good-times-rollin

Friday, April 24, 2015

Vultee Arch

Distant Drums RV Resort
Camp Verde, AZ
April 21, 2015

This is Vultee Arch. Joe and I did this hike last year...a hike we consider to be in the top 5 best hikes we did in Sedona.

To get to the arch is quite an adventure both on wheels and on foot. You see, the trailhead is off the same road (Forest Road 152) that Devil's Bridge hike is on...only its about a 4.3 mile ride along a winding somewhat maintained gravel road with small ledges to crawl, beautiful scenery, and a descent into Sterling Canyon. It always adds to the adventure when 4-wheel drive is part of the package!

The hike (just under 4 miles in and out) is in Sterling Canyon.

It is mostly shady as it twists and turns thru the Coconino Wilderness, has gradual climbs, and views of sheer walls (Wilson Mountain) and red rock...did I mention shady?

I really enjoyed the trees...there was a wildfire in this canyon in 1996. Signs of scarred pine, juniper and oak trees are visible, but that is not what catches my eye...it's the rebirth of a wilderness and the sound of the wind in the trees high above that draws me in.

Sanddune Wallflower

We did enjoy spots of yellow and orange. The Sanddune Wallflower or Prairie Rocket was the most prolific.

Of course, purple was not going to go unnoticed as large patches of Hill's Lupine enjoyed the sunlight!

Not quite as famous as the Texas Bluebonnet, MonaLisa...but still pleasing to the eye.

The lupine leaves are such a pretty shape, but on closer inspection...yikes! That is not water, but sap. The spiders and insects are stuck!

The Vultee
Arch trail follows Dry Creek. Today is was a pleasant surprise to find that Dry Creek wasn't completely dry like it usually is.

There are lots and lots of creek crossings on this trail so if it ever has running water, it might be a bit of a challenge.

This year there was no "playing" on the arch. Just as we were about to climb up to the arch, we encountered bees...not just a few, but hundreds swarming all around the path. Quick decision...retreat!

So, until next time, happy days and...

happy trails!

P.S. It looks like rain is on the way!

We changed sites yesterday...our new front view of the mountains and valley.

Wednesday, April 22, 2015

Broken Arrow and Soldier Pass

Distant Drums RV Resort
Camp Verde, AZ
April, 20, 2015

One of the activities we all wanted to do before Dave and Lynn leave on Saturday were two jeep trails. We did these trails together last year...what a hoot!

First was Broken Arrow. It is a 3.8 mile trail (round trip) that twists and turns and rattles your bones all the way to Chicken Point. It has several "play areas" on slick rock (Just enough to make my mouth water for Moab.), a couple of scenic stops and one difficult spot called The Steps.

The first scenic stop is a rock formation called Submarine Rock...

And then there is Chicken Point...this vista can be reached by foot or on two wheels as well.

There is always time to play...slickrock is, by far, my favorite type of trail!

And Rokhell disappears on The Steps...this spot gives the trail a difficult rating.

Next up was Soldier Pass. It is also a short 2.5 mile trail (round trip) so both are doable in one day.

It is rated difficult due to several steep ledgy climbs and tight places.

The trail takes you around The Devil's Kitchen...a huge sink hole formed by water eroding limestone beneath it. The first recorded history of the collapse event comes from 1880...

And then in late 1989, a second event occurred enlarging the area by 1/3. The humongous block detached along three walls.

Seven Apache Pools/ Sacred Pools is at the end of the trail.

The pools are dips in the rock in a small canyon. There is water in the dips all year long. I did read all kinds of animals visit the pools, but all we saw on our visit were frogs. Bicycles are not allowed on this trail, but you can hike.
Both of these trails are very popular with lots of traffic on the week-ends. It's beautiful Red Rock Country and if you don't have a jeep there are all kinds to rent...with a guide or to drive yourself. It's lots of fun! You won't be disappointed!