A Magical Road Trip: Finding Fairylands in Sedona and the Grand Canyon

Sedona Fairylands & Grand Canyon National Park

This road trip began as a list of wishes—hikes and sights I'd been dreaming of conquering. But like most of my adventures lately, it felt like I was getting a little help from above, turning a simple checklist into a magical journey with a beautiful theme. It was a trip full of delightful serendipities, of plans falling through only to lead to something better, of discovering fairy kingdoms at sunrise and finding dragons in the depths of the earth. This is the story of that road trip, a collection of moments that felt guided, blessed, and truly magical.

The Golden Nugget 🌟

Don't Miss This: The "secret" view on the Fay Trail in Sedona. When you see the "End of Trail" sign, don't stop! Scramble about halfway up the rocks at the end of the canyon and then turn around. The magical, panoramic view that opens up is absolutely breathtaking and was one of the most grateful moments of my life.

TRANSPORT YOURSELF ON THIS MAGICAL ROAD TRIP

Use your VR Headset to join me on this journey to some truly magical places. We'll hike to Noah's Ark, see a sunrise that feels like the entrance to a Fairy Kingdom at Devil's Bridge, watch the Grand Canyon wake up, and journey into the epic Buckskin Gulch. So what are you waiting for? Transport yourself into this magical road trip with me!

"You let the Light know that you are willing to be His hands, and He finds ways to let your hands create magic!"

Adventure at a Glance

🏞️ Regions: Southern Utah & Northern Arizona
🚶‍♀️ Activity: Hiking, Scenic Driving, Canyoneering
⭐ Shauna's Rating: 💎💎💎💎💎 (5 out of 5 Diamonds)
☀️ Best For: Magical landscapes, sunrise hikes, unique rock formations.
⏳ Recommended Time: This is a packed 3-4 day road trip itinerary.
🧭 Can't-Miss Sights: Devil's Bridge at sunrise, Grand Canyon's Desert View Watchtower, Buckskin Gulch, Noah's Ark.

My Magical Road Trip Story

This journey was a series of beautiful "detours" that felt divinely guided, taking me to four incredible chapters of adventure.

Chapter 1: Noah's Ark & Vermillion Castle

The trip began with a challenging hike to a stunning formation that looks just like Noah's Ark sitting high on a mountain. Across the road, the steep trail to Vermillion Castle offers an even better view. It was here I felt the theme of the trip begin: finding recognizable, magical shapes in nature's grand design.

Chapter 2: Sedona's Fairylands

Sedona was a whirlwind of serendipity. My original hike was inaccessible, and I was told Devil's Bridge was closed. With a prayer in my heart for a beautiful sunrise spot, I randomly followed my map to a "scenic spot" in the dark. A fellow hiker confirmed it was, in fact, the open trail to Devil's Bridge! The sunrise there felt like stepping into a fairy kingdom. Later, my friends chose the Fay Trail, and a local guide told me about the secret viewpoint past the end of the trail. The magical view left me in tears of gratitude. It felt like proof that if you are willing, the Light will help you create magic.

Chapter 3: A Grand Canyon Sunrise

I had always doubted my 360 camera could do justice to the Grand Canyon's scale, but I'm so glad I didn't pass it by. Watching the sunrise from the Desert View Watchtower as the spring green colors of the canyon came to life was unforgettable. I loved hiking a short way down the South Kaibab Trail to Ooh Aah Point. It was a great reminder that you don't have to hike rim-to-rim to have a fantastic Grand Canyon experience.

Chapter 4: The Dragon of Buckskin Gulch

My final stop was the legendary Buckskin Gulch. The last time I was here, a 14-foot drop stopped us. This time, I was delighted to find a new wooden ladder providing access! After hiking for almost two hours, my friends were ready to turn back. I pushed on for just 20 more minutes, and in that short time, my friend, inspired by the journey, found what we were looking for: the incredible "Dragon" rock formation! It was the perfect, thrilling end to a trip guided by serendipity and a little help from my friends.

Your Trail Guide: Helpful Hints

♦️ Noah's Ark: Be prepared for a steep trail and a river crossing. Hiking poles are highly recommended.
♦️ Devil's Bridge: For the best experience, hike in for sunrise. It's beautiful and you'll beat the crowds and the heat. The 4x4 road to the trailhead is very rough; most will want to walk it.
♦️ Grand Canyon: The Desert View Watchtower is a fantastic and less-crowded spot for sunrise. Remember you don't need a permit to day-hike a small section of the main corridor trails.
♦️ Buckskin Gulch: The hike from Wire Pass is long and can feel monotonous. Be prepared with plenty of water. The best formations are deep in the canyon, so give yourself lots of time.

Conclusion

This road trip was a beautiful lesson in faith and flexibility. At every turn, when plans went wrong, a better path was revealed. It strengthened my belief that if you set out with a good heart and a willingness to listen, you'll be guided to moments of magic you could never have planned. I hope this journey inspires you to seek out your own magical moments and to trust the detours along the way.

Sending Love and Positive Vibes,

Shauna from VRGetaways