Western Wanderlust Chronicles

A few years ago, friends invited Bill and me on a Thanksgiving adventure that left a lasting impression. The camaraderie, exploration, and unforgettable moments inspired me to recreate that sense of wonder this year. I wanted a Thanksgiving filled with discovery, and after considering countless options, we chose an overlanding trip through northern Arizona, centering on Sedona’s red rock and canyon country. It promised adventure, challenges, and the chance to embrace the rugged beauty of the Southwest.

Day 1: Forested Nights and Canine Comfort

Our journey began in the quiet woods south of Flagstaff, near Kachina Village. We found a perfect campsite nestled among the towering pines, where cool November nights were warmed by our trusty propane heater and the soft glow of string lights around camp. Our setup included a rooftop tent for us and a second, large tent attached to the Jeep for our dogs—because yes, they’re that spoiled.

It was our dogs’ first overlanding adventure, so we wanted to ensure they were comfortable and cozy. The propane heater in our tent made all the difference in the brisk night air. As the sun dipped below the horizon and our camp chores wrapped up, we sipped hot chocolate by the heater, surrounded by the sound of wind rustling through the treetops. A classic rock playlist provided the perfect soundtrack for the serene night. It was a peaceful and promising start to our adventure.

Day 2: Through Owl Canyon to Sedona

With the sun casting golden light across the landscape, we set off for Sedona. The drive through Owl Canyon was a stunning prelude, a mesmerizing mix of rugged terrain and vibrant fall hues. The canyon’s narrow passages gave way to dramatic cliffs and towering red rock formations, their colors shifting with the sunlight. Each twist in the road offered a new vantage point, preparing us for the grander vistas ahead. It felt like a gateway into Sedona’s canyon country.

We made our way to the legendary Schnebly Hill Road, a Jeep Badge of Honor Trail renowned for its rugged terrain and stunning views. This trail is as challenging as it is rewarding, a true test of off-road prowess. The bumpy ride rewarded us with panoramic vistas of Sedona’s red rock formations and the sprawling desert valley below. We stopped briefly near the Merry-Go-Round Rock to soak in the views before continuing.

As our jeep climbed the narrow shelf road that steeply ascended the cliffs of the Coconino Plateau we were treated to jaw-dropping views. The scenery transformed into a tapestry of lush juniper forests, towering sandstone cliffs, and the iconic Mogollon Rim in the distance. Each turn revealed a fresh perspective: vibrant red bluffs, canyons carved by time, and mesas standing proud against the sky. The ascent offered sweeping panoramas that left us in awe and with a profound sense of accomplishment.

At the summit, we were rewarded with an overlook that seemed to stretch forever, showcasing Sedona’s natural grandeur in all its glory. Yet, the adventure didn’t end there. We navigated a dirt track to explore the Rock Garden Loop, a network of four forest roads—FS 801, FS 9495F, FS 9494F, and FS 153A—that winds through Schnebly Hill. The Western section was rugged with large, consistent rock gardens, while the Southern and Eastern parts featured gentler, peppered terrain.

The route led us through juniper woodlands and open meadows, offering moments of serenity amid the thrill. Some sections of the road were faint, making route-finding an exciting challenge. We eventually reached the rim of Jack’s Canyon, where we paused for lunch. The sun’s warmth was a welcome respite as the dogs delighted in exploring the area. Their playful energy was contagious, and we soaked in the tranquility of the surroundings, grateful for moments like these that remind us why we seek adventure.

As we made our way back to camp that evening, the thrill of the day lingered. The rugged beauty of Schnebly Hill and the quiet majesty of the juniper forests had left an indelible mark on our spirits. Over sliders for dinner and a cozy evening under the stars, we reflected on the day’s journey—both the challenges and the breathtaking rewards. Schnebly Hill had proven itself as a perfect blend of adventure and awe, a highlight of our northern Arizona Thanksgiving trip.

Day 3: Challenges and Unexpected Turns

The morning began with the excitement of new horizons as we packed up camp and set out for our next destination. Our route would take us through thick forests, ascending to an elevation of over 7,000 feet. The trees stood tall, their canopies filtering sunlight into a mesmerizing dance of light and shadow. It was as if the forest itself was alive, guiding us along the winding path to the edge of the canyon walls at East Pocket.

However, as is often the case with adventures, the unexpected found us. The spring on our overlanding trailer broke, bringing our journey to a slow crawl. Bill worked his magic, blocking the axle with wood to get us to the campsite. It was a tedious process, but one step at a time, we made it.

Just as we began setting up camp, the cold I had been fighting took hold. Chills and a pounding headache forced me to retreat into the tent to rest. Meanwhile, Bill demonstrated his incredible problem-solving skills, removing the damaged spring from the trailer so he could make a run to Flagstaff the next day for replacements.

Despite the challenges, the campsite offered a silver lining. Our site atop East Pocket offered views that felt straight out of a dream. The edge of the mesa opened to reveal a sprawling tapestry of canyons, mesas, and valleys. From this vantage point, we could see Bear Sign Canyon snaking below, the jagged beauty of Owl Canyon, and even a glimpse of Sedona’s iconic red rock formations in the distance. The interplay of light and shadow over the landscape created a constantly shifting masterpiece that was impossible to ignore. It was a reminder that even in the midst of difficulties, nature’s beauty can offer solace.

That evening, wrapped in blankets and sipping hot chocolate, we watched a movie on our iPad. It wasn’t the bustling adventure we had imagined, but it was a quiet moment of gratitude—sharing warmth, laughter, and the simple joys of being together in such a breathtaking place.

Day 4: Repairs, Rest, and Rediscovery

While I rested, Bill made the 1.5-hour drive to Flagstaff, returning triumphantly with replacement springs for the trailer. By mid-afternoon, he had the trailer up and running again, but it was too late to pack up camp and move. Instead, we decided to stay another night at East Pocket to make the most of the area. We spent the rest of the day exploring.

One highlight was Barney Spring Canyon, a hidden gem tucked deep in the Coconino National Forest. It offers an off-the-beaten-path experience, blending rugged terrain with serene beauty. The canyon’s sandstone cliffs, dotted with lush ponderosa pines, painted a stark contrast against the azure sky. Seasonal streams carved through the rocky floor, their gentle trickle adding a calming soundtrack to our exploration.

The dogs, now fully embracing their wild sides, were in their element. Lennon, once a pristine white, was now a dusty beige walking dust storm, while Dasher proudly adorned himself with streaks of mud “war paint” on his face as if declaring his newfound feral freedom. Watching their unfiltered joy reminded us of the pure, simple pleasures of being immersed in nature.

As the sun began to set, the canyon was bathed in a warm, golden glow. We paused to take in the sweeping views from the canyon rim, marveling at the untouched beauty surrounding us. That evening, back at camp, we grilled gyros for dinner, savoring the flavors as the cool night air set in. The dogs, exhausted from their explorations, we curled up contentedly by the heater as we reflected on the day’s unexpected joys.

Day 5: From the Edge of the World to Flagstaff

After a restful night in East Pocket, I woke up feeling much better, the break I needed to fully recharge. We had a slow start, packing up camp and making sure the overlanding trailer was good to go. The dogs, still a bit tuckered out from yesterday’s adventures, were content to lounge in the sun as we went about our morning routine.

Our route that day took us to the Edge of the World overlook, offering a stunning panoramic view of the surrounding landscape. It was a perfect spot for a few photos before continuing on our journey. From there, we made our way toward Rattlesnake Mesa, passing through Secret Canyon and taking in sweeping views of towering rock formations and the peaceful sounds of nature. The serenity of this part of the journey felt almost magical, as if the earth itself was whispering to us.

We had originally planned to venture up to Bunker Hill, but decided to move forward toward Turkey Butte. By the time we arrived, the temperature had started to drop, dipping into the low 30s with a light drizzle of rain. The cold, combined with the challenging terrain, prompted us to make a change in plans. Instead of setting up camp in the wet, chilly conditions, we decided to head for Flagstaff for the night to warm up and regroup.

As we made our way toward the highway, we stopped to air up the tires. That’s when we noticed something unusual. At some point during our journey, a mouse had apparently decided to make a home in the engine of our Jeep. It had tried to build a nest on top of the battery, leaving behind evidence of its makeshift dwelling. We were able to clear it out and continue on our way, but it certainly added an unexpected twist to our adventure.

By the time we reached Flagstaff, the weather had turned—snowflakes began to fall, adding a magical touch to the landscape. We found a cozy place to stay for the night, where we could treat ourselves to hot showers and relax by a fire. As the snow lightly fell outside, we ordered pizza and settled in for a quiet evening, watching movies by the warmth of the fire. It was a perfect way to end a day of changing plans and adapting to the unexpected.

Day 6: Thanksgiving Reflections

Thanksgiving morning greeted us with frost-tipped trees and clear skies. As we drove out of Arizona, we stopped at Monument Valley in Utah for turkey sandwiches at Forrest Gump Hill, soaking in the stunning views and reflecting on the journey.

This trip wasn’t the one we had planned, but it turned out to be one we’ll never forget. The dogs reminded us to slow down, savor simplicity, and stay present, while the ever-changing landscapes of northern Arizona revealed the beauty in the unexpected. From the stunning red rock vistas to the quiet, hidden gems of the wilderness, each moment taught us something new. Each day brought its own surprises but as always, the unplanned moments shaped our journey in ways we could never have imagined. Sometimes, it’s the detours and challenges that make an adventure truly unforgettable. This Thanksgiving, we learned that life’s greatest memories are often born from the plans that didn’t go as expected.