Running and Hiking in Sedona

Here are a few photographs taken on some recent hikes and trail runs in Sedona.

First was a hike across the top of Mescal Mountain. There are well-defined trails that go around the mountain but only faint tracks that go up and over the top. There are even a few spots that require some basic rock climbing moves—but nothing too difficult.

View from the top of Mescal Mountain towards Long Canyon.
View from the top of Mescal Mountain towards Long Canyon.
Zoomed in view of the northern ridge of Mescal Mountain with some caves.
Zoomed in view of the northern ridge of Mescal Mountain with some caves.
Hiker atop Mescal Mountain.
Hiker atop Mescal Mountain.

From the top of Mescal Mountain one can see across Long Canyon into the Red Rock-Secret Mountain wilderness area. One can also see two dark openings in the middle distance. The one on the left is the so-called “birthing cave.” Note in the second image the crowd of people entering and leaving the site.

Striations and channels in the rocks in Dry Creek.
Striations and channels in the rocks in Dry Creek.
Jumping at the far point of the run.
Jumping at the far point of the run.

A few days earlier a small group of trail runners had done “Earl’s Loop” trail run. You won’t find this on any modern maps but you might find it on some older maps. It does not see much traffic and the trail is faint in spots but it has some great views into the Red Rock-Secret Mountain wilderness area. And, of course, the obligatory group jump— with some jumping on the count of 2 instead of 3.

Edit: added another photo.

Spring Conditions in Sedona

It’s March and the days are getting longer and warmer. The recent epic snow in Sedona has melted and most of the mud is gone to be replaced by perfect trail conditions. Melting snow from the higher terrain continues to flow down Dry Creek and Oak Creek and the runoff in the creeks is impressive.

Crossing Dry Creek on the new Outer Limits Trail.
Crossing Dry Creek on the new Outer Limits Trail.
High water flows down Dry Creek as seen from the recently rerouted Girdner Trail.
High water flows down Dry Creek as seen from the recently rerouted Girdner Trail.
Bridges can be useful when the water is this high.
Bridges can be useful when the water is this high.
Footprints.
Footprints.
Massive tubr blowout!
Massive tube blowout!