Hiking Courthouse Butte

Well I made my 5th and final hike for this trip.  I didn't think anything could rival the Soldier's Trail hike, but this one today comes close.  I did the Bell Rock trail which ties into the Courthouse Butte Loop and comes full circle back to the parking lot.  You can climb on Bell Rock as far as your nerves will take you. I went up part way, but decided not to push my luck.  Actually coming down is more difficult than going up.  You do get some magnificent views from the higher elevation.  From a distance all of these rocks are very beautiful, but when you get to hike up close it's hard to describe the beauty.  Every one of them has a personality and the Courthouse Butte takes on many as you hike around it.  Some of the outcroppings almost look like they were hand carved.  Mother Nature is amazing.  Here are a couple of shots.

Bell Rock

View of Courthouse Butte from Bell Rock

If you're interested in all of the pictures just click on this link: Courthouse Butte Hike.

I will be heading to Phoenix tomorrow to visit some old friends in Apache Junction.  I may also meet up with Tom and Carrie Gibbany who are vacationing in Scottsdale, AZ and watching spring training.

Got some sad news yesterday from Abu.  Sharon's auntie Bubbles is in the hospital and her prognosis is not good.  Abu will keep me posted on her condition.

Huckaby Trail to Midgley Bridge

Monday, March 15th.  Another day in a hiker's paradise and another day of hiking.  Today I decided to do the Huckaby trail to Midgley Bridge (2.5 miles one way).  This is considered a moderate hike and took a little over three hours round trip.  The map shows that you can go another 2-3 miles from the bridge, but with the water running as high as it is your stopped at the bridge.  Even so, I don't think I would have continued.  It was an hour and a half to the bridge and I had to hike the same distance back to the parking lot so after taking in the views I headed back.  Got back around 1:30pm and drove into Sedona where I had lunch at the Olde Sedona Bar and Grill.

Following are a couple of pictures from Huckaby.

If you want to see the enitre hike click on this link:  Huckaby Trail Hike

Tomorrow I will do my last hike and on Wednesday I will be heading for Phoenix, AZ.

GaryTheSpy

Stirling Pass Trail to Vultee Arch

Sunday, March 13th proved to be another beautiful day in Sedona.  It was chilly, but great for hiking.  I decided to hike the Stirling Pass trail up to Vultee Arch.  The trail starts just off of Hwy 89A across the road from the Manzanita camping grounds.  Elevation at this point is approximately 5,000' and you climb another 1,100' to the top of Vultee Arch.  It turned out to be a strenuous hike up and back.  I had misread the trail guide that said it was an easy trail.  A second reading after I returned said it was a "strenuous" hike.  It was worth the climb.  Luckily I had finally splurged yesterday and purchased a set of hiking poles.  I don't know how I have hiked without them in the past.  They were a life saver today.  Here's a couple of shots.

To see all of the pictures please click on this link: GaryTheSpy's Stirling Pass Hike then choose slide show or simply click on a picture and use the arrow keys to move through them.  If you choose slide show also click on the f-11 key on your keyboard and it will give you a full screen version.

Don't know where I'm hiking tomorrow, but I will be hiking.  Love it here.

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GaryTheSpy