We drove through Flagstaff ("Flag" if you're a local) and took scenic AR525 through Crater Volcano National Monument and onto the Wupatki National Monument. There really are no words to describe what we saw, so I am just going to share our pictures. Which, honestly, do no justice. For $20 it's worth the drive.
Our first stop was Crater Volcano....there are several short easy trails to walk. There are a few more strenuous trails we plan to hit on our next trip.
The twists and turns of the tree trunk (pictured above) are the trees natural ways to adapt to the volcanic landscape. As the roots struggle to find water and nutrients the trunk twists and turns to make itself stronger against the wind and to increase its ability to hold water.
Our 2nd and final stop of the 36 mile drive was the Wupatki Pueblos...I have never seen such diverse landscape as what we see in Northern Arizona. Mountains blanketed in snow are side-by-side with cinder cones and ashy mounds of barren hills. There is red rock, sandstone, thick pines and dry, sandy land. It's something new around every turn.
After we finished at the monuments we stopped at Lumberyard Brewing for lunch and a local beer...and I got carded! WHAT?!??!?!
Seriously, though, I recommend the Lumberyard Red...a good smooth lager that's not too light and not too hoppy. Perfect with my soft-shell crab BLT.
If you make the trip avoid Interstate 17 and head back to Sedona via Hwy 89A. The red rock views are beautiful and sometimes you'll catch the sky just right (see below).
We eventually made it back to Sedona, stopped at our favorite hideaway O'Looney's, which we are convinced is the locals hangout. After just one drink there we headed over to Famous Pizza and Beer which might just be our new favorite casual spot. Great beer selection there - best we've managed to find in Sedona - and pizza by the slice.
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