If you are coming into Sedona from the north on Arizona State Route 89A, you will eventually cross over Midgley Bridge. This is a striking piece of architecture with some beautiful surrounding views. There are also a few hiking trails that head out from the small, crowded parking lot. On your walk, you will have sight lines to Oak Creek and the surrounding canyon. This is a perfect place to stop for a snack and to stretch your legs before moving on to Sedona.
How to follow the wrong trail, but still get some nice photos. I wanted to hike Thomas Point Trail because of the scenic views that were described on the trail map. If only I had done a little bit of research, and found the official website, I would have known to climb up the steep hill directly instead of to climb slowly and track alongside the Road. Finding the launching point was challenge enough, as the map I had simply said that the trailhead was across Arizona State Route 89A from the Call of the Canyon Picnic Site. It was actually about a half mile down a narrow road which involved some serious car dodging and trail head sleuthing. Even though I tracked the wrong trail, I ended up having a nice hike through some pine trees and with some beautiful views. It turns out that sometimes it is OK to get lost.
The West Fork Trail is in a beautiful spot along Arizona State Route 89A, between Flagstaff and Sedona. If you are not into hiking, this is still an awesome drive to take. The hike is one of the most popular in the region. It takes you through an open pasture, across a bridge, and then alongside some rocky cliffs, with some stream crossings thrown in for fun. I didn’t hike the full length of this trail, because I wanted to hike a separate trail here, but someday I will return to try it again.
My camera is still full of photos from my holiday trip to Arizona, so now is the time to post them. These are from the ski resort called Arizona Snowbowl, which is a short 7 miles from Flagstaff Arizona where I stayed for a few icy days. When the weather cleared, I took a road trip up the mountain to see how they ski in Arizona.
Just about 30 minutes from downtown Flagstaff Arizona, off of I40, is the Twin Arrows Casino. It makes for a nice, welcoming place on a cold and blustery Winter night. They have an incredible chandelier in the lobby, several restaurants including a small buffet, Native American artwork, and a pretty nice casino floor where you can donate some of your hard earned cash dollars.
Along Desert View Drive, you will find a few small pullouts that have room for only one or two cars. Some of these have small trails that lead up to rocky, rim edge views of the Canyon. Be very careful if you hike up such a trail, because there are no guardrails to keep you safe.
The Desert View Drive curves along the rim of the Grand Canyon with several nice stopping points along the way. If you are not tired of Grand Canyon photos by now, you can pick up a few more beauties for your collection.
The Desert View Watchtower at the Grand Canyon is a magical place. It is a great stone tower built right on the edge of the canyon rim way back in 1932. You can climb to the top and enjoy the views of the canyon and the Colorado River below. After that, you can strike out on a hike along the ledge of the Grand Canyon to get to your perfect photo spot.
Mather Point is a popular destination just beyond the Visitor Center at the Grand Canyon. People experience it in many different ways, from the timid person who is afraid of heights and will not get even close to the edge, to the brave souls who will hike out beyond the boundaries to get that perfect photo from the ledge of their choice. I fell somewhere in between, as I was content to walk up to the guard rail and lean over for my series of sunset photos.
One of my favorite experiences at the Grand Canyon was the short hike I had time for on part of the Bright Angel Trail. This is a must do if you visit – take a day hike. You may encounter spectacular views, wildlife, and other friendly hikers from around the world. Please do this if you can, but also be safe as you plan for and enjoy the hike.
earthrobert 