Possible thunderstorms had disappointed potential hikers of the Wet Beaver Creek hike on April 21. Rescheduled for two weeks later, the weather looked more cooperative with only a 30% chance of rain.

Thirteen optimistic hikers met at the designated meeting place and left for Sedona promptly at 7:15. An additional hiker joined the group up at the Bell Trailhead and we were on the trail shortly before 9:00 AM. Mary, Joe, Ted, Bob, Anne, Barry, Doug, Michael, Sheila, Jon, Rebecca, Aaron, and Eileen, set out with Debbie, our hike leader.

The Wet Beaver Creek hike is easy with a well defined trail and very little elevation change.

The day was picture perfect with vivid blue skies and scattered white clouds. The hike was a delight to the senses: as we hiked along Beaver Creek, we were rewarded with views of scattered prickly pear set against the red rocks which Sedona is famous for. Some of the more interesting shapes among the red rock led to some speculation about how such unique formations occur: it was suggested that one such formation was surely Big Foot’s marking!

Hiking with the sound of the Beaver Creek running alongside, the clouds occasionally shielding us from the sun, and the fragrance of pine trees, we were in pure bliss.

By 11:00, we had reached our lunch destination: red rock cliffs overlooking the swimming hole.

A brisk wind kept us company during lunch, as well as some college students, relaxing before final exams. Entertainment was provided by a young risk taker, intent on breaking his neck by diving into the swimming hole from the highest overlooking cliff (he got lucky this time).

The hike leader was tempted to test her own risk taking capacity, but decided that basking in the sun was a better way to spend her time.

After a leisurely lunch, we began the hike back.

White fluffy clouds occasionally darkened in hue in a feeble attempt to threaten actual rain, but they only added to the enjoyment of the day.

The rain held off until the last hiker arrived at the trailhead just before 1:00 and even then, it was only a light drizzle.

This hike was perfect in every way!

Photos courtesy of Eileen Root and Ted Tenny.