We decided to drive to Sedona for lunch. According to the map, Sedona is 23 miles to the south of Flagstaff, along Route 89A. What we did not realize was that the drive would be more memorable than Sedona could ever hope to be. The drive began innocently enough, as we gradually began to drop in elevation from where we started at 6,900 in Flagstaff. Within a few miles, everything changed as we descended into Oak Creek Canyon, with nail-biting switchbacks, dramatic rock formations, narrow canyon walls, and stunning red cliffs. The road was so curvy that twice we almost ran into the back of our own car!
The drive along the canyon floor did not disappoint. The area is lush with natural springs and towering trees, and is teeming with outdoor opportunities. It seemed that all of Arizona was out to play. The parking lots, campgrounds, and pull-offs were packed with cars, yet it still seemed uncrowded and pristine. Hiking, fishing, camping, biking - what a fantastic playground!
Sedona itself was quaint, yet touristy. Highway 89 is the only way into Sedona from the north, and on this sunny Sunday afternoon, it was lined bumper-to-bumper for the entire stretch of the walkable downtown, locally known as Uptown Sedona or the Main Street District. There are wide sidewalks, and outdoor dining, but no real opportunity to actually park and walk. Ron and I somehow spotted a carry-out, and enjoyed a pleasant lunch at an outdoor picnic table. While returning to the car, we strolled into a shop, and ended up adding to our Hummel collection with this plate, hand-painted in Germany!
Despite the heavy traffic in Sedona, it was still a beautiful day, and the drive back to Flagstaff did not disappoint. Rand-McNally got it right when it named Highway 89’s panoramic path between Sedona and Flagstaff through Oak Creek Canyon one of the most beautiful drives in America.
Car Talk
69 miles
Driving Time: 2 hours, 46 minutes
Average mileage: 31.7 mpg
Average speed: 25 mph
Total distance: 3,141 miles
Total car washes to date: 2 (some of you will understand)
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