Sedona Family Vacation – Day 3 – Dec 30th
A Beautiful Warm Day in Sedona and a Second Day of Hiking
Itinerary
After another day of a hearty breakfast and lunches packed we headed out to Soldier’s Pass Trailhead for a three mile hike. We lucked out with gorgeous weather with temperatures 10-15 degrees warmer than usual. It also brought out hordes of hikers and getting to the starting point of our hike was another challenge. When we got to the trailhead parking lot at 9:45AM the lot was full and there was a line of cars waiting. We lucked out and ran into “Strange Debbie and her free taxi service”. You will have to ask one of us when you see us in person as to what our encounters with her were like. She was a kind soul that gives people free rides to the trail head parking lot from public parking a mile away and works on monetary donations. Conversations with her during the ride were very interesting!
Once we got on the trail we all were all in awe of the beauty and tranquility of the Sedona red rocks. Pictures can’t capture the overwhelming beauty of the trail and mountains around us.
We entered at the Soldier’s Pass trailhead. The trail immediately dips to cross a wash then climbs out to the Devils Kitchen sinkhole. The trail then goes over level ground for 1/4 mile to the “Seven Sacred Pools” to the left of the trail.
It continues on in the partial shade of Arizona cypress. The trail travels through wilderness for about another 1 1/2 miles where we encountered a branch to the right tht leads up rather steeply for 1/4 mile to an arch where we had great views.
The incredible red rocks Sedona is famous for are made from red sandstone. As we’ve walked the trails, the ground is surprisingly soft! What looks like hardened red mud turns out to be soft dusty sand as soon as you step through it. You are also constantly kicking up red dust that coats your feet and ankles. All part of the experience.
Thea at the end of the hike
Dinner was Italian at a little restaurant called Vespa. Great pizza made from non-GMO, unbleached wheat imported from Italy. Tasted fantastic. After the long hike there was no lack of appetite. Vespa Restaurant was a real hidden gem. 4.8 on TripAdvisor. Amazing hugely healthy Italian food. Ancient grains from Italy, vegan cheese for Isaiah and the most gorgeous light crispy pizzas! The service there was so personal, outstanding!
Discovered a tasty local beer
Everybody’s final thoughts of the day:
Brittany: I’ve peed outside so many times. I’m definitely considered one with nature by now, right?
Thea: I liked the rock stairs on the hike
Sara: Brandon needs to learn more patience on the trail.
Mark: Best day yet of vacation. Everyone made the hike in good spirits. I was amazed that Thea and Isaiah stayed enthusiastic about hiking through the adventure. I give Isaiah tremendous credit. The next youngest child on the trail was twice his age. The Italian dinner of pizza, eggplant parmesan and red wine topped off the day.
Lauri: it’s really fun having everyone under one roof. This house is absolutely stunning and gives us so many spaces to eat, hang out, read, play games. Every time I venture out, I can’t stop commenting about the scenery. It is so unique and breathtaking! Even just staring down the street on which we are staying is majestic.
