In Search Of A Red Rock Slot Canyon

The jeep gang gathered in Congress this morning about 8:30 and made tracks up busy, insane HWY 93 for Wikieup, AZ.  Jim and Bev were in the lead, Simon was next, Sandy is still recovering from a nasty bug and didn’t join us, then the yellow jeep with Kelly and Al bringing up the rear.  A stop in Wikieup for a coffee and bathroom break then we were on our way out across the countryside on a well traveled, nicely graded road.  We all sure felt a lot safer after getting off that HWY 93 where everyone is in a hurry to get somewhere!! 

We were in the land of Joshua trees and saguaros—they were everywhere.  Huge Joshua trees and many, many multi-armed saguaros.  Up and down the dusty hills the four jeeps went stopping for photos whenever we chose.

Quite the balancing act!

The scenery was just spectacular—there was a cool wind blowing today but Bev scoped out a sunny, wind protected spot for enjoying our lunch! 

A meeting of the minds!

Emmi and Pheebs

We saw several crested saguaros—this one looks a little worse for wear.

And then we found the Red Rock Slot Canyon—John, your coordinates led us right to the turn-off leading to the actual slot canyon—it took us a little backtracking but Jim managed to find the canyon in short order—he had been there before coming from the Lake Alamo side.

Honey bee hive—there were swarms of honey bees high up on the canyon wall in and around this hive.

 

At this point we had to do some creative climbing with Jim’s help.  Even the pooches needed a boost up onto the next level.  We did not get much farther into the canyon—lots of water pools and rocks to climb around—the end for us.  What a gorgeous place, stunning colors and contrasts.  Thank you so much Bev and Jim for suggesting this jeep trip!  And we missed you Sandy!!

Once out of the canyon we took a different road home instead of going all the way back to Wikieup—and what a road—there were homes visible alongside this road so people must use it to come and go—it had some of the steepest grades heading down into the dry washes—a regular roller coaster!!

Back home by 5pm, tired but once again, happy to be out jeeping!!