Posts Tagged ‘arizona’

Grand Canyon National Park – May 2010

grand-canyon-192-2

view of Colorado River along  South Kaibab Trail

We hiked 7.1 miles along South Kaibab Trail down to the bottom of the Grand Canyon (4,800 ft elevation change).

We dipped our toes in the Colorado River (icy cold!) briefly before heading to Phantom Ranch, where we ate some lunch and had some lemonade.

My favorite part of the hike was along the Bright Angel Trail leaving the Colorado River :)

Then, 9.6 miles hiking up from the Colorado River to the Bright Angel Trailhead (4,400 ft elevation change).

[ View more photos from the South Kaibab & Bright Angel Trails ]

More trail info/maps and training/hiking tips

 

Sixshooter / Telephone / Ice Canyon Trails

Sixshooter / Telephone / Ice Canyon Trails

April 2010

 

Reavis Falls, Superstition Wilderness, AZ

Reavis Falls, Superstition Wilderness, AZ

Reavis Falls, Superstition Wilderness, AZ

[ View More Photos ]

Take a Hike – Grand Canyon Warmup Hike #4

 

AZ Wildflowers – March 2010

AZ Wildflowers – Spring 2010 – Tonto National Forest, AZ

Wed, 3/31, we shot some wildflowers.

[ View More Photos ]

Directions (from Phoenix):
* Take 60E
* LEFT on Silver King Mine Rd
* LEFT on FR #8
* RIGHT on HAPPY CAMP CANYON RD

Here are some links that you may wanna check out:

Wildflower Reports 2010 – Phoenix and Northern Arizona Area

Wildflower Reports 2010 – Tucson and Southern Arizona

AZ Highways Wildflower Guide

 

Chiricahua, Mt Lemmon, and Saguaro NP – March 2010

Chiricahua National Monument


Chiricahua National Monument

Mount Lemmon


Mount Lemmon

Saguaro National Park


Saguaro National Park

 

My 1st Fine Art Gallery Show!

jan-go-havasu-falls
Havasu Falls by Moonlight
Supai, AZ
October 2009
jan-go-new-havasupai-waterfalls
New Havasupai Waterfalls
Supai, AZ
October 2009

Professionally retouched, printed, matted, and framed by Todd Photographic Gallery.

14×20 framed prints will be displayed and available for sale at Todd Photographic Gallery from 12/15-1/15 for a special exhibit and for the public to vote on their favorite photos!

Opening reception is Tuesday, 12/15 from 6-9p. Admission is FREE! Parking is limited, but you may park in one of the neighbors’ lots or the Smart & Final shopping center across the street.

For more details: “Favorite Shots” Photography Show | Press Release

Todd Photographic Studios & Gallery
2711 E. Indian School
Phoenix, AZ 85016
[ map ]

 

Arizona and Mexico Travels

Havasupai Falls, Arizona

Havasupai FallsWell, I can say that I survived my 1st backpacking trip down to Havasupai Falls–Next time I’m hiring a mule :P

It was a 10 mile hike from the hilltop down to the campground, but only the first 1.5 miles consisted of steep switchbacks… the rest of the way was relatively flat.  Beforehand, I attended some informative REI workshops on how to pack light and only carry the bare essentials.  Also, it was nice that the group I went with had camping gear to share w/ everyone.

Day 1 — We hiked down to the campground, unloaded our gear, and went and checked out Mooney Falls.  It involved a little bit of climbing/scrambling down a cliff, using chains and ladders to get down to the bottom, but it was fun!

Day 2 — Today, we hiked past Mooney Falls and continued along the trail (which involved several creek crossings up to waist deep) to get to Beaver Falls and play in the water.  The scenery along the way is SPECTACULAR!  Later that evening, there was a full moon out so we headed over to Havasu Falls to get some nighttime photography.

Day 3 — Hike out.  I think the early morning light is much better for photographing Havasu falls and also the new two falls that were formed after the flash flood last year.  Also, some have commented that the tribe has done a wonderful job cleaning up after the flood and that the campgrounds are much nicer than before.
[ view photos ]

El Golfo, Mexico

El Golfo, MexicoApproximately a 6 hour drive from Phoenix, El Golfo consists of a tiny fishing village with primitive beaches perfect for a quiet getaway.  Be sure to have a 4WD vehicle and check the times for high tide–we got there around high tide and got stuck in the sand a few times.  Some of our friends got stuck, so we drove to our campsite to unload, but by the time we got back to help them out the tide had come in and we couldn’t get across.  Oops.  Good tip I learned is to let out some air from your tires to around 10PSI–when you’re ready to head back, there is a lil shack that will put air in your tires for you.

Our campsite was a few miles down the beach.  We had a few catamarans and kayaks to enjoy 3 days on the water.  For dinners, we ran into town and bought some fresh fish and seafood (yummy shrimp!).  On our way out, we stopped at one of the taco stands–some of the best tacos I’ve had!

[ view photos ]

Horton Creek Trail, Payson, Arizona

Horton Creek TrailBeing from the East Coast, I was searching out spots to do some fall color photography… Although, some of the colors have faded, it was still a lovely, leisurely hike along the creek.  Once you reach the end of the trail, turn right and walk a 100 yds to get go the Spring, which makes for a nice lunchspot and turnaround point.

[ view photos ]

 

Hiking in Flagstaff – Abineau/Bear Jaw Trails, #127/#26

Flagstaff Hiking - Abineau Bear Jaw Trails

Abineau/Bear Jaw Trails, Flagstaff, AZ

Sunday, we hiked the Abineau/Bear Jaw Trails in Flagstaff, where temps only reached the upper-70s and a quick (gotta love the 75 MPH speed limit!)  2 hour drive from Phoenix.  I tell ya (East Coasters) that Arizona is not all desert and there are so many wonderful, scenic places to explore!  It was a 6 mile loop hike with a 1,900 ft elevation gain.  Being a slow hiker who likes to take photos, I was a little nervous about the pace of the hike, but the “sweeper” posse made sure everyone made it back to the trailhead safely.  Afterwards, we hit up Beaver Street Brewery for some delicious food and drink–I’m not sure why, but hiking and breweries always goes so well together :)

Take a Hike is a member-driven group and anyone can lead a hiking or camping trip.  It was my first hike with this group and everyone was so nice and friendly that even a slow-paced, introverted hiker like myself felt comfortable with.  Looking forward to hiking with this group again!

View photos of the Abineau/Bear Jaw Trails

 

10 Day Southwest USA Roadtrip | Arizona & Utah National Parks

Well, it looks like we’re officially in the 100+ degree temps in Phoenix!  If you wanna escape the heat, this itinerary takes you through some of the best hiking adventures in the Arizona and Utah National Parks!

Total expenses for food, hotels, gas, and tour admission fees total $550/person–not bad for a 10 day adventure!


day 1 - grand canyon national park
Day 1 – Phoenix, AZ to Grand Canyon National Park, AZ

more photos from Bright Angel and South Kaibab Trails


day 2 - antelope slot canyon & lake powell
Day 2 – Antelope Slot Canyons and Lake Powell, Page, AZ

day 3 - zion national park
Day 3 – Zion National Park, Springdale, UT

may 2006 photos


day 4 - bryce canyon national park
Day 4 – Cedar Breaks National Monument and Bryce Canyon National Park, UT

october 2006 photos


day 5 - escalante slot canyons
Day 5 – Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, Tropic, UT

arches national park, utah
Day 6 – Arches National Park, Moab, UT

october 2006 photos


canyonlands national park, utah
Day 7 – Canyonlands National Park, Moab, UT

canyon de chelly, chinle, arizona
Day 8 – Monument Valley, UT and Canyon de Chelly, Chinle, AZ

sedona, arizona
Day 9 – Petrified Forest/Painted Desert, AZ and Sedona, AZ

sedona, arizona
Day 10 – Sedona, AZ
Day 11 – Phoenix, AZ

View Larger Map

Will be uploading more photos and post hotel info/reviews soon… Here are greg’s photos.

 

Zola’s 5th Birthday!

July 2008

A peek into Zola’s world…

 
Bookmark and Share