Arizona - last hike, Sugarloaf.

 

On our last day we headed to Sedona, checked Cathedral Rock trailhead (closed, have to use the shuttle service), we checked another trailhead (same message and there was no parking at the shuttle pick up). We finally found a small trailhead, Sugarloaf, with a parking spot. The month we have been here has seen a constant increase in the amount of people at the trails. We did the Sugarloaf loop and the additional .6 mile trail (there and back) to the next loop. Total of 1.5 miles, 2.5km.

This was an area we hadn't hiked before.

So some different views.

I believe this is, appropriately, called "Chimney Rock".

It wasn't as easy as our previous hike (Picture Canyon), with some elevation and rocky areas

but was mostly pretty easy going.

Lots of families with young children on the trail. That's how you know its an easy one.

I have had very little luck taking pictures of the birds here so I could not believe it when this one perched and posed for me

California Scrub Jay. (or maybe a Mexican Jay, they are very similar)

We had only done a short hike because we wanted to get back to Clarkdale

to see the Eagle at the station. Periodically, Liberty Wildlife brings an Eagle to the station as part of their educational outreach.

We had hoped to see a Golden Eagle but it was an immature Bald Eagle.

At 4 years old still had mottled feathers. Will get the white head and tail at 5 years old.

The handler gave us lots of opportunities to ask questions.

 Then it was back to the apartment to start packing. We finished off what food we could and gave what was left to our next door neighbour at the apartment. We have enjoyed her, and her dog, Donatello.