Ok, so I went to Lake Pleasant and didn’t take any pictures of the lake. But I wasn’t there for the water. I was there for the sunset.
And got to see my first couple of wild burros (you have to look close – they didn’t want me anywhere near):
They’ve been pretty elusive for me. Here is the “bigfoot” version (can’t even see the zipper of the suit):
After spending the day before hiking to Devil’s Bridge in Sedona, my wife and I traveled to Bryce Canyon (we spent the night in Page, Arizona) for our next “Adventure”.
Being from Phoenix, we wanted to take advantage of another day where the temps were not going to be 110 F+ (this is always a good thing)!
Unfortunately, we only had a limited amount of time, so we spent what we could on the Rim Trail, though I was able to sneak a few minutes going into it – if only to wet my appetite for a return trip.
It was well worth it, but a problem was a nearby wildfire continued to fill the canyon with smoke. It was something you noticed breathing (and the altitude) after a time.
And we pass the source it on the way out.
As always, I had to be “me”!
Had a fantasric hike in Sedona, Arizona yesterday with my wife.
I will say that this moderate+ trail was well worth the effort (and the beat – it soared to 104F). You do have areas where a little “mountain goat” is needed, so plan accordingly. As always, you can never bring enough water. This is a popular trail and it always amazes me to see folks with one little water bottle. There was actually a 911 call for a lost man who wandered off after feeling ill. Altitude and heat are a dangerous combination!
But for the trail itself – fantastic!
Photos speak for themselves
And don’t forget the payoff (this is why you are here):
Phoenix has some of the most beautiful susnsets anywhere. I had to pull over and snap a couple of pics on the way home from work last night.
I was able to have a beautiful little hike with my daughter this weekend. We had never been on the Courthouse Butte Trail, and I have to say it it may have instantly become one of my new “favorites” (I have a lot of “favorites” – no shortage in Arizona!).
I easily took a few dozen photos that were instant “keepers”. You almost cannot take a bad photo in Sedona – and even they still don’t do it justice!
For me this is the perfect “short” hike. Roughly 5 miles, it takes you, ironically, completely around the Courthouse Butte with great views of Bell Rock and the surrounding area. A bonus this time was that the century plants were starting to bloom.
Well worth it, and it might be one the “must” trails to take our visitors when the come to town. Make sure to get there early as the parking will fill up. And don’t forget the water – it is still the desert! Most folks head right to Bell Rock, but save that until the end. Until the next trail…..
What a drastic difference (no, not the rabbit!) on the desert trail from mid-March until the end of May.
There is nothing better than a nice walk in the desert after a rough week at work.
Phoenix has multiple trails around town. But for me the best variety is Apache Wash Trail. Add the fact that it is a ten minute drive from home and on the way home from work, I can’t think of a nicer hike.
Darn you Arizona! There is so much to see, but you leave us little options but to visit all of your fantastic landmarks multiple times to get a more complete experience. And what a wonderful problem to have.
A recent trip through Page, Arizona was carefully planned to take in a couple of places at a different time of day (and season) then the last time I was there. Along with Lower Antelope Canyon, one I had to see again was Horseshoe Bend. This time at Sunset.
Sunset provided a much different experience than the early morning of last summer.
But do not forget that the “wall” that provides the viewing plateau is very underrated and quite impressive on its own.
You’ll notice that the 1000 ft. drop to the bottom offers “no guardrails” and many folks often put them themselves precariously close to the edge.
Horseshoe Bend is not the only view of the Colorado River. Take a quick stop just outside of town for a scenic view of Glen Canyon Dam and the Colorado River.
Other Places to consider:
This past weekend gave me another chance to visit Walnut Canyon near Flagstaff, Arizona.
Be ready to take some stairs (and there is a lot) as you walk your way down (and you do have to go back up) to trek the Island Loop pathway. The well preserved Native American dwellings ooze history and spark the imagination.
I have put off writing about the Grand Canyon because I can’t imagine what I could add that hasn’t been said before. But the last two weeks of January left a lot of snow across northern Arizona. I have been there multiple times, but one of the things I felt I needed to see, was the Grand Canyon with snow.
Not everyone plans to see it in the winter. And not every year gets enough snow, and with temperatures starting to spike, I managed to finally make it (two planned trips were cancelled at the last minute).
The snow still remained on the north side of the South Rim. And it was well worth the 3 1/2 hour drive.
