Sedona Arizona with Snow
Red Rock with Snow
Sedona, Arizona, is known worldwide for its fantastic red rock formations, locals and tourists alike flock here in the summer to enjoy the many great hikes and enjoy the cool water of Oak Creek. During the summer months, the town and surrounding area can be very crowded. In the winter months, this all changes. The trails are free of people, and the city enjoys a bit of a rest from the crush of visitors.
During the winter months, Sedona can get a dusting of snow from time to time, mostly limited to the tops of the surrounding red rocks. However, on occasion, a cold winter storm will pass through the area and drop the snow levels. We like to visit Sedona during these times, as the landscape takes on a whole new look.
Bell Rock Pathway
The Bell Rock Pathway provides fantastic views of Bell Rock and Courthouse Butte.
When you drive to Sedona along Highway 179, the first rock structure you encounter is Bell Rock, so named as it’s shape resembles a large bell. There is a great trail (Bell Rock Pathway) that starts at the parking lot. Since Bell Rock is on the east side of Sedona, it was in full light when we arrived. We quickly headed down the trail and were rewarded with this fantastic view.
It is always amazing how a few inches of snow can completely change the feel of a location. Typically, the fence posts blend into the background without the snow; however, add snow to the picture, and the fence posts outline this inviting trail and take your eye down the path. Bell Rock is so beautiful picking up the morning sun on this clear cold morning.
Headed up Bell Rock pathway and captured these great photographs of Courthouse Butte and Bell Rock with snow.
Yavapai Vista Trail
One of the best trails in Sedona is the Yavapai Trail. The Yavapai Vista Trail is one of the most used trails in Sedona. The trail leads to a flat rock shelf that provides an outstanding view of Lee Mountain, Courthouse Butte, and Gibraltar Peak. Following a snowstorm in Sedona, we headed up the trail to capture the view with snow.
Along the way, we spotted this great-looking juniper tree with snow.
Continuing along the trail, you slowly gain elevation, and Lee Mountain, Gibraltar Point, and Courthouse Butte come into view.
Once we got to the vista point, the view was amazing
Red Rock Crossing
Red Rock Crossing is home to the most famous views of Cathedral Rock. So we headed over to get photographs of this iconic location with snow.
If you have ever driven to the Red Rock Crossing State Park in Sedona, Arizona, you have seen a few pull-offs to the left. These pull-off areas provide you with great vantage points to view Cathedral Rock and the beautiful surrounding area. At one of the stops, there is an old juniper tree at the top of the hill. This tree has two main branches that form a perfect V. This V makes a natural frame for a photograph.
Whenever we drive to Red Rock Crossing State Park, stopping at this location is mandatory.
Old JUNIPER TREE
On this trip, the snow provided us with a whole new view of this beautiful scenery. Most of the snow was caught in the tree; this left the red soil exposed, allowing it to stand out. Instead of using the tree as a frame, I decided to make the tree the photograph’s focal point. As the photograph was taken on New Year's Day, the sun was low in the sky, and this low angle hit perfectly on the trunk forming the left side of the V, highlighting its unique shape.
Cathedral Rock is one of the most photographed landmarks in the southwest and happens to be one of our favorite places to photograph. We waited until the afternoon since that would be the best light. You can see the spires on the left in this late afternoon photograph picking up the beautiful light.
If you like these images, please check out our Sedona gallery to see all of our photographs from this fantastic city and the surrounding area.
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About the author: Keith Peters is a co-owner of T&K Images. Our passion is to explore our world, looking for the perfect light that shows you this incredible place we call Earth. We do everything in our power to provide you with the art of your dreams.
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