{"id":13263,"date":"2021-06-17T15:59:20","date_gmt":"2021-06-17T15:59:20","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.usnomadstudio.com\/theroadbook\/?page_id=13263"},"modified":"2021-06-24T18:08:05","modified_gmt":"2021-06-24T18:08:05","slug":"100-days-journey-nevada-to-arizona-march-april-2021","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.usnomadstudio.com\/theroadbook\/100-days-journey-nevada-to-arizona-march-april-2021\/","title":{"rendered":"100 Days Journey: Part 6 &#8211; Nevada to Arizona"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[vc_row full_width=&#8221;stretch_row&#8221; content_placement=&#8221;middle&#8221; bg_type=&#8221;bg_color&#8221; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1610214283171{background-color: #000000 !important;}&#8221; bg_color_value=&#8221;#000000&#8243;][vc_column][vc_column_text css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1624534019134{padding-top: 5px !important;padding-bottom: 20px !important;}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"color: #ffffff;\"><strong>100 Days Journey: Part 6 &#8211; Nevada to Arizona<br \/>\n<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row full_width=&#8221;stretch_row&#8221; bg_type=&#8221;bg_color&#8221; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1610224958479{padding-top: 10px !important;}&#8221; bg_color_value=&#8221;#ffffff&#8221;][vc_column][vc_column_text]After saying goodbye to California, I took a break at the Lake Mead National Recreation Area in Nevada to relax and explore a bit without any specific agenda, then continued south into Arizona. Enjoyed some unstructured time hiking, camping and wheeling around the Sedona area, before picking up with the next set of events later in the month. (Click through the images below for each day&#8217;s notes)&#8230;[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row full_width=&#8221;stretch_row&#8221; bg_type=&#8221;bg_color&#8221; bg_color_value=&#8221;#ffffff&#8221;][vc_column]<style type='text\/css'>#cbpw-wrap96 {margin:0px 0px 0px 0px;}#cbpw-grid96 .cbp-l-caption-title {color:#ffffff;background-color:transparent;font-size:15px;font-family:Open Sans;font-weight:700;font-style:normal;line-height:21px;text-align:center;padding:0px 10px 0px 10px;margin:0px 0px 0px 0px;text-transform:capitalize;}#cbpw-grid96 .cbp-l-caption-desc {color:#aaa;background-color:transparent;font-size:12px;font-family:Open Sans;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;line-height:16px;text-align:center;padding:0px 0px 0px 0px;margin:0px 0px 0px 0px;text-transform:none;}#cbpw-grid96 .cbp-caption-activeWrap {background-color:#000000;}#cbpw-filters79 .cbp-filter-item {background-color:transparent;border-color:#313eec;color:#76788a;font-size:13px;font-family:Open Sans,sans-serif;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;line-height:35px;margin:0px 0px 10px 0px;padding:0px 18px 0px 18px;text-transform:none;}#cbpw-filters79 .cbp-filter-item:hover {background-color:transparent;border-color:#3288C4;color:#313eec;font-size:13px;font-family:Open Sans,sans-serif;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;line-height:35px;margin:0px 0px 10px 0px;padding:0px 18px 0px 18px;text-transform:none;}#cbpw-filters79 .cbp-filter-item.cbp-filter-item-active {background-color:#313eec;border-color:#313eec;color:#FFFFFF;font-size:12px;font-family:Open Sans,sans-serif;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;line-height:35px;margin:0px 0px 10px 0px;padding:0px 18px 0px 18px;text-transform:none;}#cbpw-filters79 .cbp-filter-item.cbp-filter-item-active:hover {background-color:#313eec;border-color:#3288C4;color:#FFFFFF;font-size:12px;font-family:Open Sans,sans-serif;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;line-height:35px;margin:0px 0px 10px 0px;padding:0px 18px 0px 18px;text-transform:none;}#cbpw-loadMore96 .cbp-l-loadMore-link {color:#7E7B7B;background-color:transparent;border-width:1px 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:#DEDEDE;font-size:12px;font-family:Open Sans,sans-serif;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;line-height:34px;text-align:center;padding:0px 30px 0px 30px;margin:40px 0px 0px 0px;text-transform:none;}#cbpw-loadMore96 .cbp-l-loadMore-link:hover {color:#B0B0B0;background-color:transparent;border-width:1px 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:#DEDEDE;font-size:12px;font-family:Open Sans,sans-serif;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;line-height:34px;text-align:center;padding:0px 30px 0px 30px;margin:40px 0px 0px 0px;text-transform:none;}#cbpw-loadMore96 .cbp-l-loadMore-loading {color:#B0B0B0;background-color:transparent;border-width:1px 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:#DEDEDE;font-size:12px;font-family:Open Sans,sans-serif;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;line-height:34px;text-align:center;padding:0px 30px 0px 30px;margin:40px 0px 0px 0px;text-transform:none;}#cbpw-loadMore96 .cbp-l-loadMore-loading:hover {color:#B0B0B0;background-color:transparent;border-width:1px 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:#DEDEDE;font-size:12px;font-family:Open Sans,sans-serif;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;line-height:34px;text-align:center;padding:0px 30px 0px 30px;margin:40px 0px 0px 0px;text-transform:none;}#cbpw-loadMore96 .cbp-l-loadMore-stop {color:#B0B0B0;background-color:transparent;border-width:1px 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:#DEDEDE;font-size:12px;font-family:Open Sans,sans-serif;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;line-height:34px;text-align:center;padding:0px 30px 0px 30px;margin:40px 0px 0px 0px;text-transform:none;}#cbpw-loadMore96 .cbp-l-loadMore-stop:hover {color:#B0B0B0;background-color:transparent;border-width:1px 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:#DEDEDE;font-size:12px;font-family:Open Sans,sans-serif;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;line-height:34px;text-align:center;padding:0px 30px 0px 30px;margin:40px 0px 0px 0px;text-transform:none;}#cbpw-singlePage96 .cbp-popup-navigation-wrap {background-color:#000000;}#cbpw-singlePage96 .cbp-popup-singlePage-counter {color:#ffffff;font-size:13px;font-family:Open Sans;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;}<\/style><link rel=\"stylesheet\" href=\"\/\/fonts.googleapis.com\/css?family=Open+Sans:700normal,400normal\" type=\"text\/css\" media=\"all\" property=\"stylesheet\"><div id=\"cbpw-wrap96\"><div id=\"cbpw-grid96\" class=\"cbp-l-grid-masonry cbp\"><div><div class=\"cbp-item logo\"><a href=\"\/\/www.usnomadstudio.com\/theroadbook\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/SW-return_Apr-May2021_0403-NV-LakeMead-camp_jeepandtent_IMG_6011_1200w.jpg\" class=\"cbp-caption cbp-lightbox\" data-title=\"<p><strong>DAY 52:<\/strong> A week or so ago it was still freezing here at night and now suddenly it is in the 90\u2019s during the day and barely cool enough to sleep comfortably at night. And it has also gotten even more crowded. Luckily there was a spot at the Las Vegas Bay campground in the Lake Mead NRA, and even though it wasn\u2019t in the \u201ctent\u201d section I snapped it up right away. Established my base camp with the big tent which was pretty easy to set up as there was finally no wind. It felt good to be able to just take a break and have a few days with no \u201cagenda.\u201d I enjoyed the sunset and settled in for a relaxing few summer-like days of exploring before leaving Nevada\u2026<\/p>\" style=\"\"><div class=\"cbp-caption-defaultWrap\"><img src=\"\/\/www.usnomadstudio.com\/theroadbook\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/SW-return_Apr-May2021_0403-NV-LakeMead-camp_jeepandtent_IMG_6011_1200w.jpg\" alt=\"\"><\/div><div class=\"cbp-caption-activeWrap\"><div class=\"cbp-l-caption-alignCenter\"><div class=\"cbp-l-caption-body\"><div class=\"cbp-l-caption-title\">Day 52: NV - Lake Mead<\/div><div class=\"cbp-l-caption-desc\">Setting up camp at Lake Mead...<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/a><\/div><div class=\"cbp-item logo\"><a href=\"\/\/www.usnomadstudio.com\/theroadbook\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/SW-return_Apr-May2021_0403-NV-LakeMead-overlook_lakeandlandscapeoverview_IMG_6039_1200w.jpg\" class=\"cbp-caption cbp-lightbox\" data-title=\"<p><strong>DAY 53:<\/strong> Didn\u2019t hear the coyotes last night at all. Usually at this campground I hear them down in the wash, but I think they must be avoiding the crowds, and one of my \u201cneighbors\u201d had loud music playing until late. The weather continues to be ideal and I spent the day just exploring the area around Las Vegas Bay. There are some nice hikes down from the overlooks but my favorite one goes right behind camp along the Bluffs. It is an easy walk to a spot with a nice 360-degree view, and it wasn\u2019t too crowded\u2026<\/p>\" style=\"\"><div class=\"cbp-caption-defaultWrap\"><img src=\"\/\/www.usnomadstudio.com\/theroadbook\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/SW-return_Apr-May2021_0403-NV-LakeMead-overlook_lakeandlandscapeoverview_IMG_6039_1200w.jpg\" alt=\"\"><\/div><div class=\"cbp-caption-activeWrap\"><div class=\"cbp-l-caption-alignCenter\"><div class=\"cbp-l-caption-body\"><div class=\"cbp-l-caption-title\">Day 53: NV - Lake Mead<\/div><div class=\"cbp-l-caption-desc\">Around Las Vegas Bay...<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/a><\/div><div class=\"cbp-item logo\"><a href=\"\/\/www.usnomadstudio.com\/theroadbook\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/SW-return_Apr-May2021_0404-NV-LakeMead-Redstone_smilyerosionCU_IMG_6121_1200w.jpg\" class=\"cbp-caption cbp-lightbox\" data-title=\"<p><strong>DAY 54:<\/strong> Headed into the Pinto Valley Wilderness area this morning for a scenic drive and a bit of wandering at Redstone, one of my favorite spots in this area. It has the same kind of heavily eroded red rock formations as the Valley of Fire State Park, but it is much smaller in scope and not as well-known. There is a short scenic loop hike on one side with a clearly defined trail and a few picnic spots, but I most enjoy going off and playing in the eroded rock landscape, following some animal tracks or just seeing if I can get to a cave-like spot nestled between fins. Every time I come to this place I end up taking a different path, just going where I am drawn by the spirits of the red rocks\u2026<\/p>\" style=\"\"><div class=\"cbp-caption-defaultWrap\"><img src=\"\/\/www.usnomadstudio.com\/theroadbook\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/SW-return_Apr-May2021_0404-NV-LakeMead-Redstone_smilyerosionCU_IMG_6121_1200w.jpg\" alt=\"\"><\/div><div class=\"cbp-caption-activeWrap\"><div class=\"cbp-l-caption-alignCenter\"><div class=\"cbp-l-caption-body\"><div class=\"cbp-l-caption-title\">Day 54: NV - Lake Mead<\/div><div class=\"cbp-l-caption-desc\">Redstone and the Pinto Valley Wilderness...<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/a><\/div><div class=\"cbp-item logo\"><a href=\"\/\/www.usnomadstudio.com\/theroadbook\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/SW-return_Apr-May2021_0404-NV-LakeMead-stThomas_ruinedfoundationoverview_IMG_6235_1200w.jpg\" class=\"cbp-caption cbp-lightbox\" data-title=\"<p><strong>DAY 55:<\/strong> Went searching for traces of a town that was submerged when the Hoover Dam was created. In recent years with the droughts in the southwest, the water levels have gone down and bits of St. Thomas have resurfaced. I followed the scenic Northshore Road almost all the way to Overton, before reaching the turnoff onto dirt that goes a short way to the edge of some cliffs. That is as far as you can drive. The rest of the way is on foot. I hadn\u2019t expected that I would have to hike all the way to the town site, but I was curious about what I would find, so I set off to follow the footpath. The first part goes pretty much straight down the side of the cliff in a steep narrow trail of loose rock, and I was glad I had taken my trusty hiking stick along. Once at the bottom it flattens out and is a nice easy walk through what had become a river bed, but is now dry again. There is evidence of the water\u2019s past presence, random shells in the dried mud. Then eventually there are a few foundations that mark the town site. There is not really much else left, in terms of photogenic ruins apart from one section of a wall that still stands alone in the middle of the brush, but the hike was definitely worth it \u2026<\/p>\" style=\"\"><div class=\"cbp-caption-defaultWrap\"><img src=\"\/\/www.usnomadstudio.com\/theroadbook\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/SW-return_Apr-May2021_0404-NV-LakeMead-stThomas_ruinedfoundationoverview_IMG_6235_1200w.jpg\" alt=\"\"><\/div><div class=\"cbp-caption-activeWrap\"><div class=\"cbp-l-caption-alignCenter\"><div class=\"cbp-l-caption-body\"><div class=\"cbp-l-caption-title\">Day 55: NV - Lake Mead<\/div><div class=\"cbp-l-caption-desc\">Exploring the ghost town of St. Thomas...<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/a><\/div><div class=\"cbp-item logo\"><a href=\"\/\/www.usnomadstudio.com\/theroadbook\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/SW-return_Apr-May2021_0405-NV-LakeMead-BoathouseCove_Jeeplowanglelandscapewithwaterbehind_IMG_6585_1200w.jpg\" class=\"cbp-caption cbp-lightbox\" data-title=\"<p><strong>DAY 56:<\/strong> Scouted out Boathouse Cove, a Jeep trail that goes right to the water\u2019s edge\u2014starting from the desert landscape and running through some interesting terrain before leading to an oasis-like spot with shade trees. It was an easy but fun drive and I noted some good dispersed camping spots along the way. I stopped for lunch in the shady spot and looked for animal tracks for a bit, then headed back out where I encountered another Jeeper coming in, he was the only other person or vehicle I saw the whole time I was out there. Later in the afternoon the wind started picking up again and the weather looked like it was getting ready to change. I set out to do the short Historic Railroad Trail hike, but abandoned the effort as the winds became oppressive\u2026<\/p>\" style=\"\"><div class=\"cbp-caption-defaultWrap\"><img src=\"\/\/www.usnomadstudio.com\/theroadbook\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/SW-return_Apr-May2021_0405-NV-LakeMead-BoathouseCove_Jeeplowanglelandscapewithwaterbehind_IMG_6585_1200w.jpg\" alt=\"\"><\/div><div class=\"cbp-caption-activeWrap\"><div class=\"cbp-l-caption-alignCenter\"><div class=\"cbp-l-caption-body\"><div class=\"cbp-l-caption-title\">Day 56: NV - Lake Mead<\/div><div class=\"cbp-l-caption-desc\">Checking out Boathouse Cove...<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/a><\/div><div class=\"cbp-item logo\"><a href=\"\/\/www.usnomadstudio.com\/theroadbook\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/SW-return_Apr-May2021_0404-NV-LakeMead-camp_firstmorninglightsoverwash_IMG_6056_1200w.jpg\" class=\"cbp-caption cbp-lightbox\" data-title=\"<p><strong>DAY 57:<\/strong> The wind became even heavier last night and I couldn\u2019t make a campfire for fear of sparking a wildfire, so dinner ended up coming from a can. Luckily it calmed down enough so that by morning I was able to break camp and get my tent down and packed more or less correctly. I lingered a bit longer than necessary while loading the Jeep, and took a last walk around the edge of the campground along the bluffs, but the road beckoned and I set off south for Arizona around mid-day\u2026<\/p>\" style=\"\"><div class=\"cbp-caption-defaultWrap\"><img src=\"\/\/www.usnomadstudio.com\/theroadbook\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/SW-return_Apr-May2021_0404-NV-LakeMead-camp_firstmorninglightsoverwash_IMG_6056_1200w.jpg\" alt=\"\"><\/div><div class=\"cbp-caption-activeWrap\"><div class=\"cbp-l-caption-alignCenter\"><div class=\"cbp-l-caption-body\"><div class=\"cbp-l-caption-title\">Day 57: NV to AZ<\/div><div class=\"cbp-l-caption-desc\">Saying goodbye to Nevada...<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/a><\/div><div class=\"cbp-item logo\"><a href=\"\/\/www.usnomadstudio.com\/theroadbook\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/SW-return_Apr-May2021_0406-AZ-SaltRiver-horses_horseportrait2_DSC_0168_1200w.jpg\" class=\"cbp-caption cbp-lightbox\" data-title=\"<p><strong>DAY 58:<\/strong> I had some business to attend to in the Phoenix area, and while I was there I made a trip  in the late afternoon to Coon Bluff in the Tonto National Forest to see if I could spot the Salt River Wild Horses. I had only recently learned that there were these wild horses so close to the Bulldog Canyon area where I have been wheeling and camping for years, and I was curious about their story. At Coon Bluff I wasn\u2019t really sure where to look for them, so I wandered around along the river bank a bit, but didn\u2019t see any horses. I was about ready to give up and was on my way out when to my delight I spotted a huge herd grazing in a field under  the shadow of a majestic saguaro\u2026<\/p>\" style=\"\"><div class=\"cbp-caption-defaultWrap\"><img src=\"\/\/www.usnomadstudio.com\/theroadbook\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/SW-return_Apr-May2021_0406-AZ-SaltRiver-horses_horseportrait2_DSC_0168_1200w.jpg\" alt=\"\"><\/div><div class=\"cbp-caption-activeWrap\"><div class=\"cbp-l-caption-alignCenter\"><div class=\"cbp-l-caption-body\"><div class=\"cbp-l-caption-title\">Day 58: AZ - Coon Bluff<\/div><div class=\"cbp-l-caption-desc\">Looking for the Salt River Wild Horses...<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/a><\/div><div class=\"cbp-item logo\"><a href=\"\/\/www.usnomadstudio.com\/theroadbook\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/SW-return_Apr-May2021_0407-AZ-SaltRiver-horses_water-groupleavingwetwalkingawaydustnippy-alt_DSC_0387_1200w.jpg\" class=\"cbp-caption cbp-lightbox\" data-title=\"<p><strong>DAY 59:<\/strong> I was so inspired by seeing the horses yesterday, that I got up early this morning and went back to the Coon Bluff area to see if I could find them again. This time I did some exploring behind the field where I saw the herd yesterday and walked back to the river, following a path along the bank. There were many paths and wildlife tracks, and I figured if I followed the tracks I might encounter the horses again. I knew from seeing other people\u2019s photos that the horses go to the river, so I hung around there for a while and had some good luck. I got to see a few different bands of the horses and chatted with a local photographer who has been documenting the herd for years. He told me a bit about the \u201ccontroversy\u201d over the horses\u2019 \u201cterritory\u201d and the battle between the conservationists and the public land managers, which he boiled down to a conflict over \u201cgrazing rights\u201d \u2014 explaining that the Forest Service wanted to sell grazing rights for cattle, but the supporters of the wild horses felt that the horses should be able to remain on their historical range. I am not sure how much of this is accurate, but it made me think that the old eternal arguments of \u201cthe west\u201d about land and water rights have never really ended, they have just morphed into a different form. After spending the morning with the horses, I left the Phoenix area and headed north towards Sedona \u2026<\/p>\" style=\"\"><div class=\"cbp-caption-defaultWrap\"><img src=\"\/\/www.usnomadstudio.com\/theroadbook\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/SW-return_Apr-May2021_0407-AZ-SaltRiver-horses_water-groupleavingwetwalkingawaydustnippy-alt_DSC_0387_1200w.jpg\" alt=\"\"><\/div><div class=\"cbp-caption-activeWrap\"><div class=\"cbp-l-caption-alignCenter\"><div class=\"cbp-l-caption-body\"><div class=\"cbp-l-caption-title\">Day 59: AZ - Enroute to Sedona<\/div><div class=\"cbp-l-caption-desc\">Morning with the Salt River Wild Horses...<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/a><\/div><div class=\"cbp-item logo\"><a href=\"\/\/www.usnomadstudio.com\/theroadbook\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/SW-return_Apr-May2021_0408-AZ-Cottonwood-oldtown_antiqueshop_IMG_6891_1200w.jpg\" class=\"cbp-caption cbp-lightbox\" data-title=\"<p><strong>DAY 60:<\/strong> Took care of some administrative things today and got settled in to my beloved Red Rock country where I had hoped to spend a relaxed week just appreciating the incredible beauty of the Sedona area. But to my chagrin, Sedona was \u201cfull.\u201d It was overflowing with people. The dispersed camping areas were clogged with campers in big RVs and the roads leading to the hiking trailheads were littered with cars parked any which way. If I wanted any solitude or any kind of wilderness experience it was going to be hard to find here. I \u201cescaped\u201d to Cottonwood for an evening with friends in the old town area where the crowds were a little lighter and the ambiance was a bit more \u201clocal\u201d \u2026<\/p>\" style=\"\"><div class=\"cbp-caption-defaultWrap\"><img src=\"\/\/www.usnomadstudio.com\/theroadbook\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/SW-return_Apr-May2021_0408-AZ-Cottonwood-oldtown_antiqueshop_IMG_6891_1200w.jpg\" alt=\"\"><\/div><div class=\"cbp-caption-activeWrap\"><div class=\"cbp-l-caption-alignCenter\"><div class=\"cbp-l-caption-body\"><div class=\"cbp-l-caption-title\">Day 60: AZ - Cottonwood<\/div><div class=\"cbp-l-caption-desc\">Escaping the Sedona crowds...<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/a><\/div><div class=\"cbp-item logo\"><a href=\"\/\/www.usnomadstudio.com\/theroadbook\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/SW-return_Apr-May2021_0409-AZ-Cottonwood-schnebly_merrygoround-viewfromtopright2_IMG_6974_1200w.jpg\" class=\"cbp-caption cbp-lightbox\" data-title=\"<p><strong>DAY 61:<\/strong> The scenic trail that goes up Schnebly Hill Road has a gate about halfway up that gets closed for the winter, and it had just re-opened all the way to the top. That meant I could go up to the volcanic rim above the \u201cscenic overlook\u201d and camp. I took my time driving to the top, stopping at the \u201cmerry-go-round\u201d rock formation to enjoy a short hike and climb up on the rocks. There were tour jeeps coming every fifteen minutes or so, but I managed to steal a few moments of solitude up there on the tip of the top, looking out over the whole of Sedona\u2019s red rock landscape below. I made some photos and played a bit, before continuing the journey to the scenic overlook, where I didn\u2019t bother to stop before taking a turn onto the rougher rocky trail along the volcanic rim, just after the sign that delineates the end of the \u201cno camping\u201d area. I chose a dispersed campsite that had a nice big stone fire ring already built near the edge of the rim, and set up my tent, glad it was not windy. Though the tour jeeps go to the scenic overlook just below my camp, they do not come up here, and I was able to experience a sense of being alone on top of the world, watching the sun set slowly on the town of Sedona as I started my campfire (there were not yet any fire restrictions in place). I stayed up late watching the stars and just appreciating my good luck at being able to be in this place at this moment in time \u2026<\/p>\" style=\"\"><div class=\"cbp-caption-defaultWrap\"><img src=\"\/\/www.usnomadstudio.com\/theroadbook\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/SW-return_Apr-May2021_0409-AZ-Cottonwood-schnebly_merrygoround-viewfromtopright2_IMG_6974_1200w.jpg\" alt=\"\"><\/div><div class=\"cbp-caption-activeWrap\"><div class=\"cbp-l-caption-alignCenter\"><div class=\"cbp-l-caption-body\"><div class=\"cbp-l-caption-title\">Day 61: AZ - Sedona area<\/div><div class=\"cbp-l-caption-desc\">Camping on top of Schnebly Hill...<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/a><\/div><div class=\"cbp-item logo\"><a href=\"\/\/www.usnomadstudio.com\/theroadbook\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/SW-return_Apr-May2021_0410-AZ-JeromePerkinsvilleRd-sycamorecanyonwilderness_camp-sunsethalotreejeeptirefront_IMG_7391_1200w.jpg\" class=\"cbp-caption cbp-lightbox\" data-title=\"<p><strong>DAY 62:<\/strong> The morning light on the volcanic rim is magical and I just sat up there for a while watching the world come alive before packing up the tent and heading back down towards Sedona as the first tour Jeeps were coming up the hill. By the time I reached the trailhead area there were already a backlog of parked cars almost blocking the trail. It was the weekend, and I quickly made a strategic decision to get away from the crowds in Sedona. I headed towards the little artsy town of Jerome, which was also packed with visitors, then picked up the Jerome-Perkinsville Road and made my \u201cescape.\u201d The Jerome-Perkinsville Road is just an ordinary dirt forest road, but it goes through some beautiful scenery and connects a few remote areas that are \u201cless-travelled.\u201d Reaching Perkinsville, I crossed the one-lane bridge and continued north towards Williams, looking for a smaller trail I had identified on the map that seemed to go into the Sycamore Canyon Wilderness area. I took the detour and spent some time exploring along the way, then set up camp not far from the wilderness boundary. I hadn\u2019t seen another person after leaving Perkinsville and as I watched the sunset in my magnificent solitude I was thankful \u2026<\/p>\" style=\"\"><div class=\"cbp-caption-defaultWrap\"><img src=\"\/\/www.usnomadstudio.com\/theroadbook\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/SW-return_Apr-May2021_0410-AZ-JeromePerkinsvilleRd-sycamorecanyonwilderness_camp-sunsethalotreejeeptirefront_IMG_7391_1200w.jpg\" alt=\"\"><\/div><div class=\"cbp-caption-activeWrap\"><div class=\"cbp-l-caption-alignCenter\"><div class=\"cbp-l-caption-body\"><div class=\"cbp-l-caption-title\">Day 62: AZ - Sedona area<\/div><div class=\"cbp-l-caption-desc\">The Jerome-Perkinsville Road...<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/a><\/div><div class=\"cbp-item logo\"><a href=\"\/\/www.usnomadstudio.com\/theroadbook\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/SW-return_Apr-May2021_0411-AZ-JeromePerkinsvilleRd-towilliams_treeCUfrombelow_IMG_7471_1200w.jpg\" class=\"cbp-caption cbp-lightbox\" data-title=\"<p><strong>DAY 63:<\/strong> I woke early and continued the route north all the way to Williams thinking I might grab a hot breakfast there, but that gateway town to the Grand Canyon was also crowded with tourists, so I changed my plan and turned back south through the forest for a leisurely drive back towards Jerome. I made a few photo stops along the way and was drawn to this one old bare tree that stood taller than the pines around it. It had a dignity in death that seemed noble. Something about it reminded me of how certain trees are considered kind of sacred in some places. I thought about the famous \u201cArbre de Tenere\u201d, the only tree in a huge stretch of the Sahara desert in Niger that was protected by all those who passed for centuries. It was such a landmark that it is actually noted on maps till this day. (Unfortunately, the tree itself was knocked down, allegedly by a drunken Libyan truck driver, but even after it had fallen, it was taken to put on display in the national museum, and a sculpture was erected on the spot where it once stood). I gathered up some firewood from the fallen branches of \u201cmy\u201d tree and silently thanked the spirit of the tree for providing me with warmth for the night before continuing on my way. I ended the day back in Cottonwood, setting up my big tent to make a basecamp for the next few days at the Dead Horse Ranch State Park \u2026<\/p>\" style=\"\"><div class=\"cbp-caption-defaultWrap\"><img src=\"\/\/www.usnomadstudio.com\/theroadbook\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/SW-return_Apr-May2021_0411-AZ-JeromePerkinsvilleRd-towilliams_treeCUfrombelow_IMG_7471_1200w.jpg\" alt=\"\"><\/div><div class=\"cbp-caption-activeWrap\"><div class=\"cbp-l-caption-alignCenter\"><div class=\"cbp-l-caption-body\"><div class=\"cbp-l-caption-title\">Day 63: AZ - Sedona area<\/div><div class=\"cbp-l-caption-desc\">Williams to Jerome...<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/a><\/div><div class=\"cbp-item logo\"><a href=\"\/\/www.usnomadstudio.com\/theroadbook\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/SW-return_Apr-May2021_0412-AZ-Sedona-robbersroost_roostQwindowview_IMG_7762_1200w.jpg\" class=\"cbp-caption cbp-lightbox\" data-title=\"<p><strong>DAY 64:<\/strong> Even on a Monday morning the Sedona area trails were crowded, so I chose a Jeep trail that is a little less visited. It is not an \u201cadventurous\u201d driving trail, but it ends in a cool hike to a place called \u201cRobbers Roost.\u201d I cobbled together my own little route plan rather than following the \u201cusual\u201d itinerary, adding in a bit of the \u201cRanch Loop\u201d to make a nice drive all the way on dirt from Cottonwood. When I reached the hiking trailhead there were just a few other Jeeps parked there, and I only encountered a couple of other hikers as I worked my way towards the sandstone \u201chill.\u201d The hike itself was really fun and a bit challenging even though in terms of distance it was not \u201cfar.\u201d There was some climbing involved and a walk on a very narrow ledge high up on the sandstone, but the reward was great upon reaching the \u201croost\u201d \u2026<\/p>\" style=\"\"><div class=\"cbp-caption-defaultWrap\"><img src=\"\/\/www.usnomadstudio.com\/theroadbook\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/SW-return_Apr-May2021_0412-AZ-Sedona-robbersroost_roostQwindowview_IMG_7762_1200w.jpg\" alt=\"\"><\/div><div class=\"cbp-caption-activeWrap\"><div class=\"cbp-l-caption-alignCenter\"><div class=\"cbp-l-caption-body\"><div class=\"cbp-l-caption-title\">Day 64: AZ - Sedona area<\/div><div class=\"cbp-l-caption-desc\">Checking out Robbers Roost...<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/a><\/div><div class=\"cbp-item logo\"><a href=\"\/\/www.usnomadstudio.com\/theroadbook\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/SW-return_Apr-May2021_0413-AZ-Sedona-brokenarrow_jeeplowangledramatic_IMG_8083_1200w-1.jpg\" class=\"cbp-caption cbp-lightbox\" data-title=\"<p><strong>DAY 65:<\/strong> With an early start just after sunrise, I beat the tour Jeeps to Broken Arrow, the most popular Jeep trail in the Sedona area. It is really THE quintessential Sedona Jeep trail with incredible views and fun-to-drive \u201cobstacles\u201d like \u201cthe slide\u201d and \u201cthe staircase\u201d, and even though I have driven it many times, I always come back to this trail when I am here. Today my \u201cearly morning\u201d strategy paid off, and I was able to enjoy a wander out on Submarine Rock by myself before the crowds began to arrive. The tour Jeeps caught up to me at Chicken Point, but by then I was almost done. I finished the trail so early that I still had time for a full day, and I chose to run Outlaw with a stop to hike around the Honaki Cliff Dwelling ruins. The light was really perfect for viewing the ruins today and I was able to see some details in the pictographs that I hadn\u2019t seen before, which was extra cool. By the time I got out on the Jeep trail it had gotten pretty busy and I didn\u2019t really get many opportunities to stop for photos but the drive was still fun \u2026<\/p>\" style=\"\"><div class=\"cbp-caption-defaultWrap\"><img src=\"\/\/www.usnomadstudio.com\/theroadbook\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/SW-return_Apr-May2021_0413-AZ-Sedona-brokenarrow_jeeplowangledramatic_IMG_8083_1200w-1.jpg\" alt=\"\"><\/div><div class=\"cbp-caption-activeWrap\"><div class=\"cbp-l-caption-alignCenter\"><div class=\"cbp-l-caption-body\"><div class=\"cbp-l-caption-title\">Day 65: AZ - Sedona area<\/div><div class=\"cbp-l-caption-desc\">Broken Arrow, Honaki Ruins and Outlaw...<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/a><\/div><div class=\"cbp-item logo\"><a href=\"\/\/www.usnomadstudio.com\/theroadbook\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/SW-return_Apr-May2021_0414-AZ-Sedona-montezumawell_welloverview_IMG_8259_1200w.jpg\" class=\"cbp-caption cbp-lightbox\" data-title=\"<p><strong>DAY 66:<\/strong> Decided to do some exploring on the \u201ceast side\u201d of I-17 today, starting with Montezuma\u2019s Well, part of the Montezuma Castle National Monument site, to look for more cliff dwellings. I had never been to the \u201cWell\u201d site before and surprisingly there was no one else there besides the Ranger and myself. It was a bit windy, but not too cold, and I took my time exploring around the small site. Then I went to look for a trail I vaguely remembered from a navigation training a few years ago. Looking at the map it was possible to find part of the route we used then near the area of the Wet Beaver Wilderness, and I located the specific trail which is an easy dirt road that goes up along a very scenic route along a canyon somewhat parallel to the I-17 before connecting with the road to Stoneman Lake. There were quite a few people camping around the area, but the trail I was looking for was not busy at all, and I was able to make some nice photo stops along the way \u2026<\/p>\" style=\"\"><div class=\"cbp-caption-defaultWrap\"><img src=\"\/\/www.usnomadstudio.com\/theroadbook\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/SW-return_Apr-May2021_0414-AZ-Sedona-montezumawell_welloverview_IMG_8259_1200w.jpg\" alt=\"\"><\/div><div class=\"cbp-caption-activeWrap\"><div class=\"cbp-l-caption-alignCenter\"><div class=\"cbp-l-caption-body\"><div class=\"cbp-l-caption-title\">Day 66: AZ - Sedona area<\/div><div class=\"cbp-l-caption-desc\">Montezuma's Well and Wet Beaver area...<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><script type=\"text\/javascript\">this.initCubePortfolio =  this.initCubePortfolio || []; this.initCubePortfolio.push({id: 96, options: {\"filters\":\"\",\"loadMore\":\"\",\"loadMoreAction\":\"click\",\"search\":\"\",\"layoutMode\":\"grid\",\"sortToPreventGaps\":true,\"drag\":true,\"auto\":false,\"autoTimeout\":5000,\"autoPauseOnHover\":true,\"showNavigation\":true,\"showPagination\":true,\"rewindNav\":true,\"scrollByPage\":false,\"defaultFilter\":\"*\",\"filterDeeplinking\":false,\"animationType\":\"scaleSides\",\"gridAdjustment\":\"responsive\",\"mediaQueries\":[{\"width\":1400,\"cols\":43},{\"width\":1170,\"cols\":3},{\"width\":1024,\"cols\":3},{\"width\":960,\"cols\":3},{\"width\":778,\"cols\":3},{\"width\":640,\"cols\":2},{\"width\":480,\"cols\":1}],\"gapHorizontal\":20,\"gapVertical\":20,\"caption\":\"overlayBottomAlong\",\"displayType\":\"bottomToTop\",\"displayTypeSpeed\":200,\"lightboxDelegate\":\".cbp-lightbox\",\"lightboxGallery\":true,\"lightboxTitleSrc\":\"data-title\",\"lightboxCounter\":\"<div class=\\\"cbp-popup-lightbox-counter\\\">{{current}} of {{total}}<\/div>\",\"singlePageDelegate\":\".cbp-singlePage\",\"singlePageDeeplinking\":true,\"singlePageStickyNavigation\":true,\"singlePageCounter\":\"<div class=\\\"cbp-popup-singlePage-counter\\\">{{current}} of {{total}}<\/div>\",\"singlePageAnimation\":\"middle\",\"singlePageInlineDelegate\":\".cbp-singlePageInline\",\"singlePageInlineDeeplinking\":false,\"singlePageInlinePosition\":\"top\",\"singlePageInlineInFocus\":true,\"plugins\":{},\"cols\":3,\"coverRatio\":\"4:3\"}});<\/script>[\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1610299121889{margin-top: 15px !important;}&#8221;][vc_column][vc_column_text css_animation=&#8221;slideInLeft&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: left;\">ROUTE<\/h3>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gmaps link=&#8221;#E-8_JTNDaWZyYW1lJTIwc3JjJTNEJTIyaHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkZ3d3cuZ29vZ2xlLmNvbSUyRm1hcHMlMkZkJTJGZW1iZWQlM0ZtaWQlM0QxY0RvdlBhMGNDRUdLU29aZkFHc0xXUXBvZENtVDJMeUIlMjIlMjB3aWR0aCUzRCUyMjY0MCUyMiUyMGhlaWdodCUzRCUyMjQ4MCUyMiUzRSUzQyUyRmlmcmFtZSUzRQ==&#8221; css_animation=&#8221;none&#8221;][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row full_width=&#8221;stretch_row&#8221; bg_type=&#8221;bg_color&#8221; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1610224958479{padding-top: 10px !important;}&#8221; bg_color_value=&#8221;#ffffff&#8221;][vc_column][vc_column_text]Note this map provides an overview of the sixth segment of the journey&#8211;covering the trail routes and locations around Lake Mead, Nevada, and Sedona, Arizona, as well as the route taken from Nevada to Arizona. The route on this map shows the overall direction of travel and key &#8220;stops&#8221; but does not include any detailed GPX tracks for backcountry trails, etc&#8230;[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1610299121889{margin-top: 15px !important;}&#8221;][vc_column][vc_column_text css_animation=&#8221;slideInLeft&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: left;\">KEY LOCATIONS: Desert Waypoints<\/h3>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1610296030586{margin-top: 15px !important;}&#8221;][vc_column][vc_tta_tabs][vc_tta_section title=&#8221;Lake Mead&#8221; tab_id=&#8221;1623782638040-55e0442a-2b2b&#8221;][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=&#8221;1\/3&#8243;][vc_single_image image=&#8221;13533&#8243; img_size=&#8221;large&#8221;][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=&#8221;2\/3&#8243;][vc_column_text css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1624546667954{padding-right: 20px !important;padding-bottom: 10px !important;padding-left: 10px !important;}&#8221;]<span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><a style=\"color: #ff0000;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nps.gov\/lake\/index.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Lake Mead National Recreation Area<\/a><\/span> encompasses 1.5 million acres of mountains, canyons, valleys and two vast lakes, straddling the Nevada-Arizona border. It also includes nine separate wilderness areas. Nine developed areas are spread along the shores of the lakes and there are plenty of opportunities to explore the backcountry, including 800 miles of dirt roads and Jeep trails presenting drivers with a variety of access and challenges. Created in 1964 as the nation\u2019s first national recreation area, Lake Mead NRA stretches along nearly 140 miles of the old Colorado River channel between Nevada and Arizona. It includes both Lake Mead, created by Hoover Dam, and Lake Mohave, created by Davis Dam. Three of America\u2019s four desert ecosystems\u2014the Mojave, the Great Basin and the Sonoran Deserts\u2014meet here. As a result, this seemingly barren area contains a surprising variety of plants and animals, some of which may be found nowhere else in the world. Lake Mead is home to desert bighorn sheep, mule deer, mountains lions, coyotes, kit fox, bobcat, ringtail cat, desert tortoise, numerous lizards and snakes, and a wealth of bird species. Archeological and historical sites and remnants are evidence of 12,000 to 13,000 years of human occupation. The park\u2019s namesake, Lake Mead, is the largest reservoir in the United States in terms of water capacity, providing water to nearly 20 million people in the states of Arizona, California, and Nevada. However, the lake has not reached full capacity since 1983 due to a combination of drought and increased water demand.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=&#8221;Tonto National Forest&#8221; tab_id=&#8221;1624549575814-2b3da104-f604&#8243;][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=&#8221;1\/3&#8243;][vc_single_image image=&#8221;13304&#8243; img_size=&#8221;large&#8221;][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=&#8221;2\/3&#8243;][vc_column_text css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1624554154803{padding-right: 20px !important;padding-bottom: 10px !important;padding-left: 10px !important;}&#8221;]The <span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><a style=\"color: #ff0000;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.fs.usda.gov\/tonto\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Tonto National Forest<\/a><\/span>, encompassing 2,873,200 acres, is the largest of the six national forests in Arizona and is the fifth largest national forest in the United States. The Tonto features some of the most rugged and inherently beautiful land in the country. Sonoran Desert cacti and flat lands slowly give way to the highlands of the Mogollon Rim. This variety in vegetation and range in altitude \u2014 from 1,300 to 7,900 feet \u2014 offers outstanding recreational opportunities throughout the year, whether it\u2019s lake beaches or cool pine forest. With a southern boundary near the Phoenix metropolitan area, Tonto is also the most visited \u201curban\u201d forest in the United States. One of the primary purposes for establishing the Tonto National Forest in 1905 was to protect its watersheds around reservoirs. The forest produces an average of 350,000 acre-feet of water each year. Six major reservoirs on the forest have the combined capacity to store more than 2 million acre-feet of water. Management efforts are directed at protecting both water quality and watershed and riparian area conditions.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=&#8221;Coon Bluff&#8221; tab_id=&#8221;1624554019594-89e2f049-425b&#8221;][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=&#8221;1\/3&#8243;][vc_single_image image=&#8221;13541&#8243; img_size=&#8221;large&#8221;][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=&#8221;2\/3&#8243;][vc_column_text css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1624553920254{padding-right: 20px !important;padding-bottom: 10px !important;padding-left: 10px !important;}&#8221;]<a href=\"https:\/\/www.fs.usda.gov\/recarea\/tonto\/null\/recarea?recid=35399&amp;actid=70\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">Coon Bluff Recreation Area<\/span><\/a> is part of the Tonto National Forest, adjacent to the lower portion of the Salt River 17 miles north east of Mesa. It is a lush riparian environment, where stands of mesquite provide welcome shade and is a popular river-access point for tubers. The mesquite woods and the towering cottonwood trees along the marsh hold a wealth of bird life. And the bluff itself offers excellent views of the Sonoran desert and the river below. The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theoutbound.com\/arizona\/photography\/photograph-the-salt-river-wild-horses-at-coon-bluff\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">Salt River wild horses<\/span><\/a> can often be found along the banks of the river here.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=&#8221;Sedona&#8221; tab_id=&#8221;1624546416567-515d36a5-f393&#8243;][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=&#8221;1\/3&#8243;][vc_single_image image=&#8221;13520&#8243; img_size=&#8221;large&#8221;][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=&#8221;2\/3&#8243;][vc_column_text css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1624546450371{padding-right: 20px !important;padding-bottom: 10px !important;padding-left: 10px !important;}&#8221;]<a href=\"https:\/\/visitsedona.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">Sedona<\/span><\/a>, number one on USA Weekend\u2019s \u201cMost Beautiful Places in America list,\u201d is surrounded by 1.8 million acres of national forest land, with great jeep trails that wind in and out of a rugged landscape defined by pinnacles, spires, buttes and domes. Sedona\u2019s main attraction is its array of red sandstone formations. The formations appear to glow in brilliant orange and red when illuminated by the rising or setting sun. The red rocks form a popular backdrop for many activities, ranging from spiritual pursuits to the hundreds of hiking and mountain biking trails. Sedona\u2019s red rocks are formed by a unique layer of rock known as the Schnebly Hill Formation. The Schnebly Hill Formation is a thick layer of red to orange-colored sandstone found only in the Sedona vicinity. The sandstone, a member of the Supai Group, was deposited during the Permian Period. The early settlers were farmers and ranchers. John J. Thompson, who moved to Oak Creek Canyon in 1876 is considered the area\u2019s first Anglo settler. In 1902, when the Sedona post office was established, there were 55 residents. In the mid-1950s, the first telephone directory listed 155 names. Some parts of the Sedona area were not electrified until the 1960s. Sedona began to develop as a tourist destination, vacation-home and retirement center in the 1950s. Most of the development seen today was constructed in the 1980s and 1990s. As of 2007, there were no large tracts of undeveloped land remaining. Sedona has played host to more than sixty Hollywood productions from the first years of movies into the 1970s. Stretching as far back as 1923, Sedona\u2019s red rocks were a fixture in major Hollywood productions\u2014including films such as \u201cAngel and the Badman,\u201d \u201cDesert Fury,\u201d \u201cBlood on the Moon,\u201d \u201cJohnny Guitar,\u201d \u201cThe Last Wagon,\u201d and \u201c3:10 to Yuma.\u201d[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][\/vc_tta_section][\/vc_tta_tabs][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1610299121889{margin-top: 15px !important;}&#8221;][vc_column][vc_column_text css_animation=&#8221;slideInLeft&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: left;\">KEY LOCATIONS: Lake Mead Area<\/h3>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1610296030586{margin-top: 15px !important;}&#8221;][vc_column][vc_tta_tabs][vc_tta_section title=&#8221;Pinto Valley Wilderness&#8221; tab_id=&#8221;1624549748934-3dc1b8d1-6b54&#8243;][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=&#8221;1\/3&#8243;][vc_single_image image=&#8221;13537&#8243; img_size=&#8221;large&#8221;][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=&#8221;2\/3&#8243;][vc_column_text css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1624551074907{padding-right: 20px !important;padding-bottom: 10px !important;padding-left: 10px !important;}&#8221;]The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nps.gov\/lake\/learn\/nature\/pintovalleywild.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">Pinto Valley Wilderness<\/span><\/a> consists of the upper canyons of three major washes which drain from the edge of a plateau east toward Lake Mead. The canyons are rugged. Elevations range from 2,700 feet along the southeast side to a 4,700 foot ridge on the northern end. Low mountain brush species vegetate the land. Scenic views of Iceberg Canyon and the lower reaches of the Grand Canyon are visible from here. The wilderness measures 3.5 miles long and 1.5 miles wide. Known water sources are Cottonwood Spring and Sandstone Spring. In the south the volcanic Black Mountains border Lake Mead and the north is defined by titled carbonate ridges with sandstone outcrops. Between them are gypsum mud hills which provide evidence of ancient lakes.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=&#8221;Redstone&#8221; tab_id=&#8221;1624550268520-6aa4464a-2581&#8243;][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=&#8221;1\/3&#8243;][vc_single_image image=&#8221;13536&#8243; img_size=&#8221;large&#8221;][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=&#8221;2\/3&#8243;][vc_column_text css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1624550975471{padding-right: 20px !important;padding-bottom: 10px !important;padding-left: 10px !important;}&#8221;]<span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><a style=\"color: #ff0000;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nps.gov\/lake\/planyourvisit\/hiking.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Redstone<\/a><\/span>, in the Pinto Valley Wilderness, is found just off of Northshore Road at mile marker 27. This &#8220;island&#8221; of giant red rocks is actually the remains of ancient petrified sand dunes which have eroded into a series of strangely shaped formations. There are two ways to explore this geological wonder. The easiest is to take the short well marked <span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><a style=\"color: #ff0000;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nps.gov\/lake\/planyourvisit\/upload\/Redstone.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">loop trail <\/a><\/span>trail, which is basically level and meanders through the sandstone relics. For a more immersive experiece, there is a a more difficult-to-navigate <a href=\"http:\/\/www.birdandhike.com\/Hike\/LAME\/RedstoneDisc\/_RedstoneDisc.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">discovery loop hike<\/span><\/a>.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=&#8221;St. Thomas&#8221; tab_id=&#8221;1624549704950-bfecabdd-bc47&#8243;][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=&#8221;1\/3&#8243;][vc_single_image image=&#8221;13535&#8243; img_size=&#8221;large&#8221;][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=&#8221;2\/3&#8243;][vc_column_text css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1624549646507{padding-right: 20px !important;padding-bottom: 10px !important;padding-left: 10px !important;}&#8221;]<span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><a style=\"color: #ff0000;\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/St._Thomas,_Nevada\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">St. Thomas<\/a><\/span> is a ghost town in Clark County, Nevada, near where the Muddy River flows into the Colorado River. Once a Mormon settlement, it thrived as a stopping point between Los Angeles and Salt Lake City along the Arrowhead Trail. The town was abandoned as the waters of Lake Mead submerged it to a point higher than 60 feet above the tallest structure in the 1930s. However, when the level of Lake Mead began dropping due to severe drought in the 2000s, the ruins of the town resurfaced. Now visitors can roam what remains of a true western ghosttown. The peak population of St. Thomas was around 500 people. There was a school, post office, grocery stores, church, soda fountain, and several garages for the new invention of the automobile. In 1928, President Calvin Coolidge signed the bill authorizing the building of the Hoover Dam. This dam would create a large lake behind it, Lake Mead, and as the waters rose, areas that had been high and dry along the Muddy and Virgin Rivers would be inundated by the lake. The residents of St. Thomas were told they would have to relocate, and that the government would reimburse them for their property. The filling of Lake Mead started in 1935. As the waters rose, slowly the town was overtaken by the lake. One of the last residents to leave was Hugh Lord, who paddled away from his home when the rising waters lapped at his front door in 1938. St. Thomas lies in the northern part of the Lake Mead Recreation Area and can be accessed via three miles of bumpy dirt road after turning off the scenic byway.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=&#8221;Boathouse Cove&#8221; tab_id=&#8221;1624549769860-167d269a-29ba&#8221;][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=&#8221;1\/3&#8243;][vc_single_image image=&#8221;13538&#8243; img_size=&#8221;large&#8221;][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=&#8221;2\/3&#8243;][vc_column_text css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1624551792684{padding-right: 20px !important;padding-bottom: 10px !important;padding-left: 10px !important;}&#8221;]<span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><a style=\"color: #ff0000;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.lasvegasjeeptrails.com\/jeep-trails\/Lake-Mead-Area\/Boathouse-Cove-Road\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Boathouse Cove Road<\/a><\/span> is a remote trail that runs 7.3 miles from Northshore Road south to the Virgin Basin of Lake Mead. It is an easy drive in favourable dry conditions, but also has the potential to be a very difficult muddy and slippery track&#8211;and at times impassable&#8211;after wet weather. The road starts out fairly flat, it gets a little more adventurous as it progresses, with just one place where 4 wheel drive may be required\u2014a washed out rut that should be pretty easy to navigate. Although there isn&#8217;t much of a beach area at the cove, there is plenty of opportunity to get your feet wet and cool off for a while. As with most of the trails in southern Nevada, summer temperatures can be extreme, so plan accordingly.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][\/vc_tta_section][\/vc_tta_tabs][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1610299121889{margin-top: 15px !important;}&#8221;][vc_column][vc_column_text css_animation=&#8221;slideInLeft&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: left;\">KEY LOCATIONS: Sedona Area<\/h3>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1610296030586{margin-top: 15px !important;}&#8221;][vc_column][vc_tta_tabs][vc_tta_section title=&#8221;Schnebly Hill Road&#8221; tab_id=&#8221;1624554232028-bb638f46-d3f2&#8243;][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=&#8221;1\/3&#8243;][vc_single_image image=&#8221;13544&#8243; img_size=&#8221;large&#8221;][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=&#8221;2\/3&#8243;][vc_column_text css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1624555168113{padding-right: 20px !important;padding-bottom: 10px !important;padding-left: 10px !important;}&#8221;]<a href=\"https:\/\/azoffroad.net\/schnebly-hill-road\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">Schnebly Hill Road<\/span><\/a> is one of the premier drives in Arizona, a steep, twisty, unpaved and wonderfully scenic route that climbs more than 2,000 feet from the wonderland of Sedona to a wooded mesa. The trail climbs moderately and steadily up the west face of Schnebly Hill with some magnificent red rock views along the way. The\u00a0 Schnebly Hill Vista overlooks the whole Sedona landscape and is one of the most spectacular views in Arizona. The drive itself is not difficult but it is steep and bumpy and requires a high clearance vehicle.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=&#8221;Jerome-Perkinsville Road&#8221; tab_id=&#8221;1624554232238-4f989d3b-5589&#8243;][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=&#8221;1\/3&#8243;][vc_single_image image=&#8221;13545&#8243; img_size=&#8221;large&#8221;][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=&#8221;2\/3&#8243;][vc_column_text css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1624555759913{padding-right: 20px !important;padding-bottom: 10px !important;padding-left: 10px !important;}&#8221;]The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.arizonahighways.com\/explore\/scenic-drives\/perkinsville-road\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">Jerome-Perkinsville Road<\/span><\/a> starts from within the old mining town of Jerome along Highway 89A heading north to Perkinsville and then continues on to Williams. It is a 47-mile journey one-way. Along the route there are amazing views of the Red Rock Country and the rolling desert hills just east of Chino Valley. As it goes north from Jerome the road follows the edge of the Woodchute Mountain Wilderness Area before reaching Perkinsville and crossing the Verde River. It begins as a narrow winding dirt and gravel road carved out of the hills that follow the old United Verde &amp; Pacific Railway bed and the whole valley spreads out below. Approaching Perkinsville the landscape becomes a dry series of hills leading to the one-lane bridge that crosses the Verde River. Perkinsville itself is more a ranch than an actual town and continuing north the route begins to climb again. The juniper, oak and mesquite transition to Pines as the road meanders through the Kaibab National Forest before finally turning back into pavement and arriving to the colorful historic district of restored saloons and bordellos in Williams which was once a rough-and-tumble ranching, lumber and railway center.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=&#8221;Robbers Roost&#8221; tab_id=&#8221;1624554232459-bfc8c808-0756&#8243;][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=&#8221;1\/3&#8243;][vc_single_image image=&#8221;13548&#8243; img_size=&#8221;large&#8221;][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=&#8221;2\/3&#8243;][vc_column_text css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1624556753426{padding-right: 20px !important;padding-bottom: 10px !important;padding-left: 10px !important;}&#8221;]The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theoutbound.com\/arizona\/hiking\/hike-to-robbers-roost\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">Robbers Roost hike<\/span><\/a> is a short, lightly-trafficked scenic hiking trail accessible via Forest Road 525C. The hike begins on the eastern side of the parking area and winds through the beautiful Sedona landscape of red rock and juniper before beginning the breathtaking cliff climb. The main attraction is a large, open cave assumed to have inspired the trail&#8217;s name. It&#8217;s easy to imagine outlaws using it as a vantage point from which to plan their next move. While the trail is easygoing up until this point, proceed with extreme caution when heading to the entrance of the the cave, as it&#8217;s situated along a steep narrow ledge.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=&#8221;Broken Arrow&#8221; tab_id=&#8221;1624554232687-57d5c529-dae8&#8243;][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=&#8221;1\/3&#8243;][vc_single_image image=&#8221;13550&#8243; img_size=&#8221;large&#8221;][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=&#8221;2\/3&#8243;][vc_column_text css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1624557483475{padding-right: 20px !important;padding-bottom: 10px !important;padding-left: 10px !important;}&#8221;]<span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><a style=\"color: #ff0000;\" href=\"https:\/\/azoffroading.com\/arizona-trails\/broken-arrow\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Broken Arrow<\/a><\/span> is the most popular Jeep trail in Sedona, and the only one that allows you to put your vehicle through a test of its rock-crawling capabilities. The drive goes through panoramas of towering rock spires and unique geological formations surrounded by juniper and cypress, and ends with a nearly vertical descent down a natural staircase of rock, ruts and roots. Several eroded spots require careful tire placement and a decent amount of articulation to get over. Most aggressive SUV\u2019s with high clearance and 4-wheel drive can make this trail. The trail is only 3.6 miles round trip but will take anywhere from 1-3 hours to complete.<\/p>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=&#8221;Honaki Ruins&#8221; tab_id=&#8221;1624554348902-2852fc1b-b066&#8243;][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=&#8221;1\/3&#8243;][vc_single_image image=&#8221;13552&#8243; img_size=&#8221;large&#8221;][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=&#8221;2\/3&#8243;][vc_column_text css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1624557926129{padding-right: 20px !important;padding-bottom: 10px !important;padding-left: 10px !important;}&#8221;]<a href=\"https:\/\/www.fs.usda.gov\/recarea\/coconino\/recarea\/?recid=55318\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">The Honanki Heritage Site<\/a>, along with its sister site, Palatki, were the largest cliff dwellings in the Verde Valley, and were occupied between AD 1130-1280. The Honanki ruins sit at the base of Loy Butte on the sheltered west-facing cliffs. The site originally contained about 60 rooms. The Sinagua, ancestors of the Hopi, lived here preparing meals, raising their families, and making tools from stone, leather, and wood. Nearby they hunted for deer and rabbit, tended various crops, and gathered edible wild plants. The cave is rich with pictographs; some date back to 2000 BC, long before the the cliff dwellings. Most of the pictographs are from the Sinagua and date to AD 900-1300. Others by the Yavapai or Apache date from 1400-1875. The ruins were first described by Dr. Jesse Walter Fewkes, famous turn-of-the century archaeologist from the Smithsonian Institution, who gave them the name &#8220;Honanki,&#8221; which means &#8220;Bear House&#8221; in the Hopi language.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=&#8221;Montezuma&#8217;s Well&#8221; tab_id=&#8221;1624554386142-86d462a6-9f5d&#8221;][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=&#8221;1\/3&#8243;][vc_single_image image=&#8221;13546&#8243; img_size=&#8221;large&#8221;][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=&#8221;2\/3&#8243;][vc_column_text css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1624555886854{padding-right: 20px !important;padding-bottom: 10px !important;padding-left: 10px !important;}&#8221;]<span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><a style=\"color: #ff0000;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nps.gov\/moca\/planyourvisit\/exploring-montezuma-well.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Montezuma Well<\/a><\/span> is a sub-unit of Montezuma Castle National Monument. As with Montezuma Castle, the label \u201cMontezuma\u201d is a misnomer: the Aztec emperor Montezuma had no connection to the site or the early indigenous peoples that occupied the area. When European-Americans first observed these long-abandoned sites in the 1860s, they named them for the famous Aztec emperor Montezuma in the mistaken belief that he had been connected to their construction. The \u201cwell\u201d is actually a natural limestone sinkhole through which some 1,500,000 US gallons of water emerge each day from an underground spring. The Well has a diameter of 386 feet from rim to rim and contains a near-constant volume of spring water even in times of severe drought. The land around the well has been home to many prehistoric groups of people since as early as 11,000 CE. The ruins of several prehistoric dwellings are scattered in and around the rim of the Well. The inhabitants belonged to the indigenous group archaeologists refer to as the Sinagua. The Sinagua intensively farmed the land surrounding the Well using its constant outflow as a reliable source of irrigation. Beginning about 700 CE, the Well\u2019s natural drainage into the immediately adjacent Wet Beaver Creek was diverted into a man-made canal running parallel to the creek. Estimated to have been nearly seven miles in length, the canal drained into a network of smaller lateral canals downstream, supplying perhaps as much as 60 acres of farmland with water. The first Anglo-Americans to settle at Montezuma Well were Wales and Jennie Arnold in 1870. They operated a mail station and used the prehistoric irrigation canal to water their land. The land then passed through a series of ranchers, farmers, and business people until the Back family converted Montezuma Well into a tourist attraction for the first time. The Backs charged for tours, displayed artifacts found at nearby archeological sites, and later operated campgrounds, picnic areas, and a resort. Eventually the Backs agreed to sell the land to the US government and Congress approved the legislation in 1943, with Montezuma Well becoming part of the National Park Service in 1947. The Montezuma Well site is still considered sacred by many local tribes\u2013the Yavapai people believe it is the place through which they emerged into the world.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][\/vc_tta_section][\/vc_tta_tabs][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_separator color=&#8221;black&#8221; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1624534055175{margin-bottom: 10px !important;}&#8221;][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row content_placement=&#8221;middle&#8221;][vc_column][vc_btn title=&#8221;Back to Days 43-51&#8243; i_icon_fontawesome=&#8221;fas fa-angle-double-left&#8221; css_animation=&#8221;none&#8221; add_icon=&#8221;true&#8221; link=&#8221;url:http%3A%2F%2Fwww.usnomadstudio.com%2Ftheroadbook%2F100-days-journey-guiding-death-valley-march-2021%2F|title:100%20Days%20Journey%3A%20Mojave%20Road%20to%20Alabama%20Hills%20(February%202021)&#8221; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1624534077227{margin-right: 10px !important;margin-bottom: 10px !important;}&#8221;][vc_btn title=&#8221;100 Days &#8211; Main Page&#8221; link=&#8221;url:http%3A%2F%2Fwww.usnomadstudio.com%2Ftheroadbook%2F100-days-journey-across-the-usa-january-may-2021%2F&#8221; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1624534091062{margin-right: 10px !important;margin-bottom: 10px !important;}&#8221;][vc_btn title=&#8221;Ahead to Days 67-72&#8243; i_align=&#8221;right&#8221; i_icon_fontawesome=&#8221;fas fa-angle-double-right&#8221; add_icon=&#8221;true&#8221; link=&#8221;url:http%3A%2F%2Fwww.usnomadstudio.com%2Ftheroadbook%2F100-days-journey-phoenix-area-april-2021%2F|title:100%20Days%20Journey%3A%20Mojave%20Road%20to%20Alabama%20Hills%20(February%202021)&#8221; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1624534107297{margin-right: 10px !important;margin-bottom: 10px !important;}&#8221;][\/vc_column][\/vc_row]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[vc_row full_width=&#8221;stretch_row&#8221; content_placement=&#8221;middle&#8221; bg_type=&#8221;bg_color&#8221; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1610214283171{background-color: #000000 !important;}&#8221; bg_color_value=&#8221;#000000&#8243;][vc_column][vc_column_text css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1624534019134{padding-top: 5px !important;padding-bottom: 20px !important;}&#8221;] 100 Days Journey: Part 6 &#8211; Nevada to Arizona [\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row full_width=&#8221;stretch_row&#8221; bg_type=&#8221;bg_color&#8221; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1610224958479{padding-top: 10px !important;}&#8221; bg_color_value=&#8221;#ffffff&#8221;][vc_column][vc_column_text]After saying goodbye to California, I took a break at the Lake Mead National Recreation Area in Nevada to relax and explore a bit without any specific [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"template-home.php","meta":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.usnomadstudio.com\/theroadbook\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/13263"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.usnomadstudio.com\/theroadbook\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.usnomadstudio.com\/theroadbook\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.usnomadstudio.com\/theroadbook\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.usnomadstudio.com\/theroadbook\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=13263"}],"version-history":[{"count":16,"href":"https:\/\/www.usnomadstudio.com\/theroadbook\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/13263\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":13553,"href":"https:\/\/www.usnomadstudio.com\/theroadbook\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/13263\/revisions\/13553"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.usnomadstudio.com\/theroadbook\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=13263"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}