Distant Drums RV Resort
Camp Verde, AZ
May 14, 2015
Even though the weather called for a 20% chance of rain we took our chances with 0% chance for thunder storms. Our hike for the day was Airport Mesa Loop...all on high ground.
Airport Mesa sits between Scenic Byway 179 and Highway 89A. The trailhead is located on Airport Road and parking is limited. The 3.25 mile hike is rated moderate because of some steep rock climbs mostly at each end of the mesa. We skipped this hike last year because I didn't think hiking around the airport would be much fun...was I ever wrong! We only saw 2 planes take off from the runway above us. If we had not seen the security fence on the south end of the runway, we would never have known there was an airport there. There are connecting trails to this loop to make for a longer hike as well.
We chose to walk clockwise. After dropping below the mesa, the trail heads southeast. The big picture...
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| Courthouse Butte and Bell Rock and Scenic Highway 179 |
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| Munds Mountain Wilderness |
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| Bell Rock thru the clouds and rain...we saw it coming and were drenched for about 5 minutes. |
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| A smile even though it was a bit chilly! |
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| Cathedral Rock |
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| Wet rocks along Scenic Hwy 179 |
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| If you look closely, you will see the Chapel of the Holy Cross in the bottom right quadrant. |
We rounded the mesa and headed northwest...
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| The Pyramid |
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| West Sedona's business area along Hwy 89A |
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| Can you spot the other 2 hikers on the trail? |
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| The Coffeepot |
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| Red Rock/Secret Mountain Wilderness |
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| Looking back at the trailhead once we dropped below the mesa... |
Happy Trails!
Up next...
Glad you enjoyed the Airport Mesa Loop. We found that there was LOTS of parking up at the top by the airport and then just take the trail down to the start of the Airport Loop Trail, it makes for a longer hike but there was plenty of parking especially because we had the motorhome with us.
ReplyDeleteAnd, you are right other than the occasional airplane or helicopter taking off you would never know there was an airport there and views are stunning.
www.travelwithkevinandruth.com
It was a nice morning Ruth even with the quick rain shower. The clouds were moving so fast...made for interesting photos.
DeleteThank goodness for the dry air so hopefully you dried out quickly:) I love every hike in that area. Every turn brings more beauty. We've never done this hike. Thanks for the suggestion. We'll be checking this out next visit:) Yes, Joe looks happy even when a little damp:)
ReplyDeleteI agree Pam...I don't think I would ever get so used to this area that I would not see the beauty around every turn!
DeleteSuch a beautiful area arounds Sedona, love the scenery.
ReplyDeleteMe too George!
DeleteWOW! Your shots are fantastic, calendar worthy! The combo of clouds and blue sky with those colorful rocks...just fabulous! Definitely worth the drenching!
ReplyDeleteThank you Lisa!
DeleteYour photos are like looking at paintings but I really like the last one, it's uniquely different.
ReplyDelete