Flew to the highest state to prepare for my expedition to Mount Everest next year. Not a snowball’s chance in hell. I had to wait over four unexpected hours in the sprawling airport terminal for Andy as his budget airline had a flat tire. Contemplated trying the Chick-fil-A outlet, but the line looked worse than gridlock. The hard plastic chair looked more inviting. Plastic chair became my best friend for the next few hours until Andy’s plane landed in Denver.

Colorado Springs

We drove down to the second-most populous city in the state to meet up with our gracious hosts for the next couple of days; Nani, Pete and Bailey. Nani prepared a delicious late lunch for us in the form of Shrimp Thai Salad and Lumpias. Recipe please!

Bass Pro Shops

Stopped at the retail shop where stuffed animals of almost every description decorated the interior that was filled with hunting, fishing and camping supplies. Contemplated picking up some bear spray and then changed our minds. Hoping we don’t regret our decision.

Garden of the Gods

We drove to the public park that was designated a National Natural Landmark in 1971.

Garden of the Gods

Climbing my way up through a sliver of a space in the rocks. Did I go off-trail?

Garden of the Gods

Looking up at the sandstone rocks and noticed something out of place. That speck of red.

Garden of the Gods

Looking down at some of the red rock formations that so impressed a pair of surveyors in 1859, that they thought it was a fit place for the Gods to assemble.

Kissing Camels

Trying to use my imagination so that it makes sense. Not right-brained enough.

Garden of the Gods

Passing a larger than life plaque plastered on the rocks that tells the history of how the Perkin’s family donated these lands to the City in 1909, so that the public could enjoy these geological wonders for free.

Garden of the Gods

Following the crowds into Cathedral Valley.

Garden of the Gods

Nani further into the trail.

Garden of the Gods

Somebody followed instructions and stood on the far rock. Not too far.

Garden of the Gods

Andy standing on his own piece of rock.

Garden of the Gods

Further progress was halted by the possibility of monetary deductions.

Garden of the Gods

Looking out towards a clump of hogbacks rock formations.

Garden of the Gods

Nani getting a last shot before we climbed back down to the trail.

Garden of the Gods

Spotted a pair of mule deer that is common to the park on our way back to the car.

Siamese Twins

We drove a short while to hike an even shorter trail to a pair of hoodoos.

Siamese Twins

I think Andy’s big head was blocking the view of Pikes Peak.

Siamese Twins

Nani standing in front of a pair of rock formations that resemble Hershey Kisses or some other chocolate colored shapes.

Balanced Rock

We drove to the last parking lot in the park to bear witness and the burden of this 700 ton red rock that seems perfectly balanced on my back.

Balanced Rock

Andy sitting on the erosional remnant that rises roughly 35′ above its pedestal base.

Balanced Rock

Nani sitting on land that used to be owned by the Goerke family who used to charge curious gawkers two bits to take a photo with this natural wonder until in 1932 the city purchased the land and made it free to the public.

Post hike meal at Vaqueros where we picked up Pete and found the food was appetizing and the generous portions were large enough to sit in the refrigerator until it was readby to be tossed. Andy and I retired to our basement for the night. Don’t get me wrong. I wish I had a basement like the one we had!

Photos taken by Andy Wiegand, Nani Dee and yours truly. Not necessarily in order.

Note: I have been made aware that some hikers have been using my blog as a hiking guide and getting lost on the trails. Please note that this blog was made to document the hike for the crew(s) that did it. That is why some of my comments will seem to have no relevance or meaning to anybody outside of the crew(s) that hiked that trail. My blog was never meant as a hiking guide, so please do not treat it as such. If you find inspiration and entertainment from these hikes, that is more than enough. If you plan on replicating these hikes, do so in the knowledge that you should do your own research accordingly as trail conditions, access, legalities and so forth are constantly in flux. What was current today is most likely yesterdays news. Please be prepared to accept any risks and responsibilities on your own as you should know your own limitations, experience and abilities before you even set foot on a trail, as even the “simplest” or “easiest” of trails can present potential pitfalls for even the most “experienced” hikers. One should also always let somebody know of your hiking plans in case something doesn’t go as planned, better safe than sorry.

Aida, Lilyn, Quan and myself flew to Phoenix, Arizona to hike into one of Nature’s vast works carved by weathering and erosion. Daily visits to the Backcountry office resulted in us getting closer to our goal, but we still had time on our hands. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Grand Canyon National Park

What do you think of when you see elk grazing? Burgers? Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Sedona

Entering the city of Sedona, noted for its apple and peach orchards and new age spiritual vortexes. Didn’t sample or experience any of those things.

Sedona

What we came for. The main attraction of red sandstone formations that are a boon to hikers, bikers, hippies and the film industry.

Boynton Canyon

We were able to snag a parking spot at our first hike of the day and found out that the bathrooms are closer than they appear.

Boynton Canyon

Going down the dirt trail. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Enchantment Resort

Walking past the gated resort that took away from being out in the “wilderness.”

Rodent identification

Some people see nature’s gardeners. Others see bubonic plague carriers.

Boynton Canyon

Following the well marked trail, until we had to find the Subway Cave. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Boynton Canyon

Detouring off the beaten track thanks to the arrow constructed out of branches by fellow hikers, we still got turned around in the creek bed until we found the tree stump and went up the hill.

Boynton Canyon

Arriving at the entrance to the cave where we learned the waiting time was north of 40 minutes.

Subway Cave

Traffic on the left.

Subway Cave

Passing on the right. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Subway Cave

Somebody yelled to the people coming up that there was no room on top. I believe the voice had an island accent. I could be mistaken. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Subway Cave

After waiting patiently for everybody to have their 15 minutes of fame and interrupting somebody’s lunch, we finally got our group photo.

Subway Cave

We followed the ledge around the bend and hugged the canyon wall to make our way to the ruins.

Subway Cave

Looking out to the opposite cliff with the walled ruins. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Subway Cave

Cave view of the canyon. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Subway Cave

One of several natural caves that made for natural dwellings. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Sinagua ruins

Interior of one of the pit homes. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Sinagua ruins

Exterior of the stacked rocks that the Sinagua people made back in the day and mysteriously left without any known reason.

Subway Cave

End of the trail as we must have also missed the petroglyphs that are nearby the ruins. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Subway Cave

Looking back at the mouth of the cave. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Boynton Canyon

We took a side trail down to avoid the crowds at the cave.

Boynton Canyon

Waiting for the group before we took the trail to the vista. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Vista

Climbing up the vista rock. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Vista

Quan reaching the top. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Vista

The Boynton Vortex, which are swirling centers of positive energy, is supposed to be located in this area. I didn’t get all tingly. So I must have missed it by that much. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Vista

Enjoying the panoramic views. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Vista

Running with the sun.

Vista

Aida perched on a rock. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Vista

Group photo at the top. Photo by Paul Leurs.

Vista

Making our way down the vista trail.

All pau

Group photo at the Red Rock Secret Mountain Wilderness that includes over 40,000 acres of Nature’s eye candy.

GPS Tracks

Our hike covered 6.05 miles through the orange and red hued buttes, canyons and cliffs.

Dry Creek Road

We drove to another nearby hiking trail, but being as it was already late in the day, the cars were parked on the road like breadcrumbs leading to the full parking lot.

Dry Creek Road

Sharing the dusty dirt road with other hikers, 4×4 vehicles and the Pink Jeep tours that kicked clouds of dust into the air.

Devils Bridge Trail

Only one mile left to go!

Devils Bridge Trail

Looking ahead to the largest natural sandstone arch in the Sedona area.

Devils Bridge Trail

Welcome to another 40 plus minute wait. Make yourself comfortable.

Devils Bridge

We all got our solo shots on the arch that spans 45′ long and close to 60′ tall.

Devils Bridge

After everybody had their 15 minutes of fame, a fellow gawker was kind enough to take our group photo.

Devils Bridge

Aida looking out into the Coconino National Forest. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Devils Bridge Trail

Standing on the rock platform surrounded by a sea of green verdant forest. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Devils Bridge Trail

Coming down the uneven rock stairs. Photo by Quan Haberstroh.

Devils Bridge Trail

Looking at the balanced rock seemingly tottering on the edge. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Chuckwagon Trail

We decided to take a “real” trail instead of the dusty jeep road back to our car.

Chuckwagon Trail

Catching the views as the sun lit up the red rock mountains.

Chuckwagon Trail

Chasing the setting sun on the trail used by mountain bikers as well.

Chuckwagon Trail

Everywhere we looked, we could see the unique red rock formations being illuminated from different angles.

Mescal Trailhead

We exited the trailhead, not exactly where we wanted to come out, so we had to walk over a mile on the road back to our car.

All pau

Made it back to our car just as darkness fell over the area.

GPS Tracks

Our hike covered 4.29 miles through another collection of Nature’s handiwork.

Post hike meal at Cowboy Club where Elk Burgers were not on the menu today. We had to settle for bison steak which is lower in cholestrol and fat. Balanced that with a hot fudge sundae rich in carbs and fat.

Note: I have been made aware that some hikers have been using my blog as a hiking guide and getting lost on the trails. Please note that this blog was made to document the hike for the crew(s) that did it. That is why some of my comments will seem to have no relevance or meaning to anybody outside of the crew(s) that hiked that trail. My blog was never meant as a hiking guide, so please do not treat it as such. If you find inspiration and entertainment from these hikes, that is more than enough. If you plan on replicating these hikes, do so in the knowledge that you should do your own research accordingly as trail conditions, access, legalities and so forth are constantly in flux. What was current today is most likely yesterdays news. Please be prepared to accept any risks and responsibilities on your own as you should know your own limitations, experience and abilities before you even set foot on a trail, as even the “simplest” or “easiest” of trails can present potential pitfalls for even the most “experienced” hikers.