We got up early to drive the Red Rock Scenic byway through Sedona to Flagstaff so as to avoid tourist congestion in the area. I had talked to people in the park who told me they had driven this route a day ago at 10 a.m. and it was bumper to bumper around Sedona with every scenic view parking full to the brim.
First Kirk and I went for our early morning walk in the wash by the Distant Drums campground.
Then it was off to Sedona and Flagstaff through the beautiful Coconino National Forest hills and washes covered with prickly pear cacti, scrub oak, yucca, juniper, and pinon pine. The road winds through this high desert country, a colorful contrast of red soil and green junipers.
Sedona in the distance
Sedona reminded me of Banff. Luckily it was pretty quiet and we were through town in minutes. We had timed our visit well and also had no trouble stopping off at scenic viewpoints along the way. We passed through seven major plant communities as a result of elevation changes (from 4000 to 7000 ft), temperature variation and precipitation.
We stopped at a small day use area with a lovely stream. There were a few cabins along the road but otherwise it was just a nice forested drive.
The highway we drove up on far below
Snow capped mountain by Flagstaff
We didn't go into Flagstaff as we will go that way tomorrow. Instead we returned via Highway 17 to Camp Verde.
Ironwood tree in bloom
Once we were home Kirk and I went for another walk in the wash beside the RV park. We saw a Rock Squirrel and a Harris's Antelope Squirrel.
Not sure which cactus this is
Banana Yucca
Harris's Antelope Squirrel
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