Sedona Subway and Devils Bridge

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.

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

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.

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

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.

Going down the dirt trail. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

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

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

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

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.

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

Traffic on the left.

Passing on the right. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

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.

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

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

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

Cave view of the canyon. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Climbing up the vista rock. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Quan reaching the top. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

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.

Enjoying the panoramic views. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Running with the sun.

Aida perched on a rock. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Group photo at the top. Photo by Paul Leurs.

Making our way down the vista trail.

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

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

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.

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

Only one mile left to go!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

Tagged as: alligator tree, arizona, balanced rock, boynton canyon, chuckwagon trail, coconino national forest, devils bridge, dry creek road, enchantment resort, mescal, sedona subway, sinagua ruins, subway cave