Tag: Grasshopper Point

Fall Colors in Oak Creek Canyon

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Fall (or autumn, if you prefer) is over in northern Arizona. Peak fall colors started high on the peaks back in September and have been working their way down to lower elevations. The peak moved through Oak Creek Canyon in mid November. Here are some photos of the colors.

The North Wilson Trail climbs out of Oak Creek Canyon and goes through a stand of maple trees. Leaves on trees and on the ground make this a favorite for fall photographs.
The North Wilson Trail climbs out of Oak Creek Canyon and goes through a stand of maple trees. Leaves on trees and on the ground make this a favorite for fall photographs.

A few years ago and saw this little guy sitting at the base of the tree on the North Wilson Trail. He was still there on this years hike but was starting to lean over a bit so we set him upright. Never know what you’ll find on a hike.

Not really about fall colors but we spotted this little gnome statuette off to the side of the trail. Never know what you will find on a hike!
Not really about fall colors but we spotted this little gnome statuette off to the side of the trail. Never know what you will find on a hike!
Water cascades over large boulders before entering a large and deep pool at Grasshopper Point in Oak Creek Canyon.
Water cascades over large boulders before entering a large and deep pool at Grasshopper Point in Oak Creek Canyon.
A shady stretch of Oak Creek with fall colors.
A shady stretch of Oak Creek with fall colors.
Trees and grasses with reflections at Grasshopper Point in Oak Creek Canyon.
Trees and grasses at GraTrees and grasses with reflections at Grasshopper Point in Oak Creek Canyon.sshopper Point in Oak Creek Canyon.
A small cascade at the lower end of Grasshopper Point in Oak Creek Canyon.
A small cascade at the lower end of Grasshopper Point in Oak Creek Canyon.
Brightly coloredl trees at Indian Gardens in Oak Creek Canyon.
Brightly coloredl trees at Indian Gardens in Oak Creek Canyon.
Late afternoon colors are reflected in the waters of Oak Creek.
Late afternoon colors are reflected in the waters of Oak Creek.
Late afternoon colors are reflected in the waters of Oak Creek.
Late afternoon colors are reflected in the waters of Oak Creek.

 

A Variety of Winter Weather

Flagstaff’s February weather has been very active with rain and/or snow recorded on seven days out of the first fifteen. Several days of snow on the Kachina Peaks covered the trees with a thick coating of rime ice and lots of new snow on the slopes.

Rime covered trees in the Kachina Peaks.
Rime covered trees in the Kachina Peaks.
"Flying Dutchman." It's steeper than it looks.
“Flying Dutchman.” It’s steeper than it looks.
"Allison Clay."
“Allison Clay.”
Weeds in the snow.
Weeds in the snow.

And then we had an “atmospheric river” that produced a significant amount of winter rain with about 1.5 inches falling in the Flagstaff area. The runoff in Oak Creek and its tributaries was impressive.

Pumphouse Wash---a normally dry wash---running at high volume.
Pumphouse Wash—a normally dry wash—running at high volume.
Oak Creek at Grasshopper Point: a popular swimming hole when quieter water prevails.
Oak Creek at Grasshopper Point: a popular swimming hole when quieter water prevails.

And the forecast for the next week or so is a continuation of stormy weather with lots of snow for the higher elevations. I believe the long-anticipated El Niño has finally arrived.