There was still frost in Flagstaff the April morning we started down I-17.

Our first stop was Montezuma Well about 45 minutes south of Flagstaff. My friend, Katy, visiting from San Diego was pleased with the jump in temperature.

We took off our coats and explored an area essentially left untouched except for a small ranger station.

It was 9am and we only saw 2 or 3 other visitors. Montezuma Well is a big sink hole surrounded by bushes and trees and filled with sparkling blue-green water.

An almost hidden pathway led down to a cool shaded spot where water flowed from the Well's underground spring into Beaver Creek. There was evidence of irrigation canals built by the early Native American inhabitants. It was easy to imagine heading to this oasis after a hard day working in the desert sun.

We headed back to I-17 for the short drive to Montezuma Castle. This National Monument attracts a lot of visitors and comes with a gift shop and restrooms. It is spectacular with rooms carved out of the high cliffs and a lot of history, but we decided we preferred the Well because it put us right in the scene.

Montezuma Castle

Next we turned toward Sedona off I-17 onto Highway 179. I had never approached Sedona from this route and was glad that Katy was driving. The views are incredible with red buttes in whimsical shapes outlined against blue sky. No wonder Sedona is one of the most photographed sites in Arizona.

We turned off on the road leading to Chapel of the Holy Cross, parked and climbed the steep path to the Chapel. We were greeted by an almost 365 degree view of Sedona and possibly the best photo op in the area.

Chapel of the Holy Cross

The small chapel fits into the landscape beautifully and is a perfect place to rest and reflect. We visited the gift shop and admired a number of unusual crosses, rosaries made from native stones and other gift items.

By now we were hungry, so we continued on 179 to Tlaquepaque. This art and craft village is one of my most favorite spots in Sedona. I love the Spanish colonial architecture which reminds me of my hometown, San Diego, and beautiful Balboa Park.

Before we started exploring we settled on having lunch on the patio of The Secret Garden Restaurant. After the drive it was nice to relax under the shady trees, surrounded by lush gardens.

We finished our ice tea and then strolled around the village. Tlaquepaque is famous for its flowers, fountains and sculptures and did not disappoint on this spring visit. We spent an hour or so checking out the boutiques and galleries. It is fun to explore all the hidden nooks and crannies of Tlaquepaque...there are surprises at every turn and lots of garden and landscaping ideas.

And as if we had not had enough beauty for one day we finished with the drive up Oak Creek Canyon. This part of the journey took us through thick groves of oak just leafing out in pale green, Sedona's trademark red rock cliffs plus an occasional glimpse of Oak Creek. Soon we were back in Flagstaff with plenty of time for an afternoon nap.

View of Mogollon Rim from Oak Creek Canyon

In addition to being a fine rest stop and viewing area you will find Navajo artisans selling their wares. In all but the worst weather they set up long tables filled with fine arts and crafts including jewelry, belt buckles, dream-catchers, authentic flint-tipped arrows, bows and even war clubs (great for disciplining the kids on long trips). The sellers are all Navajo citizens who travel great distances to show their fine turquoise, silver and copper goods. We have always found the artisans very helpful and ready to answer questions regarding their handcrafted wares.

The Navajo artists rotate days in this area so each artist is only allocated several days a month. Oak Creek Canyon Overlook is a "must see" stop on the drive between Flagstaff and Sedona.

Native American Jewelry