This was our first vacation without kids and not at a hotel or resort, and we were excited! It was February when we flew from New Jersey to Las Vegas and picked up our campervan, Scotty, from Escapes Campervan. We had a full tank of gas, our itinerary, and open road ahead of us. At least after our stop at the local Walmart to pick up some essentials Jim Beam, water, and food.
IN THIS POST
- Oatman, Arizona: The Town That Would Never Die
- 2 Nights in Sedona: Day 1
- 2 Nights in Sedona: Day 2
- Page, Arizona: An introduction to the Colorado River & Antelope Canyon
- Grand Canyon National Park
- Route 66
Oatman, Arizona: The Town That Would Never Die
After the first 117 miles we arrived at our first stop Oatman, AZ dubbed the “Town That Would Never Die”. Located in the Black Mountains, Oatman became a mining town in 1915 when $10 million in gold was stuck. Within a year the town’s population grew to 3500! Far more than the most recent census which accounted for a population of 128 strong.
Cherisse and I parked Scotty and strolled through the street. The first thing we noticed was the many burros roaming the street. Looking closer, we saw other visitors were feeding the burros. If you stop you have to purchase a treat from one of the stores to feed the burros too!
Although, the mining is gone there’s still remnants of the past such as the descendant burros that were left by the prospectors that roam the streets looking to eat carrots from the tourists! Even after the mines dried up Oatman didn’t. Oatman continued to prosper due to it’s location bringing Old Route 66 through the center of town!
One of the greatest drives of Old Route 66 in Arizona is the east entrance to Oatman, Sitgreaves Pass! The road is tight, a 18 inch “wall” on the cliff, and several rusted cars that didn’t make the pass.
However, the drive is famous. Have you’ve ever seen the first Pixar Car’s movie? When Lighting McQueen and Sally drive out of Radiator Springs on a road that moves with the mountains that is Sitgreaves Pass! The road dates back to the beginning of cars traveling West to California. Due to it’s incline and treacherous curves locals would charge to drive travelers up the road. Why? Because the only gear that would work was reverse. Yikes!
Leaving Oatman we stopped at a lookout after one assent to take a couple of pictures. We were able to catch another traveler driving the Pass in his classic VW van! He stopped at the overlook as well. Which gave us a chance to talk with him and check out his van. Pretty cool to see Fillmore, from Cars, on 66!
It’s awesome to connect with people outside of the daily grind enjoying their passions and interests.
Our next photo stop on Old 66 prior to our final destination of Sedona was Cool Springs! A 1920’s era gas station that was left obsolete when Route 66 was bypassed. Eventually it was abandoned in 1964. In looking closely to the stones you’ll notice some with a whitish color which are the original stones. As the original building was blown up for the 1991 movie Universal Soldier. However, a real estate agent from Chicago, Ned Leuchtner, bought it and restored it to it’s original beauty in 2004!
On wards to our next destination, Sedona!
2 Nights in Sedona – Day 1
We arrived in Sedona within complete darkness. Sedona is recognized as a International Dark Sky Community and the sun had set 2 hours earlier. When we called for a late check-in at our original RV Park we discovered they do not allow extension cords. Thus, Cherisse would have no space heater. Instead we found a hotel room for the night and would seek out another option in the morning.
The next morning brought excitement for our first hiking experience outside of the trails in New Jersey! Also, finding a camping destination for the next two nights.
Our first trail that I had on the itinerary was Robber’s Roost. Listed as Moderate on the AllTrails app. Being only 3 miles out and back it seemed like an easy warm-up to our trip. We drove to the trailhead, which coming from the Northeast was quite different then back home. As we turned off Highway 89A onto a dirt road we were welcomed to a sign from BLM land. Informing us that camping is limited to 14 consecutive nights BUT nothing saying “Robber’s Roost trailhead”…strange. We drove down the dirt road with the sound of our food supplies in the back of the van falling over from each divot the vans tire fell into. Passing a couple of camping trailers and two miles of a slow drive we made it to the trailhead. Here we left the van and journeyed out by foot.
We walked about two miles up the dirt, and rocky, road. When we met the trail on the right which continued down hill before the nominal accent. Along the way we found some pools that led us off path but we had to check out. Returning to the trail we made it to the plateau that had stellar views of the valley! Being completely alone left me with an awesome feeling of peacefulness.
After taking in the views we were back to using the AllTrails app to find this elusive “Roost”. Making our way from the right side of the plateau to the left we found the way to the “Roost”. Then unbeknownst to us a single hiker came from around the side of where it was. He said “the view was pretty awesome! Just hug the wall and keep one foot in front of the other”. Telling this to me, someone who shivers from heights, was very nerving. Our first hike outside of New Jersey I learned Adidas Cloudfoam sneakers are NOT hiking shoes! So I waited behind as Cherisse walked around the side to the Roost to snag some pictures.
After completing our first trail, well one of us, we headed to the next challenge Cathedral Rock. Cathedral Rock only 1.2 miles but is listed as hard. Why? Although, it is a short walk the hard part is it being completely vertical shimming up a crack to reach the top. However, guess who didn’t wear, or bring, the right shoes for this adventure as well? You got it! I was once again left looking up as many of the other hikers were climbing down. So instead we found a trail that was flat that led around Cathedral Rock. Which satisfied us for a bit and allowed us to soak up some more views of the Sedona landscape.
For the next two nights we were fortunate to secure a spot at Rancho Sedona RV Park. Located in the middle of downtown Sedona right next to Oak Creek. During check-in we learned of the best place to see a sunset, Airport Mesa. We quickly found our camp site and made our gourmet dinner. After we headed to out to see one of the most beautiful sunsets over this magical oasis of a city.
After we took in all of our successes and failures. Remember the shoes? We finished our first day in delight of being able to accomplish what we did. While learning what our current level of limits are. We returned to Rancho Sedona RV Park and finish our evening playing Uno and drinking bourbon. Here’s to tomorrow!
2 Nights in Sedona – Day 2
The next day we loaded up on an amazing breakfast of protein and carbs at Red Rock Cafe. That included a freshly made 5 pound cinnamon roll, YES 5 POUNDS of yumminess! After that delicious breakfast we were ready to work off some of those calories. We hopped into Scotty and drove to the trails we had listed.
First trail we had our sights on was Devil’s Bridge. Devil’s Bridge is the largest natural sandstone arch located in Sedona!
The trail to the assent is a flat road that is perfect for four wheel drive high clearance vehicles. However, we parked, with many others, by the main road and walked to the trailhead. The total trail is just over 4 miles so there’s not much you need outside of a bottle of water.
As we made it to the trailhead the accent offered sites along the way. Eventually the views opened to expansive vistas of the valley that cuts through the red rock. It was 68 degrees in February which made the hike very pleasing. I would highly recommend this time of the year!
Again, going up the steps I was reminded that CloudFoam sneakers are comfortable but don’t give any traction. I pressed on through the narrow climb carefully ensuring each step was the most secured for these shoes. Making it to the top, we were with the other trekkers who made it to the picturesque view of Devil’s Bridge. Everyone was lining up to get their Instagramable shot on the bridge that reaches across a 150ft drop. I found a spot to sit and watch as I tremble when presented with heights. Sitting I had to look away as one girl attempted several handstands trying to get the right picture. I wanted her to get the picture so she could move along.
Reese headed out on the bridge and left me behind to take the picture from my comfort spot. However, she wanted to venture completely to the other side of the bridge to fully accomplish the bridge.
Now that we checked off Devil’s Bridge we were off to our last trail Soldier Pass.
Like many of the trails in Sedona, Soldier Pass is short. Roughly 4 miles making the trails doable for first time hikers. Soldier Pass does not have the elevation gains of Robbers Roost or Devil’s Bridge. Instead the views are filled with vegetation, red rocks, Seven Sacred Pools, and the Kitchen Sink. As we strolled along on our last trail in Sedona we found ourselves in the “vortex” that is Sedona.
This was our last trail, and day, in Sedona for this trip. However, we will be back to conquer all that was left waiting for us to experience. We headed back to the trailhead and hopped into Scotty to drive to Page, AZ for the next days adventure.
Page, Arizona: An introduction to the Colorado River & Antelope Canyon
Our first day in Page, AZ brought a dip in temperature that reminded us we were in February. We started our day with our first “hike” at the awe inspiring Horseshoe Bend. When we arrived at the parking lot there was construction underway. The town was working with the National Park Service to create more parking, marked walkways, and some railings. Keep this in mind as they now charge $10 for parking.
We exited Scotty and made our way to the trailhead. We looked straight at a sandy hill roughly 60ft high needing to be conquered. When we made it to the top with no view just a longer way to go. Continuing our walk down the sand hill the ground started to change. Originally sandy to broken rocky slate that looked unworldly. It give me a heightened sense of watching my footing thinking, the worst, that one of these slabs could break off leading to my eventual fall to the Colorado river.
As we made our way closer to the lookout, ledge, the magnitude that this river has carved through the earth leaving a roughly 1000 foot drop from the flat surface that we were standing on. Seeing the power of nature and realizing the time it took to create this wonder hits home. It shows just how little we are and how little our time is in this world.
After soaking in the grandeur we took some photos while ensuring we didn’t get too close for my comfort level. We than moved on to the next natural sight to be seen in the area Antelope Canyon.
I was first introduced to Antelope Canyon by the famed photographer Peter Lik. Several years ago he had a show, From The Edge, on the Weather Channel. So being in Arizona I was not going to pass this opportunity by. So we booked with Dixie Ellis’ Lower Antelope Tours for our guided tour.
There are several tours, all operated by the Navajo, of Antelope Canyon due to your choice of either Upper or Lower Antelope Canyon. Upper Antelope Canyon is more narrow at the top and wider at the bottom letting less light. While Lower Antelope Canyon is the reverse. Depending on when you visit you should plan for optimal light for the best photography opportunities.
With our amazing guide, Arlo, we headed out to the trailhead. At the trailhead we were met with metal steps and ladders leading down roughly 60 feet into the canyon. As we started our tour through the slot canyon Arlo would point out different formations in the walls. All created flash floods over time while moving our group along.
Not too long into the canyon Arlo asked what type of phone I had. He changed the settings in Pro Mode, and snapped a picture. I was amazed with the colors of the canyon coming alive! The walls were no longer mundane sandstone. No, the walls not lit up in shades of oranges, purples, and reds! The whole canyon we were now moving through was a Peter Lik photo.
As we came to the end of the canyon we were met with another metal ladder that would end this magical journey and return us to world we knew. Entering into that world at the top of those stairs we were met with the bright desert sun. Looking back to the canyon we just left there was little proof that the canyon even existed.
Will we go back? Yes, but with our kids the next time for them to experience this place. However, I, currently, feel as though that they would not appreciate it completely. As what made this so special was Arlo. A Navajo Indian with long hair and spoke slow like a surfer dude. But don’t underestimate him should you have the pleasure to tour with him. As we learned he’s fluent in, if I recall correctly, seven languages. Also, side note. The guides mainly work for tips, so have cash!…especially if it’s Arlo.
We left Page for our next destination the Grand Canyon! Although I was excited for the next part of this once in a lifetime trip I really was amazed with what I learned about myself. I learned that the people we meet while experiencing the places we visit is the blessings of travel. For the remainder of the trip I wish I was able to share a meal and conversation with Arlo to learn more of him, his community, and life in Arizona.
Our next stop was a world wonder and we were excited to see just how Grand it was.
Grand Canyon National Park
We arrived in Grand Canyon National Park from the east entrance along highway 64. Our first stop was at Desert View Watchtower, a stone tower built in 1932 in the style of Ancestral Puebloan towers. Entering the Watchtower we were met with the beautiful murals painted on the walls. We immediately made our way up the circular stairs that hugged the wall of the tower to the observation deck. Once we stepped out onto the observation deck we got our first opportunity to take in the views that we’ve grown up seeing in history books and TV. The vast depth, width, and beauty created by the Colorado over time left me awestruck.
After taking in the views, some selfie’s, and a bathroom break we were off to the next stop to ensure we were able to take in a sunset over the Grand Canyon while stopping at, almost all, the lookout points along the way.
We made it to our recommended lookout, Mather Point, with just enough time to find our way around and get a spot photo bomb free. Although, seeing a sunset over the Grand Canyon is pretty epic we were happy to capture this one on our first night as a snow storm was coming in which would limit our Grand Canyon experience…outside of my shoes. We spent the time looking out into the abyss with the sun highlighting the reds of the canyon cliffs then moving to shade only to enunciate the reds in another turn of the canyon walls. After fifteen minutes the sun put the canyon to sleep setting over the snow covered cliffs to the west and we made our way to our campsite to play another game of Uno.
We spent the next day visiting all the sites that the Grand Canyon Village had to offer. We started at the historical hotel, El Tovar, for breakfast. Their dining room which was laden with dark wood ceiling beams, white tablecloths, waiters in suits, and windows overlooking the sun waking up the canyon it steps you back in time to the early 2000th century.
We then walked down to the Grand Canyon Railroad Depot, built in 1909, to see if we could experience the inside. Unfortunately it was closed so we took time to take pictures of the outside of one of three last remaining log depots in the US! As a result of the temperature dropping we jumped back into our campervan, Scotty, and decided to head out of Grand Canyon Village. We would make our way west back to the desert heat and layover at Lake Mead prior to returning Scotty.
Route 66
On our drive back west we planned to leave I-40 and go a little slower on Route 66. We got off I-40 as soon as we could, just after Ash Fork, AZ, and started another adventure!
Making our way into the town of Seligman we decided to stop for lunch at a classic drive-in, Delgadillo’s Snow Cap. Walking up to the entrance we knew this place was meant for gags as the door had two doorknobs but only one worked. Entering the small counter area to place our order we discovered the walls covered with photos of celebrities, Presidents, and business cards left by travelers from around the globe. We placed our order for their highly rated tacos and two milkshakes and went out to the tables outside. Looking around while eating we discovered many old cars in the back painted with eyes to look like the characters from the movie Cars. Looking back at the street in front of us we were taken back by how little traffic actually drove through the town as we saw only one car every ten minutes on average.
Again, we took some pictures and made our way down the street to a decently crowded gift shop, as a tour bus had stop out front, with an old pickup truck in front with a cut out of Lighting McQueen, of Cars, in the bed. Walking into this old looking gift shop I did not expect the next chance encounter to occur.
I made my way through the gift shop with the other tourists. To which, I found some neat souvenirs but couldn’t help but notice a gentleman walking about greeting all the customers with such effort that one would assume he was the owner of this business.
I made my way over to small talk with him and to ask, as I previously read, if this was the town that inspired Cars. He, Mauricio, proceeded to tell us that his Father-in law, Angel Delgadillo, told John Lasseter, of Pixar, the story of how over 5000 cars a day would travel through the town and then the day I-40 opened the traffic completely stopped “as if someone turned off a faucet”. Over the next 30 minutes Mauricio pulled out photo books showing us pictures and telling us the stories of real people who inspired the characters of Cars. He told us how the fate of Seligman, and Route 66, turned so bad that the town was decommissioned. This meant the roads would not be repaired nor would mail be delivered.
But Angel persevered and although Americans would bypass the town Europeans and Asians would visit to experience the Americana from the past. Angel would then collect their signatures to be able to petition the government to save Route 66, which worked, and Angel would become known as the “guardian angel” of Route 66.
Afterwards, Mauricio continued to tell us that Angel at the young age of 91 he continues to ride his bike to the store where he has a barbershop in the front and continues to give haircuts and shaves for clients. At that moment, while we were standing in the front of the store with Mauricio, Angel walks into the store. We were introduced to him and had the opportunity to talk with him and got a picture in his barber chair. Just as John Lasseter did years prior while learning how to tell this story of a little town and people that were passed by.
We left Seligman learning first hand stories from people who inspired many and kept a small part of Americana alive to be relived again!
We were now done with this part of our journey and looking forward to the adventure to live because, travel is great but you travel differently as you age!
Tell us about the adventure that moved you in the comments!
Leave a Reply