April 20, 2009

The small community of Munds Park is convenient to both Flagstaff and Sedona. Here we got to the pines, mountains, and cooler weather of northern Arizona. The Munds Park RV Resort backs up to the Coconino National Forest with easy access for long walks.

We took the northern route to Sedona through Oak Creek Canyon. The road runs southwest from I-17 through the forest climbing to the mountain top where we stopped at the vista point. The view is spectacular as the pines open above Oak Creek. In the distance pines thin to reveal colors and bare rock of Sedona. The view is also a preview of the switch-back road we would descend.

In Sedona we did the usual walk, exploring small shops and snapping pictures. We also took a tour to the west side of town to see the back side of formations. The day ended with a view from above at the mountain top airport.

We also took day trips from Munds to Flagstaff and the small town of Jerome. Jerome is a former copper mining town, now considered a “ghost town” except for tourists and the folks minding the stores. Jerome is built straight up the mountainside. Steep step walkways take the visitor from one street to the one above it. Some walkways wind through floral gardens, others run parallel to creeks of snow melt. Some buildings remain in their original condition from the late 1800’s, except for the pull of gravity. The view from these lofty streets is impressive!

NEXT TIME: Verde Valley, Crater Rim east of Flagstaff