Red Rocks of Sedona

Visiting Sedona and the Red Rock area was high on our list since we missed it last year when we were in the area.

But first we made a side trip to the Page Springs fish hatchery.

Doug needed a fish fix. It's been a long time since he's wet a line.

And these were real beauties until a looooong snake popped his head out of the water and just stared at us. Of course I shrieked, jumped backwards and didn't get a picture of him.

After our visit, we continued north on highway 89A until we came to the Upper Red Rock Loop. Unfortunately my camera doesn't begin to do justice to these gorgeous mountains.

As we got closer, Doug took a detour down a fire road and we were able to look straight up at the peaks.


After about a thousand shots we arrived in Sedona where there were more red hills to photograph. The opportunities were endless.

Sedona seemed to be a tourist trap and didn't interest us much. But we did stop at the Visitor Center which advised following 89A further north through the Oak Creek Canyon.

It was a beautiful, green drive that reminded us of Washington with switchback roads and tons of traffic. Slide Rock State Park is located along this road and is a very popular recreation area. Once the state realized it could be a moneymaker they fenced it and slapped large user fees on it.

At the top was the Oak Creek Canyon Scenic View. And wow, what a view. It was incredible! There were walkways and viewpoints all around the top of the mountain.

It was breathtaking just to stand near the stone walls and peer down 6000 feet to the canyon floor. Then Doug spotted this guy rappelling down a bare cliff. I was dizzy just watching him but he made it safely to a big ledge where others were waiting for him. I'm not sure how they will get back up.

There was also a Native American Market set up in the area with at least a dozen tables set up selling jewelery and souvenirs.

From this view you can see three of the switchbacks on the road back down the mountain. Doug wants to bring the motorhome up this road even though it isn't recommended. Very strongly NOT recommended by the state and me.

It was a long day but worth every minute. We are still amazed at the beauty of our magnificent country and looking forward to each new adventure.