Take the long way home.

January 26, 2014: Take the long way home: Flagstaff to Sedona – State Route 89A.

After a trip to Flagstaff yesterday to celebrate the birthdays of my sister’s 2-year-old twin grand babies, my sis and I are ready for the return trip to Phoenix.  Rather than taking the straight shot back down I-17, we decide on the scenic route home – or “the long way home”.  Here’s a sneak peek.

Oak Creek Canyon.

We say our goodbyes to the family and drive a short distance where we pick up State Route 89A and turn south.  In a matter of minutes we drop down out of Flagstaff and enter into Oak Creek Canyon which is located within the Coconino National Forest.  Situated along the Mogollon Rim, Oak Creek Canyon is a river gorge that lies between Flagstaff and Sedona.  We wind our way down through the hairpin turns and are met by beautiful views around every curve.  There are campgrounds, lodges, and picnic areas dotted throughout the canyon as we descend.    

Slide Rock State Park.

A few miles into the canyon we come to Slide Rock State Park named after the famous stretch of slippery creek bottom adjacent to an old homestead. This is a very popular place during the summer where adventurous visitors partake in the joys of nature and slide down a slick natural water chute in Oak Creek.  Those less adventurous wade and sun along the creek.

Roadside shopping.

Around a curve we happen upon a roadside market where people from the Navajo Nation are selling beautiful handcrafted jewelry, hair ornaments, dream catchers, Christmas ornaments, and more.

Some fun braclets and hair clips for the young ladies.

We wander up and down the tables before a pair of earrings catch my eye.  This is just what I’ve been looking for.  Purchase made, off we go down the canyon.    

Rollin’ down the highway.

The mountains are gorgeous!  We’re rollin’ down the highway and I snap a few pictures along the way.

 Midgley Bridge.

Snaking our way down through the canyon we come to Midgley Bridge where we find a pull out that will accommodate a dozen cars or so.  Trailheads and several easily accessible scenic overlooks are steps away from the parking area.

A view into the box canyon.

Beautiful red rock formations beyond the box canyon.

A lovely view down the gorge.  In the distance you can see Sedona nestled at the base of the canyon.

Looking back up the trail toward Midgley Bridge from the gorge overlook.

More gorgeous views of the area.

Sedona: “Red Rock Country”.

Back in the car we continue down through the gorge.  The Oak Creek Canyon – Sedona area is a popular tourist destination in Arizona, second only to the Grand Canyon.  It is easy to see why people are drawn to this area filled with gorgeous red rock mountains and unusual rock formations.

Round and around the roundabout we go!

As we enter Sedona, my sister mentions a chapel on a hill that we should stop to see.  We’re hoping to simply venture upon it as we drive through town.  What are the chances?  As we enter a roundabout there’s a sign for Chapel Road.  Now, that makes sense!  Around the roundabout we go!  Only a few blocks up the hill we arrive at the lower parking area to this stunning view.

Chapel of the Holy Cross.

The Mystic Hills surround the chapel.  There are spectacular red rock formations soaring above the chapel.  Breathtaking beautiful. 

A little history of the chapel.

The Chapel of the Holy Cross was a gift from Marguerite Brunswig Staude.  She was a sculptress, philanthropist, and devout Catholic, and believed the Chapel of the Holy Cross was her greatest artistic achievement and the fulfillment of her life's mission.  The chapel was dedicated in 1957.

Inside the chapel.

As we enter the chapel we are immediately drawn to the simple lines of the alter and the lovely view that lies beyond.

Stations of the cross line the perimeter of the chapel.  The Roman numerals of each station are created with spikes as a remembrance of Christ being nailed to the cross.

Head of Christ in granite from cathedral in Chartres, France.

As we leave the chapel and descend the hill I take a few more pictures.  If you look really close you can see a bird’s nest in the cactus of the first picture.  

Down around and homeward bound.

Back down Chapel Road and around the roundabout and we head south toward home.  What a fun day with my big sister.  We need more of these!  Until next time – be safe.