One of the biggest misconceptions about Arizona is that it is all desert.  Ask someone who doesn't live here about our Southwestern home and they will conjure images of tumbleweed, cactus and Wyatt Earp.  While it is true that the greater Phoenix Valley features some of the most beautiful desert vistas that you will ever see, the diverse terrain of Arizona is as rich as our colorful history.

One of the primary reasons that this native son continues to call Arizona home after 32 years is the immediate access to wonderfully divergent topography.  Here in the Valley, we are treated to (spoiled by) 8 months of perfect weather.  It is November 26th as I write this, and I could go play a round of golf here in Scottsdale in shorts and a polo shirt.  "Glorious" is the term I would use to describe our winter weather.

However, when we test the constitution of the thermometer in the summertime, or if we simply want to go play in the snow for an afternoon in the winter, it is imperative that a haven be readily accessible

 Mund's Park, AZ

 

My family owns a cabin in such a place.  In an hour and 45 minutes door to door, I can trade a day in Scottsdale for a day in the mountains.  Saguaro cacti and creosote yield to magnificent Ponderosa pine trees as the quick jaunt North sees a significant climb in elevation. By the time we reach our place in Mund's Park, just 20 miles south of Flagstaff, we are at nearly 7000 feet. 

We made the short trip this past holiday weekend.  With overnight lows in the neighborhood of 15 degrees, we were treated to the taste of the season. 

 

 

 

On this particular pilgrimage, we planned an additional excursion.  We made the 30-minute trek into Sedona on Saturday night for a special evening of viewing the holiday light displays.  A local resort and timeshare, Los Abrigados Resort & Spa, puts on an annual display with over a million total lights for the public to view for a small fee ($6 adults, $5 seniors, $4 children ages 4-12, free for children under 4).  We had seen this display years ago, and were anxious to compare this year's effort to our memories.

 

Sedona, AZ Red Rocks

 

 

The drive into Sedona is one of the prettiest stretches of road that you will ever encounter.  The only more scenic route that comes to mind is the southbound exit out of Sedona through Oak Creek Canyon.  The renowned red rocks are always magnificent, and the color of the rock was as resplendent as I have ever seen it.  Awash in the last sinking vestiges of the sun as it dipped below the horizon, the rock almost seemed to chide me for the length of time that had passed since my last visit.  Cathedral Rock and other favorites absolutely sparkled.

                                                                                                      

 

 

 

Sedona, AZ

Sedona AZ

Sedona AZ

 

We found parking just as the natural wonder of our surroundings yielded to the man-made marvels of illumination.

Christmas Lights in Sedona AZ  Sedona AZ Holiday Lights

Sedona Lights  Sedona Lights

 

As the little ones sipped hot cocoa, and the adults coffee, we thoroughly enjoyed these works of art.  I am pleased to say that this was one of those rare occurrences in life where the present actually outdistanced the sepia tone memories of the past.  We could not have had a better time ... despite the stoicism on display by the little ones in these photos!

The boys in Sedona, AZ  Slaybaughs in Sedona

 

For those Valley residents who are looking for a unique experience this year when planning an evening out to look at holiday lights, or for our out of town visitors who have never experienced the magic that is Sedona, it is well worth the short drive.  Make a weekend out of it, and continue on to Prescott or Flagstaff for a taste of the season that many do not think exists in the Grand Canyon State.

Happy Holidays to all from the Slaybaughs!

 

 

 

Paul Slaybaugh is your Scottsdale AZ Realtor.  Proudly serving the Scottsdale, Phoenix and Paradise Valley AZ Real Estate market since 1999

 

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41 Comments on Holiday Lights in the Red Rocks: Sedona AZ

20 Most Recent Comments Displayed Show All

NOV
27
2007
255,754 Points 3 Featured Posts Outside Blog
Great pictures!  Thanks for sharing.
3:22pm • #22
Oh yes I am a NAU alumn and born in Phoenix.  When I tell people my PE credits in college were in downhill skiing, they get a little confused.  Some truly are not aware of the greatness of my home state!  Thanks for sharing!
3:29pm • #23
Sedona is so beautiful. We went there after we went to the Grand Canyon with the boys several years back. Only had a day to spend there...would have liked to have more! Nice to see your family...adorable!
6:46pm • #24
329,973 Points 61 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master
Wish you still had that timeshare, Adam.  I'd talk you into visiting in the near future.  We'll just have to rendezvous at the cabin for a few cold ones.  Deal?  It's an amazing time of year for visitors and residents alike.  And with your work ethic and passion, I don't think it will be long before you have that place upstate.  Take care, buddy.
6:54pm • #25
329,973 Points 61 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Dan:  Thanks for adding your thoughts.  Hope you get the chance to visit again.

Tom:  Thank you, sir.  Even my clumsy photography skills (in a moving vehicle) were no match for Mother Nature's splendor.

Chris:  My pleasure.  Thanks for reading.

Jennifer:  Good to hear from a Lumberjack!  I didn't attend NAU, but I stayed in the dorms over several summers for soccer camps.  I love it up there.  Scottsdale is a great place to live and work, but my spirit truly soars when I'm amongst the pines.  Thanks for sharing your AZ connection.

Kelly:  You know who to call if the family ever plans a return trip!  Thanks for adding your thoughts and  compliments of the family unit.

7:01pm • #26
NOV
28
2007
1 Featured Post
Paul...  Beautiful...just beautiful!  Thanks for sharing with us...  Those cuties were definitely ready for some shut eye...  (And if they're like most kids...they slept in the car...then got home and raised some cain...wouldn't sleep for spit...lol)
12:43pm • #27
329,973 Points 61 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master
Spoken like one who only knows the joys and misadventures of parenthood all too well, Lisa.  The car is baby melotonin and the crib is baby amphetamine.  Maybe we would be better served if the trip actually took longer ;)
9:46pm • #28
NOV
29
2007
1 Featured Post

Paul...  Oh yes...  Learned the "2nd wind" lesson quite well...  I actually spent a significant amount of time trying to figure out how to keep my son awake in the car...worked some...not others.  He caught on...just decided he was going to stay up ALL the time...sure fixed my wagon!!!   lol

You'd think, by now, somebody would have come up with Crib Benadryl...  No side effects...guaranteed to knock those little boogers out as soon as they hit the mattress.  They'd be rich!

8:54am • #29
329,973 Points 61 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master
I'm also waiting for the "magic fingers" crib which mimics the motion of a car.  This device could also work in a car seat.  When you've got them asleep, but they wake up screaming every time the car stops ... just flip the motion switch and presto!  Sleeping baby!
9:04am • #30
123,159 Points 4 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Hi Paul -- How did I not see this before?  This is really beautiful.  You family is SO cute! 

My husband and I just reached our 20th anniversary on the 7th.  We were supposed to celebrate in Sedona!  We had reservations and I was so looking forward to it.  I've always wanted to go there.  We had just lost a lot of time, what with a major brush fire in our area, our cars packed up to evacuate, so I just didn't feel that we would be able to relax.  So, I cancelled.  I don't want to let it go, though.  We're thinking of coming out there in February, if we can.
Thanks for sharing your family and your state.

11:13am • #31
329,973 Points 61 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master
If you're here in February, you better let me know, Elaine!  I'd love to meet you and the crew.  Besides, I take any excuse I can to pack the family into the car and head up to the cabin. 
11:19am • #32
123,159 Points 4 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master
Will do.  However, did you get the anniversary part?  My kids will be at home!  My husband and I would love to visit with your family, though.
11:28am • #33
329,973 Points 61 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master
Breezed right past that, Elaine!  LOL.  You don't need to be meeting folks on an anniversary trip, especially a couple of screaming kids.  Another time, another place :)
11:32am • #34
123,159 Points 4 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master
Paul, 20 years.  We have managed to gain a handle on "time management."  ;-).
11:44am • #35
329,973 Points 61 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master
You've got me bested, Elaine.  Time management is a work in progress for this young parent!
8:26pm • #36
NOV
30
2007
873,468 Points 167 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master
Paul - I just wanted to let you know that I included this post in the weekly Family Ties wrapup, which I just posted.  Thanks!
6:47pm • #37
104,969 Points 1 Featured Post
Absolutely love Sedona!!!  I get to Arizona about once every 8 years and always try to fit in Sedona.  I wish it could be more often.  You are a lucky guy to live that close!
9:17pm • #38
329,973 Points 61 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Jason: I really appreciate the inclusion.  Thanks, my man!

Martin:  I know it, Martin.  Sometimes I take it for granted, but only when I am down in the Valley.  When I do actually commit myself to going, I am never disappointed.  Whether you have seen the rocks once or a hundred times, they always dazzle.  Thanks for commenting.

11:59pm • #39
DEC
01
2007
awesome piece! thanks! i am totally thinking about taking a road trip to sedona for the light show now.
10:00am • #40
2 Featured Posts

Thanks Paul for opening my eyes to the beauty of Arizona. I did think it was all desert, that's all I recalled seeing in Phoenix and Scottsdale.

Love the family pictures by the way, the kids lool adorable in the red hats!

7:15pm • #41

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Paul Slaybaugh, Scottsdale AZ Real Estate

Scottsdale, AZ

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