Side Trail to Red Rock Crossing

Distant Drums RV Resort
Camp Verde, AZ
May 12, 2015

Yesterday, we hiked the Baldwin Loop Trail. 

 Baldwin is one of those hikes not that many people do. We only passed two folks...one was a biker headed to Templeton Trail and the other was a "fisherman" going the opposite direction. One might ask why would a person carrying two fishing poles be on Baldwin Loop. Well, my heart skipped a beat because the real reason for going there was to try and see Red Rock Crossing. I had read that Oak Creek runs below Cathedral Rock and had seen beautiful pictures on the internet of its reflection in the water. After studying the map at the kiosk, we noted there was a side trail to the creek...yippee! I do love an adventure!

Baldwin headed east and dropped into the valley floor. The picture shows the only shade on the trail. We could hear running water so we knew we were near the creek. 

Do you see a face?

Sure nuff...we saw a narrow path that forked off the trail and off we went. 

I am happy to show that Oak Creek is as pretty as ever...with wild yellow iris' blooming on the banks!






As happy as I was to see, smell, hear and feel the cool water, I knew this was not the place I wanted to see. While I was photographing the iris, I heard a voice...no not the one in my head, but a real voice followed by laughter. Off I go following the creek, smooth river rocks and debris left from recent rains.

 And voila! Red Rock Crossing was right before my eyes!

 I was looking left and then...
 ...according to one article, "...a symbol of the American Southwest and the most photographed spot in Arizona. A favorite place for artists and art classes that has been featured in more than 60 classic Hollywood films...". Another article said it was the second most photographed spot in Arizona with the Grand Canyon being first. Either way, to see it in person and take it all in is breathtaking. 

This shallow creek runs along the base of Cathedral Rock. It is a popular spot for a picnic, or a swim in some of the deeper pools, or just a quiet retreat. And even though others were present, it was really quiet and serene. Sunset is the best time to visit and for sure a wide angle lens is needed (which I didn't have with me). 

I could have sat there for hours, but the day was calling and we had a trail to do.

We hiked up and in between Cathedral Rock and an unnamed butte. 

Until next time, happy days and...

happy trails!

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