After leaving Slide Rock, we went on through Sedona to go check out Red Rock State Park. This area southwest of Sedona has only been a state park since 1991. It was originally a private ranch, and ownership changed hands a few times before the state finally acquired it, thanks to the work of Governor Bruce Babbitt. He was once hiking in there along Oak Creek, and was asked to leave because he was on private property.

By now it was mid-afternoon and the heat was overbearing, but we had made the trip and we were up for a stroll, so we chose the Eagle’s Nest Trail – a 1.7 mile loop. The park seemed empty, as most sensible folks were indoors with the air-conditioning on, or splashing around in some cool water somewhere.

Hey guys, I think they put the sign there for a reason…;-)

Hot enough for ya?

Hi Bob! Yes, I’m taking more pictures, imagine that.

James stands at an overlook. That’s not water below, just a dry field.

The trail below the ridge was shaded and pleasant.

After an excellent dinner at a sushi bar in Flagstaff, with plenty of wasabi and saki to go round, we were back on the road to the south rim after another great day.