Arizona Photography

 While I've been to Grand Canyon a few times before, being close enough for a day trip was something I couldn't resist.  The round trip was 200 miles, and walking to all the overlooks was tiring, but I'm glad I got to see this "Wonder of The World" one more time.  Smoke from nearby prescribed burns hung over the canyon, making it difficult to capture its full beauty.  Still, I think you can appreciate the vastness of the place.  The scrub oaks that grow among the ponderosa pines were colorful, and elk were plentiful along the roadside.

 I'm back home in Sierra Vista, but have enough content for several more updates.  My main mission on this trip was to observe and photograph fall colors in and around Flagstaff.  I hope by the end you will agree with me that the mission was successfully completed.  The groves of aspen trees at higher elevations reminded me of Colorado.  While not as large as those found in Colorado, they were just as colorful. Arizona SnowBowl is a ski resort built in 1938 near the top of Humphreys Peak, the tallest mountain in Arizona at 12,633 feet.  The road to SnowBowl begins at around 6000 feet, then travels nearly eight miles to the 8600 foot level where the lodge and parking is located.  Along with many others, I rode the gondola to the 11,500 foot level.  There, those capable were able to hike the rest of the way to the top.  I would never have made it past the 100 stair steps that start the climb. Humphreys Peak Colorful aspen trees were found in pa...