Today
we decided to take another try at West Fork Oak Creek Hike. It is the most popular hiking trail in the
Coconino National Forest. We had tried it on Friday when we drove up Oak Creek
Canyon, but by the time we got there, the parking lot was full and the parking
spaces along the road were also full. We could have parked further down the
road, but decided to try again on a weekday. We drove back up toward the
canyon, but the lot was already full. Knowing we still had Wednesday to hike,
we made the decision to go on a different hike and come back Wednesday.
We did go back up to the Canyon vista to take a picture of a
sign that showed the canyon geology that we didn’t take on Friday when we were
there. We drove back down and went to the Boynton Canyon Trail head. The lot
was full here, too, but it was just a short walk to places to park along the
road so we did that. Boynton
Canyon is one of the popular trails in Sedona because of the red rocks. This
trail leads to one of the "vortex" points. I may as well explain what
a vortex supposedly is since you can’t visit Sedona without hearing about them.
A vortex or vortexes are supposedly areas of
concentrated energy rising from the earth. Whether you agree with some vortex
enthusiasts that the vortices are a portal for celestial and terrestrial
spirits, you may feel a range of sensations from a slight tingling on exposed
skin, to a vibration emanating from the ground when you encounter a vortex.
Most often a vortex is felt by palpable sensation across the nape of the neck
and the shoulder blades. Many people believe that Sedona has several vortexes
or power spots, making Sedona a highly sought-after spiritual and metaphysical
destination. It is a bunch of hooey in my opinion, but there you have
it.
We didn’t hike the entire 2.4
miles. Since it was late morning, we decided to just do part and then go back.
We took the side trail to the Vista and that was amazing. Walking back down, we
passed the Enchantment resort (where we had dinner on Friday) and continued on
before turning back. We drove to Whole Foods and had a light lunch there. We
went back to the resort and sat in the jacuzzi for awhile. We went to dinner at
Saltrock, which is in the resort next door. After dinner, we came back and
watched The Martian on Netflix.
Pat
2017-10-12
What incredibly beautiful scenery!
Waha
2017-10-12
This is beautiful Nancy. There are sections of that trail that you showed that look like ankle turners. But, I would love to go down them. And all the rock formations makes one wonder how some stay balanced. Enjoy yourselves. Stay safe.