We decided to do two shorter hikes today instead of one lengthier one. The weather was kind to us providing partly cloudy (or is that mostly sunny) skies throughout the day. When we started our day the temperature was about 54°F and it rose throughout the day to about 68°F. Another fine day to be outside.
Fay Canyon Trail
This animated map will give you a sense of what this hike is like.
Fay Canyon Trail is an easy trail. It is just over one mile long ending at a massive rockslide. The footing is generally along a hard sandy pathway but there are a few short stretches of rocky bits. Over the course of the trail you gradually ascend about 160 feet. Of course, when you retrace your steps you will descend 160 feet. It’s a fine trail to take people that do not like to hike because, as you will see, there are some remarkable red rocks even if none of them is a classic Sedona iconic formation per se.
Mom and Dad at the start of the Fay Canyon Trail. Fay Canyon Trail is just over 1 mile long ending at a massive rockslide. At this point the canyon is open feeling and the views of some of Sedona’s red rocks are expansive.
—November 1, 2022 at 8:55 AM.
Fay Canyon Trail passes through many shadier spots like this one but throughout the great rocks of the area are visible. Here Ken is in the foreground. The trail is generally sandy with a few short stretches of rocky bits. The trail ascends gradually as you go deeper into Fay Canyon.
—November 1, 2022 at 9:13 AM.
Ken is standing in front of the rockslide that marks the end of Fay Canyon Trail. Photo by Judy.
—November 1, 2022 at 9:35 AM.
Mom and Dad at the rockslide at the end of Fay Canyon Trail.
—November 1, 2022 at 9:37 AM.
Fay Canyon Arch isn’t the most stunning arch but it is yet another nice example of the various rock formations that make Sedona the special place it is.
—November 1, 2022 at 10:00 AM.
Chimney Rock Upper Loop Trail
This animated map will give you a sense of what this hike is like.
This hike makes use of a couple trails to form its loop. Combining Thunder Mountain and Chimney Rock Trails you walk about 1.8 miles and climb about 260 feet and descend the same amount. There are some overlooks along the way that are reportedly quite pretty but we did not explore them. If you hike the trail in the morning the guidebook suggests hiking counter-clockwise to keep the sun at your back. If you hike in the afternoon you go in the clockwise direction. However, if you prefer your steeper section to be full of steps going uphill you should tackle the loop in a counter-clockwise direction no matter what time it is.
Just the first grand rock formation we saw as we walked the Upper Chimney Rock Loop Trail. I’m not actually entirely sure that this is Chimney Rock but am not sure what else it could be. What is striking in this massive formation is the white rock embedded in the rock.
—November 1, 2022 at 11:00 AM.
The trail is beginning to climb more steeply as we continue curving around the now completely visible Chimney Rock.
—November 1, 2022 at 11:14 AM.
The pillars in the distance remind me a bit of Cathedral Rock though they certainly are not that iconic formation. Given enough time the forces of nature can sculpt some fascinating shapes in the soft red sandstone of Sedona.
—November 1, 2022 at 11:15 AM.
Taking photos is important. Here is a case study of Ken and Jonathan doing just that. Photo by Judy.
—November 1, 2022 at 11:33 AM.
The trail steadily climbs up numerous stone stpes quickly ascending the bulk of the 250 or so feet in less than 0.5 miles.
—November 1, 2022 at 11:33 AM.
Looking back down those numerous steps as Mom snaps a photo. If you hike the Upper Chimney Rock Loop counter-clockwise you’ll be ascending quite a lot of these steps.
—November 1, 2022 at 11:33 AM.
Respite from the steps. THe gentler stretch won’t last long but it’s nice to have a break no matter how short.
—November 1, 2022 at 11:36 AM.
Just beyond the highpoint we found a rock bench to settle down upon for our brief lunch. This is the view we were treated to as we ate.
—November 1, 2022 at 11:47 AM.
The descent of Upper Rock Chimney Loop is far gentler than the ascent. The trail circles farther around from Chimney Rock and I suppose that’s why it is generally a shallow grade relying far less on stone steps.
—November 1, 2022 at 12:08 PM.
This is about the last view of the chimney of Chimney Rock.
—November 1, 2022 at 12:31 PM.
No comments:
Post a Comment