May 7, 2002

May 7, 2002

This morning we drove fifteen minutes south of Sedona to Red Rock State Park. We take a Ranger-guided nature walk where we learn about the unique flora of the area (Pinyon Pines, Junipers, Palo Verdes, and Chaparral). Afterwards we hike the Eagles Nest Trail that takes us uphill for some great vistas.

We then drove a few miles north to Red Rock Crossing where we find a particularly beautiful view of Cathedral Rock from across Oak Creek. This scene has been the setting of many Westerns and is supposed to be one of the most photographed spots in the Southwest. Intrigued by Cathedral Rock, I find a trailhead close to our hotel that leads us up the other side of this butte. I scramble up to the saddle of the butte, but Aimee stops halfway because of her fear of heights.

Back in Sedona, we spend an hour in a large unique art gallery that has a nice outdoor sculpture garden. Late that evening we stop at Slide Rock State Park north of Sedona. It is after closing time so we hike down from the road. Somebody at work told me that as a child they loved sliding down a portion of Oak Creek that goes thru a narrow chute. I jump in and give it a try. Nice, but my butt hurts hitting the rocks. On the way back we stop at the Midgley Bridge that crosses Oak Creek to hike around the small gorge.