So first off, let’s get that convo about the heat out of the way. YES, it was totally hot. 100 degrees on some days! But it wasn’t UNBEARABLE. We were in Phoenix a few days prior and let me tell you, THAT is unbearable. 112 is a lot different than 100. ? I will say, however, next time we visit Sedona, I hope to do it in the Spring or Fall. Can’t imagine how beautiful it would be in those seasons! The landscapes were incredible, I loved the “feel” of this place. They vortexes and mystical energies… it is all new and so interesting to me!
We traveled to Sedona with Clay’s family… 26 people, 13 of those people kids. From what we experienced, Sedona is such a great place to travel with kids! There were so many hikes/streams/trails that you could do with littles joining along. SOO beautiful.
I had a bunch of questions about Sedona being kid friendly and which hikes we did. I will list everything we did below and then a few we didn’t have time to do but think would be great as well! Doesn’t it feel, when traveling with kids, that everything moves in slow motion? ? Seriously, everything takes 10x longer… packing up every time you get in the car, all the gear, all the snacks, all the THINGS… and then finally getting somewhere, finding a potty, having a lunch/snack break, meltdowns about a lost teddy… stuff just takes time. HAHA So with the few days we had, I felt we were able to get a few things checked off our Sedona bucket list, but not EVERYTHING.
Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village
We did a little shopping at the Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village… such a cute shopping center with a south western vibe… lots of beautiful tiles, fountains and places to relax. There are so many shops, most with local art, food and crafts. We stopped at The Chai Spot for a little rest, the balcony ambiance was so fun, lots of pillows and benches to relax… the chai was very different than others I have had, really good!
Aura Reading and Photo
We tried something totally different and had our Auras read! It was such an incredible experience! I got the full print our of my aura reading, an aura photo as well as my chakra reading. Would totally do it again if we go back. We went to the Sacred Elements of Sedona to have ours done. If you go here, ask for Mario… he did such an amazing job explaining everything to a newbie and was also so animated and honest, great experience overall!
Grasshopper Point
This little gem sits on Oak Creek, a beautiful little spot to relax and spend the afternoon! On the day we went, it was a little bit crowded, but I didn’t mind. Seeing people cliff jumping was pretty entertaining. You can take a walk around the area, the stream scene is just so gorgeous. (pictured above and below). The younger kids were able to swim and wade in the water, older kids (and myself ?) jumped the rocks, it was a good time! There is an entrance fee for the parking lot and is cash only… just fyi!
Slide Rock
Slide rock is one of the most popular attractions in Sedona. It looks like such a fun time with natural rock water slides! So cool! But when we drove by, there was a 1 in 1 out line that would have lasted forever. The trick is going in the early morning before the whole crowd gets there!
West Fork Trail
One the first day we got right to… we did the West Fork Trail hike and it was BEAUTIFUL! It followed along a stream, weaving in and out over the water, it was the perfect little hike to take with little ones. (We had 8 kiddos under 5 in tow. ?) The trail continues for 3 miles (6 miles round trip), but we only went about 3/4 mile before we stopped at the stream, let the kids play for a while and then headed back. The trail is said to be one of the top 10 trails in all of the U.S.!
The Vortexes
The vortexes in Sedona are swirling centers of subtle energy coming out from the surface of the earth. The vortex energy is not exactly electricity or magnetism, although it does leave a slight measurable residual magnetism in the places where it is strongest. There are four main energy vortexes in Sedona.** We hiked to one of the vortexes by moonlight and it was a pretty amazing experience. We felt like we were on a treasure hunt, reading the steps as we went… Follow the 11th trail marker, turn right for 4 paces, pass the flat rock center… the kids had so much fun. We sat there for a bit, enjoying the view as the moon rose over the cliffside… Curren slept in the sling on the walk back, it was pretty amazing.
We visited Bell Rock, an easy little jaunt up a dirt trail… very easy for kids and just off the main road. There are 3 other vortexes in Sedona, see map below.
The View from Bell Rock Vortex
Where we stayed
We didn’t stay right in downtown Sedona, nor do I think you need to. We had our whole family with us, we stayed in a little apartment AirBnb away from the family, (easier with napping babies who are up a bit in the night ?). But I am putting the links to both! The place that we hung out at most (where the rest of the fam stayed) was great! The back patio with a little putting green, fountain, jacuzzi, and the most amazing view was so welcoming. The best place to just round up our chairs in the evening and talk for hours.
Our apartment was just down the street from their house, walkable to the grocery store, restaurants, coffee shops etc! It was super clean, modern, the furnishings were new and comfortable, I was in love with the bed! 10/10 for sure!
** vortex def. taken from lovesedona.com
