<span>December 2017</span>

The Trek to Tonto Natural Bridge

This is Arizona destination is not to be missed! If you have visitors coming to see you in the Valley, you have got to take the two hour drive up to this spot and show off your scenic state!

Tonto Natural Bridge is an incredible natural display of beauty in Payson, AZ. It is believed to be the world’s largest natural travertine bridge. It’s beautifully formed by erosion and you can even walk beneath the bridge to explore the stunning scenery within. The bridge is 400 feet long, 183 feet high and 150 feet wide.

Underneath the bridge, you’ll experience the erosion in action as water drips down the sides and ceiling of the bridge. It actually seems like it’s raining. There are green plants breaking through the rock and thriving. It is truly magical.

I recommend taking the Pine Creek Trail which is a ½ mile scenic route to get under the bridge. If you like an adventurous trek this is for you! You’ll be climbing big boulders, stepping through river rock, and hearing the sound of a waterfall as you get closer and closer to the bridge.

You do not have to hike to the bridge. What I love is that a whole family could enjoy this scenery whether they are a little one in a stroller or an adult with limited mobility. This state park provides viewing areas that are just a short distance from the parking lot and have ramps. You can go to one of those areas and look down at the bridge!

Permit prices:

Adult (14+): $7.00
Youth (7–13): $4.00
Child (0–6): FREE

To get here from Phoenix you can take Highway 87 all the way to USFS Road 583 and you’ll see the signs to enter the park. Stop in at the gift shop to buy your permits on site (you can’t get them online) and then you’re all set.

The parks opens at 9:00 a.m. and closes at 4:00 p.m. HOLIDAY HOURS: 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Christmas Eve and CLOSED on Christmas.

Things to keep in mind:

• Dogs are allowed at the park but not on hiking trails.
• The gift shop does accept credit/ debit cards
• Travertine is very slippery so be careful underneath the bridge

Checking In: The Strawberry Inn

When you see ‘Checking In’ before one of my blog entries, that’s mean this post will give you details on accommodations.

This time we’re talking about The Strawberry Inn in Strawberry, AZ. This boutique hotel is located near tons of hikes including the trails to Tonto Natural Bridge. It’s right off Highway 87 which is the main road through Strawberry-Pine.

The Strawberry Inn is unique in so many ways. It’s a non-hosted hotel meaning it’s a lot like an Air BnB. The day you are checking in, you will get a code to a lockbox emailed to you. That code will allow you to access the key to your room. You don’t have to talk to anyone at check in ,however, if something goes wrong there is a phone number in that email and in the rooms for a person to call if anything goes wrong.

Now let’s talk about the fun stuff. Each of the eight rooms at the Inn is decorated differently so each room has it’s own vibe. We’re talking farmhouse chic meets boho beauty. You’ll find comforting hues of grey, navy, white and beige and unique artwork in each room.

The beds are unbelievably comfortable and the comforter feels like you’re pulling a cloud over yourself. The sheets are so soft. It felt so good to get in this bad after a long day of driving of hiking.

The place is perfect for a romantic getaway and all rooms have one big bed, however, some rooms have pullout couches so you can bring the kids. Plus, the four bottom rooms are dog friendly.

When you make your reservation you can see each room and pick the one you want to stay in! You’ll also notice rates are surprisingly low for a boutique hotel. You get a lot of bang for your buck! 

I enjoyed my stay so much and this hotel enhanced my experience in Rim Country. I loved that  my stay had an authentic mountain feel…. But I had a comfy bed, a hot shower, a flat screen TV and wifi!

The entire Inn looks like it was made to be instagrammed. From the red barn doors, to the historic windmill and the lovable swings on the porch, you’ll find endless spots to snap a pic.

I absolutely loved The Strawberry Inn and I know you will too.

Finding Fossil Creek Waterfall

Not too far from Phoenix is a majestic place that looks like a scene straight out of a dream.

It’s called Fossil Creek. This is where you’ll find cool water, foliage and a waterfall within three hours of the Valley.

THIS IS IMPORTANT: You must have a permit to park and go to the trail BEFORE you get to the region if you are going between April 1st and October 1st. You have to reserve a parking spot and print two copies of your pass. You’ll keep one pass on you at all times and keep the other on your dashboard. Make your reservation here. On the left side of the page under location select “01 waterfall trailhead parking”. You must book in advance!!!

To get to the trail that takes you to the waterfall from Phoenix, plan for a 2 ½ hour ride if traffic is normal. You’ll want to head north on the I-17 until you get to the 260 East through Camp Verde. Once you’re on the 260 East you’ll look for Fossil Creek Road between Mile Marker 228 and 229. Turn right onto Fossil Creek. There will be a fork in the road. Select the path on the right.

Warning: once you are on Fossil Creek Road you have a 14 mile drive on a dirt road that is VERY bumpy. I highly recommend doing this drive in a truck or SUV. Bring snacks and don’t rely on cell service for music streaming because you will not have any reception. This ride feels like it lasts FOREVER.

Once you’ve driven almost the full 14 miles, you will have to stop for the ranger to sign off on you permit. Then, keep going to the end of the path and you’ll be at the parking lot for the trailhead.

The trail is only about ½ a mile in and ½ mile out and it’s a pretty simple path. The kids should be able to handle it and the waterfall is really a great family experience.

Keep in mind: you can swim in fossil creek so wear your swimsuit! Doggos are welcome on this trail as long as they are on a leash. Flash flooding is a concern especially during the Monsoon so check the forecast! There are restrooms for you to use in the parking lot for the waterfall trailhead.

• Recommended items to pack:
• Plastic baggy to protect your phone near the water
• Watershoes
• Snacks and drinks to enjoy while at the waterfall
• Towels
• Sunscreen

Atop Angel’s Landing

I am going to admit something to you. I don’t like planning and I actually enjoy NOT knowing what I’m getting myself into. So when I went to Zion National Park I hardly did any research of the trails. When I have the time, I like to get to a destination and just do what I feel guided to.

Everyone kept talking about Angel’s Landing. They say the summit is so high ‘only an angel could land there’. There are thousand foot drop offs on each side and you have to hold onto chains to safely make it to the top. Well, that sounded terrifying so of course I had to try it.

The view at the beginning of the path is breathtaking. I stopped to take it all in and I recommend you do as well. You’ll never forget this spot.

This is a 4.4 miles hike in and out with a 2073 foot elevation gain. The hike is rated at the difficult level but I felt it was physically not too hard, but mentally it was a challenge because I’m a little afraid of heights!

The first mile or so is very steep but it’s a paved path. The payoff is great too. After the first major climb, you’ll arrive at refrigerator canyon. It’s shady, cooler path in between walls of rock. The incline calms at that point and you can just relax before the next great challenge.

Walter’s Wiggles will rock your world! We’re talking about a series of 21 steep switchbacks that will have you panting. Okay maybe you’re more in shape and you that’s not true for you but I was definitely panting!

Tip: There are restrooms for emergencies right after Walter’s Wiggles. I have a bladder disease called Interstitial Cystitis so these restrooms saved me!

After Walter’s Wiggles, you’ll come to the first set of chains. That stint is short lived before you arrive at a great lookout called Scout’s Landing. Many people stop there trek here. You’re pretty high up, the view is fantastic… but you can get an even better experience if you dare to face the danger that lies past Scout’s Lookout.

The last  ¼ of the hike is the tricky  part. The path is narrow and if you’re like me you will be holding onto the chains! The path can get crowded so you may need to make room for someone coming down the trail, which was the scariest part for me.

While terrifying at times, this part of the hike is THRILLING! I forgot I was afraid of heights!

The view at the top really is heavenly. There is a lot of space to spread out, snap pics and enjoy snacks. It’s truly astonishing how high up you are and how much beauty surrounds you in every direction.

For me, the scariest part was coming down the trail because I was forced to look into the canyon.

I highly recommend you at least try this hike if you head to Zion. If you’re nervous, make your goal to reach Scout’s Landing and see how you feel before venturing further. It’s worth testing your limits!