Cottonwood, AZ–Dead Horse Ranch State Park

Before leaving Arizona, I wanted to spend a couple of days in the Sedona area.  I decided to stay at the Dead Horse Ranch State Park in Cottonwood, AZ, which is 15 – 20 miles from Sedona.  While most of my days were spent closer to Sedona, one day I did the nature hike in the campground.  We had 15 or so people on this walk and one of the couples had hiked the area a few days before and found an owl’s nest.  We kept an eye out for it, but did not find it during the nature hike. 

Sorry, once again I am posting a Vermillion Flycatcher.  I love this bird and I have seen them a lot recently.  This one entertained us while the bunch was gathering together for the nature hike.  It is probably the closest I have seen one.

After the official walk was over a few of us, including the couple who originally found the owl’s nest, decided to look one more time and we found it.

In both pictures, you can see the Great Horned Owl and a baby.  It is easier to see the baby in the bottom picture.  You can even make out his bill. 

One day, I went to the Westfork Oak Creek trail, which I did a few years ago.  I really enjoyed this hike.  It is a 3.3 mile trail  (a primitive trail continues beyond 3.3 miles) that has 13 creek crossings (actually 6.6 miles and 26 crossing since you have to double back on the same trail).  Last time I did it, I didn’t do the entire 3.3 miles as some of the crossings were a bit difficult.  I think the water was lower this time as it wasn’t too bad. 

The bridge that leads to the trail and canyon and other pictures from the hike--

Of course, I went into Sedona and did some of the touristy things, including buying a new pendant!  I went to Red Rock Crossing to see Cathedral Rock.  When I got there, I found a wedding going on.

In the above picture, you can just see the bride and groom kissing, with Cathedral Rock in the background.   Other pictures from the area-

 

What a great place to relax and/or play!

Other Sedona scenery-

On my last day in Cottonwood, I was cleaning up and at the last minute decided  I should go to Tuzigoot National Monument, which was only a few miles from the campground.  I got there about 30 minutes before they closed, but had enough time to quickly see everything.

From here, I will finally make it into Utah.  My first stop will be Bluff, UT in SouthEast Utah.