The Arizona Experience: Sedona and the Drive-Thru Safari
Experience a scenic, wildlife-filled one day trip as I explore a drive-thru safari and the stunning beauty of Sedona for the first time.
Arizona is a fascinating state full of stark contrasts, with Phoenix serving as both the state capital and its largest city. You’ll experience scorching summers and mild winters. You’ll find palm trees, a variety of cacti, and beautiful wildflowers. The southern part of the state is no exception, as cities like Tucson and Yuma have even hotter summer temperatures, surrounded by a rugged and stunning landscape. But if you take a 2-3 hour drive north to Sedona and eventually Flagstaff, where you hit the east-west highway of Interstate 40, the desert scenery transforms into rolling mountains that rise to the Colorado Plateau, swapping palm trees for pine trees and offering a cooler, more alpine climate. I noticed this contrast during a work trip to the Phoenix suburb of Scottsdale, Arizona, where I planned a little workation at the end of the week. Following a coworker’s suggestion, I decided to head north to check out Bearizona, a drive-thru safari and walk-through wildlife park, and spend an afternoon in the breathtaking town of Sedona.
A Morning Drive through a Drive-Thru Safari
We've all heard about drive-thrus and probably used one at least once in our lives. They're great for grabbing food on the go, like that breakfast sandwich you've been wanting, a late-night snack, or even a latte. You can also use a drive-thru to quickly wash your car. Need to do some banking? You can handle deposits or withdrawals through a drive-thru too. Plus, you can pick up your prescriptions without leaving your car. But what if I told you that this specific drive-thru can turn your car, or even a rental, into your very own safari vehicle? Just stay inside, drive slowly and carefully along the trail, and you'll get to see animals from all around the globe. Expect to spot timber wolves, arctic wolves, bobcats, bears, goats, bison, and so much more. Once you're done driving through, you can walk around and get up close (but safely) with a variety of wild animals. Bearizona is truly an unforgettable experience.
The Road Trip Up North
Before I hit the road as part of my prep, I checked the weather and saw it was going to be pretty chilly, so I knew I had to bundle up but also be ready to peel off some layers as the day warmed up while heading north and then south. I planned to drive north, leaving early in the morning when it was a brisk 53 degrees Fahrenheit in Scottsdale on a late February morning. After grabbing some breakfast, I set off north on Interstate 17 towards Williams, Arizona. I clearly remember the landscape undulating a lot, with palm trees gradually disappearing and giving way to mountain views, cooler temperatures (with some snow on the ground), and a shifting scenery. When I arrived in Williams around mid-morning, it was a cold but sunny 36 degrees Fahrenheit. Why such a big drop in temperature? Well, Williams sits at about 6,916 feet above sea level, while Scottsdale is only around 1,500 feet up.
Start with the Drive-Thru Safari at Bearizona
