Our last week at Dead Horse Ranch State Park was a full one. We connected we some friends who live in the village of Oak Creek and are building a new house in Jerome. Andy and Lori invited us to watch the sun set from Yavapai Point before dinner. With cocktails in hand we made our way to our view point.
Tuzigoot National Monument is visible from many of the hiking /biking trails in Dead Horse Ranch State Park. It is the remnant of a Sinagua village built between AD. 1000 and 1400. What you see now is a reconstruction of the walls using the original stones.
The Pueblo sits atop a long ridge 120 feet above the Verde Valley.
After visiting the Pueblo we walked along the Verde River.
As mentioned before, getting out for a hike in the Sedona area can be problematic if you don’t get a very early start. Even then you won’t be hiking alone. One of the hikes we enjoy is a little used trail out of the Village of Oak Creek, the Transept Trail. It’s a seven mile out and back ramble through Red Rock Country.
The trail ends at the Hiline Trail and offers some great views of Cathedral Rock.
We did not encounter any other hikers until we had almost completed our hike. This does not happen too often when hiking in Sedona.
While relaxing in camp we remarked to our neighbors how we liked their teardrop camper. A teardrop was our introduction to RVing. During that conversation they told us about a sightseeing train ride they had taken out of Clarkdale. We investigated further and decided to give it a go.
The train travels along the Verde River and passes Sycamore Canyon. We had wanted to hike the canyon but the trail was closed due to fire and mudslides. The train allowed us to see a bit of the canyon.
The train travels over a trestle and through a tunnel with wonderful views of the landscape.
We first visited the historic mining town of Jerome in 1979. Back then Jerome was called a ghost town with lots of abandoned and falling down buildings. What a difference a few decades make. Jerome is now a thriving tourist destination with bars, restaurants, galleries and artist studios.
It isn’t always go, go, go. We do enjoy hanging out in the park and exploring the miles of hiking and mountain biking trails.
A last visit to Sedona red rock country as the sun sets on our Verde Valley visit.
Tincan Travels 
WOW!!!
That secluded hike looks terrific. A less popular hike in Sedona beats most! Also like Pat’s hat! 🙂
Beautiful sunset views and train ride. All great. Happy for you two.
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What an amazing piece of our country! Thank you, again, for sharing your experiences!
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Love it! Thanks for sharing. And happy birthday, Pat!
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I took my Mom on that train ride when we lived in AZ! I didn’t know Jerome had an “uptown” or a “downtown”! I have been there many times.
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“Uptown “ is up the mountain and “Downtown “ is down the mountain.
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It’s always a pleasure to see your photos and read your descriptions!! Did you go through Wickenburg? I stayed there last time I was in AZ with Sheila & Paul.
So how did you spend your birthday Pat?! Happy Birthday!! and looks like the year is going to be a good one!!
xo kathy
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Again, what beautiful photos!
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Love Sedona area, we too did oak creek to get away from everyone, gorgeous hike
Colors in your photos are spectacular!
Joanne M
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Hi Shelley (sp?) and Pat— Thanks so much for giving us your blog info! We are writing down lots of details about your trips! We’ll be in Tucson March 1 for 8 days for hiking and bike riding. You two share a LOT of our interests. You mentioned that you would be attending a concert at MIM. Is that the Kenny Barron Trio concert this Fri 2/25? We might buy tickets …. Looks good. :>)
Noelle & Andy Taber
Taber.Andy@Gmail.com
Taber.Noelle50@gmail.com
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