After spending a whirlwind day soaking in the Grand Canyon as much as possible, we headed to Sedona, AZ. Our drive there was spent during the nighttime and took about 3 hours. We were pretty exhausted after arriving to Sedona and searched for any restaurants that were still opened even though it was only 8:30. Sedona is a quirky town and definitely caters towards tourists. Since we were there during an off season, wintertime, nearly every store was closed by 9. We ended up eating at a quaint, family operated Indian restaurant. The owners graciously stayed open past their closing time for us (for those interested, here's the info to the restaurant: http://www.indiapalacesedona.com). I definitely recommend this place! The food was comforting and warming, just what we needed after a long and exhausting trip. The next day we woke up and were greeted by gorgeous, red mountains everywhere our eyes could gaze.
Sedona is known for its vortexes. Vortexes are swirling energy masses that are thought to bring about positive energy and vibes. Sedona has four main energy vortexes and everyone we talked to seemed to really believe in their effects. I was skeptical. But we set out for the hiking trails to see these vortexes for ourselves!
Sedona is known for its vortexes. Vortexes are swirling energy masses that are thought to bring about positive energy and vibes. Sedona has four main energy vortexes and everyone we talked to seemed to really believe in their effects. I was skeptical. But we set out for the hiking trails to see these vortexes for ourselves!
The first hike we embarked on was a trail that led to the Boynton Canyon Vortex (pictured above). The hike itself was beautiful and full of majestic scenes.
When we reached the Boynton Canyon vortex we took in the incredible views of vast red rocks and valleys. Around the vortex area was a man passing out hearts made out of carved red rocks. He explained that he passed out these hearts to promote a message of love and peace. He climbed to the top of the vortex and sat playing beautiful songs with his flute until the sun began to set. We just sat listening to his songs and slowly more and more people began to gather around him. It was a truly unique and Sedona-like experience.
Our second full day in Sedona we decided to venture a little outside the town and pay a visit to the Montezuma Castle. The castle is a preserved cliff dwelling built by the Sinagua people who are thought to be ancestors to several Hopi clans. Fun fact: we learned that the monument's name is historically inaccurate. It turns out Montezuma was a famous Aztec emperor and he had nothing to do with these cliff dwellings!
The monument itself is far away and can't really be seen from the inside. However, to just stand and observe this construction of ancient human invention was fascinating. Surrounding the monument were these massive Sycamore trees whose trunks looked as if someone painted them on. I couldn't resist snapping a few pics, shown below.
The monument itself is far away and can't really be seen from the inside. However, to just stand and observe this construction of ancient human invention was fascinating. Surrounding the monument were these massive Sycamore trees whose trunks looked as if someone painted them on. I couldn't resist snapping a few pics, shown below.
That concluded our trip in Sedona. I must say, Sedona is a truly magical place. By the end of our stay I felt a peace and serenity I didn't feel in any other place we had visited. Maybe there is something to the energy of the vortexes after all! All I know is if I had to pick my favorite place from this entire vacation it would have to be Sedona.
The next day we woke up early to start driving towards Zion National Park in Utah. On our way, however, we decided to stop off at Antelope Canyon in Page, AZ. This stop was well worth the detour. Antelope Canyon is other-worldly and unlike anything I've ever seen.
The next day we woke up early to start driving towards Zion National Park in Utah. On our way, however, we decided to stop off at Antelope Canyon in Page, AZ. This stop was well worth the detour. Antelope Canyon is other-worldly and unlike anything I've ever seen.
We visited lower Antelope Canyon, which according to several people seemed to be a better option than the upper Antelope Canyon. I also highly recommend stopping by Horseshoe Bend before or after visiting Antelope Canyon. We didn't get the chance, but it is a very iconic and beautiful meander of the Colorado River and just a 10-20 min drive from lower Antelope Canyon.
Next stop is Zion National Park in Utah!
Stay tuned & never stop exploring,
-Wander Girl Aliya
Stay tuned & never stop exploring,
-Wander Girl Aliya