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.
I took a new route this year to Eeyore’s Birthday Party in Pease Park. I parked about two miles away and hiked in along the Shoal Creek Greenbelt. It was a nice walk and there were some fun sights to see along the way.
The Copperfield Nature Trail is about 3.5 miles of trail that runs along Walnut Creek on the East side of I35 in Austin. I started from Copperfield Park, and followed the trail as it bends along the Creek side. This trail is embedded in a few neighborhoods, so expect some street noise as you hike. This makes for a nice walk after work and before the sun sets.
Things are blooming and growing at the Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge. I hiked through several different zones on the outside loop trail, and there was much to see and photograph along the way.
If you are looking for a relatively easy and sunny hike just outside of Austin, Doeskin Ranch in the Balcones Canyonlands Natural Wildlife Refuge is a good spot. The three main trails form a loop that is about 3.5 miles long. At this time of year you will find a clear stream to cross, rolling hills to climb, and plenty of wildflowers to enjoy.
My plan this trip was to take the Loop Trail to the northeast side of the Park. From there, I would meet up with the Base Trail, then to the Echo Canyon Trail and up to the Summit. This section of the Loop Trail is just over a mile long, is mostly sandy, and crosses the Sandy Creek a few times. It is a beautiful hike on sunny, cool days.
The Carleen Bright Arboretum is located close to Waco in Woodway Texas. The gardens weren’t hopping today, but I did find a Nature Trail, a Creek, and a Cedar Teahouse.
This is actually a trick – there is no trail map for this hike. However, I found a pretty good set of directions at this link.
Twin Lakes Park is full of facilities for adults and kids. It even has its own YMCA. But if you get away from things and walk along the lakesides, you can find beauty.
I took a visit to Bull Creek this evening after work to see how the recent rains have contributed to the water flow. It was pumping. A hiker’s Labrador Retriever attempted to bound across the rocks, and accidentally got swept into and over the main falls. There was a minor rescue effort to get him back on dry land, but he shook off the water and was back in high spirits before long. The lady bug hung onto her flower and watched the whole event in anticipation.
earthrobert 