Magical Places
Celebrating places of beauty & magic
Arizona was my home from 2004 to 2007. During that time I thoroughly enjoyed its miles of scenic hiking; its red rock formations pulsating with energetic vortexes; its ancient mesas, buttes and canyons; and of course, its endless sunshine.
Spring brings desert bloom, where the normally dry desert is lush with bright, beautiful colors. Summer's heat brings dramatic lightning, as well as powerful rainstorms after which everything sparkles magically amidst rainbows and sun rays. Autumn's crisp air brings foliage, where brilliant golds, yellows and oranges stand out against mountains and red rock. Finally, winter's sunsets set the sky ablaze with golds, magentas and reds. Truly, Arizona is a photographer's paradise!
Since I have so many photos of Arizona, I've separated them by region. Click on a region below to view:
From the Air
Click the images for a larger view
These 2 photos were taken from the airplane. I was flying from Phoenix to Salt Lake City - unfortunately the window was filthy, but you can see the red patch that is Sedona
Sedona
Click the images for a larger view
Rust, olive green and sky blue are the colors of Sedona...Paradoxically dry yet lush, peaceful yet vibrant with energy.
This beautiful town is known for its mysterious vortexes and brilliant, striking red rock formations including Bell Rock, Airport Mesa, Cathedral Rock and Boynton Canyon.
Click the image at left to view a map of Sedona!
Approaching Sedona from the highway. Thrilling!!
A bit closer. The scenery is awe-inspiring
View from Red Rock Loop Road, one of the most scenic stretches
Sedona - Bell Rock
Click the images for a larger view
Bell Rock
Driving around a bend on highway 179, Bell Rock suddenly makes its appearance. It seems surreal - more like a hollywood movie set...
Hiking toward Bell Rock. It seems so much smaller in the photo, but really it's a mountain!
View from mid-level of Bell Rock - yes, you can actually climb the formations
Climbing higher...
with one hand holding water, the other protecting my camera. What a way to build thigh muscles!
Taking a breather on a flat stretch, looking westward. This is undoubtably the best view in all of Sedona (IMHO)
...and looking eastward
...and turning around. By now the sun was starting to set casting a beautiful golden glow on the warm rock.
I could've kept climbing, but at this point it was getting steep.
Same westward view, but a closeup of the purple-ish hued rock
Sedona - Cathedral Rock
Click the images for a larger view
Impending monsoon over Cathedral Rock
On a much better day. The sparkling creek adds so much to the scene (not to mention the cooling effect in 100+ degree heat!)
Sedona - Airport Mesa
Click the images for a larger view
Westward view from Airport Mesa
Turning around to look eastward at a panoramic view of the amazing red rock formations.
That's Courthouse Rock on the left and Bell Rock at center.
While in Sedona, I opted for a 15 min helicopter ride.
I'm so happy I did - what pure joy it was to fly over this fascinating terrain, with Vivaldi's 'The Four Seasons' wafting through the headset speakers...
Sunset over Sedona, viewed from atop Airport Mesa
Sedona - Boynton Canyon
Click the images for a larger view
Boynton Canyon
This bedknob-shaped formation at Boynton Canyon is known as the Kachinas woman
Climbing higher and higher, following a barely visible dirt trail
Almost to the top. Looking down, you can see the road slicing through the dry terrain
Finally at the top enjoying the vast expanse of the terrain. Oh I love Sedona!!
A slightly different view - this one with greenery framing the bottom
Sedona - Chapel of the Holy Cross
Click the images for a larger view
The Chapel is built into the red rock...
...a winding pathway takes you up
Sedona - Oak Creek Canyon
Click the images for a larger view
About 1 hour north of Sedona is Oak Creek Canyon Overlook, offering
a breathtaking view of a lush valley of pine trees.
Sun setting into the crevice...
Notice the highway that winds and winds its way up the mountain
- don't forget your Dramamine!
Looking down, you can just barely see the tiny strip of highway slicing through the pine forest.
Sedona - Flagstaff
Click the images for a larger view
An open field at Flagstaff, Arizona