Grizzly Canyon - Sedona, Arizona

Eric invited me along to run through Grizzly Canyon with him and Nick, Jess, Brad and Ryan. I was pretty hesitant at first because they're fast, and I'm slow. See, in order to descend Grizzly Canyon, you have to first complete the Bear Mountain Trail in Sedona. If you don't know Bear Mountain, it's steep; about 2,000' of elevation gain in 2.5 miles. And elevation gain is my main enemy, which seems pretty logical for a hiking fanatic. I'm sure there are flat trails out there that are absolutely beautiful. Maybe someday I'll find one.

Anyway, to avoid slowing the group down, I decided to leave early and get the hike out of the way. Before anyone says you shouldn't split up, it is an established trail and I told Nick and Eric where I'd meet them. Since it's an out and back, if they caught up to me, they couldn't miss me. You're also right about the not-splitting-up thing, but just keep that to yourself. Nobody likes a know-it-all.

The hike actually went very well. I got up to the top faster than expected. This is why you should always set your expectations low. The sunrise was especially beautiful and there was even a rainbow.

Oh, did I mention the rain? A hurricane was supposed to hit this weekend and Nick and Eric wanted to see if they could catch Grizzly Canyon with some flow. Before you start about not going into a canyon if it's supposed to rain, I'll just remind you about the know-it-all thing and we'll move along....

(My legal team has advised me to include a disclaimer; You should never enter a canyon when rain is in the forecast. Most of the team had run this route several times and knew multiple spots where you could sit and wait out a storm. However, it should be noted that Grizzly can flash much more quickly than expected. Even with a very limited watershed. So even though this is a very open canyon, you should not enter it if it may rain. In simpler terms, do as I say, not as I do.)

After meeting up at the top, we left the established trail and started the approach to Grizzly Canyon. The approach was absolutely stunning, with incredible views of Sedona and some really fun downclimbs.

Then it was time to break out the gear and start the technical section. What can I say about Grizzly Canyon? I think the video speaks for itself really; fun rappels, great views and even a set of Native American ruins (and views of others.)

The technical section was over too quickly and then it was on to Fay Canyon Trail. Fay Canyon Trail was pretty, and came complete with an arch (Fay Canyon Arch) to round out the views for the day. Then it was back to our cars.....well, actually then it was time to walk down the road a bit back to the Bear Mountain trailhead to retrieve our cars because no one left a car shuttle at Fay Canyon. I couldn't get anyone to confirm who made that decision, but I'm betting it was Nick because making things more difficult for no particular reason is a very Nick thing to do.

Anyway, there are no cookies involved here because that whole thing backfired on me. As a consolation prize, if you see me on the trail and request a cookie I will be sure to remind you in person that I don't have any cookies. So you have that to look forward to.

Music by Artlist:

Simon Berggren - Humble

The Hunts - Start Again

Cunningham Manor - Light on a Hill