Airport Mesa Loop-The Big Picture

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...

Courthouse Butte and Bell Rock and Scenic Highway 179

Munds Mountain Wilderness

Bell Rock thru the clouds and rain...we saw it coming and were drenched for about 5 minutes. 

A smile even though it was a bit chilly!

Cathedral Rock

Wet rocks along Scenic Hwy 179

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...

The Pyramid

West Sedona's business area along Hwy 89A

Can you spot the other 2 hikers on the trail?

The Coffeepot

Red Rock/Secret Mountain Wilderness

 We had a great time, and recommend Airport Mesa if the weather is iffy, you are short on time, or just want to see some incredible views of Sedona. 

Looking back at the trailhead once we dropped below the mesa...

Happy Trails!

Up next...

Yucky and wonderful all at the same time!

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!