Red Rock State Park — Sedona’s Quieter, Cooler Cousin

Sedona views, zero chaos. Welcome to Red Rock State Park

 Here's the thing about Sedona: Everyone wants to go there....until they actually get there 

It’s beautiful… but not exactly peaceful anymore

Don’t get me wrong — it’s gorgeous. Those red rocks really do glow at sunset, and there’s a reason every influencer with a yoga mat has a photo there.

But if you’ve ever tried to find parking on a Saturday, you know what I mean.

That’s why locals (hi, it’s me 👋) head somewhere else when we want those same iconic views — minus the chaos, traffic, and tour buses.
Just a few miles down the road sits Red Rock State Park, Sedona’s quieter, cooler cousin — equally stunning, blissfully peaceful, and still somehow under the radar.

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The Local Secret Sedona Doesn’t Want You to Know

Locals love Red Rock because it feels like a secret garden in plain sight. It’s everything you want from Sedona — red cliffs, cottonwood trees, and that honey-colored light photographers dream about — minus the chaos.

Five miles from Sedona, a world away in peace and quiet

The park sits quietly along Oak Creek, tucked just enough out of the way that most visitors skip right past it in search of the “big name” hikes. Which is fine. More peace and parking for the rest of us. 😏

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We Hiked the Smoke Trail — and Had It Practically to Ourselves

The Smoke Trail is one of those hikes that makes you forget time exists. It winds gently along Oak Creek, shaded by cottonwoods and framed by postcard-worthy red rock formations in every direction.

Trailhead 

We went on a weekend — a weekend! — and it was virtually deserted. Just the sound of the creek, the crunch of the trail, and that perfect Arizona mix of sun and breeze that makes you remember why you live here in the first place.

Smoke Trail along Oak Creek — short, scenic, and surprisingly empty

Fall leaves changing color over Oak Creek 

It’s short, easy, and ridiculously scenic. Perfect for a relaxed morning stroll or a “let’s actually talk while we walk” kind of hike. 

View along the Trail 

Proof I actually go places before recommending them. 😏

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Don’t Leave Just Yet — Red Rock Crossing Awaits

I almost don’t want to tell you this… because once word gets out, it might not stay this peaceful forever. But if you’re anything like me, you appreciate the quiet kind of magic.

When you leave the park, don’t be in a rush to get back to the main road. Keep driving down Red Rock Loop Road until it dead-ends at Red Rock Crossing.

Cathedral Rock from Red Rock Crossing — a view you’ll want to keep to yourself.

As you come up the hill at the end, the view opens up in this postcard-perfect reveal — Cathedral Rock standing proud, Oak Creek winding below, and (if you time it like I did)… total silence.

No crowds, just quiet 

No crowds. No chatter. Just you, the breeze, and that “wow, this can’t be real” kind of view.

I was the only one there. And honestly, that’s the kind of moment Sedona used to be known for.

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Real Talk About Sedona

Okay, full honesty? I don’t actually love Sedona anymore.

It used to be magical — quiet trails, peaceful air, views that made you stop mid-step. Now it’s… well, Disneyland with crystals. Beautiful, yes, but packed shoulder-to-shoulder with tourists, traffic jams, and people burning sage in the parking lot.

When “spiritual retreat” starts feeling like a theme park. 😂

That’s why I love Red Rock State Park so much more. It gives you everything Sedona promises — the views, the color, the calm — without the chaos. 

No traffic. No energy vortex sales pitches. No yoga poses blocking the trail.
Just red rocks, blue sky, and room to breathe.

Real Talk Moment

This weekend, a guy at the creek asked me, “Is this the vortex?”

No, my dude. What you’re feeling is nature. You’re sitting beside flowing water under a cottonwood tree in one of the most beautiful places on Earth. That peace? That awe? That’s just your nervous system remembering what calm feels like.

We don’t need fake energy spirals or pseudoscientific dogma to explain the power of the natural world. Just go outside. Take a walk. Look up. Touch the dirt.

Real magic doesn’t need marketing. ☀️

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Know Before You Go

• Location: About 5 miles west of Sedona — easy drive, easy parking.

• Fee: $10 per adult (worth every penny for that level of peace).

• Best time: Early morning or golden hour — the light is pure magic.

• Bring: Water, camera, and maybe someone who appreciates a good quiet moment.

A little planning, a lot more peace 

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The Bottom Line

If you love Sedona’s views but could do without the chaos, make your next stop Red Rock State Park — and keep going just a little farther to Red Rock Crossing.

It’s where the locals go to remember that peace and beauty can still coexist — and that sometimes, the best views don’t need an audience.

Sometimes the best views don’t need an audience.

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The Painted Desert Project : Discover Arizona’s Hidden Highway Murals on the Navajo Nation

 

Somewhere between Tuba City and Wait, where even am I?—there she was. A woman’s face, forty feet tall, staring out from the crumbling wall of an old roadside building. Her eyes didn’t follow me as I drove by—they stopped me. Literally. I pulled over on that lonely stretch of Highway 89, dust kicking up behind me, and realized this wasn’t some random graffiti. This was a story.

Welcome to The Painted Desert Project, one of Arizona’s most quietly powerful art experiences—part road trip, part open-air gallery, part love letter to the people of the Navajo Nation.

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The Road That Sneaks Up on You

If you’ve ever driven that stretch between Flagstaff and Page, you know the rhythm: wide prairies, long horizons, old dormant volcanos, the kind of silence that feels alive. It’s easy to zone out, to let your playlist and the hum of the tires take over. But then, if you’re paying attention, the landscape starts to change—not just the mountains and meadows, but the walls.

Grain silos, abandoned gas stations, old trading posts—suddenly they’re wrapped in faces. Massive black-and-white portraits, printed from photographs and pasted onto these weathered surfaces. The contrast is striking: art that fades and cracks with the desert wind, blending into the land that inspired it.

It’s called the Painted Desert Project, and it was started by Dr. Chip Thomas, a physician, photographer, and artist who’s lived and worked on the Navajo Nation for decades. You might know him by his street art name, Jetsonorama—and if you don’t yet, you will.

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The Story Behind the Paint

Back in 2009, Dr. Thomas began wheatpasting photographs of local Navajo people onto roadside structures, turning these forgotten walls into canvases for community pride and storytelling. Over time, the project grew into a collaboration between local youth, visiting artists, and travelers who happened to notice.

Each mural tells a story—sometimes quiet, sometimes defiant. A grandmother’s face layered with the textures of a crumbling gas station. Children laughing across the side of a barn. Historical photos reborn in modern light.

It’s art that doesn’t shout for your attention—it waits for you to earn it.

Dr. Thomas once said his goal was to “reflect back the beauty of the community to itself.” That’s what struck me most. These murals aren’t for tourists—they’re for the people who live here. We just have the privilege of seeing them if we slow down long enough.

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How to See It (and How Not To)

Most of the murals are scattered along Highway 89 and Route 160, between Gray Mountain, Cameron, Tuba City, and Bitter Springs. There’s no official map, and that’s kind of the point. You have to look. The best way to experience them is the old-fashioned way—eyes open, no rush, camera down until you’ve actually looked.

If you’re driving from Flagstaff to Page, give yourself at least an extra hour. Pull off safely when you see one of the murals, but don’t block driveways or wander onto private land. These are living communities, not roadside attractions.

And maybe skip the geotagging. Let other travelers find them the way you did—by paying attention.

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Road Trip Layer: The Karen Way

If you know me, you know I’m all about weaving real experiences into travel....the kind that make you feel something. So here’s how I’d build a day around the Painted Desert Project:

Start in Flagstaff

Grab breakfast (and in my case, an Iced Fuel from Blackrock—because you know I don’t do coffee) before hitting the road north. Take Highway 89 toward Cameron.

Stop 1: Wupatki National Monument

About 45 minutes from Flagstaff, pull off for one of the most underrated historic sites in Arizona. Wupatki was once home to thriving Indigenous communities long before Route 66 was a twinkle in anyone’s eye. Walk the short loop trails past ancient pueblos and stone structures that still hum with desert heat.

It’s one of those places that makes you whisper without meaning to.

Stop 2: The Murals (Wupatki → Tuba City)

This is where you start to watch the walls. There’s no official sign saying “Art this way!”—you just start noticing. Maybe it’s a portrait under the eaves of a gas station. Maybe it’s a family in monochrome staring across the desert. You’ll feel when you’ve found one.

Take your time. Step back. Feel the mix of beauty and honesty.

Stop 3: Tuba City or Return to Flagstaff

If you keep going north, Tuba City makes an easy turnaround point (and if you stay overnight, check out the Tuba City Trading Post and local Diné eateries). Otherwise, head back toward Flagstaff as the sunset paints the mesas every shade of fire.

Stop 4: Cameron Trading Post

You’ll hit Cameron about an hour before Wupatki. It’s a perfect rest stop—but more than that, it’s a piece of living history. The trading post has been operating since 1916 and is still Navajo-owned. Inside, you’ll find local art, jewelry, and rugs worth more than any souvenir shop trinket. And yes, the fry bread tacos are absolutely worth it.

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Why It Matters

The Painted Desert Project isn’t just about art—it’s about visibility. About giving voice and form to people who’ve been here for centuries, long before the highways, the road-trippers, or the hashtags.

It’s also about changing how we travel. Instead of blowing through the Navajo Nation on the way to the Grand Canyon or Antelope Canyon, we can slow down and listen—to the land, to the art, to the stories that aren’t ours but that we can honor by paying attention.

For travelers like me (and probably you), that’s the good stuff—the reason we go at all.

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If You Go

Route: Flagstaff → Wupatki National Monument → Cameron Trading Post → Tuba City → return or continue to Page.
Drive time: About 3.5–4 hours round trip, plus stops.
Best time: Spring or fall for cooler temps and vibrant desert color.
Respect reminders: Stay on public roads, don’t climb on structures, and always ask before photographing local people.
Bring: Water, sun protection, and a willingness to get a little lost.

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The Lesson in the Paint

Out here, art doesn’t hang in climate-controlled museums. It breathes on cinderblock walls, fades in the wind, and lives in the stories of the people who call this desert home. It’s beauty with grit. And honestly, it’s the kind of experience that reminds you travel isn’t about checking boxes—it’s about connection.

So yeah—pull over. Take the detour. Let the Painted Desert Project remind you that every highway holds a heartbeat if you’re willing to listen.

Because life’s too short not to take the damn trip.

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#OffTheMapWithKaren #PaintedDesertProject #NavajoNation #ArizonaRoadTrip #CulturalTravel #TravelAdvisorLife #SeeTheWorldBetter

Discover Arizona’s Painted Desert Project, a stunning highway art experience by Navajo Nation artist Chip Thomas. Road trip itinerary, local tips, and hidden gems from travel advisor Karen.

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Florence, Arizona: More than a Prison Town

 

🌵 Off the Map with Karen: Florence, Arizona ; More Than Just a Prison Town

Let’s be honest: when people hear Florence, Arizona, they usually say, “Oh yeah… the prison town.”
And I get it. The name is on a lot of state-issued return addresses.

But what they don’t know is that Florence is one of Arizona’s oldest, quirkiest, most authentically Western towns — and if you drive through without stopping, you’re seriously missing out.

🕰 A Little Backstory

Founded in 1866, Florence was once a booming hub on the Gila River ....think cowboys, copper, and stagecoaches, not steel bars and orange jumpsuits. The historic downtown is still lined with 19th-century buildings, some lovingly restored, others with that “if these walls could talk” vibe.

It’s the kind of place where you can walk down Main Street and feel like you accidentally wandered into an old movie set ... except there’s Wi-Fi and air conditioning.

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🏛 What to See and Do

Historic Downtown Florence
There’s no official visitors center here, but honestly, the Fudge Shop on Main Street does a better job. Stop in for something sweet, chat with the owners, and you’ll leave with directions, town gossip, and probably a new favorite treat. My personal favorite is the Rice Krispy Treats 

McFarland State Historic Park
A bite-sized museum that tells the story of early Arizona justice and statehood, housed in the original 1878 courthouse. It’s small but surprisingly fascinating — and right in the heart of town. In the winter they host Saturday Farmer's Markets 

The Gila River & Box Canyon
Just a short drive out of town, you’ll find wide-open desert, rugged canyon walls, and some truly beautiful backroads. Locals know these as the go-to spots for ATV rides, off-roading, or a quiet picnic while the sun drops behind the mountains.

Pinal County Historical Museum
Okay, yes — there’s a prison exhibit. But there’s also pioneer history, Native artifacts, and vintage Arizona memorabilia. The volunteers are the real treasure here: friendly, funny, and full of stories.

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🍴 Where to Eat, Drink & Hang Out

Florence might be small, but it knows how to feed you and show you a good time.

🍽 Mt. Athos Restaurant & Café
Old-school Greek meets displaced New Yorker vibes. Get the spicy gyro if you like a little kick — or go full experience with the saganaki, where they light the cheese on fire right at your table. OPA! It’s dinner and a show, Florence-style. Tell Pete I sent ya! 

🔥 Your Behind BBQ Company

When the craving for meat hits — and you know it will — this is the spot. Order the ribs or the pulled pork, and don’t skip the pork rinds. They’re the best this side of the Mississippi, and I will die on that hill.

🍺 The Irish Cowboy Bar & Grill
Karaoke, cold beer, and a local crowd that feels like family by the end of the night. If you’re lucky enough to catch karaoke night and you like your pints with personality, grab a Kilkenny and stay awhile.

🖼 Casa de Baca Studios
This is my go-to for gifts that aren’t stamped “Made in China.” The owner is a photographer who turns his stunning desert and Southwest images into calendars, mugs, prints, and more. It’s creative, personal, and perfectly Florence. I may also be biased because he took really good photos of my boys :) 

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💬 Karen’s Take

Florence isn’t trying to be trendy — and that’s exactly why I love it. you won't find a Dutch Bros or a Black Rock Coffee here. Hell, we don't even have a Walmart or a Family Dollar, which is required infrastructure for every small town in the US. 

It’s real Arizona: a mix of Wild West history, friendly faces, and hidden gems that reward anyone curious enough to slow down and look around.

So yeah, we’ve got a few prisons. But we’ve also got a whole lot of character  and some of the best food, music, and small-town charm in the state.

Next time you’re heading between Phoenix and Tucson, don’t just drive through. Stop in, eat something delicious, listen to a little live music, and see why those of us who call Florence home know it’s off the map… in the best way possible

Want more travel inspo, cruise tips, and random Arizona opinions?
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Chiricahua — The Land of Standing-Up Rocks

🌵 Chiricahua — The Land of Standing-Up Rocks

If you’ve never heard of Chiricahua National Monument, don’t worry, you’re not alone. Most Arizonans couldn’t find it on a map if you paid them in margaritas. (And since I don’t drink, that’s saying something.)

Tucked way down in southeastern Arizona, about 2.5 hours east of Tucson, this hidden gem is proof that our state is full of surprises. Forget cacti and desert dust—Chiricahua is a land of towering rock spires, shady canyons, and pine forests that feel more Colorado than cactus country.

🌋 What Makes It So Special

Millions of years ago, a volcano erupted nearby and left behind layers of ash that slowly eroded into the funky formations you see today. Locals call it the “Wonderland of Rocks,” and it absolutely lives up to the name. It’s a photographer’s dream and a rock climber’s “please don’t touch anything” nightmare.

Fun fact: Chiricahua is currently a National Monument, but there’s a push to upgrade it to full National Park status. And honestly? It deserves it.

Me at the Entrance Sign 

🚗 Getting There

Plan on losing cell service somewhere past Willcox, so download your maps in advance. You’ll know you’re close when the saguaros fade away and the mountains takes over.

Pro tip: Pack snacks, water, and maybe a friend who doesn’t complain about switchbacks.

🥾 What to Do (Even if You’re Not a Hiker)

You do not have to be a hardcore hiker to enjoy Chiricahua. There’s something for every energy level:

• Echo Canyon Loop to the Grotto: Scenic and manageable with rock tunnels, narrow passages, and those “how is this even Arizona?” moments. See the monuments from the road with fun names like "Organ Pipe", and "Sea Captain."
• Heart of Rocks Loop: Gorgeous but a workout with real elevation. Not for the faint of heart (pun fully intended).
• Massai Point Overlook: At the end of Bonita Canyon Drive; massive views with minimal walking.
• Faraway Ranch Homestead: Near the visitor center; a look at early 1900s ranch life.
• Easy Trails near the Visitor Center: Bonita Creek or Silver Spur Meadow—flat, shaded, and mellow.           
  
  
  

🌄 When to Go

Spring and fall are perfection—cool temps, blooming wildflowers, and smaller crowds. Summer gets hot, and winter can bring snow (yes, in Arizona).

💬 Karen’s Take

Chiricahua is where I send people who think Arizona is all red rocks and saguaro selfies. It’s peaceful, it’s otherworldly, and it’s never overrun with crowds. You can hike, you can drive, you can picnic at the overlook and call it a day.

Whether you’re chasing a strenuous trail or just standing in awe of the “balancing rocks,” this is one of those places that quietly gets under your skin.

Bring your camera. Bring your curiosity. And if you find the rock that looks suspiciously like Elvis, tag me......I swear he’s out there.

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Thinking about exploring Arizona beyond the usual stops?
Stay tuned for more Off the Map with Karen adventures—where I find the hidden corners of the Grand Canyon State so you can skip the crowds and go straight to the magic.

Want more travel inspo, cruise tips, and random Arizona opinions?
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🌵 You Think You Know Arizona… But You Don’t

 

Let’s get one thing straight: Arizona is not one giant desert.

It’s a state that packs mountain ranges, vineyards, mining towns, forests, lakes, and history into one wild road trip. Everyone wants to talk about the Grand Canyon and Sedona.... and yeah, they’re gorgeous ....but if that’s all you’ve seen, you’ve barely scratched the surface.

Arizona is a whole mood board of contradictions: dusty boots and craft wine, ghost towns and killer sunsets, backroads that lead to places Google Maps can’t pronounce.

So, let’s go off the map.

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🧭 Miami, Arizona — The Ghost Town That Refused to Die

Once a mining town, now a quirky place most people drive right by, Miami feels like stepping into a time capsule someone forgot to seal shut. Vintage signs, weathered brick storefronts, and locals who’ll tell you exactly where to find the best tacos in the state (spoiler: you have to get off the main highway to find it).

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🍷 Sonoita, Arizona — The Wine Country Nobody Expects

Here’s the secret: Arizona makes incredible wine.
Sonoita sits tucked between mountain ranges south of Tucson, where high-altitude vineyards are producing bottles that can rival Napa....without the price tag or pretense. Picture golden fields, cowboy hats, and tasting rooms that feel like home. Oklahoma the musical was filmed nearby. And that's for a valid scenic reason! 

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🚂 Clarkdale, Arizona — Rails, Rivers & Red Rocks

Blink and you’ll miss it… unless you’re smart enough to hop the Verde Canyon Railroad. This sleepy little town near Jerome offers the best of old Arizona charm with killer views of red cliffs, bald eagles, and secret swimming holes. It’s the kind of place that sneaks up on you and then stays with you long after you’ve unpacked. 

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💬 Here’s the Truth

Arizona isn’t just dirt, cactus, the Grand Canyon, and Sedona. It’s stories layered in rock and light, old souls in small towns, and adventures hiding in plain sight.

You think you know Arizona?
Stick with me. You don’t yet. But you will.

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