Sedona

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Day Six Grand Canyon Trip

 

This morning we drove up to the Sedona Airport for breakfast and a panoramic look at the whole valley. It’s one of the few places where you get the full Sedona skyline without breaking a sweat. Sunset is the most popular hour, but we’ve heard it becomes a packed spectacle. Morning, though—that’s the sweet spot.

 

From our hotel it’s only about 2½ miles to the airport, but the road climbs 500 feet in a single mile—so, yes, it’s a haul. We drove up and parked in the upper lot by the Mesa Grill so we could soak in the views first, then wander in for breakfast.

 

We walked across the road to an overlook with classic 360‑degree postcard views—the kind that make people stop mid‑stride and let out an “ahhh.” After Jay takes a million photos—because that’s what everyone does now, just keep shooting and sort it out later—we head for the Airport Mesa Grill for coffee and breakfast. We grabbed a table on the patio and watched little planes drift in and out of the airport. It feels like you’re sitting on a balcony above the world — red rocks in every direction, the soft buzz of takeoffs just beyond the railing. Pure Sedona, and yes, we were fully in vacation mode.

 

Sedona Airport holds a special place in Jay’s memory. In his 20’s as a firefighter in El Cajon he worked his days off at Gillespie airfield as a pilot/flight instructor and occasionally flew passengers for hire. On one flight, the passenger became aggressive, pointed a gun at Jay and insisted on a change in destination. The passenger forced Jay to land at Needles airport near the Colorado river. Jay exited the plane and the passenger took off with the plane in an easterly direction. Jay knew there was a federal Flight Service Station at the opposite end of the field. He ran the mile and burst into the office, out of breath, startling the officials and described his experience and the operators put out an APB to all airports and law enforcement agencies within 1,000 miles and a deputy sheriff in Sedona captured the plane and pilot when he landed there.

 

After we got back to the hotel, we wandered over to lounge by the pool. Since our place is on the smaller side, we’re allowed to use the pool next door at the upscale Los Abrigados Hilton — just a two‑minute stroll from our room. Plenty of people go there for the whole luxury‑spa‑day experience, but for us, a simple dip was the perfect cool‑down. Turns out the pool is salt water — supposedly healthier, though it’s never been my favorite. No matter what anyone claims, salt water always stings my eyes.

 

After washing off the salt water, we wandered over to Oak Creek Brewery & Grill for their infamous happy hour. The place was loud and loose, full of people. This spot is known for its Seven Dwarf shots, everything from Doc (fruit punch) to Grumpy (Gold schlager with a graham‑cracker rim) to Happy (chocolate and caramel vodka).  The folks here looked like they’d already sampled a dwarf or two.

I stayed loyal to my six‑dollar wine, though I’d absolutely try the Happy shot if it were after dinner.

 

When the sun finally slid behind the red rocks, we made our way to El Rincón, a Mexican restaurant that has a quiet serene courtyard. It was a nice way to end our day and our trip. Thank you for coming along.

 

Tomorrow, we head home to our cat, who will pretend she didn’t even notice we were gone.