Flagstaff & Sedona, AZ - 2002 (Re-run)

 There is so much to see in this area, I warn you from the start that this update will barely scratch the surface.  Having made several visits to the area, on this particular visit I did not take as many photos.  Perhaps I'll cover other visits in future updates.

About 10 miles from Flagstaff, Walnut Creek National Monument provides access to 25 ancient cliff dwellings constructed by the Sinaqua culture.  Many other dwellings in the area aren't accessible.  To enter the dwellings, one must descend approximately 250 steps below the rim and follow the paved trail.

About 30 miles south of Flagstaff is the town of Sedona.  The drive through spectacular Oak Creek Canyon on a steep, twisty road drops from around 7000 feet elevation to Sedona's 4300 feet elevation. 

Despite the short distance, the change in altitude results in a significant difference in climate between the two cities, with Sedona being much more moderate in both Winter and Summer.  Founded in 1902, Sedona wasn't incorporated until 1988, although it became a popular tourist and retirement destination in the 1950's.  The original attractions were the fabulous red rock formations, pine forests and countless hiking and off-road trails.  More recently, a "New Age" industry has sprung up based on the belief there are "spiritual vortices" in several locations.

North of Flagstaff there is another pair of National Monuments, Sunset Crater and Wupatki.  The crater is the result of the most recent volcanic activity in the region which occurred in the 11th century.  Lava covers a large area and earthquake faults can be seen.  The trail to the top of the cinder cone is closed due to damage from  visitors.

Wupatki serves to protect several ruins of Anasazi and Sinaqua dwellings, while allowing the public to view them.

Grand Canyon, of course, is Arizona's most famous attraction.  Located about 80 miles north of Flagstaff, the South Rim attracts some 5 million visitors each year.  Carved by the Colorado River, the canyon is 277 miles long and up to 18 miles wide.  Nearly 2 billion years of Earth's geology is exposed in the canyon walls.