Our Drive to Sedona

Drive down into the canyon. Around the bend is where Sedona city limits start.

It was my birthday weekend, and I wanted to hike with my dogs in Sedona, a.k.a. The Day-Hiker's Mecca. So, I invited a few friends from my hiking group and we met up in Sedona. Did you know there are over 200 day hikes within the red rock area of Sedona.  Hikes to fit all levels and purpose. It was a great choice for a destination!


Sedona is located about 25 miles south of Flagstaff. This was the first long distance trip I brought the dogs on. When I say long distance, I mean over 4 hours. This trip was 6.5 hours from my house to Sedona, AZ.

We had a little caravan going. My friend Kathy was following me in her car since she had her dog Sunny. We stopped twice to let the dogs do their business and once to get gas.

We saw some great country.  We drove the I-40 which starts in Barstow and follows the old Route 66.  It's a relatively flat drive once you get up to and subsequently past the high desert in California, at least until you get to the Flagstaff area.

It was about 200 miles to Kingman, AZ, which is just over the CA-AZ border.  We stopped for lunch and then hit the road again. From this point, Sedona was another 2.75 hours We arrived by 4pm.

I'm not exactly sure what the mountain range is that Flagstaff is in, but there was snow there. It was absolutely gorgeous, and since we don't have snow here in the So. California mountains this year, it was a welcome site. It was even snowing as we drove through.

The transition from the I-40, then on to Hwy 89A is relatively quick. After driving along Hwy 89A for about 15 minutes, the road slows to about 15 mph because you will be driving down steep switchbacks and hairpin turns - down into the canyon.  It was actually gorgeous and you can see the transition from forest to desert brush as you drive south on 89A.

We arrived in Sedona around 4pm.  I had scheduled a presentation at a local hike store and cafe called The Hike House about the history of Sedona and trail recommendations.  I also needed new hiking boots, so we went directly to the store.

If you ever visit Sedona, I HIGHLY recommend stopping in at The Hike House and talking with owner Greg Stevenson and his town historian and hiking guru, Jason. I LOVE this place. It is just south of the traffic circle at Schnebly Road. We learned about the indigenous people, their trade, their society and its evolution and also about how Sedona got its name. Additionally, these guys know their hiking: gear and trails. Greg published a book on 25 of the best hikes in Sedona, of various levels. I recommend it to everyone. This is a book to check out if and when you decide to hike Sedona.

Little did I know that my old hiking boots were too small for my feet now. The treads had been so worn down, which is probably why I have been sliding all over the trail recently.  I tried on several pairs and was informed about the benefit of each. I came away with a great pair of boots, with minimal break in time, since I would be wearing them on the trail the next day. 

Looking forward to a great hike and stay in Sedona!

View from The Hike House terrace where we had our presentation.  Isn't this a great place to work?!