Hiking the Grand Canyon - The Perfect Birthday Experience

SOUTH KAIBAB TRAIL TO OOH AHH POINT - VERY STEEP AND EXCITING! THE VIEWS WERE BREATHTAKING.

MY DEAR FRIEND TIFFANY AND I BEYOND THE RAILING AT THE SOUTH RIM OF THE GRAND CANYON

DONKEYS CARRYING SUPPLIES THROUGH THE CANYON

KIMPTON AMARA RESORT AND SPA - A WONDERFUL PLACE TO STAY IN SEDONA

January 2018

Last month, I celebrated my 30th birthday with my closest family and friends in Arizona. I knew I wanted to take a trip, and the southwest offered the perfect blend of novelty, mild climates, scenic views, and free activities. We stayed in Sedona, which was an absolutely beautiful place. We knew we were in for a wonderful stay when people in the Phoenix airport were as excited for our Sedona stay as we were. We drove up on the evening of the first night, as the sun was setting on the red rocks. This twilight introduction set the scene for our trip, and the views only got better from there. On the second day, we made the drive to the Grand Canyon and did what few do **according to google** - hiked below the rim.  The South Kaibab trail was steep and narrow, and I loved every step of it. We hiked one mile into the Canyon, stopping at Ooh Ahh point to take in the views. While we were parked there, a caravan of donkeys came up the path. They were linked together by a rope, 6-7 donkeys in a line. It was at that moment that I realized how thankful I was that I didn't book those Grand Canyon donkey tours! Just watching those animals walk slowly up the Canyon made me anxious, not because they aren't sure-footed but of how little control I would have over my life if I was on their back. We opted to hike back up the canyon on the legs we got there with. Between the views and the camaraderie, it was an absolutely successful bucket-list experience.

We spent the rest of the weekend in Sedona, eating good and lounging in the hot tub. It was so good to make new memories with my loved ones. I can't wait for my next trip to the SW!