Quick Links
Arizona is known for its sun and red rock formations, but it also has a deep connection to the first people on the continent of North America. Much remains of these important sites and their natural connection to the land.
Take this one-week road trip to explore Sedona’s vortexes as well as locations like the Grand Canyon to appreciate this beautiful land.
Day 1: Phoenix
Start this trip by arriving in Phoenix to enjoy the sunny all-year-round weather. The city itself is perhaps one of the most underrated cities in the US. It is full of entertainment outlets and cultural significance. Arizona is home to much Native American history and a lot of it can be found in the city of Phoenix.
- Must-Visit - Desert Botanical Garden, South Mountain Park, Papago Park
Cocina Madrigal
Chef Leo Madrigal served as a corporate chef at Z’tejas Grill and has been building menus and serving Mexican food in the city for 30 years. The flavors here are bold and delicious, it is absolutely a must-visit.
- Address - 4044 S 16th St, Phoenix, AZ 85040-1315
- Contact - 602-243-9000
- Cost - $$-$$$
- Must-Try - The Tenderloin Tacos
- Menu
Rusconi's American Kitchen
With a menu that changes with the season Rusconi’s American kitchen provides typical American favorites made from quality ingredients. This is a sophisticated yet accessible and affordable dining experience.
- Address - 10637 N Tatum Blvd, Phoenix, AZ 85028-6088
- Contact - 480-483-0009
- Cost - $$-$$$
- Must-Try - The Wild Blueberry Cheesecake
- Menu
Day 2: Sedona
Sedona has become an oasis for spiritual tourism with the vortexes that surround the city. In conjunction with the stunning landscape, the attraction of the vortexes has brought spas, resorts, and fantastic restaurants to the city.
- Travel Distance - 116 miles, 1 hour 55 minutes
- Google Maps
Dahl & Di Luca Ristorante Italiano
Chef Lisa Dahl offers an excellent fine Italian dining experience. Not only is the food delicious and accessible to many dietary needs, but they also offer a fantastic selection of wines to pair with their dishes.
- Address - 2321 W. Hwy. 89a, Sedona, AZ 86336-5345
- Contact - (928)282-5219
- Cost - $$$$
- Must-Try - Salmone Al Limoncello
- Menu
Coffee Pot Restaurant
Perhaps the greatest breakfast a traveler will ever have and home to the Famous 101 Omelettes, Coffee Pot Restaurant offers traditional favorites and a colorful dining experience.
- Address - 2050 W State Route 89a, Sedona, AZ 86336-5429
- Contact - (928)282-6626
- Cost - $$-$$$
- Must-Try - The Waffle and Turkey Bacon Breakfast
- Menu
Day 3-4: Visit The Vortexes In Sedona
The Vortexes are considered to be centers of energy that swirl up out or down into the earth. They are thought to be conducive to healing, meditation, and self-discovery. The energy pockets draw visitors from all over the world.
History of the Vortexes
The Sinagua Nation, who inhabited the area from 600 to 1400, held the area of Sedona sacred. They would travel into the red rock areas for ceremonial purposes. The landscape and colors of the region are inspiring. Many wish to experience the uplifting sensations of the vortexes for themselves.
Day 3: Airport Mesa
One of the four vortex sites in Sedona, Airport Mesa is close to the city and is popular for its views. Many will hike for exercise and take into the natural wonder of the location. This is the first vortex that travelers should hike, and they should do so on the morning of the third day on this road trip.
- Sedona Airport Loop Trail - (Moderate) 5.1 km () 1 hour 22 minutes, map
- Google maps
Day 3: Cathedral Rock
Considered an up-flow Vortex, meaning the energy of the area is thought to travel up and out of the earth and through its visitors. Cathedral Rock is one of the most popular destinations for those who wish to partake in meditation. This visit should occur on the afternoon of the third day.
Cathedral Rock Trail - (Hard) 1.9 km () 53 minutes, map
Day 4: Bell Rock
Another up-flow vortex and perhaps the most well-known vortex meditation site, Bell Rock is a great way to start off the fourth day of this journey. The hike isn’t overly long, so there will be time for meditation and contemplation at its pinnacle.
- Bell Rock Loop Trail - (Moderate) 2.9 km () 45 minutes, map
- Google Maps
Day 4: Boynton Canyon
The final vortex to be visited during the Sedona leg of this journey is the furthest one from the city of Sedona itself and should be visited on the afternoon of the fourth day. Being further away than the others it offers its own unique remoteness.
- Boynton Canyon Trail - (Moderate) 9.8 km () 2 hours 37 minutes, map
- Google Maps
Day 5-6: Grand Canyon
The Grand Canyon is known for being one of the wonders of the natural world, but for the first people of the region, it represented more than that. Traveling through the Grand Canyon has been long considered a spiritual journey.
- Travel Distance - 236 miles, 4 hours 30 minutes
- Google Map
Day 5: North Rim
A populated location, the North Rim of the Grand Canyon is the perfect location to use as a home base to start this journey off. Travelers can enjoy the local and more easily accessible vistas as they prepare for the next day's hike.
Day 6: Bright Angel Trail
This day is devoted to this journey through the Grand Canyon. This is a challenging route one that is highly recommended for visitors to the canyon. The best time to visit this area is between October and May and travelers should make sure to come prepared and start early as this is a long hike.
- Difficulty - Hard
- Distance - 24.6 km
- Time - 8 hours 9 minutes
- Map
Day 7: Back To Phoenix
With this journey coming to an end, it is time to venture back to Phoenix. Be sure to refresh and enjoy a bit of the city’s comfort before marking the end of this road trip.
- Travel Distance - 350 miles, 6 hours 7 minutes
- Google Maps
- Total Driving Distance - 702 miles
- Total Driving Time - 12 hours 14 minutes
- Route Map