Sedona, AZ Bucket List

Sedona, AZ is already a bucket list destination for hikers, photographers, spiritualists, and vanlifers, but what do you do once you get to Sedona? From the crowded trailheads, to the must-see Uptown Sedona, this is everything you need to do and see in Sedona, AZ.

What to know before you go…

The best time of year to visit Sedona, according to the weather, is between October and April, but the best time of year to visit according to the crowds is in the summer. Sedona is located in Northern Arizona, so it gets really hot in the summer, making it almost impossible to hike. In the winter, though, the crowds make it so that you need to choose a hike the night before, and get there first thing in the morning in order to find a parking spot that allows you to actually hike.

Most hikes in Sedona that aren’t affiliated with a state park are dog friendly, so feel free to bring your furry friend along!

On the Soldier’s Pass Trail

Visiting Sedona Vortexes

Sedona is a highly spiritual location full of energy Vortexes. These are natural spaces that are known to be super energetically charged, so much so that spiritual people can feel an energy shift while they are near them. You can recognize them by the swirly “vortex trees,” and they’re often found at the top of hikes like Cathedral Rock and Boynton Canyon.

At the Boynton Canyon Mesa

Hikes You Should Do

Sedona is known for hiking. This is the main thing we do whenever we visit Sedona, and there are so many trails, I definitely haven’t hiked even close to all of them. These are my favorites for first time visitors, though, so that you get the best experience.

Devils Bridge: 4 miles RT, easy-moderate. Devils Bridge takes you to the famous bridge arch formation, where you can get your perfect picture. The trail starts on a 4x4 dirt road, and eventually climbs to the viewpoint. Be careful on the bridge though—it’s narrow!

Devils Bridge Trail

Cathedral Rock: 1.2 miles RT, moderate-difficult. Cathedral Rock is a straight ascent of about 700 feet up to a beautiful viewpoint and spiritual vortex. This hike involves some heavy rock scrambling, and I highly recommend going in real hiking boots.

Solider’s Pass Trail and Seven Sacred Pools: as long as you want it to be, easy-moderate. The Seven Sacred Pools are an easy .25 miles from the trailhead, but if you want to go to Soldier’s Pass or the nearby caves, you’ll be doing about a 4 mile hike. We liked returning by walking the 4x4 road to avoid crowds going to the Seven Sacred Pools from Jordan Pond.

The Birthing Cave: 2 miles RT, moderate. This cave trail is easy until it reaches a steep ascent during the last .25 miles to the top. Traditionally, Hopi women came here to give birth, which is part of how it got its name (the other reason being its yonic shape). This is a very busy trail, so be prepared for crowds, and if you want a picture perfect scene for the ‘gram, get there early!

Cathedral Rock Trail

Healthy Hippie Bites

Sedona is a true hippie town full of amazing plant based food. These are my favorite spots for any meal, any time of day.

ChocolaTree: If you’re looking for amazing lunch or dinner food, ChocolaTree has you covered for vegetarian food. With options for any budget and diet, including raw vegan, you’ll love this organic eatery. My favorite thing to order at ChocolaTree is the Mushroom Fantasy.

Local Juicery: If you’re looking for a quick bite for lunch, Local Juicery is an amazing choice. From smoothies and juices, to easy on-the-go meals, this is the place to stop for any food you’re craving. My favorite thing to order here is the Avocado Toast.

Berry Devine: For anyone trying to cool off after a hike, Berry Devine has got you covered. This acai bowl place carries organic acai soft serve perfect for quenching any thirst. My favorite thing to order here is the Vortex Bowl with agave instead of honey and vegan granola.

At a Vortex just after sunrise

Visit Uptown

Shopping, believe it or not, is another thing you have to do in Sedona. But not just any shopping: crystal shopping. Sedona’s Uptown is their version of downtown, with shops after shops, and restaurants you won’t find anywhere else. Aside from the clothes and art galleries, you’ll find endless metaphysical shops in Uptown, and these are the perfect spots to buy crystals and other spiritual goodies during your trip. My favorite metaphysical shop in Uptown is called the Center For New Age, a shop where the spiritual energy is high, and you’ll find the most genuine crystals in town. They also have affordable incense, a spiritual bookshop, and a vortex at the back of the store.

Sedona, AZ is one of my favorite places in the US, and as a spiritualist, it’s a must see for anyone who connects to the energy of the universe. Even if you’re skeptical, no one can doubt that the hikes here are incredible, and there’s no chance that there is a more beautiful desert town in the Southwest.

Live in a van? Check out last year’s Vanlife Guide to Sedona at the link below!

Beautiful Destinations for Beginner Vanlifers

Vanlife is becoming the newest movement, and with so many people embracing the nomadic lifestyle, there are more visitors than ever to a lot of the most popular places in the US. While places like Yosemite, Yellowstone, the Grand Canyon, and Glacier National Park, are incredible, when you drive a large vehicle, these places aren’t as accessible as we might like them to be. However, there are lots of places in the country that are super accessible to vanlifers, and are must see’s when it comes to getting out and exploring the country for the first time. These are my favorites for when you first hit the road.

Sedona, AZ

Sedona is a vanlife hotspot that everybody already knows about. It’s not a secret destination, but it is incredibly van friendly, and the locals are welcoming to vanlifers. There’s Forest Road to camp along, free water fillups in town, and three major grocery stores to shop at. Not to mention, the endless hiking trails, beautiful scenery, and good plant based food. This is an area that people travel to every year, whether they live in a van or not, and the accessibility of the things to do, great places to sleep, and easy ways to stock up on supplies makes it a great choice for beginners.

Cons: The trailhead parking lots are super small, so if you live in a big vehicle like me, you might have trouble parking at some of the most popular trails.

Learn more about Sedona in last year’s blog post: A Vanlife Guide to Sedona

Joshua Tree National Park, CA

National Parks are notoriously inaccessible, but Joshua Tree is a small exception. This beautiful National Park has large vehicle accessible parking, lots to see, do, and hike, stunning desert scenery, and nearby BLM land to park on, on both the South and North ends of the park. You can also fill up water in all bathrooms with running water, both on the South side of the park at the Cottonwood Visitor Center, and the North Entrance Station.

Cons: Joshua Tree is not dog friendly. While your dog can accompany you into the park, they are only allowed in the picnic areas, and not on any of the trails.

Bend, OR

Bend is easily one of my favorite places to be in the country. Aside from the adorable downtown, dog friendly trails, and nearby free camping in the Deschutes National Forest, this is truly a vanlife hotspot all year long. It’s even the site of one of the largest annual vanlife meetups, Descend on Bend. This is a super van friendly city where the locals know that vanlifers love to pass through. You’re allowed to park overnight on the streets in the city, too, if you don’t feel like driving out to the National Forest.

Cons: It is a larger city, which makes it a bit harder to navigate in a van. Be prepared for skinny dirt roads to get to camp, and busy highways to get into town for groceries.

Top 4 Most Spiritual Places in the US

Since college, I’ve been what some might call “into spirituality,” and in my travels around the US, I’ve come across quite a few places where the energy is high, and it’s exceptionally easy to connect to the earth. These are places full of local legends, spiritual awakenings, and metaphysical connections, and I love coming across places like these when I’m traveling, so I decided to compile a list of my favorites so far, so if you’re looking to get away from it all, one of these places might be for you.

(I’ll likely create more of these later on, as I explore more places around the world. This piece is centered around the Continental US)

Joshua Tree, CA

1: Sedona, AZ

There’s no question Sedona had to be on this list. Sedona is known as a spiritual vortex—a place where the spiritual energy is high, and healing is possible. Sedona has many points that are specifically known as Vortexes, and these areas are known to help aid in meditation and self exploration. You’ll also find spots like metaphysical shops and health food restaurants in town for the full experience. The people of Sedona are as interesting as the land, and you might just run into people selling sage (but please don’t buy from anyone who isn’t of Native ancestry), meditating, doing yoga, or handing out Sedona heart rocks.

Some of the most powerful places in Sedona for experiencing the Vortex magic are:

·       Boynton Canyon

·       Cathedral Rock

·       Airport Mesa

·       Bell Rock

Sedona is a great place to ground yourself, be one with the desert, and spend some time under the stars, and if you’re not into spirituality, it’s worth going just for the views.

Sedona is located on Honanki and Palatki land and you can visit the ruins of their old dwellings during a visit.

Learn more about Sedona, AZ here:

Cathedral Rock Hike, Sedona, AZ

2: Devils Tower, WY

Devils Tower is most recognizable from its movie role in Close Encounters of the Third Kind, and while you (likely) won’t run into any extraterrestrials at this famous National Monument in Wyoming, you might find yourself connecting to the earth a little more than usual here. And the good news is, the devil is no where to be found either. Most importantly, Devils Tower is a Native American holy site, known to the Cheyenne as Bear Lodge. Other tribes such as the Mandan and Arapaho refer to it as Bear’s Hat and Bear’s Tipi respectively, and many Native Americans have used it as a site for ceremonies and rituals for centuries.

As this is a holy site for Native peoples, it is important to respect that during your visit. Do hike around the tower and appreciate its beauty and energy, but don’t touch prayer flags and other holy objects left around the tower.

Learn more about Devils Tower here:

Devils Tower National Monument, WY

3: Mount Shasta, CA

Mount Shasta is an incredible site to see, but it’s also one of the most significant spiritual centers in the world. Many spiritualists know Mount Shasta as Mother Earth’s root chakra, and some connect it with legends of ancient Lumeria, whose people supposedly live beneath the mountain today, waiting for the earth to experience a spiritual awakening. Many people flock to Mount Shasta to experience growth, healing, and finding their life’s purpose, and when we went to fill up water at a local spring, there was talk from locals about it being the water of the gods. The energy is strong here, and in town, you’ll find plenty of metaphysical and crystal shops to explore.

Mount Shasta is also home to many legends from Native tribes, including the Shasta, Wintu, and Modoc tribes just to name a few.

If you aren’t sure about spirituality, don’t fret, Mount Shasta is still worth the visit, and a dip in Lake Siskiyou can’t be beat.

Hiking in Mount Shasta, CA

4: Joshua Tree, CA

My first trip to Joshua Tree was in 2018, and if you’ve been following along for a while, you’ll know that it’s one of my favorite places in California. On our way to that trip, a friend of mine said “there’s a special desert magic in Joshua Tree,” and she was right! From the dark sky zone level stars, to the silhouettes of Joshua Trees in the sunrise light, there truly is magic here. On top of that, this National Park actually does have its own vortices, just like Sedona, and is known for spiritual and healing retreats.

I personally love to visit Joshua Tree for the solitude, the rock scrambling, and that old desert magic, but it’s not uncommon to find yoga and meditation retreats here.

Joshua Tree is located on Serrano, Mojave, Cahuilla, and Chemehuevi land.

Learn more about Joshua Tree here:

Secret view in Joshua Tree National Park, CA

Honorable Mentions:

·       Moab, UT

·       Great Sand Dunes National Park, CO

·       Mount Hood, OR

Spirituality can mean something different to everyone, but when it comes to finding places with strong energy that allow for the best connection to the earth, you can’t go wrong with these. So whether you’re just looking to get away from it all, or maybe plan a retreat for people looking to heal, these spots should be on your list. (And if you’re just a traveler looking for adventure, you can’t go wrong with a visit here either!)

Where To Go As a First Time Visitor: West

PART TWO

Last week I started a new series to help people venturing out west for the first time decide where exactly they should visit in each state or region. This week, we’re heading a little further from the coast, and visiting three of the most underrated western states. So, pack your car, and get ready to drive, these spots are about to change your whole view of the west.

Sawtooth Mountains, ID

Idaho: Sawtooth Mountains

I have heard from other travelers that Idaho is only okay, but in my opinion, it is a place that needs to be on everyone’s bucket list, and here’s why: The Sawtooths. The Sawtooth Mountains are some of the most unique peaks in the Rockies, and they’re home to countless lakes, and some of the most expansive landscapes I’ve seen in this part of the country. There are tons of boondocking spots nearby, and the town of Stanley is adorable. There are even opportunities for you to go rafting or rent kayaks when in town. Even the park has beautiful views, and the hiking and backpacking in the mountains in unmatched.

Things to do:

Backpack to Sawtooth Lake

Kayak on Pettit Lake

Go find a hot spring

Idaho is the best hidden gem out west, so seriously, don’t knock it ‘til you hit the Sawtooths for the first time.

Nevada: Valley of Fire State Park

Nevada to me is the gateway to the Southwest from California, where I grew up. It is the first place to find red rocks, and one of the most underrated deserts in the country. I’ve picked Valley of Fire State Park as my first destination for people visiting Nevada because it’s beautiful, it’s a great way to see some of the state’s most beautiful landscapes, it’s fairly close to places like Vegas, and it has its own campground. It’s also very close to Lake Mead, which you can hit if you’re on your way to Arizona from here.

Things to do:

Drive the scenic road

Find some Petroglyphs (I like AtlAtl Rock for this)

Go on a hike (but bring lots of water)

Valley of Fire was actually once underwater, and is home to so many desert animals (including the biggest lizards I’ve ever seen). It’s definitely the best place to go if you’re trying to truly experience Nevada’s desert on a trip out west.

Arizona: Sedona

I easily could’ve picked the Grand Canyon for Arizona, but since everyone who visits Arizona goes here anyway, I thought I’d mix it up a little bit. Sedona is a town known for its spiritual energy, red rocks, and vanlife friendly facilities. It’s a popular vacation spot, and many people flock here to hike trails like Devils Bridge. But it’s really the best way to truly experience what the Arizona landscape can hold, and embrace the desert in its fullness. Sedona is a place full of love, beautiful sunsets, and endless hikes, and I think it’s a great idea for anyone wanting to spend a longer trip in Arizona (since the Grand Canyon can be seen in about 3 days or less).

Things to do:

Hike Devils Bridge

Go see the Hononki and Palatki Ruins

Meditate on Cathedral Rock (after the best hike in the area)

Sedona is a place that I personally could spend weeks in. There are so many hikes, so many famous rock formations, and so much to see. It’s also largely dog and van friendly. For first time Arizona goers, there’s no place better.

Want help planning your trip? Give me a call! Schedule a phone call with me to day at the link below!

My Top 10 Places From My First Year of Travel

Last week, I officially hit my one year anniversary of being on the road. Last June, I hit the road in my Kia Soul with the goal of driving each of the Lower 48 states in one summer, and boy did I accomplish that. I’m now on my second run around the country, moving in the opposite direction. This year has brought a series of ups and downs, transformation, and unexpected plot twists, but more than anything, it’s brought me to some of my favorite places. These are my top 10 favorite spots I’ve been in the past year.

Luang Prabang, Laos

10: Valley of Fire State Park, NV

This one had to make the list because it’s where my journey began, but more than that, it’s one of the prettiest desert landscapes I’ve ever been to. Known for its red rocks, Valley of Fire is famous for its color, its heat, and its history. This state park was formed underwater, and over hundreds of years, became the desert landscape we know today. It’s home to tons of desert wildlife, and beautiful (but sandy) hikes. The whole park can generally be seen in one day, but give it two if you really want the full experience!

Valley of Fire State Park, NV

Want access to my 48 state road trip route? Click the button below to get started!

9: Joshua Tree National Park, CA

Joshua Tree will always hold a special place in my heart because it’s the National Park I’ve been to the most times. Five times to be exact! I truly feel like a local when I visit, and I love showing people around. While it wasn’t part of my 48 state itinerary, it was a place I visited 3 times in 2019, and another in early 2020. Joshua Tree is known for its strange agave “trees” that look like something from Doctor Seuss! It’s a hotspot for Park enthusiasts, climbers, and hikers, or just anyone who wants to experience a scenic drive!

Joshua Tree National Park, CA

8: Acadia National Park, ME

Acadia blew my mind when I first arrived at the park. It was the first place I ever saw both pine trees and the ocean in one place. This was also the furthest from home I drove solo on my 48 state road trip, so it’s got a certain nostalgia to it. Acadia sits on the Atlantic coast, and is home to pine trees, rocky cliffs, a gorgeous beach, and Cadillac Mountain, which is super fun to drive up for sunset! While it isn’t a huge park, it’s definitely one of the most unique ones I’ve ever visited, and was the first place that convinced me to stay longer than I’d originally planned.

Acadia National Park, ME

7: Bend, OR

I never thought I’d put any cities on this list, but Bend stole my heart. Tucked away in the Deschutes National Forest of Central Oregon, Bend is one of the most outdoorsy towns out there. Nearly everyone here does an outdoor sport. And from watching the surfers on the river, to hiking the nearby mountains, to climbing at Smith Rock, there’s an endless amount of outdoor activities to experience here.

Smith Rock State Park in Bend, OR

6: Sedona, AZ

Sedona is another town that totally won me over. It’s basically the desert version of Bend, but spiritual. It’s full of vortexes—large areas of strong spiritual energy—so a lot of people come here to meditate, heal, and get away from it all. Sedona is also known for hiking, red rocks, and history. Between exploring the ancient ruins, hiking Devils Bridge, and simply getting red dust all over the car, there’s something for everyone in Sedona.

Cathedral Rock in Sedona, AZ

5: Redwoods National and State Parks, CA

When I first visited Redwoods last summer, it wasn’t all I thought it would be. But when I spent a week exploring the area last month, it quickly became one of my favorite places ever, and easily my favorite place in California (my home state). Redwoods is, of course, known for its towering Redwood trees—the tallest in the world! But it’s also home to coastlines, stunning wildlife, and every bright green plant you can imagine!

Redwoods National Park, CA

4: Devils Tower National Monument, WY

Devils Tower was a place I wasn’t expecting to visit last year, but it’s a place that I always recommend to people when they want to visit Wyoming. This park is known for the remnants of a dormant volcano that now stands silent over the Eastern Wyoming plains. This park attracts climbers, explorers, and lovers of science fiction (after being used as the set for Close Encounters of the Third Kind), and is home to wildlife such as prairie dogs, which you can meet up close!

Devils Tower National Monument, WY

3: Thailand

Oh yeah, I went to Southeast Asia for the winter! Thailand totally changed the way I see adventure travel. It was the first country to truly introduce me to another culture in depth, and it really opened my eyes to how international travel could and should be. I spent time in remote villages, trekked for free roaming elephants with their Mahouts, and gave back to communities in need. This trip brought me through caves, drove me through rivers, and taught me a new language. While Thailand is easily one of the most popular destinations in Southeast Asia, it’s one where I truly beg you to get off the beaten path and explore some more remote areas instead of sticking to Bangkok and the coastal parts.

Mueang Khong, Thailand

2: Glacier National Park, MT

This was so hard not to put as #1, so let’s just say this is my top choice for domestic, US travel. Glacier National Park was truly the most incredible place I went to in the Lower 48, and as I continue to travel here, it remains in that position. Glacier is known for its glaciers, alpine landscape, myriad of wildlife, and scenic drive. It made such an impact, I actually wrote a whole in-depth guide to it, which you can find by clicking the button below.

Grinnell Glacier in Glacier National Park, MT

1: Laos

Laos is truly my favorite place in the world. It was a place I wasn’t expecting to love as much as I do, and a country that blew my mind every turn I took. Here, I spent most of my time volunteering in the weaving village of Sop Chem, but because of that, it was truly the most unique travel experience I’ve ever had. We swam in waterfalls, fed Moon Bears, climbed a mountain, and made connections with the locals, who are some of the kindest people I’ve ever met. Laos is a small country with a rich history, and it’s definitely underrated when it comes to Southeast Asia travel.

Learn more about Laos by clicking the button below!

Nam Ou River, Laos

The past year of travel has truly changed my life. I’ve explored so much, and I can’t wait to share these places with those I love, and continue to add more places to the list (although it’ll be hard to take some of these off as I grow my been-there list!).

Want help planning a trip to any of these places? Consider me your travel expert! Click the button below to get started!

Honorable mentions:

Bryce Canyon National Park, UT

Bryce Canyon National Park

Alabama Hills, CA

Alabama Hills

Mono Lake, CA

Mono Lake

Great Smoky Mountains National Park, TN/NC

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Craters of the Moon National Monument, ID

Craters of the Moon

Mount Hood National Forest, OR

Mount Hood

Exploring Tucson's Nature

Saguaro National Park and Mount Lemmon

Generally, I’m the type of traveler who travels for the natural landscapes. I go from National Park to National Forest to State Park and try to avoid cities, but there are a few cities that are so surrounded by nature that exploring their parks has become the main attraction. I didn’t quite realize how engrained in Tucson’s culture Saguaro National Park and Mount Lemmon were until a fellow vanner told me, “There isn’t much to do in Tucson except to visit the national park and drive Mount Lemmon.”

After four nights of weather so cold I had to break out the 0 degree sleeping bag, I finally made it back to the southern part of the state. I had already been planning on visiting the park, but as usual, I didn’t have too much of a plan for my day. I ended up fitting both destinations into my one full day I had in Tucson. Here’s everything you need to know.

**Usually I’d stay a bit longer in a place, but cities are expensive and I have to sleep in parking lots, which can be noisy, so I decided I’d want to stay only for a little bit before heading back to the coast.**

Saguaro National Park: how many different types of cactus do you see here?

Saguaro National Park

There are two sides to Saguaro National Park: the West and the East. Since the East was closer to where I was staying in Tucson and was much closer to Mount Lemmon, I decided that that would be the side I visited during my time there. The West side is a bit out of the way, yet boasts bigger and older saguaro cacti.

East Saguaro has a small park or monument feel (basically, it’s not Yosemite, it feels more like Craters of the Moon). There isn’t too much to do but what there is to see is gorgeous. Since I only had half the day in the park before driving Mount Lemmon, I was recommended to do the Loop Road and walk the Desert Ecology Trail. Between this and getting out of the van to take a few pictures and video with and of the cacti, I felt like I saw the basics of what the park was about.

It’s also worth stopping in that Javelina Picnic Area for lunch, as all the tables are surrounded by desert plants, and it allows you to get up close and personal with the cacti.

Saguaro is a place of desert diversity, and is home to far more types of cactus than just the Saguaro. This National Park is home to 24 different types of cactus, and they’re all incredibly unique.

East Saguaro National Park

Mount Lemmon

If you like saguaros, you’re in luck: the bottom of Mount Lemmon is covered in them—even more than are in the East side of the National Park! Mount Lemmon is known for being a place where you’ll experience all of the different biospheres that you would if you were to drive from Mexico to Canada.

There are five biosphere’s total in this unique National Forest (Coronado National Forest) ranging from Sonoran Desert, to Ponderosa Pines, to Mixed Conifers at the summit. I was so happy to see pine trees again without it being absolutely freezing, so if you’re a mountain person stuck in the desert, this is definitely the drive for you.

Mount Lemmon is also ideal for road cyclists, but be warned: it’s a 27 mile journey to the top!

One of the lower biomes of Mount Lemmon

The entire drive from the bottom to the top of Mount Lemmon takes about an hour and ends at a ski resort. I was unable to go the last two miles to the top because the road had been closed due to snow. Throughout the drive, you’ll pass plenty of roadside pullouts, picnic areas, campgrounds (if you’re into that—I don’t believe any of them are free), and one visitor center that has a museum about the area inside. If you go in the winter, try to go on a warmer day, or a little later in the winter, as there was still tons of snow on the sides of the road.

As close the the summit as they would let me drive, Mount Lemmon, AZ

Tucson was completely full of surprises for me. I of course expected to like the National Park, but I didn’t expect it to be so easily accessible from the city. Mount Lemmon, however, was a total surprise for me—I knew it would be beautiful, but no one expects pine trees in southern Arizona. Basically, don’t take anything at face value—every destination has a hidden gem waiting just around the corner, or maybe, at the top of a summit.

A Vanlife Guide to Sedona, AZ

If you’re a person who lives on wheels, or even just a person who hates winter, it’s no secret that Arizona is the place to be in January. Nearly every person living that vanlife on the west coast (and some from the east!) comes to Arizona at the end of January every year. After the annual gatherings in Quartzite, me and my new Van Fam (follow them at emma.goes and theotherground) headed out to Sedona, a place I’d been dreaming of visiting for about two years now.

Sedona is one of the most powerful spiritual centers in the country, and is home to tons of red rocks and beautiful hikes. Prior to coming out here, I had no idea how easy it would be to be an overlander in Sedona, but the truth is, Sedona is one of the most vanlife friendly cities I’ve ever visited.

Me and Emma at Cathedral Rock. Photographer: Brien @theotherground

Where is Sedona?

Sedona is located in north-eastern Arizona, making it one of the colder areas of Arizona. It is about 7 hours from the California coast, 5 hours from Joshua Tree, and 3.5 hours from Quartzite, AZ.

Where should I park?

As I said, Sedona is incredibly van friendly, but that means it’s incredibly camp friendly too. This isn’t the type of city where vanlifers are lining the streets, it’s a city surrounded by National Forest land. The best spots to park are along Forest Road 525. You’ll be sure to meet plenty of other van dwellers, and if you drive far enough, you’ll reach the Palatki Native American Ruins. You obviously can’t park at the ruins, but there are spots nearby where you’ll have vast views of the red rocks.

At camp, somewhere on FR525. Photographer: Emma @emma.goes

What are the best restaurants?

We frequented two amazing vegan/vegetarian restaurants while we were in Sedona: ChocolaTree and Local Juicery. A few of our friends actually work at Local Juicery, so definitely go say hi and support your fellow vanlifers (plus, their avocado toast is the best I’ve ever had). ChocolaTree is more of a spiritually minded spot. It has more of a sit-down restaurant feeling to it, so it’s worth going if you’re craving a hot dinner.

Where can I get water?

Living off the gird means certain things aren’t as easy as they could be in a house. One of those things is water. Luckily, ChocolaTree has a spigot with fresh spring water outside their restaurant that they allowed us to fill our 6 gallon tanks with.

Me at Devils Bridge—the most famous hike in Sedona! Photographer: Emma @emma.goes

Where can I go to get in a work day?

There’s always Starbucks, but if you’re looking to get in a work day and catch some views, head to Creekside Coffee. Here, you’ll have views of Snoopy Rock, and can snag some WiFi, even outside.

If you’re interested in learning more about making money on the road, check out Wired Creatives HERE!

Cathedral Rock from below

What are the best hikes to do?

If you’ve been following me for a while, you know that hiking is a huge reason I go to certain places. Sedona is a huge hiking hub, so we made it a point to hit a few of the Coconino National Forest trails while we were out there.

Devils Bridge: Devils Bridge is easily the most popular hike to do in Sedona. It features a vast, natural bridge photo op and the entire hike is about 4 miles long. Expect crowded parking, but if you have 4WD, you can make it to the real trailhead and skip walking along the dirt road. If there’s no parking, no worries, you can park on the main road too, but it’ll add about a half mile of walking. Prepare for crowds at the top too. We got lucky with a gloomy day, and only had to wait behind about 6 people each, but normally, it’s a crowd of about 150 people at the top.

Boynton Canyon Vortex: This was one of the most powerful vortexes I experienced in Sedona. It’s not a long hike, but it features red rocks and two spires that are said to represent the divine masculine and divine feminine. If you’re a spiritually minded person, you’ll love this spot, and if you get there early enough in the day, you might just catch the flute player who goes up there daily to hand out heart shaped rocks to people.

Cathedral Rock: This was my absolute favorite spot we went during our time in Sedona. It’s a hike basically made of rock scrambles, which made is extremely fun, and had some amazing photo opportunities at the top. Keep an eye out for the vortex trees—trees that appear to have been swirled (this phenomenon happens due to the high amounts of spiritual energy in the area).

Me and Emma at Cathedral Rock. Photographer: Brien @theotherground

Sedona is an absolutely magical spot. Whether you’re a spiritual person or not, Sedona will change the way you see the desert. The hikes here are breathtaking, the camping is quiet and peaceful, and it’s a great place to feel like you have a sense of community on the road.

Why It’s More Important Than Ever to #LeaveNoTrace

As we go into 2020, welcome a new decade, and watch the birth of the 62nd National Park in the US (welcome, White Sands!), it’s becoming increasingly apparent how important it is to take care of our wild spaces. Climate change is real, it’s happening, and it’s greatly affecting the places we love and the big one we call home: Earth. This means it’s more crucial than ever that everyone do their part to at least reduce your own personal carbon footprint, because, the truth is, but the old adage goes: if you’re not part of the solution, you’re part of the problem, and in 2020, so much is accessible that you’re honest missing out if you haven’t adopted at least one better for the planet habit. Now, I don’t want to get all sad and depressing on you while we welcome this new year. Instead, I want to talk about why Leave No Trace should be trending, and I don’t just mean on the internet.

Note: this post may contain affiliate links

Big Sur, CA

What is Leave No Trace?

The Leave No Trace Principles, or LNT, are guidelines for all people to follow when they’re exploring wild places. They originated in the US, and gained popularity in the public lands (NPS, USDA, and BLM), but could and should be applied to every place on this planet. There are 7 LNT Principles:

1: Plan ahead and prepare

This just goes with the old boy scout saying: always be prepared. This will allow for your own safety as well as the safety and preservation of the land you’re exploring.

2: Travel and camp on durable surfaces

The idea of principal number 2 is to keep you away from areas that could be severely damaged by your footsteps or tent. Of course, this doesn’t always mean you have to stay on trail—and sometimes you simply can’t, but look out to make sure you’re not damaging any of the land you’re walking on.

3. Dispose of waste properly

This one should be a no brainer—throw away your trash! You wouldn’t just leave garbage on the floor in your house, so don’t do it in the woods, desert, beach, or anywhere else either. Better yet: leave it better than you found it—pick up any trash you find on trails or in campsites as well.

If you’re interested in joining an awesome volunteer group with the goal of cleaning our wild spaces, become a Wildkeeper! Applications open on the Keep Nature Wild website this month. (I am not an affiliate of KNW, I just love and support their cause and have worked as a volunteer with them for over a year.)

Me at the Grand Canyon wearing a shirt I got from Keep Nature Wild (you get a huge discount for joining the ambassador/volunteer program too!)

4: Leave what you find

Have you ever heard the saying “take nothing but pictures, leave nothing but footprints?” I think that pretty much sums up principle number 4, and most of them, actually.

5: Minimize campfire impacts

The last thing you want is to start a wildfire. Make sure that your campfire is only in designated areas such as fire rings when you’re camping so that you can prevent any sparks from flying.

6: Respect wildlife

This is a HUGE one. I see so many people approaching animals in National Parks, and it’s not only incredibly dangerous for them, but it also puts the animal in danger. Please keep your distance from all wildlife, and keep dogs and other pets on designated trails to prevent foreign substances (you know, poop) and bugs from affecting local animals.

7: Be considerate of others

Don’t be the person who’s flying a drone in a National Park. While your shot might look cool, you’re ruining the experience for everyone else who came out to be in nature. Make sure that you’re respectful, and try to avoid traveling to busy spots on holiday weekends.

This deer crossed my trail in Voyageurs National Park, Minnesota. I patiently waited for him to return to the woods before I continued hiking.

Why LNT is so important in 2020

Especially with tourism in our natural spaces being at an all time high, it’s more crucial than ever to leave these spaces better than we found them in order to preserve them for more generations to come. That way, California will still have its oceans, Montana will still have its Glaciers, and the Grand Canyon will still be just as beautiful, even years down the line.

Grinnell Glacier, Glacier National Park, MT. If you look closely you can see the waterfall of melting ice on the right hand side.

What other ways can I help respect my wild spaces?

I’m glad you asked! There are so many ways you can help protect nature at home. Aside from practicing LNT when you’re outside, you can definitely reduce your carbon footprint in your everyday life. Here are some of my favorite ideas:

Don’t buy products with plastic if you can avoid them (shop zero waste products here!)

Shop second hand or ethical clothing (check out one of my favorite ethical clothing brands, Wholesome Culture)

Eat plant based as much as possible (January is a great time to make the switch to a vegan lifestyle!)

Support brands that support our planet when you do need to buy new stuff, like Madera Outdoor, Eco Roots, and larger companies like REI.

Responsible tourism: make sure that when you travel, you’re not impacting the communities you’re visiting in any way, and maybe even find a way to volunteer.

Unplug, go off the grid, run off solar, do whatever you can in your everyday life that makes sense for YOU!

The planet’s tallest trees in Redwood National and State Parks, CA. Let’s plant more in 2020.

Being kinder to our planet is incredibly crucial when it comes to having a cleaner Earth. And this goes much further than simply picking up your trash (but please don’t stop doing so!). It has to do with simply being respectful of our natural places, and doing our part to make our own impact as insignificant as it can be. Making sure that we’re being kind to wildlife, other visitors, and the land we walk on is the best way to make sure that we start taking care of this planet the right way, and truly “leave nothing but footprints.”

My Favorite Destinations of 2019

And why they should be on your list for 2020

It’s no secret that I traveled a lot in 2019. I visited all 48 connecting states, 29 national parks (some more than once), and I’ll be ending my year in Southeast Asia. So many of these places made a huge impact on me as a traveler, a writer, and a solo person, but only a few can count as my favorites. Those places left a mark on me that I will never be able to shake, and I think I’ll spend my entire life trying to return to them as many times as I possibly can. This is a list of my absolutely favorite spots I visited during 2019, and why you should add them to your 2020 bucket list.

4: Acadia National Park, Maine

Acadia instantly drew me in as I drove around its loop road for the first time. Before visiting Acadia, I had no idea that you could experience pine trees and ocean in one spot, an experience I only ever saw here and in Olympic, WA. Acadia was also a bit of a sentimental stop for me, since it marked the halfway point in my trip around the country. Acadia is an absolutely mind-blowing place. It’s so unique in its landscape, is home to some crazy wildlife, and it’s one of the northernmost national parks in the continental US.

Why it should be on your 2020 bucket list:

Acadia is an absolutely beautiful spot that isn’t too crowded with tourists right now. It’s amazing for overlanders, since it’s nearby one of my favorite free camp spots I’ve ever stayed at, and has a little something for every type of traveler, from tourists who just want to drive the gorgeous road and look at the views, to climbers who want to do some crazy bouldering, to hikers who want to climb a mountain. There’s even a beach in the park that leads you to the Atlantic Ocean.

Acadia National Park, ME

3: Devils Tower, Wyoming

Devils Tower is one of the most unique things this country’s landscape has to offer. Devils Tower was formed by what used to be a volcano, and is now a sacred place for Native Americans and a popular climbing spot (just make sure you get your permit first!). Devils Tower is located in the American Grasslands, and is home to wildlife such as prairie dogs. The park contains about 8 miles worth of hiking trails and plenty of opportunities to view the tower.

Why it should be on your 2020 bucket list:

Devils Tower is definitely living in the shadow of its Wyoming brother and sister: Yellowstone and the Tetons. It’s a smaller park, but it’s so unique compared to the rest of this country’s landscapes. Don’t miss an opportunity to experience it, especially now that the prairie dog populations are doing really well.

Check out my free guide to Devils Tower!

Devils Tower, Wyoming

2: The Grand Canyon, Arizona

The Grand Canyon is one of those places you have to see at some point in your life. It’s incredibly vast, and has far more to offer than many people think. I had some incredible wildlife encounters here, and completed one of my favorite hikes I’ve ever done, the South Kaibab Trail. The Grand Canyon is so much more than people give it credit for because of its popularity with tourists, and honestly, was an emotional experience. I’d dreamed of seeing the Grand Canyon for a long time, which is part of the reason it was the site of my first solo trip, all the way back in March. Regardless of emotional attachment though, make sure you visit, especially if you’ve never been to Arizona.

Why it should be on your 2020 bucket list:

The Grand Canyon is just going to get more crowded as travel becomes more accessible. Make sure you see it before it’s completely crowded with tourists, and, who am I kidding? It’s the Grand Canyon! If you haven’t seen it yet, you need to. I promise it’s more than you think.

Access my free guide to the Grand Canyon HERE!

View from Mather Point in the Grand Canyon, Arizona

1: Glacier National Park, Montana

Glacier is hands down my favorite place on Earth right now. From the towering mountains, wildlife you can’t find anywhere else, perfect campground, and of course, glaciers, Glacier National Park is popular for a reason. This is one of the largest national parks I’ve been to, and also one of the most popular. It’s located right on the Canadian border, and no matter where you go, the views are more than you could have ever dreamed them to be. Here, you can spot waterfalls, mountain goats, and grizzly bears, and complete my favorite hike in the world, Grinnell Glacier. (Tip: Many Glacier, where the hike is located will be under construction in 2020, so make sure you plan accordingly)

Why it should be on your 2020 bucket list:

Let’s face it, Glacier’s glaciers are melting. The sooner you make time to go see them, the better. Right now, there was still ice in August, but as the years go on, the amount of glaciers in the park is dwindling, so make sure you see them before it’s too late.

View from the High Line Trail in Glacier National Park, Montana

2019 was a game-changing year for me in terms of travel. I visited some of the most beautiful places in the United States, and its inspired me to expand and maybe cross some borders next year, in 2020. Tune in next week to hear my 2020 travel goals, and get inspired to add to your own list in this new decade!

To help you start planning an epic 2020 trip, check out my ebook: Around the States in 90 Days.

A Complete Guide to Visiting the Grand Canyon

The Grand Canyon is among my favorite places on Earth. It was the site of my first ever solo trip, and will forever hold a special place in my heart. Located in Northern Arizona, the Grand Canyon is one of the Earth’s natural wonders, but it’s far more than just a hole in the ground.

At the bottom of the canyon is the Colorado River, flowing between the two main rims of the canyon. The Grand Canyon is home to a huge amount of wildlife, from elk to marmots to California condors, and it is the second most visited national park in the country.

I visited the Grand Canyon solo for three days during my last ever spring break. This was not only the perfect place for a solo trip due to the fact that it feels incredibly touristy and safe, but it was an absolutely beautiful place to visit alone. Being solo for this trip allowed me to really take it in, and this is a place you really have to be present for.

Being alone also allowed me to see most of the South Rim while I was there, which is the most popular section of the park to visit. This is your guide for planning your own trip.

Note: this post may contain affiliate links

View from the South Rim in March

So… there’s more than one rim?

Yes! The two main sections of the park are the North Rim and the South Rim. The South Rim is open year-round, and is located, well, further south, which means it’s a little warmer. The North Rim closes in the winter months and off season because it’s located at a higher elevation, and generally reopens in May. This elevation difference is so great, I’ve heard stories of people waking up to snow in the summer!

Most of this article will be about the South Rim, as it’s far easier to access for tourists.

Canyon wall on the South Kaibab Trail

Getting to the park

The South Rim is incredibly easy to access. It has that classic “pay at the gate” type of entrance most large national parks have ($35 to enter, or America the Beautiful or other interagency pass). The closest town to the South Rim is Tusayan, and if you don’t want to drive, you can park your car in town and shuttle into the park (highly recommended during busy weeks, such as holidays and spring break).

I hear a lot of questions about visiting the Grand Canyon from Vegas, and I just want to put it in here that the South Rim is a 5 hour drive from Vegas. It is not super accessible. You can visit the West Rim, which is not part of the national park, and is home to the glass Grand Canyon skywalk. This is a cool thing to do, but it is not the national park, and will not give you that classic experience.

View as you approach Skeleton Point on the South Kaibab Trail

Staying in (or near) the park

I’m a traveler who prefers campgrounds, so when I visited, I stayed in Mather Campground because it was the only one of the two on the South Rim that was open in March (yes, March is still considered winter!). I reserved my site 3 months in advance (during that good ol’ government shutdown, remember that?), so I’d recommend booking a site as soon as you decide you want to camp in the park. Hopefully, you’ll be greeted by a herd of elk, like I was (which you can see in THIS VIDEO)—just make sure you give them their space! There is also a hotel in the park, and a second campground open during peak season (summer months) called Desert View.

There is also a campground in the North Rim if you choose to experience the northern side of the park. It is called North Rim Campground and is first come first served ONLY for 2020.

If you can’t book a spot in the park, no worries! Like I mentioned before, the town of Tusayan is an awesome place to stay because you can shuttle into the park from your hotel. The town of Williams is about a 45 minute drive from the park, which also has plenty of hotel and Airbnb options.

Marmot hanging out next to Skeleton Point

What is there to do?

I’ve heard tons of people say that they’ve gotten bored at the Grand Canyon, but the truth is, there is so much to see and do! If you’re not a hiker, there are plenty of sightseeing areas to explore.

You can walk part of the Rim Trail, which is a flat, 13 mile long stretch with views from the top of the South Rim. Most people only do a couple miles and stop at various viewpoints. A great place to start is behind the visitor center, at Mather Point (different from Mather Campground). Here, you’ll get some of the best views from the South Rim.

It’s also always useful to make a stop at the visitor center. This is where you can get all of your questions answered and explore the museum to learn more about the park. Here is also where you can find out information about various ranger programs.

Other great viewpoints work seeing are Yaki Point (known for being a great spot to view the sunset), and Yavapai Point (accessible from the Rim Trail).

It seems to just go on forever…

I’m a hiker, where should I go?

The Grand Canyon is huge for hiking. While there are trails rated difficult on both rims, the most famous trails in the park are Bright Angel and South Kaibab (there is also the North Kaibab Trail on the North Rim). Both trails go to the bottom of the canyon, but you cannot go to the bottom without a backcountry permit.

The difference between the two is that Bright Angel is longer, but not as steep, which makes it the more popular of the two trails. South Kaibab is far steeper, but also far less crowded. I did a bit of Bright Angel on my first day in the park, but it was a bit too crowded for my liking. The next day I took the shuttle to South Kaibab (there is no parking lot—you have to shuttle), and it was far more enjoyable.

There are three stops before the river on the South Kaibab Trail: Ooh Ahh Point (great for families with kids), Cedar Ridge (perfect for moderate level hikers), and Skeleton Point (awesome for advanced day hikers). There is a similar set of rest stops along Bright Angel: Mile and a Half Rest House, Three Mile Rest House, and Indian Garden. Both big trails are out and back trails, and you will have to hike up the way you came, so bring water and plenty of food and plan accordingly.

Crazy rock formations out here

Phantom Ranch and Havasupai

If you’re at all on Instagram, you’ve heard of Havasupai: the famous blue waterfall in the Grand Canyon. And if you’re into hiking, you might’ve heard about Phantom Ranch and Phantom Campground. Both spots require a backpacking permit to visit, and permits to Havasupai are growing more and more difficult to get (and cost $150 per night per person). Please do not attempt these hikes without proper training and a permit.

While we’re on the topic of backpacking, it is also possible to hike from the South Rim to the North Rim, but you also need a permit to accomplish this. If you do plan on backpacking, please make sure you have the right gear, and a cold weather sleeping bag made for backpacking.

View from Mather Point

Anything else?

Of course, there’s so much more to experience, but these are the most notable, and with this information under your belt, you’ll be more than prepared for a trip to GCNP. The most important thing is to respect wildlife. Especially when larger wildlife like elk are present, it’s necessary to keep the Leave No Trace principles in mind and stay 25 yards away!

But above all, have fun! If you’re camping, make sure you have the right gear and you’ll have the best time—camping in the Grand Canyon is one of my favorite camping experiences. Make sure you carry water, but also carry a camera: this park will not fail to blow you away.

Leave your questions about the park below! I’d love to hear from you!