About Red Rock & Relax

Welcome to Red Rock and Relax! My name is Tamara, and I’m thrilled to share my love of Sedona’s breathtaking beauty with you. Whether you’re planning a visit, looking for the perfect hiking trail, or simply dreaming of red rock vistas from afar, you’ve come to the right place.

For me, Sedona isn’t just a destination, it’s a way of life. Nestled in northern Arizona, this magical desert town offers over 100 incredible hiking trails, each one more stunning than the last. From towering sandstone formations to serene creekside paths, Sedona is a hiker’s paradise, and I’ve spent countless hours exploring its awe-inspiring landscape and haven’t even put a dent into all there is to do and see.

One of the things I love most about Sedona is its endless variety. No matter your skill level or interests, there’s a trail for you. If you’re seeking a heart-pumping climb, the Cathedral Rock Trail delivers jaw-dropping views at the summit. For a more leisurely experience, the Bell Rock Pathway offers gentle terrain and striking panoramas of the surrounding red rock formations. And for those who love water, the West Fork Trail meanders along a creek, shaded by towering canyon walls and lush vegetation.

Hiking isn’t just an activity for me; it’s a deeply personal experience that connects me to the earth and to myself. Every step on Sedona’s trails feels like a meditation, a chance to clear my mind, and soak in the incredible energy of this special place. Over the years, these trails have witnessed many of my personal milestones, celebrations, and moments of reflection.

Hiking Sidelined

In 2024, my hiking journey took an unexpected turn. After being diagnosed with breast cancer, I faced a challenging year of treatments that sidelined me from the trails I loved so much. Chemotherapy tested my strength in ways I never imagined. There were days when even a short walk felt impossible. During those difficult moments, I often found myself reminiscing about Sedona’s beauty, drawing inspiration and hope from the memories of my favorite hikes.

Though my body felt weak, my spirit remained strong. I held onto the vision of returning to the trails, picturing myself standing beneath the towering red rocks, breathing in the crisp desert air, and feeling the sun on my face. That vision became my guiding light, reminding me that healing—like hiking—is a journey, one step at a time.

Now, I’m thrilled to share that I’m back on my feet, strolling Sedona’s easier trails and setting new hiking goals. My recovery has been a testament to resilience, and each small step I take is a victory. Trails like Long Canyon and the Fay Canyon Trails have been my companions on this new chapter, offering gentle challenges and breathtaking rewards. As I rebuild my strength, I’m rediscovering my love for hiking with a fresh perspective. The scenery I once admired feels even more profound, and the trails I’ve walked countless times now carry an even deeper meaning.

What I’ve learned through this journey is that Sedona has a way of meeting you where you are. Whether you’re an avid hiker chasing the next summit or someone seeking peace and healing, Sedona’s trails welcome you with open arms. There’s no need to rush or prove anything—the magic of this place lies in simply being present and letting the landscape work its wonders.

Health Update and Hiking Again Halted

July 2025 I started a second job to get back on my feet financially. This was an easy desk job, however, it was too many hours I had added to my current job. I started to noticed a heaviness in my legs and severe cramping at night. Around July 15th my balance and coordination became very difficult. I decided I had gluten ataxia or an imbalance of electrolytes. Both could have been the culprit, and I changed my diet to no gluten, no dairy, no sugar, and I even cut coffee out. This made me feel better in my body and mind, but I still had severe ataxia on my left side. I scheduled an MRI and the soonest appointment would be August 21st. I'm still receiving treatment for breast cancer and at my oncology appointment August 7th, the nurses decided I should go to the ER right away. I had an MRI and eleven lesions on my brain. I was in the hospital for two weeks and received three radiation treatments. I'm currently on a low dose chemo and immunotherapy protocol. I have high hopes and an optimistic outlook for this current set back. I'm weak but my balance and coordination is a lot better.

For now, I'm only going back to one job and this blog. I have a GoFundMe to try and keep up with my bills, as well as Zelle and Venmo.

Zelle
Venmo

I love sharing all things Sedona and will do my best to keep this blog up to date even if i'm not hiking all the trails. There is so much to do in Sedona and I will focus on some of the healing aspects this wonderfiul place has to offer.