Family fun in the summer at Slide Rock Rock State Park is fantastic but can you go in the winter? Of course! Today we visit the park to check out the stunning red rock scenery blanketed in snow to see what fun is to be found at Oak Creek. Slide Rock State Park's flowing waters in Oak Creek Canyon are the main attraction. A small section of Oak Creek features naturally carved slides that welcome families and guests seeking out a cool reprieve from the summer heat. The property was once owned by the Pendley family - homesteaders who acquired the land under the Homestead Act in 1910. The family planted apple orchards, grew vegetables, and raised livestock. Many of the historic buildings remain there today including the family home, cabins from the 1930s, and the apple packing shed. Guests are welcome to pick the fruit when ripe.

Within the Sedona area is a not-so-hidden or secret cave known as Robber's Roost or Hide Out Cave. Regardless of whether outlaws once used this wind cave as a hideout or not, the views are stunning and worth the hike and effort to find. Deep in the hills of Sedona, Arizona is a (not so) hidden cave that hikers have known about for some time. Being in the American Southwest, Robbers Roost has plenty of legends surrounding its past. One of the most commonly spread stories is that it was a cave area cattle rustlers once used to hide out from the law. Whatever its history, the cave is an amazing find and a welcome find at the end of any hike. The views from inside the cave of the surrounding landscape - mountains and valleys - are stunning. One can even see snow atop the nearby mountains in the winter! The road to the Hide Out Cave is easy to find. Plenty of signs show the way. The road, for the most part, is passable for any regular two-wheel drive vehicle, however, the last 1.2 miles should only be attempted by a 4WD vehicle with high clearance. Rocks and unlevel ground make for rough conditions. There is a parking area for those without 4WD to stop and hike the 1.2 miles to the trailhead though. From the parking area at the trailhead, the trail is only 0.3 miles to the cave. It is easy for the most part except for a short section of narrow trail on the sandstone rock. Those with a fear of heights might not want to proceed but you're almost there!

Sedona, Arizona is well-known for its rusty red rocks that dominate the desert landscape, but is the park named after this beautiful feature the best option for visitors? Today we visit for the first time, hike, and judge for ourselves. Red Rock State Park boasts 286 acre of nature to hike and relax in. Five miles of trails wind throughout the park, in and out of the greenery of juniper trees and other trees. Oak Creek wanders through the preserve providing a water source for animals and creating a lush riparian habitat perfect for cooling off in the shade. Inside the park are numerous overlooks giving the opportunity to view the fantastic rock formations of Cathedral Rock, Napoleon's Tomb, Seven Warriors, and the Three Sisters. A full museum and visitors center offers a variety of special programs for school groups and private groupsas well as a number of daily and weekly park events.

Bell Rock in Sedona, Arizona, is one of the most iconic geographical features of the landscape. It offers excellent hiking, amazing scenic views, and an opportunity for visitors to seek the mystical energy of a vortex. Today we put on our hiking shoes and set out to explore more of Sedona, Arizona and see if we could experience one thing Sedona is well known for - vortexes! We headed out to Bell Rock for a nice morning hike, stopped to take in some amazing views, conducted a few small experiments, talk about some vortex information we found on our research and overall had a really fantastic day! Bell Rock is a popular attraction in Sedona. The roughly 1.5 miles out and back trail is considered a relatively easy hike along the northern face of the butte. While cairns mark the trail, many can be seen climbing up the rock face elsewhere and finding their own personal space. Visitors may climb as high as they feel comfortable; there isn't a bad view anywhere. Vortexes are thought to be an area of concentrated energy where electromagnetic ley lines intersect. It is believed that there are different types of vortexes - feminine, or magnetic/downflow energy, useful for introspective reflection; masculine, or electrical/upflow energy, useful for increasing intentions and resolve; and balanced, which are thought to be a combination of the two. Meditation and self-reflection are often common goals for people visiting Sedona vortexes.

Few roads in Arizona have as much variety in landscape, flora, and recreational activities as State Route 89A. Stretching from Flagstaff to Prescott, segments of this road are considered a must-do for anyone seeking some of the most scenic views found in Arizona outside of the Grand Canyon. Today we decided to hop in the car for a day trip and explore some of this stretch of road that we usually only see passing by. On previous trips on this road, we’re typically returning home from Flagstaff and just opt for the “scenic drive” rather than traveling on I-17. Never have made it a point to take a leisurely drive and stop at some of the overlooks or quaint cabins and markets. With a day off work, we decided to hop in the car for a day trip and explore some of this stretch of road that we usually only see passing by. Our trip began just south of the city of Flagstaff. After turning onto 89A and making our way south, our first new adventure was a pull-off called Oak Creek Vista. This is an absolute must for anyone looking to take in some majestic views of the pines, perhaps stop and have a picnic lunch, or just stretch their legs and take in some fresh air. After having made our way around the short loop trail, we headed back to the car and began our descent towards Oak Creek. This next part is perhaps one of the most fun or white-knuckle parts of the drive depending on your fear level. A series of switchbacks and vertical cliffs loom above as you make your way down in elevation. From here State Route 89A parallels Oak Creek and many campgrounds, trails, and pull-offs can be found. Oak Creek kept teasing us with brief glimpses of the water gently flowing so eventually we had to pull over when we found an opportunity and take a peek. Talk about idyllic! Our next stop is what we consider our greatest find on the trip. Behind this little market cafe, we always passed by is the Butterfly Garden Inn, formerly Don Hoel’s Cabins. A number of wood cabins sit tucked away in the trees and while there we were fortunate to have been given a tour of two unoccupied cabins by an employee. I can say without a doubt that we will be back to check these out in the future. In order to keep up care, maintenance, and protect the land, a Red Rocks Pass is required to park and leave your car unattended and a great number of stops. Thankfully a lot of the markets and centers along the way offer daily, weekly or annual passes. An America the Beautiful Interagency Pass will waive the Red Rocks Pass fee. Just a short stretch later and the red rocks of Sedona appear after rounding a bend. Sedona offers a lot of trails, shopping, and dining that we’ve only ever scratched the surface of. Between the trails, vortexes, Pink Jeep Tours and more one can easily spend an entire day (or two) here.

If you need to escape the stress of day-to-day life, the Butterfly Garden Inn has got you covered. Hidden away deep inside Oak Creek Canyon, this peaceful setting will quiet your mind and lift your spirits. We're back in Sedona! If you watched our video a few weeks back on State Route 89A, you may have noticed our interest in the cabins at the Butterfly Garden Inn in Sedona. Well, we made it back, stayed two nights, and have plenty to say about this amazing place! Located between Sedona and Flagstaff right on State Route 89A, the Butterfly Garden Inn provides quiet, peaceful, and secluded time away from life's hustle and bustle. Twenty-one cabins sit tucked away among the trees in Oak Creek Canyon. Cabins vary in size and amenities; some include kitchens suitable for families and others smaller ones are more intimate and perfect for couples looking for a romantic getaway. The cabins are tastefully decorated, immaculately clean, and include numerous comforts such as hair dryers and Kuerig coffee makers. Cabins with kitchens also include a fridge, microwave, stove/oven, dishes, silverware, cooking utensils as well as pots and pans - everything you might need for your stay! In addition to the amenities in the cabin, numerous hammocks and Adirondack chairs are located throughout the grounds for lounging. Guests also have access to a lounge, picnic tables, playground, and private access to Oak Creek. Cabin rentals require a two-night minimum and deposit. The Butterfly Garden Inn was once known as Don Hoel's Cabins and some of the cabins are said to date back to the 1920s. These are the real deal! During our stay, we found the staff to be incredibly kind and focused on excellent customer service. It was clear that their mission is to make sure guests have a relaxing and memorable stay. We certainly did and have this location down on our list of places we will have to return to again!