Richard and I took a spring trip to San Diego, Palm Desert, and Sedona AZ. It was great to escape our rainy March weather. From Palm Desert, it is about a 5.5 hour drive to Sedona, so we took a leisurely route. Avoiding Phoenix, we drove US 60 to US 74 which took us through a scenic stretch of Arizona. Saguaro Cacti dotted the vista with mustard colored earth and chocolate scrub brush. Mounds of sage and rose grasses decorated the highway boundaries. Dark violet clouds in the distance provided a backdrop for the lighter vegetation. As we approached Sedona, it started to rain, then snow flurries, finally large snowflakes accumulated on the windshield and roadway. Since I grew up in New England, it was a delight to again see snow falling.
We settled into our hotel room, found a sweet place for dinner, and discussed how the weather may change our hiking plans. But in the morning, the sky was clear, the sun out and the red rock mesas we covered in a glistening white blanket. The weather warmed each day, and we were able to continue our hiking plan.
The first day we hiked along Oak Creek, which at this time of year was clearly a river. Cathedral Rock stood tall in the background. The light bark of the dormant sycamore trees contrasted with the red rock of the sandstone riverbank. The river was a constant symphony beside the trail.
Searching for a Day Two Hike, we found parking at the Yavapai Point Vista Trailhead. The trail led us gently upward to a large red sandstone platform, where we could look out over the valley. Bell Rock and Courthouse Butte were in view.
Day three, with sore knees, we drove out to Fay Canyon in the upper west quadrant of our map. It was a gentle trail through another red rock canyon. Many young children and parents were on this route so we knew it would be at our level. We had a picnic lunch at the junction with a seasonal stream and returned. At night we drove out to see the stars, but with a full moon shining brightly, they were not noticeable.
Heading back home, we took US 89 north past Slide Rock State Park, a place to explore on a future trip. During our days in Sedona, temperatures remained in the 60s, which was perfect for hiking, but a bit cool for standing still and painting. I have many fond memories and photos which may develop into paintings at a future time.
