Black Mountain - Cave Creek, Arizona

This 2.2 mile round trip hike was a physically demanding hike with 1,194 feet of elevation gain.  

The summit.

The view from the summit.

The view from the summit.

The summit.

Cave Creek - Tonto National Forest

I started the trail at the Spur Cross Ranch Conservation Area, and walked into the Tonto National Forest for an 8 mile round trip hike to the petroglyphs along cave creek. It's always so enjoyable to hike this area, because I often don't see many people, and it's so relaxing to just sit for a while in the shade by the creek.

Skull Mesa

Skull Mesa and Cave Creek

Cave Creek

Cave Creek

These are called metates. The Hohokam used a stone to grind seeds and grains here.

Bear Mountain - Sedona, Arizona

Bear Mountain trail is the most beautiful and one the most challenging trails in Sedona, and often not crowded. I started hiking at 3pm, because I wanted to be on the summit at sunset. I was thrilled that there were only two cars in the parking lot.

Bear Mountain

On the summit of Bear Mountain.

Sandy's Canyon/Walnut Canyon - Coconino National Forest

I hiked up Sandy's Canyon to Fisher Point, and then about 2 miles up Walnut Canyon for a total of 10.2 miles round trip.

Sandy's Canyon

San Francisco Peaks

Fisher Point

Junction of Sandy's Canyon and Walnut Canyon.

Walnut Canyon

Walnut Canyon

Walnut Canyon

Walnut Canyon

Walnut Canyon

Junction of Sandy's Canyon and Walnut Canyon.

Junction of Sandy's Canyon and Walnut Canyon.

Sandy's Canyon

My route