Angel Falls is off Brins Mesa trail on the western slopes of Wilson Mountain. This waterfall is seasonal. I’ve been to the area several times, in different seasons, once leading a group of hikers to the area, I’ve never seen any water. I was told that when there was water, it was just a trickle. However, even without the waterfall, this off trail box canyon is scenic with spectacular red rock formations against the backdrop of Wilson Mountain.
There are a number of ruins in Long Canyon, one of them was used as a movie set. About three miles into the canyon, a not-so-clear unofficial path on the left will lead you up hill to two ruins in pretty good shape and a ladder used as a movie set.
I’ve been there a couple of times. Two days ago I went with three friends, Akemi, George and Phil, all volunteers of Sedona Food Bank. Needless to say we had a great time—hiked 7-8 miles total, witnessed the ruins from ancient time, enjoyed the beauty of nature, and picked mushrooms. 🙂 So happy to be able to share experiences like this with friends.
There are a number of trails in this area. An easy hike about 4 miles circles around Courthouse Butte and Bell Rock, which provides good views of these two famous rock formations, as well as distant views of the Chapel of the Holy Cross and Cathedral Rock.
I’ve hiked in this area many times, mostly by myself.
The very first time I went up Bell Rock was about six or seven years ago. During that trip, I traveled around AZ, NW and a little bit of TX for about 10 days. The last day of that trip was Christmas. I drove more than 300 miles from eastern AZ without being able to find an open park to hike.
By the time I reached Sedona, it was 2 in the afternoon. Eager to use the last several hours of the daylight, I hiked around the Bell Rock and went up in a hurry, without knowing anything about the area. There wasn’t any trail up the rock, but it seemed easy enough just to scramble. At one point, though, I got myself into trouble—I couldn’t go up or down anymore—I was stuck! I was hyperventilating and was so scared, even after everything was over.
That night, sleeping in the motel room, I kept on seeing myself rolling down the tall rock! It was the point that I realized that there is a balance between fear and fearless: life without taking any risk is boring, but putting oneself into dangerous situation without any preparation is pointless. Taking “calculated risk” is what I have been doing since then.
Jeep tour is really popular in Sedona. There are several companies and each offers a number of different rides. I’ve never taken any since I’m a hiker, and a hiker supposes to use her feet.
Well, I joined a “Jeep Safari” organized by a hiking group. For once we were like all the tourists in town, riding, instead of hiking on those paths.
I used to wonder who would drive on those paths—rocky, steep, with all kinds of crevices. It seemed pretty crazy. And indeed it felt insane, at places, seemingly to get stuck or tip over! “If there is a harder way, why take the easy way” seemed to be the mantra. 🙂 It was fun. I am glad I let my feet rested for a day. 🙂
Solo Travel to Alaska, and Beyond 
Recent Comments