Adam had several items on the list he compiled for what to do in Sedona. While he was talking with the gentleman from the Northern Arizona Reptile Experience organization last night he was telling him of our plans for today. He recommended we switch the order around so we can definitely get in to Slide Rock State Park as it often gets full and they close the gate . We heeded his advice and took the scenic drive over to the park first thing in the morning instead of in the early afternoon. As we approached the park we realized it was a very good thing we had met him last night. Even though it was very early there was already a huge line of cars waiting to enter. We sat in line for about 30 minutes to get up to the gate to pay.
Once we walked the paved path we got to the steps to enter the slide rock area. Just past the steps was a rocky, uneven path to descend. As we walked down we immediately noticed just how crowded it was here. Everywhere we looked people had already claimed their spot. As we got towards the bottom we noticed if we crossed the creek and climbed the rock, there was a small spot on a ledge. I sat there with our things and Adam took the girls over to the largest "slide".
I was happy to stay with our things as the water slides were not something I wanted to experience. This park was based around a creek where the rocks created natural water slides complete with hills to go down and curves to ride. While I sat there I was higher than most and had a great spot to people watch. I could not believe all the things people brought for the day. People had pack and plays, open air tents, large coolers packed with food and drink, chairs, tables. It was mind boggling how they were able to get all of that down the steep rocky path and through the creek. After a bit, I decided to stand in the middle of the path in front of me that crossed the creek so I could keep one eye on our things and also try to see them doing the slide. Almost immediately Adam and the girls were coming back to get me. There was a space at the beginning of the large slide for me to stay. We gathered everything and all headed back that way. It was much more fun for me to be there so I could see them doing the slide and also watch all of the other people sliding. The girls took turns doing it with Adam and seemed to be having a blast.
Video of Lily and Adam riding the big slide
Video of Ella and Adam riding the big slide
After the big slide there was a series of small slides each emptying into a pool of water. Lily and Ella did these together while Adam went in front of them with the GoPro (video is below). These were easy and fun but unfortunately emptied into an area with a strong current that moved towards a deep area where many people were cliff diving. Adam scrambled to get them out and needed the help of someone else standing on the rocks to help. This was the only time they did these slides.
After several more times going down the big slide they went to explore upstream while I stayed there with our things. They eventually came back to ask me to make my way over there too. Lily really wanted me to see her slide down the "baby slide" and see her turn her body so she was sliding backwards. Here is a video ...
They were having a ball in this area and I was very glad they came to get me. We noticed it was getting close to lunch and our time here should be coming to a close. The girls couldn't leave without each taking one more ride down the large slide with Adam.
We made our way back to the car and went to the campground for a quick stop. While there we changed clothes and ate lunch outside at our picnic table. Going to explore Bell Rock was up next. We parked in front of Courthouse Butte and started the trail. Unfortunately, as we were about halfway done the thunder and lightning started. We went a little further but the thunder and lightning returned. Even though this was a great hike with amazing scenery we had to turn back. It started to rain just as we got back to our car.
We headed back towards uptown Sedona and I noticed the Hike House on the side of the road. When we were in Moab we had picked up a magazine about Sedona where I read about the Hike House learning they had information and items for hiking as well as really good coffee and “world famous” hiker cookies. With the iffy weather I pointed it out to Adam and we agreed it was a good place to stop and figure out our next destination. Adam and I got an iced coffee and all of us shared the two varieties of hiker cookies. Their coffee was excellent and we all really enjoyed their enormous cookies.
As we sat at their outdoor seating it seemed like the weather was clearing up so we decided to go to the airport mesa. The lotion sample clerk we met last night told me this was a must as it provided an incredible view of Sedona. When we got up to the parking lot the person collecting the fee started telling us about the vortex we were about to experience and the energy force we would feel. With that interesting tidbit of information and fully energized by our “world famous” hiker cookie snack we parked and headed to the Sedona View Trail.
Shortly past the trail head we came to a gate door we had to open and then close again. The door was signed asking hikers to make sure the door was closed to keep deer off the airport runways.
The trail from this point on was a very narrow dirt path with unobstructed views of the unbelievable Sedona rock formations to the left. The path was lined with cactus and dessert plants.
It had a significant downward slope that was making Adam nervous about the girls being able to come back up. He said a few times he didn’t think we were going to go to the end. As we continued to hike down we would pass others hiking up who always seemed like they were working hard with their labored breathing and sweaty faces. We did get all the way to the bottom and I am so glad we did. The 360 degree views of the Sedona Rocks was remarkable.
While we were admiring the beauty a couple and their dog got to this point also. Lily begged me to take her over to meet the dog. When I saw the couple was staying here to admire the views too I fulfilled her wish.
Adam and I started talking with them and we discussed where we were from. The girl ended up being from Lancaster (as is half of my family) where she grew up very close to my grandmother and we shared lots of childhood experiences. Then she happened to mention she went to college at IUP. When she told me the year she graduated I asked her if she knew our friends Jen and Mike (I have known Jen since 4th grade and she is one of Adam’s sister’s best friends). The energy of the vortex had to have pulled us together. Not only did we have Lancaster, PA in common but she was also roommates with Jen and had spent time with Adam’s sister too. What a very, very, very small world for us both to be at that gorgeous spot at that exact moment and to end up figuring it all out…truly unbelievable. Our new friend’s name was Heather and she and I took a picture together to show Jen.
We ended up both texting Jen at the same time to share the story of our meeting. As we climbed back up we paused several times to catch our breath and admire the views and plantlife that surrounded us.
When we got back to the trailhead we crossed the street to see the views from the overlook there. It was starting to get late and the sun was setting so we ended our time here.
It was time for dinner and we all just wanted something low key and easy. We found the Wildflower Bread Company and decided to give it a try. Think Panera, but a million times better. They had an outdoor patio that provided spectacular views of Sedona’s rock formations (which we could not get enough of, so this was a huge bonus). It was the perfect way to end our only full day in Sedona.
