Red Rocks

Halfway between Phoenix and Flagstaff AZ, in the Verde Valley, you will find Sedona and the great Red Rocks.  If you have time, the surroundings make for great reason to get off of the streets and head out via hiking paths or jeep tours.  

You may have also noticed this area as the back drop in many movies used throughout the middle of the twentieth century.  So between the places celebrating the vistas, and the feeling of the old west, you might also find a dash of Hollywood.

In addition to the great things that Sedona is known for, they also have some silly claims to fame.  For example, Sedona is the home to the only McDonald's with turquoise arches versus the common yellow ones that we see (literally) everywhere else in the world.

Grand Canyon, Arizona

There are few places where I can instantly relax.  For some reason, the Grand Canyon is one of those places.  I arrive and instantly feel calm.  And when I'm there, I force myself to get up and watch the sunrise every time.  It really is the best time at the canyon.  The other tourists are not yet out in full force, so it is one time when you can really watch the scene and take in the sights without a lot of others around.  

This photo was taken just to the east of Yavapai point one morning.  The sun lights up the entire face of the canyon in the morning light.  I was sitting with others and we were chatting watching the sunlight.  We could hear something walking behind us and found three elk wandering down the trail and finding the good eats for their breakfast.  It was awesome that they weren't afraid of us and continued to munch until they heard a couple wandering down the trail toward them.  It is experiences like this one that draws me back often.

Four Corners Petroglyphs

I love this petroglyph that was discovered on a trip around the four corners area.  I especially love the man that is carried off by the bird.  Wonder what happened to inspire the artist with that image.

Tortilla Flat and Apache Trail

If you have a spare time in Phoenix, I highly recommend this trip! This is a view of Canyon Lake on the way to Tortilla Flat. Canyon Lake has a couple of marinas and places where you can watch the boats as you eat lunch. I once learned that Arizona has the highest percentage of boat regristrations per capita. In the midst of the desert, there is a lot of water.

With a current population of 6, Tortilla Flat is the last stagecoach stop on the Apache trail still in existence. It's a short drive from Phoenix, but gets you out in the desert.

If you have enough time, take the whole day and finish the entire 13 miles of the Apache Trail through the Superstition Mountains and Tonto National Forest. Currently the trail is a gravel road (at times it is only a lane wide as you wind down a mountainside, so it isn't for those who have a great fear of heights). You will see some amazing sites along the salt river with the trail ending at Roosevelt Dam. This trail is beautiful in the spring when the valleys fill with wildflowers.

Canyon Clouds

I really love the Grand Canyon and therefore I've gone far more often than the average person.  Usually Arizona is filled with sunshine.  And occasionally a cloudy day.  But every once in awhile, you'll see the clouds descend and play with the mountains (or in this case, canyon walls) making for a totally unique view.

There is something eerie about seeing nothing but a foggy mist beyond one of the canyon walls.  I have taken this photo many times.  Usually the frame is filled with layer after layer of rock and vegetation.

And this shot is one of my favorites.  While the distance is barely visible, the trail into the inner canyon is clear.  Such an unusual day at one of the world wonders.