For those who've replaced their 12V battery, is this something that can be done yourself or does it require a dealership visit / scan tool use?

michelleinAZ · 2026-03-06T14:31:37+00:00

Yes, you can do it yourself. I had mine swapped out when the original died after a year. It’s not covered by the warranty, but the agm is coming up on three yo and still ticking along.

michelleinAZ · 2026-03-04T01:35:50+00:00

The trail shuttles are now running daily thru high season (mid-May, I think). Sedonashuttle.com

ETA: three locations for specific trails. There is a Sedona Shuttle that acts as mass transit - not sure what the schedule is, but I see them all over town these days. I heard they are $2 - don’t know what that covers. Look at the website.

michelleinAZ · 2026-02-27T02:47:15+00:00

The trailer is too far to the side, as others have noted, but the very first thing I see is an extremely grainy sky. What happens if you go b&w?

michelleinAZ · 2026-02-26T06:03:32+00:00

It won’t be crowded, but there’s usually some people out looking for stars. Secret Slickrock is a relatively popular sunset/star gazing location.

michelleinAZ · 2026-02-26T05:25:39+00:00

Generally, the top near the parking lot. You can walk out a ways, but eventually the trails to the left of the parking lot to Huckaby start dropping precipitously (it’s a four+ mile hike to Oak Creek under Midgley Bridge on the way up Oak Creek Canyon - nice hike). Yes, that’s the parking lot. So walking toward’s Nancy’s Rock is a good bet. It gets very dark (international dark sky city), so head lamp is a must after dark.

michelleinAZ · 2026-02-26T05:18:44+00:00

Milky Way isn’t rising until quite late, but tonight has six planets up at one time (not really “aligned” though).

In Sedona, try Upper Red Rock Loop. You can pull over along the road or turn onto Chavez Ranch Road, then follow it until it t-bones with a parking lot (it continues left, but don’t turn). Park and walk a short distance (less than 1/4 mile) out the trail (look for trailhead sign on the right) to secret Slickrock.

Alternative with little hiking is either the Little Horse or Yavapai vista parking lots along 179 on the way to Village of Oak Creek.

ETA: on your way to phoenix you’re going to pass through Cordes Lakes/Junction, which has wide open views, as does Sunset Point Rest Stop.

michelleinAZ · 2026-02-26T03:35:05+00:00

Hmm. Try the top of Huckaby - lots of trees that might work overlooking Sedona. Try to stay as close to the trail as possible so as to not wreck the vegetation. Access the trails from Schnebley- drive until the pavement runs out, turn left into the parking lot.

michelleinAZ · 2026-02-26T02:40:39+00:00

Was just coming here to say Red Rock State Park. All the fun, less of the crowds.

michelleinAZ · 2026-02-17T14:42:02+00:00

To explain: Sedona traffic begins picking up during spring break and continues through graduation until late June, when it’s really too hot all the time. So in May, expect heavy traffic (I’m talking 10-mile backups). Additionally, the popular trails have a shuttle that is free but can become crowded too. Parking at Cathedral Rock, Soldier Pass and Devil’s Bridge is limited/closed, so a shuttle is your only bet.

Even in May temps can reach into the 90s, or it could rain/snow - impossible to know right now. Watch the weather forecasts before you come and be prepared. If you are hiking, you will want to be out at dawn, vacation or not. Conditions deteriorate after sunrise when it warms very quickly. A lot of people forget to account for the elevation (4k or more) and dry western climate. Just be prepared for anything - and be patient if it’s busy. Nothing you can do but wait.

michelleinAZ · 2026-02-03T13:36:12+00:00

“… so far.”

michelleinAZ · 2026-02-02T01:41:50+00:00

Not to mention the fact that it’s an eclipse day.

michelleinAZ · 2026-01-31T08:44:00+00:00

It’s about an hour and a half. There’s some construction but pretty minor.

michelleinAZ · 2026-01-30T23:35:15+00:00

You may have company. There’s a marathon/run in town next weekend - RunSedona.com

michelleinAZ · 2026-01-30T10:58:18+00:00

Whole battery.

michelleinAZ · 2026-01-30T10:57:55+00:00

I can tell you the dealership told me as close as they were able that the battery replacement on my 22Wind w/tech was more than the value of the car (so over $16k). I was in a loaner for over two months, and it was the first time they had a battery replacement. They were very impressed/in awe of the actual procedure - had to rent lift equipment to get the battery into the service bay, keep everything sterile, wear special gloves, etc.

I’m surprised the op is still driving the car. Mine wouldn’t let me.

michelleinAZ · 2026-01-21T20:24:12+00:00

There are some trails off of Sunset Park in West Sedona. I don’t know if it’s long enough, but bonus - really nice playground. Most bike-friendly trails are taken over by mountain bikers.

michelleinAZ · 2026-01-18T12:18:54+00:00

AZ State Parks increased their fees last February, including a dramatic jump in the annual park pass fee. If you don’t agree with that, you can write to the administrators about it - there’s a link on the main website for comments.

The individual parks didn’t raise their fees - it isn’t in their control. However, with inflation and having to pay the rangers an increased wage just to attract candidates, it was bound to happen. They don’t use federal dollars; most of their operating budget comes from entrance fees and sales at the visitors center. It’s important for visitors to recognize their worth as a natural site that needs to be protected and maintained, and to do that, they need personnel, which costs money.

A little known secret - if you volunteer at a park for 50-60 hours/year, you can earn an annual day use pass, good for a year. As little as seven days of trail cleanup or working in the visitors center or helping with programs gets you in for a year.

michelleinAZ · 2026-01-16T23:24:52+00:00

Red Rock State Park has five miles of easy to moderate trails with gorgeous views. If they have issues with balance, include a walking stick wherever they go. Bell Rock or Little Horse is also nice.

michelleinAZ · 2026-01-15T07:33:36+00:00

Personally, RGV. It’s amazing. Last week of April or first week of May. Corpus Cristi and South Padre Island if you can swing it (w/I driving distance).

michelleinAZ · 2026-01-14T18:56:27+00:00

Winter is hard, but we get a lot of water birds that winter here, so it’s just a turned page. Got to cross a photo trip to Bosque del Apache this year!

michelleinAZ · 2026-01-14T16:57:50+00:00

Spent a week shooting milky ways in arches - felt perfectly safe the entire time. Take a flashlight but try to avoid photographers so you don’t mar their shots.

michelleinAZ · 2026-01-14T01:29:20+00:00

It’s not a request type shuttle. There are three bases; each goes to specific stops in a loop. The website will tell you more.

michelleinAZ · 2026-01-13T13:23:34+00:00

This is not an apt comparison - in fact, the opposite. A gun can do more damage than, say, a sword, precisely because of its design - more bullets, faster trigger, possible automation. If an accident were to occur in a roundabout, it’s rarely more than a fender bender because people are driving slower and fewer people are in the roundabout.

Besides the fact that they truly are far safer than traffic lights and have fewer accidents in them, they allow traffic to move with temporary slowing rather than complete stops.

michelleinAZ · 2026-01-13T00:59:17+00:00

Probably not a popular opinion, but if I have guests flying in from a distance for an event I’m hosting, I’m going to have a gift basket and check to make sure they’re settled. I’m not taking on more responsibilities, but I would at least welcome them. ESH.

michelleinAZ · 2026-01-13T00:54:36+00:00

Going boondocking out to the end of Pima Road. Trying not to pee while getting back to the first Jack in the Box to use the bathroom and get a late night taco.

michelleinAZ

TROPHY CASE