Spring Break in Sedona, AZ
June 24, 2021
By Rebecca Jones
While we love a good theme park vacation or cruise as much as the next person, my family decided to explore somewhere new to us for Spring Break. My husband and I lived in Arizona for a few months back when we were first married, so we thought we’d show our kids the desert and traveled to Sedona for a few days.
We stayed at the luxurious and gorgeous Hilton Sedona at Bell Rock. This hotel was amazing, a true respite in the middle of the desert. Our suite had two rooms – a living room with dining table, kitchenette, fireplace, balcony, and pull-out couch, and a bedroom with two queen beds. The bathroom was divided, too, with the sinks in one room and the shower and toilet in another. It was the perfect set up for our family of five, with three teenagers. There was plenty of room for everyone.
There was a bar with coffee in the morning, and a restaurant we could have all three meals at. The hotel also had two pools, plus a spa with a lap pool, lighted tennis courts, exercise classes, and a golf course. The location is great, as it’s a little bit outside of Sedona itself so you don’t necessarily deal with all the traffic that’s in the town. There is a shopping area within walking distance with additional dining options. Honestly, we could have stayed at the hotel and not done anything else for a few days, and I think it would be a great location for a couple’s weekend or girls’ trip.
Although we used the hotel as a base for our other adventures, including a visit to the Grand Canyon and taking in a spring training baseball game, we spent a day hiking and exploring the town of Sedona, as well. Since it was close and listed as an easier hike, we decided to traverse at least part of the Bell Rock Loop. The entire hike is about 3.6 miles, but I think we did about 1 mile then turned around and came back the same way to the entrance rather than go all the way around the formation.
As someone who doesn’t do a lot of hiking, I would say this trail was fairly easy. We walked it, took our time and plenty of photos along the way. Definitely wear sunscreen, as there is little to no shade, and bring your own water – you’ll need it. My kids and husband climbed up on to Bell Rock for a different view, and they said it was fairly easy to get around once you got up onto the first rock. But, I saw some folks who had trouble getting up there, so I decided to stay on the ground and enjoy the quiet and the view for a while.
After completing our hike, we went into the town of Sedona itself and had breakfast at a local restaurant. We then drove to the opposite side of town, more where the locals live versus the touristy shops and inns. Near the airport, there is an overlook with views that can’t be beat. It’s so majestic and reminds you of the beauty that surrounds you daily.
I highly recommend visiting Sedona, AZ if you are looking for a different type of vacation. You really can make it what you want, whether that’s active with hiking, golfing, shopping, or relaxing at the spa or pool. Sedona has it all, and I’d love to help you get there. I can be reached at (325) 733-8399 or rebecca@wishesfamilytravel.com.