Finding Solitude in the Red Rock Rush

Escaping the Tucson Heat

After checking the weather north of Tucson, I was ready for something cooler! By mid-April, Tucson was already heating up into the mid to high 90s.

I had my sights set on Sedona—one of my favorite places, even though it’s insanely crowded. Like many popular spots, if you get up before sunrise, you can usually enjoy at least half the day to yourself.

Sharing Sedona

I met up with my friend Michelle and her dog Suki (which means “moon” in Japanese), whom I hadn’t seen in... like forever. She happened to be heading that way too, so we decided to connect for the week. It was her first time in Sedona, so I planned a few hikes I thought she’d enjoy. Especially when I’m sharing an adventure with a friend, I don’t mind repeating a trail—it always feels like a brand new experience when you’re not solo.

Finding Pictographs

On our first day, we set out to find a hidden pictograph panel before the forecasted rain rolled in. Later that day, it poured, and with the cooler temperatures, we even saw snow at the higher elevations!

Our dispersed camping spot was perfect—close to some of the best spots around Sedona and far enough out to avoid the downtown crowds.

Bear Mountain Hike

“Wherever you go, there you are”

We tackled some of the area’s popular hikes along with a few, let’s just say, off-route adventures. Ran into Johnny an established local, who took us part way on our intended loop. I had done this loop before, but this time nature had other ideas. Who knew an entire streambed could be so choked with blowdown most of the way to another dry wash? Thankfully, that one was clear of broken trees and overgrown brush. And thankfully, Michelle could still laugh about it all at the end of the day!