Hike #35 - Jim Thompson Trail, Sedona, AZ

Paul and I hiked the Jim Thompson trail on a warm day in July, 2013.  We started early in the morning in order to beat the heat after having our omelette at the Coffeepot restaurant.  This was a surprisingly wonderful hike, clearly marked and easy to find, just follow the signs off of Jordan Road in Uptown Sedona.  The trail is wider than most having been used as a wagon road in the 1880's by Jim Thompson. He built the road himself to connect his home in Oak Creek Canyon with his Sedona homestead.  
This is a popular trail for mountain bikers. The vegetation is mostly pine trees and manzanita.  We passed a few drop off areas that I am sure turn into waterfalls after a good rain. Around the half way point you arrive at the base of the sheer walls of Steamboat Rock. The trail is 2.65 miles one way with an elevation gain of 235'.  It took approx. 2 hrs 30 mins round trip.  Around the 2 mile mark, we saw a sign for Wilson Canyon and Wilson Mountain.  We hiked into the canyon until we came to a sign indicating the end of the trail.

Hike #34 - Teacup Trail, Sedona, AZ

The Teacup Trail in Sedona is a 3.2 mile round trip, moderate hike with an elevation change of only 150' .  It passes under Coffeepot Rock and connects with Soldier's Pass Trail by the Devil's Kitchen Sinkhole. A herd of javelina crossed the trail a few yards in front of us.  We also hiked the Sugarloaf Trail and Summit Trail which had a beautiful panoramic view of Sedona.  We always have an omelette at the Coffeepot restaurant in West Sedona which is right in front of Coffeepot Rock on 89A.

Hike #33 - The Subway, Zion National Park, UT

The Subway

Paul and I learned about The Subway hike while visiting Zion National Park in 2012.  After researching this semi-technical hike that goes into a slot canyon, we decided to get additional training in canyoneering and rappelling to be better prepared and safe. We acquired a permit several weeks in advance. There are two routes to reach the Subway.  One starts at the Left Fork Trailhead, 8.1 miles above Virgin, hiking a steep descent into the canyon and then 4 1/2 miles upstream boulder hopping. We hiked from the top starting at Wildcat Trailhead, on the Kolob Reservoir Road about 15.3 miles above the town of Virgin.  We reserved a shuttle that dropped us off at the top (Wildcat) and we left our car at the bottom (West Fork).  To complete the hike you wade/swim/scramble/climb/rappel down the Left Fork of North Creek.  The water was cold in July but not cold enough that I needed a wet suit.  We were happy to have rented helmets, harness, rope, and belay devices and to have practiced using these items a few times prior to doing this hike.  There were good anchors set at each place requiring ropes.  The hike took a full 8 hours and 15 mins and we took few breaks.  The last 4 1/2 miles of scrambling over boulders seemed like it would never end and used up a lot of energy. Someone with good upper body strength could do this hike with only ropes but I felt much safer and more comfortable rappelling.  The drops were from approx. 8' to 20'.  As with any slot canyon, the weather is a big factor so that you do not encounter flash floods.

Steep descent into canyon.

The first drop. Awkward angle.

The final rappel approx. 20'