We asked a few of our team members at Sedona and Flagstaff where they like to hike and bike during their free time during the summer. It’s always great to get the local’s favorites! Enjoy and be active!
We asked Tammy K. an 18-year resident of Sedona and server for Picazzo’s for 3 years to share her favorite hikes. She was a little puzzled at first as she thought long and hard, and then her first response was, “the last hike I did”. She is a lover of nature and hiking and camping.
She then shared that a hike for views was Bear Mountain. It is an all day strenuous hike, but you can see San Francisco Peaks from the top. She said it is well worth the time and always is grateful she chose it when she gets to the top!
Brins Mesa has great views of the uptown area. You can see where the Brins fire burned over eight years ago. but there is still plenty of beauty.
Another favorite of hers is Sugar Loaf right across 89A from Picazzo’s Organic Italian Kitchen up Coffee Pot Drive, off Little Elf within the city limits. It only takes 40 minutes to the top and you get a 360-degree view. There are other trails from there that you can take off from and extend your hike. Tammy K said “You are so close to town, but feel like you are a million miles away.”
Don’t forget to stop into Picazzo’s Organic Italian Kitchen for a healthy meal before or after your hike! Many enjoy and are so glad they chose Picazzo’s for fresh, amazing food! There is nothing like a #fresh, #clean, tasty #salad, #pizza, #pasta or quinoa bowl after sharing a day in nature with yourself or friends. 
The entire menu is gluten free with the exception of two pizza doughs, organic original and organic whole grain.
Keith A., server for 4 years in Sedona enjoys Airport Rd, Bandit to the Ridge because it’s close to home. From there you can go to Chavez or lower red rock loop if you choose a longer hike.
He also enjoys a spot near Enchantment, called Platki, Boynton Canyon Secret Canyon. He doesn’t see as many tourists because it’s so far away. There is a great overlook of the whole valley especially at sunset.
He also enjoys San Francisco peaks in Flagstaff. It’s rugged to get to the top and a great workout and view. You gain 4000 feet during the hike. One side you see the pine forest and the other side is full of Aspen trees.
Robert, Sedona bartender and Kristine, his wife, like North Wilson Mountain because it is very shady. It requires 4-5 hours, and is rated moderate plus.
Doghie is another local favorite which goes into Sycamore Canyon because nobody hikes it. You have to take Forest Road 525 to get there and the road gets very rough and is not maintained. You must have automobile clearance and be prepared for a rocky unfinished road.
Julian O., server, is an upbeat, athletic server who loves working and living in Flagstaff for the year round active lifestyle. One of his top picks is Sedona West Fork of Oak Creek Canyon next to the creek where he loves the hike for the beauty of the rock faces including some 400 ft. sheer faces. His personal photo’s are below.
Julian also enjoys the Inner Basin Trail head on the north side of Humphrey Peak. Mt. Eldon is another favorite as it has 3 different hikes, around, up and over with easy ranges. He said you can see all of Flagstaff with a 360-degree view which is a relaxing and rewarding stop.
He also rock climbs at Eldon by Lake Mary and likes Buffalo Park because all you need to bring is your own crash pad and you can climb all day. “It feels great to be active” He also snowboards in the winter.
Julian’s favorite entree “right now” at Picazzo’s is Shrimp Scampi with gluten free linguine. He can’t get enough. Before this his favorite was the Pesto and Gorgonzola Gluten free Ravioli’s.
Michelle S., GM, Flagstaff likes Buffalo Park, Mt. Elden and Walnut Canyon in Flagstaff. However, you can’t forget the Grand Canyon!!!
Flagstaff also has a robust biking organization and is a wonderful town for riding. They have a great urban trail system and encourage students to take advantage of that. They have off road biking at the Fort Tuthill Bike Park where kids of all ages enjoy being in nature and riding their bicycles in the gorgeous Flagstaff summer weather surrounded by mother nature.
There are opportunities to volunteer and donate to the trail systems being renovated now.
Learn more about Flagstaff’s bike programs at www.flagstaffbiking.org.
Stay active, be well and eat fresh, healthy food! Did we mention Picazzo’s Organic Italian Kitchen has five locations in Arizona. Visit one or all five this summer! Ciao!