Sedona
Before leaving Flagstaff we wanted to spend a day in Sedona so we tried to leave early so we'd have plenty of exploring time. But 11 AM rolled around quickly so we got off to a late start. We drove south on 89A through Oak Creek Canyon and stopped at Slide Rock State Park. The rocks are wonderfully red and there was enough water flowing, even after 6 years of drought, that kids were sliding down the rocks and landing in pools of icy clear water to swim. We walked along the creek and then continued on 89 to Sedona.
There are several spots where you come around a curve and go "ahhhhh"....because it is so lovely. The road descends quickly from Flagstaff so there are lots of curves and switchbacks; not a road recommended for motorhomes although we did see a few. We stopped in Sedona for lunch, Mexican restaurant where it took forever to get our meal but it was pretty good. I had Red Rock Enchiladas--Cheese and Avocado stuffed taco with a "substantial" enchilada sauce. Yum!
I'm totally turned off by the touristy aspect of many towns but we did stop at a special shop to buy some birthday gifts for family. (Can't say what because they might read it here!).
We left via 179 which gave us great views of some of the "rocks". Awesome country tucked away and inhabited by thousands of tourists! Imagine being the first people to find an area like this...in the midst of desert and ponderosa pine country.