Sedona trip over this long weekend was a welcome break after being homebound for the last few days with my sick child. I drove with my hubby and our two children. The two-hour drive was uneventful and gorgeous except the fact that we had to continually nudge our kids to shift their gaze from Harry Potter books to the stunning scenery outside. We had a deal—no screen time during this short car ride. Yeah, what a parenting feat, right? Books were allowed, and we did what mean parents do—we were prodding them to stop reading and look outside their car windows. 

Well, we succeeded from time to time, and heard some wows from the car’s back seat! The last time we were on our wowing trip was when we were in Alaska, and we’d decided to call it ‘Wowlaska.’ (https://ipenlife.com/2019/08/13/summer-trip-to-alaska-part-2/)

During this drive up-north from Phoenix, the landscapes change gradually but dramatically. The surrounding cliffs and mountains begin to turn the shades of red as we near Sedona.

There is something quaint and mystical about Sedona. Every time I visit this place, I return with renewed energy and calmness to take over the world. So what makes this place so unique?

The richness of red/orange color in surrounding cliffs due to layering of iron oxide makes it a visually stunning place— a treat for your eye. There are plenty of beautiful trails of varying difficulty to select based on your comfort level and get up close and personal with nature. The spring weather is in the 60s with sparkly sun and crystal blue skies, making Sedona a perfect vacation destination to do outdoor stuff.

Last time we visited Sedona with our friends and drove around the different cliff formations. We checked the Bell Rock, Cathedral Rock, and also did the Oak Creek Canyon trail hike.

But this time we went to Sedona without an itinerary. We relaxed in our cabin, swam in the heated pool, played mini-golf, and when hungry hunted for good food on Yelp and Google. We tried Italian, Vegan Organic, but our taste buds were most tickled by this new place- Fresh & Natural Thai Kitchen. We ordered their specials and the food was fresh and delicious. And, it’s making me hungry as I write about it. LOL!

After a hearty late lunch or call it an early dinner, the sun began to set and it’s golden glow made the red rocks of Sedona shine like gorgeous gemstones. And at that moment, we found a purpose for this trip—to imbibe the beauty of the sunset.

Living in Arizona, we’re blessed with stunning sunsets. They are loud, embellished, and dramatic. They are like a cirque de Soleil show in the sky, and we Arizonians get to enjoy the slick performance every evening. The chirping birds give the music, while the sky dances around in colorful outfits around the leading performer, golden sun as it performs his master feat: same show every evening, but each time grand and full of marvel. You can’t ignore when the sky turns an amalgam of purple, crimson and scarlet. It’s like an artist’s canvas coming alive with brush strokes.

With the purpose of enjoying the sunset view in Sedona, we drove to Airport Mesa which was just a few minutes drive. We waited with the crowd as the hot ball of fire began to set, turning the sky from fire orange to crimson—the red mountains of Sedona changing from dull red to shiny reflecting the sun’s light. The Sedona’s sunset was flashy, flamboyant, and flirtatious.

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Besides taking a million pictures on our phones, I took a moment to absorb this beautiful work of art. I reminded kids to do the same. And my son said, “I’m taking pictures on burst mode with my eyes—CLICK-CLICK-CLICK-CLICK-CLICK…” (imitating camera’s shutter sound)

The next afternoon we pushed ourselves to at least do one hike. This way, we won’t feel the guilt of lazing like a bunch of hippos. So we went to Airport Mesa again. This time to experience the energy vortex. (https://visitsedona.com/spiritual-wellness/what-is-a-vortex/)

It was an easy mile hike to the Summit. My hubby decided to walk barefoot to experience the grounding phenomenon. I followed. The ground felt cool and, at times, warm and rough. But doable. 

Once at the top of the dome, the beauty was unsurpassed. We got a 360-degree view of Sedona’s spectacular landscape. There was calmness in the air. After soaking in the views, I meditated, ignoring the constant ‘Let’s go back!’ Let’s go back’ constant pestering from my kid. It was challenging but doable.

On our hike back, we kept our shoes on to walk at a faster pace. And we drove back to Phoenix the same afternoon. It was a weekend well-spent soaked in the spiritual beauty of Sedona—rejuvenating, and full of beautiful mystique.