Hiking to Devil's Bridge in Sedona, AZ

A Photo Essay: Sedona, Arizona

After the quietness of the Grand Canyon, Sedona, Arizona, was a tad overwhelming, but the beauty of the Red Rocks and the Coconino National Forest quickly made up for the rush in town. Sure, basically everything in Sedona was closed by 9pm, but after our busy days of hiking at the crack of dawn, we were surprisingly ok with turning in early. There are ample opportunities for adventure in Sedona, such as biplane rides, hot air balloons, mountain biking, jeep tours, hiking and so much more. Because we were having hiking withdrawals, we mainly stuck to the trails, but we really enjoyed ourselves. I loved how all the brilliant reds contrasted with the bright blue skies and deep green trees–here are the photos of our adventures:

Rock piles marking the trail in Sedona, AZ

Rock piles that marked many of the trails throughout Sedona–it was nice to have little signs that you were on the correct trail! 

Trail at Airport Mesa in Sedona, AZ

Trail at Airport Mesa right in the middle of Sedona

Airport Mesa in Sedona, AZ

The Airport Mesa is an area of Red Rocks and an energy vortex right in the middle of town.

Airport Mesa in Sedona, AZ

The views from the top of the mini-vortex are stunning and you may even see some vintage airplanes as the airport is right nearby.

Airport Mesa in Sedona, AZ

The vortexes are said to be spiritual powerhouses and bring a sense of energy to anyone in the vicinity.

Airport Mesa in Sedona, AZ

Some people chose to meditate, we decided to put our feet up and absorb the views for a bit.

Chapel of the Holy Cross, Sedona, AZ

The Chapel of the Holy Cross sits right on top of the Red Rocks and was built on what is said to be one of the famous Sedona vortexes.

Chapel of the Holy Cross, Sedona, AZ

The church is Roman Catholic, but it is open to all most days of the year. There is also a gift shop downstairs that sells various religious trinkets.

Amitabha Stupa, Sedona, AZ

Built in 2004, the Amitabha Stupa and Peace Park is a place for spiritual rejuvenation and the prayer flags line the path all the way to the park.

Amitabha Stupa, Sedona, AZ

According to Buddhist tradition, the stupa is considered Buddha’s living presence.

Amitabha Stupa, Sedona, AZ

Tibetan prayer flags line the park and there are two stupas on site–the larger Amitabha Stupa and the smaller White Tara Stupa.

Hiking the Red Rock Trails in Sedona, AZ

Hiking the Long Canyon Trail and right around sunset there was a beautiful glow on the Red Rocks.

Hiking the Red Rock Trails in Sedona, AZ

We were searching for a vortex I found online, but with no cell reception, we got a bit turned around. We didn’t find the vortex we were looking for, but we did catch some gorgeous views.

Hot Air Balloon in Sedona, AZ

On our way to an early morning hike, we stopped to watch the hot air balloons float effortlessly amongst the Red Rocks.

Hiking to Devil's Bridge in Sedona, AZ

Hiking the trail to Devil’s Bridge–the trail is marked pretty well, but we couldn’t tell if this was indeed part of the trail or if it was just a riverbed. It was the trail!

Hiking to Devil's Bridge in Sedona, AZ

Rock crumbles along the trail out to Devil’s Bridge. We set out just after sunrise, so it was great to have the trail basically to ourselves.

Hiking to Devil's Bridge in Sedona, AZ

I loved looking at all the layers of the rocks–they almost looked like biscuits!

Hiking to Devil's Bridge in Sedona, AZ

Almost to Devil’s Bridge. The hike isn’t hard, but we kept wondering if we were even on the right path–thankfully, we were on track and so close at this point.

Hiking to Devil's Bridge in Sedona, AZ

Right before getting to the bridge, you come to an open plateau with peaceful rock piles lining the edge. I could have sat here for quite some time.

Hiking to Devil's Bridge in Sedona, AZ

Although the natural arch is breathtaking, the expansive scenery behind the arch is gorgeous as well with all the contrasting colors.

Hiking to Devil's Bridge in Sedona, AZ

Fellow hikers venturing out on Devil’s Bridge. The bridge looks very narrow, but it really isn’t that scary when you are out there!

Hiking to Devil's Bridge in Sedona, AZ

Standing on the arch and looking back at the people trailing in for a visit.

Hiking to Devil's Bridge in Sedona, AZ

The arch is the largest natural arch in the area and it’s a far 50 ft. down to the ground.

Hiking to Devil's Bridge in Sedona, AZ

Stopping underneath the arch to get a different view.

Trees along the trails in Sedona, AZ

I was expecting Sedona to be more desert-like, but I found out in a hurry that the Coconino National Forest is nearby, so the area is filled with many, many trees and unique plant life.

Desert Plants in Sedona, AZ

I am not a plant person, so I have no idea what this is, but isn’t it pretty?

Cactus along the trails in Sedona, AZ

Cactus hanging out along the edge of the trail–don’t get too close or you will get stuck!

Courthouse Butte in Sedona, AZ

Courthouse Butte is right next to the more popular Bell Rock, and although it doesn’t seem to get quite as much attention, it still makes for a great hiking spot.

Courthouse Butte in Sedona, AZ

We watched the sunset with Courthouse Butte in our view as Micah was taking a time lapse of the setting sun.

Bell Rock, Sedona, AZ

Bell Rock is one of the more famous rock formations near Sedona and with its unique shape, we can see why.

Bell Rock, Sedona, AZ

There are many trails that lead around and up Bell Rock, which makes it a great place to hike unless you need shade.

Cathedral Rock, Sedona, AZ

After Google Maps lead us astray, we ended up at the backside of Cathedral Rock. Even though we didn’t have time to hike to it, we had a great time with the scenery.

Juniper trees in Sedona, AZ

Some say the juniper trees in Sedona are twisted due to the energy of a nearby vortex.

Montezuma Castle National Monument, Arizona

The Montezuma Well is located about 30 minutes from Sedona and a few miles from the Montezuma Castle. Each day, over 1 million gallons of water flows continuously into the well.

Montezuma Castle National Monument, Arizona

Irrigation channels were built near the outflow of the river to provide water for area farms and livestock.

Montezuma Castle National Monument, Arizona

The Montezuma Castle is a preserved cliff dwelling that was home to several Hopi Clans. Tours of the dwellings were discontinued in the 50’s–I wish it was still open to walk through!

 

 

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