AZ crazy

August, 2018... Originally a backpacking duo, this camping trip turned into two college kids, two dads, one teepee tent, a troubled truck, and lots of incredible sights. Our first night in Phoenix was quickly followed by an early drive to check out Montezuma Castle National Monument, on our way to Sedona. Our first hike was an unexpected doozy. Exploring Hangover Trail, we ended up crawling to the top of the red rock mountains, and making our way back down through a ravine. That night we made it all the way to the Grand Canyon to set up camp before the sun went down. Fueling up with smores and cold cuts, we decided to hike down into the canyon once the sun rose. The motivation to hike back up came sparingly as the noontime sun came around, but we were eager to make it to Monument Valley for sunset. We made it with plenty of time to drive through and visit with an old friend of Kenny's dad, and receive a lesson on rug making in their hogan. As a storm came barreling in we decided to head to the reservation to camp for the night. Kenny's family welcomed us and joined us for a night of grilling, roasting marshmallows, and atv adventures beneath the milky way. The following morning we packed up, said our goodbye's and were off to Antelope Canyon, Horseshoe Bend, and Lake Powell. After a few hours of cold drinks and cliff jumps, we set up camp and watched for shooting stars. We stopped by the Glen Canyon Dam and learn about the history and hard work put into the creation. From there we made our way through dirt roads and around the mountains back to Flagstaff to explore the Lava River Cave. Our dad's got their first Airbnb experience in Flagstaff that night, and we all got to catch up on some sleep before heading back south to Sedona. After diving into the art galleries throughout Sedona, we made our way up to Jerome to check out the ghost town. Our drive back to Phoenix made for a dreamy sunset over Mingus Mountain. My dad and I would've been quite out of our element without Kenny and his dad encouraging us on some epic hikes through the Arizona desert. Even with this epic itinerary, there are still some adventures I am looking forward to conquering in The Grand Canyon State.