Famous Red Rocks and Trails

Distant Drums RV Resort
Camp Verde, AZ
May 1, 2015

During the past few weeks Joe and I have enjoyed some trails that have have taken us to and around some of the famous red rock formations that are so impressive in Sedona. 

One of those hikes was a little more than 5 miles as we combined Bell Rock Pathway, Courthouse Butte, and Big Park Loop.

Most of the names given to these massive heaps of sandstone and limestone which are hundreds of millions years old are descriptive . Bell Rock comes to mind...

I took this photo of Bell Rock from Big Park Loop.

If you want to see a few "famous" red rocks, this is a great trail because Bell Rock is not the only reward on this hike.

  Below is the south end of Courthouse Butte. Courthouse Butte is ginormous. The best place to get a good picture of it is at the Ranger Station on Scenic Byway 179 a few miles south of Village of Oak Creek. Did I do that when we stopped for maps? Yes! Did it get deleted by accident? Yes! So, you will have to see it in pieces...

Part of our hike took us all the way around the base of this majestic wonder where sheer walls tower above and desert gardens cling to rocky crevices.

To the north west, we had views of Cathedral Rock...

to the north, the Chapel of the Holy Cross nestled between two red rock towers can be seen...it is the tiny building in the bottom left quadrant below.

and on the back side (east) of Courthouse Butte, we stood on Spaceship Rock (Dang! I forgot to get a picture of it.) to get a view of Rabbit Ears.

But the real magic of these trails was right at our footsteps as we zigged and zagged up and down and all around. Looking down...

...and towards the sky!

These three trails can be done individually if time is short.They are great early morning trails as there is very little shade and I imagine the area can get congested. Bell Rock is also noted as a Vortex area..."swirling centers of subtle energy coming out of the earth". The Vista that Robert (from the Boynton Canyon Trail post) sits on to play his flute is also another one of the 4 Vortex areas in Sedona. 

Until next time, happy days and   

happy trails!

Up next...Red Rock Crossing

Boynton Canyon Trail

Distant Drums RV Resort
Camp Verde, AZ
May 10, 2015

Today we hiked Boynton Canyon, my second favorite Sedona trail. Last year when we were there we had to cut the hike short due to strong winds blowing in dark clouds and what appeared to be the possibility of thunder storms. Today dawned with blue skies, fluffy clouds, a nice breeze, and two eager hikers ready for the 6.3 mile round trip into a canyon I think of as a little bit of heaven. 

Robert on the Vista

But first, a story about a thoughtful person.  When we arrived at the trail parking lot, we found it full but for one spot created by someone who had parked as close to the outside edge of one of the parking sections as possible.  Joe and I noted to one another how considerate that individual was.  At the end of our hike we came out of the trail to the parking lot now full of empty spaces and the car we had parked next to upon our arrival.  The owner walked up at the same time and Joe complimented him for his thoughtfulness.  I immediately recognized him as the man who last year gave me a small red rock shaped into a heart.  His name is Robert and during our conversation he revealed that he comes every day he can to his perch and plays his Siyotank (flute).  When he meets folks along the way, he gives them a heart and wishes them a good day.  He sits high on his perch (the Vista) and plays his flute.  The very peaceful sound carries in the wind to hikers on the trail.  His purpose for playing is to channel Reiki ( a Japanese word meaning "universal life")...a healing energy he believes he passes to everyone and everything through his music.  His hearts represent "unconditional love" which he says is the only way to change the world "one heart at the time". 

Kachina Woman

Just to the left of the Vista is a formation known as Kachina Woman. A sign points left and Boynton Canyon Trail begins.



The first section of trail is wide open with little shade. There were a few private homes on our left we could choose to admire or ignore. The red rock rising high above, though, is full of interest and all I need to keep my eyes busy. 

 A right turn headed us in a north direction...this is one of my favorite parts of the trail. The east and west walls of the canyon narrow, and there are enough ups and downs to get the heart pumping a little faster. 

 Then, out of nowhere a stretch of straight sandy trail lined with manzanita bushes/small trees. Locals call this "Boynton Bowling Alley". This sandy chute offers new views of higher, white sandstone ridges. 

Boynton Bowling Alley

A couple of turns later, the terrain completely changes. We were in a forest of Ponderosa Pines and Arizona Cypress. Scrub Oaks and Maple trees lined the path. The air was pleasantly cool with the smell of evergreens and moist dirt. The spotted towhees serenaded us. What a beautiful song they sing! Wildflowers, "new growth" green, and cliff walls kept me camera happy! 

 The last section of trail feels uphill with more than half the 670 feet of vertical gain. Steps are high, the trail is very narrow as the leafy canyon closes in, and the trail criss-crosses a dry creek. The final 90 feet are a winding ascent sharp uphill that took us above the tree line to an open red rock hillside. 


There is a sign indicating the "End of Trail". 






A natural ledge on the red rock is great for sitting...a perfect place to take in the canyon we just hiked and the majestic walls above. 

We also enjoyed the antics of a squirrel and towhee...

 Even though the return route is the same, the lighting and the views are so different. We highly recommend Boynton Canyon if you are in the area. The parking lot is small (only 27 spaces) so early arrival is key. 

Until next time, happy days and...

happy trails!