taste buds. You might want a juicy steak or lamb chops right after :D Still, stop by at least for drinks or super delish smoothie. Such a fun place to experience !
Main Street, Sedona
Grand Canyon{South Rim}
Our plan was to be at the canyon by 9am. This appeared to be a good time to take pictures as sun is still not high up, yet not so crowded. I've heard good things about Sunrise Tour they have there, but since we had to drive from Flagstaff that was impossible to catch, I guess you need to stay at one of their properties near by the park.
Another tip if you like me read on some blogs that its better to drive from Eastern Entrance rather than South (less crowded etc.)... don't do it !!! We done that and wasted our time, because we had to drive same route back and forth twice, instead of just visiting South rim and finishing with Eastern points. Probably lost good half hour doing that, and as I said before, time was crucial. Entrance fee was $25 per vehicle.
We had about 2 hours to enjoy the beauty of this natural wonder. There are many ways you can explore it but first you need to get to GC Village, that is where all the free shuttles take off. The buses go 3 routes: blue, red and orange. Depending on how much time you have you cant take one or another. The shortest would be orange Kaibab rim to Yavapai Geology Museum.
As a matter of fact, we didn't take any buses but explored on our own. We made few stops before village such as Navajo Point, Lipan Point and few on a way back Yaki Point, Grandview Point. Mather Point was 5 minutes walk from Visitor Center(village) and probably the most scenic one.
Mather Point
Antelope Canyon
The canyon is by the town called Page. As you drive closer you'd see the sign saying Upper Antelope Canyon. We turned on that one but it appeared there were different tour companies who takes you there. We were advised to follow past the generating plant until we saw the sign "Adventurous Antelope Canyon". That's who we booked with. They take you to the canyon on jeeps and the road is extremely bumpy. 15 minutes, 3 miles of a bumpy road.... worst news i heard ever that day. As I was very excited to see the canyon but had to opt out. 28 weeks and extremely bumpy road don't go along. I was upset but had to go with the flow. Husband went alone. They let you take only camera and tripod there. The place looked gorgeous on the pictures, though hubby says it doesn't look like that in life. Well cant quite confirm, I had to drive to Page to spend some time. There was nothing much there, just a shopping plaza with Subway and Dollar Store. So my views were definitely less scenic :) Next time for sure though !
Horseshoe Bend
We were running late as the guide in Antelope Canyon decided to do a favor and take them to another canyon. By the time they were ready to leave, the gates were closed and they had to take back roads. I have waited for another hour until my husband came back to the parking. The idea of missing Horseshoe bend too was killing me. It was sunset time. About 5pm when we drove to Page. Another 20 min to HB parking lot and.... a hike ! Short but challenging. Get ready. About 0.5mile one way in a deep sand with no rails. Its free though. I was so nervous to miss the last sun rays that put all my energy in conquering that sand. Luckily I had my boots on. Best decision ever. Not shoes, but boots! We approached Horseshoe Bend just minutes after sunset. I was surprised that we still got decent shots of Colorado river and surroundings. Though everywhere on web people advised to visit it early in the morning.
This is Horseshoe Bend at 6pm and it looked absolutely stunning!
In case it looks empty, don't be fooled, it was crowded all the time, but nothing a little PS cant fix.
Loved this group! Too funny, enjoying it to the fullest! :D
and a hare! now I think I have not forgotten anyone :)
It was time to get back to Flagstaff. They say don't drive at night because of the critters. I agree, the road was very dark. Made it to the hotel and called it a day. What a Day!
Meteor Crater
What an interesting educational stop just minutes drive from Flagstaff. For $18 fee you will be able to see the real impact of meteor on surface of Earth, the rim is humongous, get 1 hour tour and get a glimpse of actual pieces left from that phenomenon. They never were able to retrieve the actual meteor, believed to be somewhere deep deep in ground. I really enjoyed all the boards with information inside the visitor center, explaining what actually happened. Some of them were interactive and I saw kids had quite a fun. I've seen people on web complaining about the price but come on how often do you see the crater of this size, if any. Must see.
Desert Botanical Garden, Phoenix
Another fascinating stop we've made finishing our trip. Entrance fee isn't cheap $25/adult, but you can spend half a day strolling through the garden. If you check the calendar on their website they have "free" days once a month, maybe you get lucky, especially coming with a family $$.
The cactuses are most beautiful during spring when its a blooming season yet we enjoyed the variety of plants, butterfly house and other desert flowers.
There are guided tours available as well as kids activities. We were offered to stay until the lit the pumpkins and have a festival {it was Halloween weekend} but unfortunately had to be in the airport that day. I took a traditional picture with pumpkin though ))))
It was a hot day so we cooled off at their cafe Gertruda. Water and sunscreen is a must even in a late October. Really enjoyed that desert oasis !
Thank you for following our journey, we had the best time in Arizona ! Hope you will too!
xoxo
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