Sedona's Snowy West Fork Trail

OK.  Here's the breakdown.  You have a meeting in Sedona in the morning and plan to slip in a short hike to capture the snow laden red rock cliffs before hustling home to Phoenix for your daughter's Christmas band concert.  Then while pulling into town you notice that, even though we had a statewide storm that dumped snow everywhere, two days later the entire south facing canyons were completely devoid of any snow.  Even though Northern Arizona had the COLDEST temperatures of the entire country this week, the Arizona sun is so powerful that my plans to capture the red rock mountaintops in snow were vaporized.  Not to give up that easily, could I squeeze in a trip deeper into Oak Creek Canyon to find the elusive snowcapped red rocks?  You know it!!

Sedona's West Fork (of Oak Creek) Trail located in the Call of the Canyon Recreation Area is quite possibly the most beautiful of all hikes in the State (at least in the top 5 for most hiking enthusiasts.)  The only problem is, everyone knows it.  Whether it's spring, summer or fall, you can generally expect to hike with at least 100+ other folks on the trail (it's still worth it so don't let that stop you.)  However, this time would be different.  Pulling up to the trailhead there were about three other cars in the parking lot.  Perfect.  But, was there snow?  More than I expected!

I find some of the greatest joys in life happen by accident.  Having no intention of hiking this trail originally, I was so blessed to be out in this winter wonderland.  The cold air was crisp, not a sound except trickling water and the occasional hiker.  Crossing the creek a half dozen times was challenging with slick rocks and ice but the rewards were ever present.  Pristine wilderness and red canyons laced in fresh fallen snow.  For an Arizona & Phoenix native, this is not something one sees but only a handful of times over the course of a life.  Alas, it was time to make it back for my daughter's concert which, after changing out of my hiking garb behind a Safeway grocery store (in my car) down the street from the school, I quietly slipped into my seat just as the kids were coming out to perform.  My daughter played her heart out on clarinet and it capped off a very memorable day indeed!  Merry Christmas everyone. 

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Antelope Canyon - Take 2

This is my second trip to the lower Antelope Canyon.  It's still as breathtaking as ever with new perspectives, new angles and new lighting and exposure.  Enjoy!

Mt. Rainier NP Backpacking Adventure

This is the first (of hopefully many) overnight backpacking trips with my kids, nephews and brother-in-law to the area surrounding Mt. Rainier NP.  The kids learned firsthand how to pack for an overnight trip with necessary provisions like water, food, sleeping bag, pad, medical and survival gear, etc.

The Naches to Dewey Lake Loop is about 7.5+ miles round trip with several areas of gradual elevation gains.  The descent to Dewey Lake as our destination the first night was met with excitement and joy.  When the backpacks came off, the kids left the dads to set up camp while they fished and hunted frogs and snakes.

Dewey Lake at Sunset

The approx. 800 foot climb out of Dewey lake back to the Naches loop was an epic challenge for each kid but well worth the reward of incredible views of Mt. Rainier for the rest of the hike.

This pristine wilderness adventure is the perfect trail for kids learning to backpack and parents who are learning to backpack with kids!  For more pics, go to Mt. Rainier Backpacking Trip @ Blaze-A-Trail.com

Antelope Canyon

Antelope Canyon is the most famous slot canyon in the Southwest.

The Narrows

The Riptide

Perpetual Wave

Pierce the Darkness

Solitude

The Descent

The Chamber

For more photos, visit:  Antelope Canyon @ Blaze-A-Trail.com