The Highline Trail in Sedona, Arizona, is quickly becoming a very popular trail. Originally a “user-built” trail, it has since been adopted into the Forest Service trail system. As a result, there has been some work done to bring it up to current trail standards. This has included some re-routes of sections that were prone to erosion or resource damage.
The start of the Highline Trail. The trail sign makes it very clear this is Double Black Diamond.
What it did not do is make it easier. This trail is classified as “double black diamond” and you had better believe it! Portions of the trail are very narrow with serious drop-offs to the side. Other sections include very steep descents on both loose gravel and rock. It’s OKAY to get off the bike and walk some of these sections.
Made it from the steep and narrow section to the steep and slightly wider section.
Along one long stretch of very narrow trail with steep drops is this slightly wider section. Wide enough, actually, for me to hop off the bike and take a photo. Notice that big, happy smile? That’s because she made it through the narrow section to the “wide” section.
Steep downhill sections on the slickrock make it worth the effort.
Once you ride over the saddle you begin a long, amazing, and fun descent on the red rock. And, yes, it’s worth it.
We’ve had several days of snow across northern Arizona with about 20 inches measured in Flagstaff — and lesser amounts in the lower elevations. Snow levels were low enough that Sedona recorded snow but little or no accumulation. That means that a few inches or more fell and accumulated in Oak Creek Canyon. When there is snow on the red rock the scenery can be amazing and worth photographing. Even if it’s cold outside.
Morning light illuminates the red rock walls of Oak Creek Canyon above Slide Rock State Park. (HDR image)
All things considered, it wasn’t too bad. Temperatures were in the mid-teens when I left Flagstaff and were in the mid-20s near Slide Rock State Park. This is much warmer than last year when I shot photographs at Slide Rock State Park.
Snow clings to the steep walls of Oak Creek Canyon. (HDR image)
To add to the visual interest, there were clouds clinging to the upper walls of the canyon that caught the early morning sun.
Wispy clouds swirl around the cliff tops of Oak Creek Canyon.
Because of the extreme dynamic range of light with dark shadows and brightly-lit snow I took multiple exposures and then experimented with HDR (high dynamic range) to tone map the results. Definitely a lot of fun but like many HDR images some of the results look a bit cartoonish. Nonetheless, presented here for your amusement.
Reflected sky in the deep pools of Oak Creek.
So, I’m glad I got up early and braved the cold. The photos were worth it. After I finished shooting, I headed to Indian Gardens Oak Creek Market for coffee and a bagel.
A few days ago we did a mountain bike ride in Sedona. Near the end of the day we travelled across a large area of red rock sandstone located on Llama Trail. Carved into the sandstone was a series of small pools — some of which contained water.
Birds gather at a water hole.
We were treated to this gathering of birds drinking from the pools. After they had their fill, they flew off to their next destination — and we finished our ride.
A few days ago we decided to spend the day wandering around the East Pocket area. This location overlooks the Red Rocks-Secret Mountain Wilderness on one side and Oak Creek Canyon on the other. It is a relatively flat area surrounded by steep cliffs and deep canyons. Back in the fall of 2005 we explored this area for the first time and decided that we needed to return to see more. Well, it took a few years…
To get to this location you drive south on FR231 — also known as Woody Mtn Road. From the end of the pavement it is about 28 miles to the East Pocket. The dirt road is pretty good for the first half — and not too bad over the second half.
Looking west from the East Pocket area into the Red Rock – Secret Mountain Wilderness near Sedona, Arizona.
There are no trails on the East Pocket but there are old, abandoned forest roads that are disappearing into the forest. We set off towards the south to see if we could reach the southern point and then find a way across the canyons and climb back to the flats farther south. For an idea of what the terrain looks like, follow this link to Google Maps.
Upper reaches of the West Fork of Oak Creek Canyon near FR231.
We were not successful in getting across the canyon because there were some steep rock downclimbs and we were not prepared to attempt this without ropes and other climbing gear. I guess we’ll just have to return once again. The walk out to the edge was interesting and we had this fabulous view to the west of the Secret Wilderness area and the cliffs marking the edge of the Mogollon Rim.
Cautionary sign upon entering upper reaches of the West Fork of Oak Creek Canyon.
On the way home, we stopped at the bridge that crosses the extreme upper reaches of the West Fork of Oak Creek Canyon. At this point, there is no water and it consists of a rock strewn stream bed in a mountain forest of pine, spruce, and fir. There is a cautionary sign informing hikers of the difficult hiking to be found while heading downstream. We did this canyon from the upper end to the lower end about 10 years ago. It was a very challenging, but ultimately rewarding, 13-hour hike (and swim).
A late afternoon storm lingers into the evening producing lightning over the Cathedral Rocks and the Cockscomb.
Late afternoon light and distant lightning at Cathedral Rock, Sedona, Arizona.Twilight lightning over west Sedona and the Cockscomb.Twilight lightning over west Sedona and the Cockscomb.
