Sedona Pt 2

i decided to spend my second full day in sedona exploring oak creek canyon and coconino national forest.  considered one of the most scenic areas of north america, this canyon follows oak creek through 12 miles of steep cliff faces as it winds between sedona and flagstaff. the drive along highway 89A follows the creek, and is beautiful enough, with a gorgeous scenic outlook on the north end.

i detoured at west fork bend for a hike deeper into the canyon. this is where the trail begins, leading off the main road and meandering back into one of the streams that feeds oak creek. this area is known as "call of the canyon". a reference to the zane grey novel that was named for this spot. 

generally speaking, this is one of the easier hikes in the area. a relatively flat trail that goes back about 4 miles through cool shaded woods. the tricky part of this trail is the 13 points that it crosses the stream. as it had been a rainy few days, the water levels were higher than usual, making these crossings a little tricky.

the deeper into the canyon the trail goes, the higher the red cliffs on either side rise. making for an almost chilly stroll.

amazingly after 4 miles, the terrain continues to change at every turn. even the sounds are different. spring time here brings a number of migrating song birds, so each chirp and call adds to the natural music. 

the way that the water has shaped the rocks over the years is mesmerizing. different colors, swirls, stripes and textures.

here is where the proverbial sidewalk ends....as the canyon narrows there isn't room left for an official trail. avid hikers will put on their river shoes and keep hiking/wading/swimming another 11 miles through the stream.

i've read that the water trail leads to some of the most beautiful spots and rock formations in the area, if you're willing to get your feet  (and at some point up to your shoulders) wet to see them. 2 miles past this point is a campground that is supposed to be breath taking. maybe i'll discover that on my next trip.........