To my surprise, I came across this Tarantula several years ago while driving along Dry Creek Rd, near Brins Mesa trailhead and thought I would post a warning. My warning is really to be careful not to step on them.  They are relatively harmless unless you have arachnophobia.  As with any wildlife, do not try and pick up this critter. They have a set of fangs that can give you a nasty bite.  Just admire from a short distance.

Scorpions come out at night for the most part, unless you go looking for them under rocks or dark places like cracks in the sandstone rock. One of my favorite things to do in Sedona is to hike up to a high point to watch the sunset. This means returning to my car in the dark by headlamp. The photo I have here is a Bark Scorpion I came across while hiking down from Cathedral Rock at night after watching the sunset. The descent at Cathedral requires you to use your hands, so be careful and look before you place you hand or sit to slide on your butt. While the bite won’t kill you, it doesn’t tickle!

There are several reasons to stop into the Red Rock Visitor Center when in Sedona. The Center has great information about the history of the area with nice displays and maps. The rangers are very knowledgeable on this history but more important on current happenings in the area. I always stop in to find out if there are any trail closures and what the road conditions to access the trailheads. They will also advise to fire conditions. If it is your first time visiting Sedona and are not sure what to do or see in terms of hiking and Coconino National Forest, the rangers can make some great recommendations. The visitor center is open everyday from 8am to 5pm.

Address: 8375 State Route 179, Sedona
Directions: Located off rt. 179 at mile marker 304.7.
Phone: 928-282-4119

Hiking the trails in Red Rock country is beautiful. But in spring, all the desert flowers and cactus are blooming and makes for incredible scenery. There are several good reasons to plan a Sedona trip for the spring time.  The temperatures are not as high as summer time so the hiking is more enjoyable and the spring flowers are blooming.  There is a wonderful variety of wild flowers and cactus to check out.