Flagstaff - Sedona, Arizona and Utah Road Trip: Day 2 - Cathedral Rock, Devil's Bridge and Bell Rock Trails

After seeing how hot it could get around here, I woke up nice and early to start hiking. After a quick breakfast of a hard boiled egg with an avocado toast, we headed to the first trailhead - Cathedral Rock Trail. Even this early in the morning, the air was heating up quickly. The trail was short, only 1.4 miles round trip, but rather steep, 745 ft elevation gain.

Driving past Sedona, I knew I was going to see beautiful scenery today. Cathedral Rock trail did not disappoint. After hiking and rock scrambling, the views were incredible.

One of the first views of the rock...

After a bit of hiking...

Right before the end of the trail...

End of the trail (there was more...)

This is that "more" - a steep climb with some rock scrambling again.

Final view of the Cathedral rock

The second hike of the day was Devil's Bridge Trail. Only 4.5 miles round trip, the hike was supposed to be relaxing with some good view on the top. The first mile and a half, the trail was a sandy path filled with off-road vehicles, Jeeps and trucks. I can't say this was very relaxing. Closer to the end of the trail, the pathway narrowed to allow only pedestrians to hike to Devil's bridge. The views even before reaching the destination were incredible.

I was about to turn around thinking that there was no bridge after all, but saw a few people continue hiking further. I decided to do the same and finally reached the bridge. People lined up to have their picture taken were hardly social distancing, so after taking a quick picture of the bridge, I went back down.

It was getting really hot, and I still had one hike planned. I debated whether I should do it or skip, but decided that I would at least give it a shot. Bell Trail was not something I have not done before. At 7 miles round trip with 600 ft elevation gain, it seemed rather easy when I sat on my couch planning the trip. On a hot day after having already hiked 6 miles, the hike turned out to be pretty difficult. I didn't realize that the end of the trail was "the crack" filled with water where people could swim. That attracted a WHOLE bunch of people with loud music, screaming children... There were some good views closer to the end, but the number of people made me quickly turn around.

LOTS of people at the end of the trail...

One of the challenges I encountered was running out of water half-way during hiking this trail. And I knew I needed water to get back, so I asked one of the groups if they had an extra bottle. Luckily, one man offered me a fresh and cool bottle from his backpack. Forever grateful! This was a rookie error not to bring enough water on a very hot day, and I will never be so stupid again.

I finally go to the car and headed back to the cottage for a nice shower. This is why I don't camp. After a long day like this, I cannot imagine not being able to wash off.

Relieved after a nice shower, dinner and some wine tasting was well deserved. I can tell you that the meal at Merkin Vineyards Tasting Room and Osteria was one of the best one I've had. Bruchetta was top notch, and wine was worth going back to Arizona from California for!