Arizona Forever

Any trip back to Arizona is always good, but this one was for the books.  Three plus weeks in some of my favorite country this past November/December.

Fossil Springs Wilderness

Inspired by beers and talk of the desert the night before, day one in Arizona started with a trip to Fossil Springs with my brother.  There was ice at the trailhead and four miles later we were swimming in Fossil Creek.  Classic Arizona.

Fossil Creek

Up above are the headwaters of Fossil Springs which pump out about 20,000 gallons of water a minute.  The best part is that the temperature of the water coming from the ground is about 70 degrees year round.

Bear tracks from a bear who apparently wasn't sure where they wanted to go.

Double Jeop, post cliff jump.
The falls behind him used to be a diversion dam.  It was removed in 2008 and the travertine has taken back over.

On the drive home we caught the sun going down on Mormon Lake and the San Francisco Peaks






Grand Canyon 

Next up was a four day solo trip into the Grand Canyon.  I hiked down the South Kaibab trail to the Tonto Plateau and then cruised along the Tonto trail for the next few days.  I eventually reached Hermit Creek and hiked the Hermit trail back out to the south rim.

Down on the plateau heading west on the Tonto.

Heading into Indian Gardens, where I camped the first night.

After setting up camp, I hiked out to Plateau Point for the sunset which I missed.  The colors were still amazing though, and I had whiskey.

The next morning I continued westward on the Tonto headed towards Cedar Springs and the night's camp. 

Canyon light

After setting up camp at Cedar Springs, high on the plateau, I hiked down to Monument creek and followed the wash down to the Colorado River.

Granite Rapids

The light was going fast, so I enjoyed the river for a brief moment and started the 3 mile trek back up to my camp on the plateau.

Catching the last light, almost back at camp.

Walking down the rock carved out over the eons by Cedar Springs.  This was as far as the path led before plummeting down into the canyon below.

Coffee and first light at the edge of the Tonto plateau

 I sat here for a looooong time.

River of coffee.  Overnight the Colorado had gone from blue to brown.

Looking west towards Monument creek and my eventual destination for the night, Hermit creek.

Cruising the mostly flat trail along the Tonto was about as pleasurable as it gets.

Looking up Monument Creek after dropping down off the plateau

Lunch break at the the Monument

Back up onto the plateau before dropping down again into Hermit Creek

Crusing down Hermit Creek towards the Colorado after setting up camp.

A muddy Colorado and the last bit of light hitting the highest canyon walls.

Hermit Creek on the left, flowing into the Colorado

A narrow section of canyon along Hermit creek right before getting back to camp.

Morning pit stop on my last day after climbing the Cathedral Stairs on the Hermit Trail.

Headed home, the wind ripping and the San Francisco Peaks basking.

Moonrise in Northern Arizona

West Fork, Oak Creek Canyon

An afternoon hike into a frozen West Fork with my dad.

Red Rock Secret Canyon Wilderness

Kevin had a couple days off mid week, so we headed to the red rocks for an overnight trip.

Best dude.

Looking east towards Oak Creek Canyon

Whiskey and firelight

Heading into Secret Canyon

Secret Canyon

Havasupai

Another night sitting at the bar in Flagstaff with just over a week left in Arizona, Kevin and I started scheming up plans for a Havasupai trip.  One of my favorite places of all time, I hadn't been back in almost 10 years.  Upon hearing about our plans, my dad decided to dust off his backpacking gear and would join us as well.  He hadn't been down in over 30 years.  Later in the week Kevin's friend Loren who was passing through on a motorcycle tour also decided to join us.   It was a fantastic trip.   

Kevin, Loren, and Dad at Haulapai Hilltop ready for adventure.

Cool dudes, dropping down towards the wash that leads to paradise.

10 miles later, entering into the land of blue waters.





A very different section of Havasupai since I had last been.  A massive flood in 2008 completely transformed the area near Navajo Falls





Havasu Falls

Dad crossing the creek into our camp.

The next morning we set out on a day trip to the confluence of Havasu Creek and the Colorado River,  eight miles down the canyon.
Dad climbing down the chains to the bottom of Mooney Falls.

Looking down canyon on the descent.

Kevin, reppin' in front of Mooney.

Grinning ear to ear as we cruise down the canyon.

The sea of green isn't very green in December

Renegade palm tree, near Beaver Falls.

The spot.  So many good times.

It was a very different Havasupai experience being as it was too cold for enjoyable swimming, but the changing colors were beautiful to see.

Almost to the confluence.

The Colorado

Beyond stoked to be able to stand at the confluence with my dad and brother.  Unforgettable.  Thanks for the pic Loren!

Some boats, some blue, and some muddy.

Baby bighorn





Mooney

Loren climbing back up the chains at Mooney.




Coffee and sunrise at Havasu Falls

A new Navajo Falls

Canyon colors

The final afternoon in Supai, looking down the canyon from the top of Mooney Falls.

One last chill with Havasu before hiking out

Classic Arizona.