Tuesday, June 25, 2013

Hiking Sedona - (Our amazing hikes into the red mountains.)

Have you ever been somewhere and said to yourself-
 "This is the most beautiful place I have ever seen."
~
 Go to Sedona. 
You will say it again~~


One morning near the end of our vacation, we stopped for breakfast at a little cafe restaurant and my husband found a book in the gift shop there called "Sedona's Top 10 hikes".  Looking through the book, we realized that we had already done 3 of the hikes without even knowing their significance. Not bad for being "new in town!"
~~
 Come along with me as I take you along on these amazing trips into, around, and on top of 
the red rocks of
 Sedona~


Our first hike will take us to the famous
"Cathedral Rock".
~






When we first arrived in Sedona, we stopped at the Ranger station to pick up some trail information.  In one of the photo books there I saw THE most amazing photo of Cathedral rock towering over still waters, the reflection of the majestic rock shimmering in the water.   "Where is this?" I asked.  "I want to go here!!"  

The ranger explained that we would need to follow the river and that the trail to the reflecting waters was not marked.  Just keep bearing to the left she said~~

Well, we found the water.  Come on -- we must be close!  
~~famous last words~~










"Courthouse Butte" in the distance
(we will go there later!)





3 hours and a few wrong turns later~
we found it!



I was so hot --
and tired--
and hot--
and that water looked so cool
and wonderful~~


I just had too!


we just totally gave in to the cool waters
swimming and laying in the sun


 the view looking away from Cathedral Rock


but, eventually we had to leave~
~~
Trail info:
3 miles round trip
(via the Templeton trail)
moderate difficulty
trail head starts at Verde Valley School road




Sedona is more than just a quiet little town nestled between ruggedly beautiful red mountains~
It is something of an artistic mecca, with handicrafts, art galleries, and a hint of hippie/new age character thrown in for good measure.

  
Sedona is a haven for those who seek the healing powers
of mystical forces. 
~~
Deep within these mountains are reputed to be
powerful soul cleansing vortexes. 
Bell Rock 
is said to be one of those places.

Come along with us --
we're going to the top!


Along the trail head were artists
painting the legendary
 scenery~ 









there is no real trail that leads to the top-
just a worn path over the rocks
where over time
souls have climbed in search 
of the mystical powers
that are hidden within the
rocks.










It's a big climb! 
Here we go!!



We are near the top here~
I'm not sure that I'm feeling any mystical powers,
but the climb has been
exhilarating!



leaving our mark to commemorate
this incredible climb~





Sending you all
a little love!



So--
I'm straddling this deep crevice
Working my way back down from the mountain~
and my phone rings!
"hello-- ahh, could you make it quick?"
"I'm sort of in a predicament here!!"



Our 
"just down from the mountain"
pose!
~~
we did not actually make it all the 
way to the top -- almost,
but I admit that I kind of 
wimped out just short
of the top! 
~~
Trail info:
3.5 miles (to the top and back)
Moderate to hard difficulty
(this trail joins with the Court House Butte trail)





The Courthouse Butte trail is a meandering hike that takes you through lush fields and desert areas as it circles both Bell Rock and Courthouse Butte~

No serious climbing for this hike -- 
we are just taking the long way
around~



























Trail info:
4 mile loop trail
easy to moderate difficulty
(this trail intersects with the Bell Rock trail)




We hope you have enjoyed hiking with us in beautiful Sedona. My apologies (again!!) for such a long post -- (I wanted to keep all the hikes in the same place.) During our visits to Sedona and the Grand Canyon, we stayed in Flagstaff and drove the short distances between our hiking destinations.  We LOVED Flagstaff -- it is a destination all by itself and it was the perfect place to stay on our trip.  I have one more post to share with you regarding our trip to this area-- Sunset Crater (and the surrounding Pueblo ruins).  That post will be coming soon-- 
 ~~ 
I'm taking a few days to try and organize the Sacred Yarn room so that I can participate in Karen's "Where Women Create" event -- and believe me, this room needs a lot of work!!  This is the one time a year when the room gets a good cleaning and reorganizing -- so I can thank Karen for that!! I hope you will join me here when I open the doors to this special place where I create.  I'll try to make it look pretty for you~~
xoxo,
Vicki 

46 comments:

  1. GREAT hike, Vicki!! Thank you. I'm looking forward to visiting the sacred yarn room again! blessings ~ tanna

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  2. Hi Vicki, The scenery is absolutely beautiful. It is truly makes you think that it is god's country. I have enjoyed the adventure right along with you because I know it some place that I will never get to go. I do enjoy your visit and looking forward to the next trip. Hugs and Prayers from Your Missouri Friend.

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  3. What gorgeous pictures! Sedona is one of the most beautiful places on earth. I must do some of these hikes... Thanks! :-)

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  4. Stunning pictures. And i cant wait to visit studios again. Thats how i found your blog.

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  5. you must have sweated to death out there hiking in the heat. Beautiful country.

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  6. What a fabulous and strange landscape! I can certainly understand why the artists would set up their easels there!
    I adore that you went off on an adventure to find the spot from the photograph and I'm so glad you gave into temptation for an impromptu swim. What a great and cheeky memory from your trip!

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  7. oooo gosh I am exhausted just looking at the photos ... beautiful scenery and well worth the hikes to get there and I would have joined you in that cool water :)
    looking forward to seeing the great yarn room too :) love mouse xxxxx

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  8. You are so brave Vicki! It looks like it was really hot there during your hike. I am glad that you enjoyed it nevertheless. Lovely views... but a little scary to be there alone.
    Take care!

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  9. Such an exhilarating post and beautiful pictures. I too would have jumped into the reflecting waters, speedos or no speedos:) Sedona has been on our list for such a long time, it really is about time I got myself there:)
    I nearly made it to the summit of mount Snowdon last year but howling gales, fog and sleet stopped me short by just metres, I didn't fancy getting blown off the side.
    I am looking forward to your flagstaff post soon.
    Enjoy the rest of the week.
    Paul

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  10. What an amazing place thank you so much for sharing ~ Sarah x

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  11. I love Sedona. I love all that living in Arizona is. Thank you for sharing your wonderful pictures.

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  12. Oh it is so true Sedona is the most beautiful place on earth at least that is the way I feel after transporting myself to this beautiful place through your incredible photos. I can only imagine how beautiful it is in real time. Oh I would love to go there someday. Great accomplishment the finish. Darn phones always ring just at those moments. It was probably a telemarketer asking if you need something to buy such as water:) Thank you for the hike I truly enjoyed it. B

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  13. Good Morning Vicki
    I am so glad you posted this wonderful trip. I lost my dad 16 years ago and he used to always tell me I needed to go to Sedona one time in my life. when I was younger he said if I ever went I would want to live there!
    I have never had a chance to take that trip and through your photos this morning I got to see and imagine my dad taking in this wonderful Beauty! Now I know why he thought that, what a beautiful place. Thank you

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  14. I love to see all the places you go. I could feel your relief in the picture of you when you finally found the water! Ahhh.....

    Thanks for sharing ~

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  15. As always, your travel photographs are just fabulous, I so enjoy going along with you on your trips!

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  16. I am intrigued by Bell Rock...that is so neat about the vortex....makes me want to go there for a little soul cleansing. All that hiking..WOW, I struggle up flights of stairs occasionally. Good for you girlie....Go West Young Woman, Climb Every Mountain, Ford Every Stream....I'll be here watching!
    xo Sister,
    Deb

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  17. Oh wow ... love the photos, of course. That little dip in the water - yes! I would have done the exact same thing. Certainly looks refreshing. LOVE the heart made of rocks, too. Thanks for sharing - as always, I felt like I was hiking right along next to y'all.
    kosec@sbcglobal.net

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  18. Such amazing photos!

    I think the two of you are having way too much fun out there! Keep it up! Life is just too short to not have fun.

    Blessings always

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  19. Great photos! Sedona is such a beautiful place! We went there a few years ago. My daughter and I loved how it looked but we felt agitated the whole time we were there...we think it was the vortexes. Hubby felt extra good while there. I talked with someone that lives there and her hubby got very sick to his stomach whenever they went there but eventually got used to it. Others told us how they felt better than ever when there and that they went home, sold their houses and moved because they just needed to live in Sedona. Those vortexes are interesting. I'd like to go again and see if I feel the same. Did you have a chance to stop in at Sedona Knit Wits yarn shop?

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  20. Oh Vicki, I think you are both amazing, to be able to do all this climping!! I`m sure I would not come half the way!! But it must have been a very fantastic experience,-with stunning views ,over and over again!! Thankyou for taking me along on your wonderful trips dear friend!
    Hugs,Dorthe

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  21. I really don't know why but your walk made me cry...silly me! I just thought it was so beautiful, this strange land the colours and vegetation so unlike anything I have seen here at home, I could just sit and watch that lovely river wind its way across the rocks.
    Thank you for those beautiful pictures Vicki xx
    Hugs Lynn xxx

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  22. we don't hike, at least as difficult ones as you do but I have enjoyed your posts on this trip so much. Last fall hubby and I spent time in the Santa Fe and Taos area and all in between-Chimayo etc. etc. It was an uplifting and sacred area as well as fun. I love the southwest. Next year your trip sounds like it would be great-can't wait to see part 3.

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  23. Thank YOU for taking the hikes. We love Sedona and have stayed there numerous times. I would live there if I could. I always so enjoy your photos of your amazing travels. Safe Travels Always...

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  24. Gorgeous pictures and you look like you had so much fun! I've been to Sedona, and you seemed to have captured the beauty - beautifully! :)

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  25. Gorgeous pictures and you look like you had so much fun! I've been to Sedona, and you seemed to have captured the beauty - beautifully! :)

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  26. Oh Vicki, my heart has been skipping beats at the beauty of that place. Unbelievable beauty. The Cathedral rock is breathtaking. Thanks so much for taking the time to share your experience with us. It's a place that I know I will never get to see in this life but I'm so grateful for following you along. Thanks again.
    HUgs,
    JB

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  27. Wow!!!! These pictures are wonderful! Thank you so much for sharing! We are new to the blogging world, so I am beginning to see how blogging can be such a fulfilling and beautiful form of expression. Love it! We hope to have this same experience. Look forward to more entries :)

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  28. Thank you, Vicki, for transporting me back to Sedona again. I loved seeing Bell Rock when we were there, but you had the advantage of taking in everything at your own pace. We were on a tour bus. "Okay, folks, there's Bell Rock. Take a quick photo and back on the bus!" i would love to explore at my own pace, but we were limited on time and the tour bus was a good way to get in a small piece of everything. It was still a trip that I'll never forget!

    LOVE all your photos! You are an adventuresome girl for sure!! :)

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  29. I love Sedona it is a magical place. Your photos are beautiful ans make me want to go back. Thanks for sharing!

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  30. You always take us to the best places, and your images are gorgeous! I've been to Flagstaff, but never Sedona, it's been on my wish list forever! I have a friend from growing up that lives there and posts on FB pics of the area all the time, each time I see it I want to go there even more!

    Kat

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  31. What a great adventure you and your gardening hubby has taken.. Fantastic photos. I think that swim would of been very refreshing after that long hike. Have a lovely Summer. Hugs Judy

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  32. Thank you for sharing for some wonderful photos and descriptions. Our planet is full of diverse unique spots all to be treasured in their own. It must to have been so meaningful to walk across such ancient landscapes.

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  33. Oh My Gosh! Incredible photos! Each one looks like a postcard... and thank you for having me along with your hike - just the way I like it; no sweating sitting here in my Studio! ;)

    You guys are amazing (and in great shape) to discover such wonderful adventures and share them with us.

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  34. AMAZING dear Vicki, and you did all this in the heat!

    I found, after traveling and exploring Sedona and the Verde Valley and Prescott, that my art-eye and colors changed dramatically. It really had an influence on my natural dyes, my weaving, and my copper enameling and watercolors. Those colors touch me to my soul.

    Loved, loved, loved this. Now dear, GO GET ORGANIZED, then fly on over here to help me finally get organized.

    Love,

    Sharon

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  35. Hermoso lugar, esa piedra catedral es hermosa, como de los tiempos antiguos, y ese riachuelo maravilloso.
    Me da mucho frío verte tan desabrigada y en el agua!, jajaja, acá mucho, mucho frío y lluvia.
    Otro paseo para recordar, feliz, feliz. Hice cambios en mi departamento, a ver si te gusta.
    Besitos

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  36. Hi Vicki! I enjoyed this post so much, I didn't want it to end! Your pictures are so beautiful, and you look so cute in your hiking garb! ... I can't wait to see more of your sacred yarn room. I love it in there! Many hugs to you my precious friend! xoxo Paulette

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  37. Fabulous hikes! I was in Sedona to visit a friend in 1991. Have lost contact with her now so don't even know if she is still in Flagstaff or not. Have fun cleaning up the Sacred Yarn Room. Best wishes, Tammy

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  38. Thank you for sharing your photos and hiking experiences! I enjoyed seeing the beauty of Sedona.

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  39. Oh, Vicki! What fabulous photos of such a beautiful and mystical place. I've so enjoyed following you along as you take it all in from an up-close and personal aspect. I can never hope to hike those trails so am doubly thankful to you and your hubby for "taking me along" with you as you travel. I've seen the rock formations from the highway/freeway, but never as you've shown them. A lovely lefover from my years as a Navy wife...the Navy tradition to wish you "fair winds and following seas" to keep you safe and well as you go. Can't wait to see more of the Sacred Yarn Room! xoxo Sara Kate

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  40. Beautiful! Love going with you on the amazing trails of Sedona. One of my favorite places to go and the hiking is so wonderful with the vista's in all directions. Your pictures are stunning Vicki! Thanks for sharing.

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  41. Incredible scenery!! I can see now why these places are legendary, Vicki! Great photos and documentation! thanks for the hike, Vicki!

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  42. Magnificent Vicki! Maybe some day we will meet up on a beautiful trail and stare and just start to laugh!
    Wouldn't that be cool!

    Thanks so much for sharing this, now I know where I want to go...heck I'll go anywhere you guys go!

    Cheers!
    Ron

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  43. Vicki, what an amazing hike-your photos are always so wonderful too-loved your post-thanks Kathy

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  44. Oh Sedona is sooo lovely! It's been quite a while since I have been there.
    My favorite place up there is Oak Creek canyon. It's like a little oasis of green and water in the desert!
    xo,
    Karen

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  45. Hi Vicki, what a lovely trip! It is truly magical in Sedona and the colors! Wow. You are one lucky gal to be able to travel so much... I'm just thankful you are so good with your trusty camera! :D

    Google + told me today, the 29th is your birthday so may it be the best birthday ever my dearest of blog land friends!

    Big Hugs,
    Beth P

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