An overnight trip to Flagstaff and Sedona gives you the best of both worlds: time to explore the scenic trails and unique shops by day, and the chance to experience Sedona’s famous star-filled skies and peaceful desert quiet by night.
A truly magical place.
Trips to Sedona are certainly nothing new for us. And I know I’ve shared many here, but this summer has been a little different.
We have taken to time midweek to do some light hiking and exploring in Flagstaff and Sedona and enjoy overnight stays at Los Abrigados Resort and Spa.
This post will definitely not be any recommendations for the thrill-seeking rock climbers or Jeepers.
But just the ultimate relaxing overnight getaway to refresh the mind, body and spirit.
Here are a few of the things we did and recommend.
Fort Tuthill County Park, Flagstaff
Flagstaff is less than two hours north of our home and five thousand feet higher in altitude.
So in my book, that makes it the perfect place to visit in the summer and to avoid in the winter.
On a very warm Thursday, hub and I took a drive to Flagstaff, had a hearty lunch and then looked for a nice, gentle and shady place for a hike.
Hiking in the mountains is always my ultimate destination, but on this trip, we had decided to drive south to Sedona to spend the night, so Fort Tuthill, on the south side of Flagstaff, was the perfect place for an afternoon hike.
We had visited the area before and were familiar with what it has to offer.
Not for us, but for three giant busloads of teenagers, the Flagstaff Extreme Adventure Course was busy, but the rest of the park was almost completely empty.
We literally had the trail to ourselves. It was so peaceful to be among the majestic Ponderosa pines.
Los Abrigados Resort & Spa, Sedona
From there, we drove the back way, avoiding busy I-17 through Oak Creek Canyon. Again, a Thursday trip after local schools are back in session meant that there was very little traffic and just a splendid drive.
We ended our day at Los Abrigados. It is part of the Hilton time share properties, but by booking through a third party, such as Hotels.com, a stay can be had for a dynamite price.
I have visited this property many, many times, because it’s accessible from Tlaquepaque and sits on Oak Creek with the most beautiful and peaceful setting.
But this time we didn’t have to get in our car and go home.
We ended up returning for a similar visit the next week and spent more time on the resort property.
While at the resort, we took advantage of gentle walking paths, a pickleball match and a dip in the pool and hot tub.
We ate lunch at the onsite restaurant, but the unit is a fully-contained apartment with a kitchen, so we brought food for a light dinner and breakfast the next day.
The view from our second-floor balcony was so spectacular that we spent every possible moment soaking it in.
Yes, that is really what we saw from the hotel!
The monsoons didn’t grace us with any moisture, but they did close down the pool for several hours during each visit with lightning scares.
Tlaquepaque
Since the resort abuts Tlaquepaque, it was easy to walk around the shops and make a visit to Oak Creek Brewery for happy hour on one visit.
I never get tired of visiting there, even after all these years!
There is now an under-the-street walkway next to Oak Creek to access Tlaquepaque North across the busy highway.
Fay Canyon Trail
On our second trip to Sedona, John found a shady and short hike on the Fay Canyon Trail.
It’s a short 2 1/2 mile round trip hike in mostly shade. However, since the temps were right at 100° mark, we cut the hike a bit short.
The colors and scenery did not disappoint and we will certainly be returning.
This trail sits at the south end of town and requires a Red Rock pass to park. If you hold a National Parks pass, that works.
We only saw two other pair of hikers while we were out. So glad we had a giant bottle of water!
Wrap Up
If you’re looking for the ultimate relaxing way to enjoy Arizona’s beauty, I hope this gives you some ideas.
If you don’t live here, come visit!
Or, better yet, send us pictures of your favorite short getaway spots.
Thank you for joining me in this little bit of Heaven and I pray God graces you over this long weekend.