Friday, January 15, 2016

"Outlaws" in Sedona

The city of Sedona evokes many emotions from visitors. From the red and orange stained skyline, to the jagged rocks that seem to pierce the bright blue sky, to the calm and tranquil atmosphere…Sedona truly is a diamond in the rough.

One of the best features of Sedona is the ability to venture off on hiking trails, biking and off road trails to really experience the true beauty of Sedona’s back-country.

We were fortunate enough to find the friendly staff at Sedona ATV and rented the four- seat RZR for the day. Due to the snowy conditions, we could not take the Schnebly Hill road that we had our hearts set on exploring. Instead, we found ourselves on the Outlaw Trail and I’m so glad we did!

Before long, we felt like true outlaws fleeing the town confines to find ourselves in the middle of the wild west. Surrounded by jagged rocks, cacti, red dirt and washouts, this rough and tough trail was exciting to navigate and gave us a 360 degree, panoramic view of Sedona.

Sedona ATV provided us with all of the gear, a picture book and a “there is no way you can screw this up” map of the trail. They even gave us two blankets; however, the cold was so piercing that day, no amount of blankets could save us. The Totally Trailer Trio was so, ridiculously bundled up that we actually looked like bandits, which ended up befitting this rugged Outlaw Trail! When I say we were bundled, that might be an understatement, considering I had on four layers, a turtleneck, scarf and face cover, earmuffs and headband (under my helmet), long underwear, three pairs of socks inside my Columbia snow boots and four packets of hand warmers! I wore a whole department store that day and is was absolutely worth it. 

The trail consisted of steep rocky ledges (that required careful wheel placement), ancient red rock arroyos, desert-brush landscaping, Indian ruins and went through Sedona’s western canyons. Adding to the adventure of the day, it even delicately snowed on us near the Honanki Ruins.

The adventure also brought us to the Vultee Arch Trail and the famous Devil’s Bridge hike which are each their own mini adventures.

We had an expert driver (hubby) but no matter how careful we were, we still ended up caked in red clay mud that sprayed up the sides of the RZR and coated us like an art canvas. Speckled from head to toe, the splashes were a reminder of the fun we’d had that day.

Considering Sedona covers over 19 square miles of gorgeous countryside, there is no better way to see the land than cruising in an off-road vehicle. The ATV ride was an overload of the senses: feeling the bumps in the rugged road, seeing the richly pigmented landscape, experiencing the adrenaline rush of navigating rocky crevices and tasting the freedom of the great outdoors.

There is so much to see and do in Sedona and just when you think you’ve seen it all…you discover a new hidden gem. Totally Trailer invites you to get outdoors and get dirty in Sedona!


The Sedona area has a plethora of places to stay, eat, camp and is surrounded by some of the best and scenic RV camp spots.

Stay tuned for our Sedona Backcountry Video!!!


RZR from Sedona ATV rentals
Our RZR chariot for the day and little one ready to get dirty!


off roading in Sedona on Outlaw Trail and Honanki Ruins
Map and detailed picture book with "you can't screw this up directions" provided by Sedona ATV (by the way, we still took a wrong turn)!


off road adventure in Sedona Arizona
Just getting started on the Outlaw Trail and the GoPro is ready for action front and center


mad max movie characters on Outlaw Trail in Sedona
The family of bandits on the Outlaw Trail is a little too realistic here!


views of Sedona Arizona off roading
Check out the different colors in this landscape, can you see the snow falling from that dark cloud in the background?


RZR and off road fun in Sedona backcountry
Awww...Outlaw Love


scenery in Sedona Arizona
The texture, the colors and the formations are simply breathtaking out here in Sedona


Honanki Ruins site in Sedona with ATV
parked out front of the Honanki Ruins Site (equipped with muddy blankets and all)


Sedona ATV Honanki Ruins Red Dirt
Passing the Honanki Heritage Site 


Geology rocks and perfect colors in Sedona Arizona
Red, green and blue...some of our favorite colors perfectly blended in nature


Sedona Arizona ATV selfie while driving off road
Live action selfie in Sedona

Friday, January 1, 2016

Granite Dells in Prescott, AZ are a feast for the eyes and the camera!

Just north of Prescott, Arizona there is a magical place with a spherical-like shoreline and tiny islands that beckon to be photographed. The deep blue water, green foliage and brown boulders of Watson Lake’s Granite Dells, create a feast for the eyes as well as a natural outdoor playground.

This unique geological formation eroded into unusually lumpy, rippled and stained boulders that are surrounded by two man-made reservoirs (Watson and Willow Lake).

The entire area is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream playground! The Granite Dells are surrounded by hiking and biking trails, picnic ramadas, BBQ’s, horse shoe pits, bouldering and rock climbing, kayaking, canoeing, fishing, migratory birds and seasonal camping.

From biking, bouldering or just taking in the view, Watson Lake is sure to impress. The panoramic view from above the lake is just as photogenic and the shoreline below. Walking the shoreline and clamoring over boulders at the water’s edge you can see many semi-submerged boulders that look like hippos lounging in the lake. The water is so calm that the reflections of the boulders dance across the water. The only movement is an occasional breeze or a flock of birds landing in the middle of the lake.

Visiting the Granite Dells could take you hours or days to explore. You can see the view from the upper parking lot in the comfort of your car, take a leisurely kayak through the reservoir, scale one of the boulders or take one of the many trails around the park.

Since we were visiting during winter, we did not have the option to kayak or camp, but we did spend the day exploring the shoreline, climbing boulders and taking many pictures of this geological wonder.


At an elevation of about 5,150 feet, the Granite Dells get snow and the Prescott area is known for their true four season climate. Whether the boulders are basking in sunlight or dusted with snow, Watson Lake is breathtaking any time of the year!

During summer months the city of Prescott has 19 dry camping spaces to camp at the Granite Dells park. For Rv's, trailers and other lodging, the Totally Trailer Trio recommends staying in Prescott or nearby Verde Valley. Happy bouldering!



Watson Lake Prescott Arizona clouds and view
Gorgeous panoramic view at Watson Lake's Granite Dells


panoramic view of Granite Dells Watson Lake Arizona
Looking out over the photogenic Granite Dells in Prescott, AZ


winter at Watson Lake Granite Dells Prescott Arizona
It was cold, but so worth the visit to Watson Lake


bouldering and rock climbing at Watson Lake Granite Dells Arizona
Hubby and little one taking a break on a water front boulder


perfect winter weather Watson Lake Granite Dells Prescott Arizona
Granite Dells selfie