The warm weather continues and has allowed us to run in Sedona on dry trails. Trails in Flagstaff, however, tend to be muddy unless you run early enough in the morning when they are still frozen. So we mostly run in Sedona.
Flagstaff FUTS run
Our only run in Flagstaff this month was on New Year’s Day–and it was raining. By the end of the run the trail was getting pretty sloppy.
Public art along the Flagstaff Urban Trail System (FUTS) on a gray, rainy New Year’s Day.
The Hogs and Chicken Point
This run connects many trails to get a double loop: •Hogwash •Hog Heaven •High on the Hog •Broken Arrow •Chicken Point turnaround •Broken Arrow •Submarine Rock •Broken Arrow
Expansive scenery from the Hogwash Trail in Sedona.Two runners traverse a sandstone bench on the Hogwash Trail in Sedona. Fortunately it was warm enough that this was water and not ice.
Brins Mesa–Soldiers Pass Loop
A runner ascends the final steps to the top of Cibola Pass. Several large red rock towers can be seen in the distance (Morning Glory Spire on left; Cibola Mitten on the right.The calendar says January but the weather has been warm and rainy so it is no surprise that wild flowers (Cliffrose) are already blooming.A panoramic view from the top of Brins Mesa looking towards Wilson Mountain.
Rabbit Ears–VOC Loop
This run with the Sedona Trail Running group included Big Park Loop, Rabbit Ears, and VOC Loop. It was a chilly start (32F) but a warm finish (mid 50s).
A runner starts the descent on the VOC Loop trail with the Rabbit Ears landmark in the distance.Courthouse Butte from the VOC Loop Trail. In the foreground are several ice-covered shallow pools of water.A shallow stream with reflections of red rocks at the intersection of Rabbit Ears Trail and Big Park Trails.
Munds Wagon Trail to Merry-Go-Round Rock
This run was up Munds Wagon Trail to Merry-Go-Round Rock. We haven’t done this in several years and had forgotten how hard it is. But it’s also got some amazing views plus some running water in the winter.
A runner on Munds Wagon Trail with towering rocks in the distance.Water cascades down the layered sandstone present in Bear Wallow and Munds Wagon Trail.Merry-Go-Round Rock along Munds Wagon Trail and Schnebly Hill Road in Sedona.Panoramic view from Merry-Go-Round Rock in Sedona.Running water flows down a narrow sandstone slot on the Munds Wagon Trail.
Long Canyon
Did a group trail run into the Red Rock–Secret Mountain Wilderness area. Cold temps (30°F) at the start and mild temps (mid 50s) at the finish. Typical.
Wooden signpost at the boundary of the Red Rock–Secret Mountain Wilderness area near Sedona, Arizona.A runner moves across the red rocks in the Red Rock Wilderness area.Winter usually brings running water and small pools to the desert.
Jim Thompson Trail–Midgley Bridge
This is an “old school” type of trail built by Jim Thompson in 1887 as a wagon road to travel through Oak Creek Canyon. Turnaround was at Midgley Bridge and we did a short side trip up Wilson Canyon.
A small pool of water in Wilson Canyon alongside the Jim Thompson Trail.The turnaround at MIdgley Bridge. Wilson Canyon is on the right; Oak Creek Canyon can be seen behind the bridge.
Adobe Jack Trails
It was abeautiful day for a run in Sedona. Connected a bunch of trails in the Adobe Jack area to make this loop.
Panoramic image from Javelina Trail looking at towering buttes in the distance.A flat section of the Adobe Jack Trail.It’s January. These Globe Mallow flowers should not be blooming yet.
Mescal Mountain Loop
Mescal Trail. There are lines: Expert and Intermediate. Choose wisely.View of Boynton Spire from Mescal Trail in Sedona. There are vortexes here.
Hangover–Huckaby Loop
We joined up with the Sedona Trail Running group today to do a loop on Munds Wagon, Hangover, unnamed social trail, and Huckaby Trails. About 5.2 miles and 1k vertical feet.
A runner on the Munds Wagon Trail with some towering red rocks in the distance (and a bit overexposed).At the high point of the loop and a time to regroup. Hangover Trail.Finally, the photographer gets photographed. Approaching the high point on Hangover Trail. (Photo by Ron)
Margs Draw–Twin Buttes–Broken Arrow
A panoramic view from the high point of the run.The return trip on Margs Draw Trail.Post-run brunch at Indian Gardens cafe in Oak Creek Canyon. Photo by Neil W.
