Your lungs burn. Your legs get heavy. The trail doesn’t care. And yet…you look up, and everything is glowing red and gold like it was painted just for that moment.
That’s Sedona.
Red Rock Trail Running: A Rocky but Rewarding Start (Miles 1 – 3)
Imagine showing up to the Sedona Half Marathon, buzzing with pre-race energy, only to realize you’re not entirely sure where the start line actually is. Vendors line the right side, music and chatter fill the air, and without corrals or clear direction, you just kind of… drift forward with the crowd.
With a first-come, first-served feel, runners begin jogging downhill for about 150-200 feet, and just like that, you’re crossing the actual start line mid-stride. It’s a unique and genuinely cool way to begin a race, but one that feels like a missed opportunity. A bit of advance notice would’ve made this dynamic, scenic start a memorable moment for everyone instead of a scramble.
With that said, the next 13.1 miles were incredible. The route kept us on our toes with some tough sections, but the views of red rock everywhere made it worth every step. The weather cooperated too, as long as you were moving fast enough!
Pushing Your Limits on Red Rock Trails: Hills, Heat, and 360° Panoramic Views (Miles 4 – 6.5)
You can tell a race will be memorable when the landscape itself becomes a test. Sedona lived up to its reputation with rolling hills that made every mile count. I love this type of challenge: it’s not about coasting but pushing through inclines, knowing the reward comes on the downhills. There’s something deeply satisfying about conquering a tough stretch and feeling the course reward your effort with speed and momentum.
Around Mile 6, my lungs started reminding me they were working overtime, each breath a little sharper than usual. The hills were beginning to challenge my stride, but I kept pressing forward, pushing myself and even feeling a little nudge from the runners around me.
And honestly, with 360-degree panoramic views all around, it’s hard to stay focused on anything but the scenery. Those sweeping vistas of red rocks and endless sky were the kind of visual motivation that makes every uphill worth it.
As I hit the 6.5-mile turnaround, I knew exactly which hills and roads were waiting for me on the way back. Normally, out-and-back courses aren’t my favorite, but with views like this, it was impossible not to feel fired up.
Digging Deep: The Power of Small Wins (Miles 7 – 13.1)
The best part of race day is its unpredictability—your body has a mind of its own. Some days you feel unstoppable, every stride effortless. Other days, you have to dig deeper than you thought possible, finding strength you didn’t know you had. And then there are the days when the victories come in small, precious moments.
Today was one of those days where digging deep wasn’t optional. The temperatures were rising, the sun beating down, and I knew the hills on the return would feel five times tougher than they had on the way out. Every step became a test of will, every mile a reminder that perseverance isn’t just about pushing forward, it’s about savoring the small wins along the way, the fleeting moments that make the struggle worth it. And for the next 6.5 miles I took it all in…one small win at a time!
State #45 has been part of my larger goal to run 50 half marathons in 50 states while raising awareness and funding annual clinical trials by running against dementia. Crossing that finish line in the Grand Canyon State wasn’t just another medal, but rather proof that perseverance, purpose, and a single step at a time can create ripples of inspiration no matter where in the world you are reading this blog right now.
Hidden Gems: Sedona Secrets Only Locals Know
Sedona is packed with incredible places to explore, and while it’s tempting to try to see it all, we all know that’s impossible, so pick your adventures wisely. Wake up early and hit the trails before the sun turns the desert into an oven; after noon, you might find yourself trading hiking boots for a shaded lunch and reliving the morning’s highlights.
Classic spots like Bell and Cathedral Rock, Courthouse Butte, and the Holy Cross Chapel are definitely worth the visit, but for me, nothing compares to the thrill of the Subway Canyon hike and the nerve-wracking Devil’s Bridge that keeps your heart racing long after you’ve stepped back on solid ground.
Where Light Meets Stone: The Subway Canyon Experience
The hike up toward Subway Canyon is one I’ll never forget. Tucked slightly off the beaten trail, it felt like stepping into a hidden world. And yes, we did get temporarily lost. The arrow pointing the way was just a cluster of stones on the ground, not a sign hanging from a tree like we expected. By the time we reached the final steep ascent, my heart was racing because I had to contort my body in a few uncomfortable ways. But the end result? Pure magic…and a memory that will stay with me for a lifetime.
A Balancing Act Through Devil’s Bridge
Fun Fact: If you’ve got a Jeep, or any sturdy, off-road-ready vehicle, you can tackle about 1.5 miles of bumpy terrain and save yourself 30–45 minutes of hiking before you even reach the start of the Devil’s Bridge trail.
The hike opens up to stunning panoramic views, but nothing prepared me for what waited at the top. My heart dropped because I hadn’t seen a single photo or video, and as someone terrified of heights, my pulse instantly skyrocketed. Watching my friend Jeramy casually walk across made it seem easy, while I questioned whether I could even take the first step. let alone slow down my heart likely going 200 beats per minute But you only live once and somehow, facing it head-on was scarier than walking the actual plank. Still terrified, I knew this was my only opportunity… so I went for it.
A Front-Row Seat to Sedona’s Pink Jeep Tours
For years, I’d been itching to take a Pink Jeep Tours, and while many locals said it was not too “touristy,” I decided to go for it and I’m so glad I did.
Our driver was knowledgeable, friendly, and full of local insights, turning what could have been a simple sightseeing trip into an unforgettable 2.5-hour adventure. I opted for the Scenic Rim Tour, and every twist, turn, and view made it worth every penny. After the predictably bumpy ride, we finally reached the highlight of the adventure: standing atop the iconic Merry-Go-Round Red Rock formation.
Where Art and Architecture Meet: Tlaquepaque
Nestled in the heart of Sedona, Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village feels like stepping into a charming Spanish village where nature and architecture intertwine. Vine-covered archways, cobblestone paths, and hidden courtyards wind around towering trees that grow up through the buildings, creating a magical blend of greenery and stone. Boutique shops, local art galleries, and cozy cafés are tucked around every corner, making it just as much about the atmosphere as the shopping. Whether you’re browsing or simply soaking it all in, Tlaquepaque offers a peaceful, picturesque break from Sedona’s more rugged adventures.
