Have I mentioned how I love having access to snow again? I was born in Colorado and spent my first years adventuring in the Rocky Mountains. Now we are in Arizona where the summers get hot, but the winters are amazing. Sedona is one of my human’s most favorite places, and it is a little over an hour past north Phoenix. Although my parents have been way more times than me (I won’t hold it against them because it was before I was born), they have never seen Sedona in snow. Well, we changed that!
Arizona has had some colder than normal temperatures this winter, which I am totally good with since I have a double coat, and has gotten quite a bit of snow. As soon as my mom heard that Sedona got over five inches, we were on our way!
We always stop at the Red Rock Park Visitor’s Center where my folks do their business and check the map. The nice folks there recommended the Devil’s Bridge. Because this is a very popular spot in the summer, we hadn’t done it. We don’t mind people but rather avoid super large crowds. We like the sounds of nature, and some humans can be pretty noisy.
From the visitor’s center, we went through town to Dry Creek Road and turned right onto Long Canyon Road.
Devil’s Bridge is the largest natural sandstone arch in the Sedona area. I’ve never met the devil and 
really don’t care to, thank you very much. I’m not sure why the bridge is named after him because in my opinion, the views were heavenly! But I’m getting ahead of myself…
Getting to Trail #120 requires people to either walk a couple of miles from the main parking lot or four wheel in to actual trail head. Lots and lots of folks were walking in the yucky mud. One girl fell and was covered in red muck from head to toe. We have a monster truck! Okay, it’s a Nissan Pathfinder, but my dad geared it up for high clearance and put guard panels underneath. All that to say, we were equipped to four wheel up! Vroom! Due to the snow and recent rain, the road was a mess. Low riding cars should not attempt to drive in but instead opt to hike the extra miles. The road is probably a little better during the dry summer months; check with the park officials before proceeding.
Once at the trail head at 4,600 feet, we had about 400 feet to climb to the bridge. I was ready to go. Heck, I was born ready! Woof! The trail is only about a mile and a quarter long, but it was pretty slick with the snow and ice. My mom was thrilled to see the red rock covered in the white stuff. It truly was breathtaking!
About half way in, my folks had to put their Yak Tracks on. Those spiky things fit over their 
hiking boots to give them traction. Poor humans are so ill equipped! My paws and nails did just fine. Other humans only had sneakers on, and they were struggling with the ice. The trail got steeper with two sets of very narrow steps. Shorter humans had to kind of boulder and climb up. My humans are tall, so they were moving right along. I love my humans!
At the very top, we walked along a ridge. As we looked over to see Sedona in all its glory, we saw the bridge. A natural red rock arch provided a peek through to the canyon below. Wow! We were brave enough to walk on it, but without knowing its weight capacity, we didn’t stay long. We did, however, hang out on the ridge. My dad made my mom some hot tea, and I got a piece of bacon. Yum! Life is soooo very good.
Quote a few humans showed up, so that was our cue to head out. Many had to stop and adore me, but I’m used to it. I am one handsome pup, what can I say? All in all, the hike in and out took about 1.5 hours. Four wheeling out, we saw a broken car stuck in the mud. My dad figured the rocks broke the undercarriage. Poor humans. As for us, we made our way out and headed home where another beautiful evening sky greeted us. This world is full of so many great places. Get out there because you never know what you’ll discover!
Hi! I am Kumaito (Kuma for short), a multi-tan Shiba Inu. My breed is one of the oldest and purest from Japan. I personally was born in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, moved to Friendswood, Texas, and now call Phoenix, Arizona home. I enjoy running or hiking almost every day with my mom, chasing rabbits out of my neighborhood, playing with toys, pestering my brother Edmond, eating, napping … well, I love just about everything and everyone!
My mom, Lorraine Bossé-Smith (Founder of the FIT Leader Formula) is kind enough to help me share my Great Adventures, big and small. My mom is a motivational speaker, corporate trainer, business consultant, executive coach, behavioral-wellness expert, and author of eight published books. More importantly, she’s the best doggy mom ever!
Enjoy my blog at https://www.lorrainebosse-smith.com/category/kuma/ and be sure to follow me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Kumathedog
Get outside! You never know what you’ll discover, and our paths just might cross. Happy tails!
