Ever since we visited Yellowstone we have been craving another US. National Park vacation. We had some time available after Christmas so I started the search for where to go next. We had one request, nothing super cold. We wanted to truly enjoy the scenery without the snow covering it up. Plus we planned to hike and snow hiking wasn’t on the list. Arizona quickly moved to the top of our list and then as I found more and more places within the State to visit. We started asking our family. Both sets of our parents decided they wanted to join our crazy family for the adventure. The adventure included staying at a rental in Sedona for 4 days with 2 day trips, one to Page, AZ where we visited Horseshoe Bend and a Slot Canyon. The other day trip was to the Grand Canyon via train. The next 2 days of our trip were spent in Scottsdale, AZ where we enjoyed a lovely resort and some warmer weather for pool time. If you are new here you know we have 3 daughters, now ages 10, 8 and 6. They are active and have told us how much they love the trips where we can go hike and see mountains. If you have children around our kids ages I highly recommend this trip. Just copy and paste, as my good friend says she plans to do. You won’t regret the beautiful views and a soul reset. So here is what we did…
Derek had this wonderful idea of driving from Houston, TX. We looked it up and due to the amount of time we had for the trip (1 week), we felt that it wasn’t a good option for our kids. They would likely need it split up into 2 days of traveling going there and back to make it somewhat enjoyable for all of us. After a little convincing his dad and my step dad to make the road trip with him, it was set. Guys would drive up the day before and the ladies would fly with the children. It was a win win. Guys has some fun stops on the way and spent the night in Truth or Consequences, NM (yes they picked it because of the fun name). They even had a detour through Winslow, AZ so they could stand “on a corner in Winslow, Arizona Such a Fine sight to see It’s a girl, my Lord, in a flatbed Ford Slowin’ down to take a look at me” The perfect guys road trip that we wouldn’t have appreciated. Haha.
Day 1 Travel Day to Sedona
We flew from Houston Hobby to Phoenix about a 2 hour 45 min direct flight. Landed got our rental car an Expedition and then started our drive to Sedona. Sedona is about a 2 hour drive from the airport. We stopped for a delicious breakfast in Scottsdale at Butters Pancakes and Cafe before the long drive. Speaking of the drive, it was an easy ride IMO no crazy ascents or descents fairly flat with lots of cacti to see on the way.
Arriving in Sedona we got out at our first opportunity to see beauty.
Our house rental was the BEST find! I highly recommend this house if you have up 9-10 people on your trip. It was the perfect location, walking distance down the hill to Uptown Sedona, where there are shops and restaurants. Though still felt like we were in the middle of nowhere because it was so quite and the VIEWS. Oh my gosh, stunning. The patio had multiple sitting areas, checkers table, fire table and a hot tub. The house was very modern and updated, I wasn’t scared that my kids were going to break anything though. 4 bedrooms; 1 larger master bedroom with bathroom (shower) and a view, 1 smaller master bedroom with bathroom (shower), 1 small bedroom with full size bed that shared a bathroom with tub with the kids bunk room (3 beds). Full kitchen, living room, dining room. Laundry room was used and needed traveling with kids.
Dinner night 1 we walked to Tlaqupaque Arts and Shopping Village which was about .6 miles from our rental. There are several restaurants and more upscale shops. We ate at Oak Creek Brewery and Grill. It was good, nothing special. We had some hangry kids at this point so quick and easy was the name of the game. Hot tub for the girls to end day 1
Day 2 Horseshoe Bend and Slot Canyon Day
There will be many tour options to choose from in Page. This is something you need to book in advance, I think we booked at least 2 months before. Check busy seasons, I think when we went it was considered “off season” though it was still busy enough that we needed to book in advance. In my research tours to Antelope Canyon were crowded, you could have up to 100 people in your group. I wanted something a little more intimate and found the BEST tour in Page, Arizona (no I’m not getting paid to say that). Horsebend Canyon Slot Tours is a Native Navajo family owned business. The tour takes up to 12 people, ages 6 and up (our youngest barely made it) on an open-air tour truck. We did some off-roading through the family’s property to a Secret Antelope Slot Canyon. This is not Upper or Lower Antelope Canyon but just as stunning. To get to the canyon it’s a short 1 mile walk. Then it’s not but 15-20 minutes or so through the canyon but honestly don’t remember because I just was in awe. You then talk more pictures on the other side of the canyon and turn around and walk back through the way we came in. It was sandy, I preferred wearing my hiking boots. We spent the first half of our 3 hour tour here. We then took a short drive in the off-road truck to Horseshoe Bend. The tour has a private lookout off to the West side of the Bend. Short walk (100 m walk) down some steps as well to the lookout. Also just incredible to see. I didn’t realize the magnitude of the depth down to the river around Horsebend. We took some time here, taking pictures and taking it all in. We then took a short drive back to the tour center.
https://horseshoebendtours.com
Before headed back to Sedona on our 3 hour road trip we stopped for a delicious lunch at Grand Canyon Brewery. Very good! I got a Prickley Pear Mule, 2 thumbs up.
https://www.grandcanyonbrewery.com
Day 3 Sedona Fun for the Day
We started the day having breakfast at the house before our hike. We drove out to Mescal Mountain Trail about 20 minutes away from our rental. We got there around 10am and had no problems finding a parking spot. I would recommend getting there a bit earlier as the trail itself did get busy.
Mescal Mountain Trial to Devils Bridge 2 miles
-Initially easy-moderate and then the last 1/4 mile was climbing up rocks.
-Not the most kid friendly at the end, our kids do like to hike so didn’t complain. The only time I felt nervous was when we were at the top by the Devils Bridge. We never had intentions of having them actually cross the bridge. So we took a quick picture and then made our way back down.
-Definitely pack some snacks and water. We have this off-brand camel back that our kids just love, and winning I don’t have to carry their water.
The weather was so beautiful and we were so glad we had a chance to hike the beautiful 4 mile round trip trail.
Next up was winery time. Definitely a trip for after a hike as opposed to before. Lol We drove about 30 minutes from the trail to Cornville, AZ. Our 1st stop was at Page Springs Cellars. Highly recommend this beautiful spot. Our parents did a tasting in the tasting room, very moody with beautiful leather couches. We opted for taking our wine “to-go” followed by a charcuterie picnic style outside on the property. I’m sure the other patrons in the winery appreciated us taking the kids outside. Nothing like trying to enjoy a date with some loud kids next to you. We enjoyed this winery and then went to the next one, Oak Creek Vineyards and Winery. This one a smaller winery with a good amount of outdoor seating. We each enjoyed a glass outside while the kids had some tablet time:) There are plenty of other wineries to visit, we stopped at 2. Maybe one day we can make it out to the others.
https://www.oakcreekvineyardswine.com
Once we got back into town the ladies and girls shopped in Uptown. Boba stop for the girlies and guys had some hot tub time. This night we got Mexican Food at the Sedona Organic Taco Company Taco truck walking distance from our house. This is where I officially became hooked on Cauliflower Tacos. So good. After dinner more hot-tub time and S’mores for dessert before heading to bed for our early morning.
https://www.sedonaorganictacocompany.com
Day 4 Train Ride to Grand Canyon Day
We left the house at 6:15am for the drive to Williams, AZ (1 hr and 10 minutes from our house). We made a quick McDonald’s stop for breakfast on the way. I booked the train ride when booking the trip 2-3 months before. The options were Coach Class, First Class, Dome and Luxury Class (if you are 16 and up). We agreed on First Class because snacks were included, and we know traveling with fed kids is the way to keep everyone happy. Plus having access to cocktails also is a way to keep everyone happy. Grand Canyon Railway Depot is where you will arrive. Since I booked my tickets online I needed to go in person to get the paper tickets to get on the train. I’m glad we got there when we did, no line. Closer to departure it was more crowded. It was quite cold this day and location as it was further north. Remember packing for low 20s if going in the winter months. They had a little western shootout outside the train before departure that sets the scene for the train ride home. We boarded about 8:10am and train left at 8:30am.
-Ride up 2 hours 40 minutes. First class had pasteries, fruit, water, sodas, hot water for tea or cocoa and coffee. You can also order cocktails.
Once we got to the Grand Canyon we had 3 hours to tour the park. Some of the guests of the train opted to do the bus tours that you could schedule through the Grand Canyon Railway. Not sure what all was included but I’m glad we didn’t book a specific tour. We had the time to explore the park including the shops. This is how we used our time at the park:
- Bought Sandwiches’ and Snacks at the El Tovar gift shop before our hike
- Grabbed the girls their Junior Park Ranger Books at Verkamp’s Visitor Center
- We did the Trail of Time which takes you along the edge of the Grand Canyon. Along the paved trail it takes you through geologic history. The trail to Yavapai Geology Museum is 1.3 miles. There is no fence, just these small rocks along the edge of the trail. Some places I did get nervous with the girls, in those spots we held hands. I’d say overall the trail was easy. No restrooms until you get to Yavapai at the end of the 1.3 miles. Then we headed back the 1.3 miles with the girls completing their Junior Ranger Book activities
- Stopped for a picnic lunch outside of Verkamp’s Visitor Center. There were a few picnic tables that we saw.
- Turned in the Junior Park Ranger books at Verkamp’s. They did a cute park ranger pledge and then got badges.
- Shopped at a few stores before getting back on the train
-Ride back same time (2 hours 40 minutes). First class had a meat and cheese tray, vegetable tray, pretzel balls, juice, hot water for tea or cocoa, sodas, water and coffee. Also cocktails for order. I got 2 themed drinks the Grand Canyon sunset was my fav (think tequila sunrise).
The train ride included entertainment; singer with guitar, man telling jokes and a fun western surprise at the end of the ride.
www.thetrain.com
We got back to the house in time to start dinner. This was NYE for us so we made a steak, potato, asparagus dinner. We also had to start packing up to leave in the morning. Sad day as we really loved the house and Sedona
Day 5 Sedona to Scottsdale
I woke up early to get a run in. A beautiful chilly run through Sedona. Crazy how nice it is running in little to no humidity, not what I’m used to.
On our way out we drove to Chapel of the Holy Cross. We attempted this destination around 4pm one of the other days of our trip, but quickly realized it wasn’t going to happen due to heavy traffic to visit the Chapel. Going in the morning was the way to go. We arrived before 10am and got a parking spot, barely. As we were leaving the parking was difficult. I suggest getting there early. The property was incredibly gorgeous as was the inside of the small Chapel. We lit a candle, said a prayer and just enjoyed the quite. There is a small gift shop under the chapel. We got some beautiful ornaments for ourselves and gifts.
https://chapeloftheholycross.com
The drive to Scottsdale from Sedona was about 2 hours. We made a detour to Old Town Cottonwood to eat lunch and stretch our legs via shopping. We stopped at a delicious restaurant/winery.
We loved staying at a house in Sedona but for Scottsdale we wanted resort vibes. So we booked the Omni Montelucia Scottsdale. We loved loved this property. The weather was fantastic, warmer than the Sedona area. Warm enjoy during the day for the kids to swim and cool at night/morning needing a jacket. We got a Camelback Mountain view room and man was it gorgeous. They have several restaurants on property in addition to poolside service for drinks and food.
https://www.omnihotels.com/hotels/scottsdale-montelucia
Day 6 Old Town Scottsdale and pool time
Breakfast at our resort at Prado, very good and reasonably priced for kids meals.
We drove to Old Town Scottsdale for shopping and lunch. So many fun shops. The girls got lots of goodies. The went a little souvenir crazy on this trip. Lol. We had lunch at Farm and Craft and met my cousin, her fiancé and her new baby. They live in Phoenix so it was so great to see them. Plus baby snuggles are always welcome.
We went back to the resort for pool/hot tub time and pitcher Sangria time 😊 before getting ready for dinner. We went to the Mexican Restaurant on property Taqueria Centro. Good food and even better that we just walked right back to our room.
On property there is also a spa, I would have loved to go but it wasn’t that kind of trip…lol Kids
Also you can hike Camelback mountain. We thought about doing this but after researching more realized it was not very kid friendly and by that point we ran out of time for Derek and I to go by ourselves.
Day 7:
Derek and my step-dad Jeff left at 3am to drive home and we took a 11am flight out of Phoenix only 20 minutes from the resort.
I feel like I say this after every trip recently, but this was one of my favorite vacations! Getting to hike to Devils Bridge, visiting the amazing bucket list spot The Grand Canyon via train, seeing the awe inspiring Slot Canyon and Horseshoe bend, wine tasting, shopping, relaxing in the hot tub at our beautiful house rental in Sedona, prayers at the Chapel of the Holy cross to start the New Year, pool time at the resort and all the delicious food with our kids and both sets of parents. How could that not be a favorite vacation?!?! Taking it all in before planning the next one! Living for this quote “Life is short and the world is wide” Simon Raven
Vlog from our trip https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a268sM0f1tM