We wanted to get out of Phoenix for a long weekend so booked four nights at the Junipine this past Sat-Tues nights.
We've been to Sedona several times before but this is the first time we've stayed in Oak Creek Canyon and really enjoyed being up in this area. When we arrived on Saturday, Sedona was a mess - so crowded and crazy. We tried to stop at Tlaquepaque to take in some of the Folklorico dancing they had for Cinco de Mayo the parking lot was a zoo and the construction on 179 only compounded this. Driving through uptown it was clear the crowds were thick.
We went to the Basha's in West Sedona to stock up on groceries and then headed up to the canyon to the quiet of Junipine. We were quite pleased when we checked in...the one bedroom unit was VERY spacious and very comfortable. The second bedroom was locked off but with only two of us we didn't need this or the loft.
The kitchens are completely stocked as promised. Being a chef, and anticipating poor quality, I brought my own knife and my trusty cast iron skillet. I was glad to have my knife as most of the rental stuff was abused, the knives would have driven me crazy over four days. The cookware was actually decent but had been abused in the dishwasher(what were the owners were thinking buying hand wash only pots for a rental unit!) For the basic though everything was there. Including a toaster that made fantastic toast!
I'd asked for a unit that had been updated...this unit did have all new appliances but the cabinets, countertops, doors, etc all looked to be original. Who cares anyhow...it's vacation and it all functioned anyhow. The furniture and the bed were all very comfortable. We were in Unit 28 which is sold as a forest view. Really it's a parking lot view with some big trees planted next to the railing. From inside you can't see the parking lot but on the deck it's clearly right there. Not sure if all the forest view units are over the parking lot. The creek view units had some lovely views if you don't mind spending the extra money. And in spite of the parking lot we still enjoyed our time spent on the deck. It was quiet most of the time we were there anyhow.
We loved being away from the hustle and bustle in town. We mostly hiked this trip and enjoyed the West Fork trail and part of the AB trail which are both easily accessed from Junipine(in fact AB you can hike to right out of the property). we also enjoyed the walk to Forest houses from Junipine which is through the forest and along the creek. Once the weekend was over we headed down the canyon and did some hiking in Boynton Canyon and Red Rock state park as well. Both are easy and quick to get to in normal traffic.
It's also an easy drive up the switchbacks to Flagstaff and we enjoyed a day at Walnut Canyon, Sunset Crater and Wupatki.
I'd definitely stay at Junipine again myself. We loved having a complete home away from home and enjoyed cooking for ourselves. It's not an inexpensive place to stay however and being removed from the more commercial parts of the area if I were not wanting to make my own meals I'd probably stay somewhere else. Also, if It were my first trip to the area I might stay somewhere else rather than driving back and forth up the canyon.
But for a quiet relaxing getaway spot...this was great.













