On a short break from Sedona, we took a trip to Flagstaff. Exiting the city, we drove past Slide Rock State Park (see earlier post) and cruised through the mountains as the pines grew taller all around us. We passed a spot we frequented many times, a fresh water spring. We filled water containers, enjoying the refreshing taste of mountain water. We made our way there stopping for coffee at what has now become my very favorite coffee place, Dutch Bros. Their coffee has far surpassed any other coffee shop I have yet to come across. Everytime we frequented there, the line was out of the lot and down the street. I truly see why.

With fresh coffee and hot cocoa for the kids, we headed to the city park. The kids played and played beneath the tall pines. The wind whispering through the trees, as we chased and laughed. It was a relaxing break. We made our way through the city. We checked out the tourism center where there is an Amtrak train stop and a sign for Route 66.

After taking photos and exploring the center, we made our way through town to some local outdoor apparel shops to see if we could find anything we needed. We found the most amazing outdoor equipment shop I’ve ever come across. Snow, Mountain, River has a consignment for used outdoor equipment (snow skiis, boards, hiking equipment, boots, pet supplies, etc) and apparel from snow skiis to high end clothing (Patagonia, Colombia, North Face, PrAna, etc). We were in heaven to see all these items at reasonable prices. I had a little too much fun! Highly recommend a stop here if you are an outdoor lover and in the area.

Side Note: Did anyone else realize that Birch trees look like they have eyes? It really brings the movie “The Hills Have Eyes” to a whole new level…

By Friday, we decided to officially move camp to Flagstaff. Using our handy app Free Roam, we were able to find public land to boondock and found a spot without much effort. We were all so surprised by the ground. The dirt/sand looked wet but when touched it felt fluffy, almost bouncy. The consistency was like none we have felt before. The kids ran and played without worry of falling, as the ground was not the least bit firm. It was similar to playing on the beach after the waves have just lapped up the shore. With the ponderosa pines towering over the clearing, it instantly became our favorite place to camp.

Of course, we couldn’t just camp. We had to adventure to see what this area had to offer. On Saturday, we took off for Meteor Crater, the Painted Desert, and Petrified Forest National Park. My husband was annoyed at the thought of seeing Meteor Crater. He had no desire to pay to see a giant hole in the middle of the desert. I say this because I am sure there are many out there with the same perception. However, he clearly thanked me for pushing us to come and I think anyone with little kids will be thrilled to check out this attraction.

Meteor Crater (MC) provides the following: -In person tour of the crater -Museum of other natural occurences that are similar to that which happened at MC -A piece of the actual Meteor -A 4D experience in which you prevent Earth from experiencing another meteor hit. Heads Up: this is directed at young children as the spaceship is driven by an animated Jackalope —Restaurant -Gift shop

Overall, we greatly enjoyed our experience and the kids’ reaction to the 4D experience was priceless. We definitely think it was worth the entry fee.

After our trip learning about astrological occurences, we hit the road and came across the most bizarre sight. The snowy mountain range, which can be seen from most of Flagstaff, towered over the desert landscape. Temporarily stunned, we took in the sight.

Next was the longest and definitely most desolate drive we have had to date. We drove and drove and drove. There was absolutely nothing to look at so the drive seemed to last forever.

We finally found the Petrified Forest National Park. The painted desert is part of the Petrified Forest NP, so we were able to see both in the same area. After consulting with rangers at the Tourist Center and getting F’s National Park stamp (highlight of every National Park trip!), we headed off to drive the park for the hour we had left until they closed. Thankfully, the vast majority of the park could be driven.

The painted desert peaked out from the earth in striped colors of red, brown, and white. Sometimes, the painted ground would form what the park refers to as teepees rather than hills. Overall, the desert was stunning.

The Petrified Forest was our favorite experience in the park. Parking at a lot, we walked a paved trail through an area covered in petrified fallen logs. The rainbow colors were beautiful and they occasionally crystalized, sparkling in the fading sun.

Fun Fact: The wood seen here is over 200 million years old. The logs were washed into a river where they were covered with so much water and sediments that oxygen was cut completely, slowing their process of decay. The quartz within these petrified logs is so easily broken that they broke off into chunks, as if they were cut by a chainsaw. This info is found here if you want to research further. https://www.nps.gov/pefo/learn/nature/petrified-wood.htm

Overall, the drive to the Petrified Forest is long and out of the way. However, it was definitely worth the effort to walk through this “forest” wondering what these trees have seen in their incredibly long lives. We hope Las Vegas will be just as promising.

Thanks for viewing! Comments and questions are welcome!