The only other hiking I have ever done in the Sedona/Oak Creek area was in Red Rock State Park about 10 years ago. This obviously is a well-known major destination for many, so I joined some friends from Phoenix on Sunday to check it out. We started hiking around 1030, and by that time the parking lot was long since full, so I parked about a half mile up canyon along the highway and hung my geezer tag from the mirror. Turns out this was a good thing, as it saved me the parking fee. All I had to fork over was 2 bucks to walk in and join the crowds. This place is always a zoo on weekends; even more so with fall colors thrown into the mix. But I didn't mind, as just meandering around in a new place taking pictures made me very happy! The creek was running lightly, so the crossings were a snap. Now having gone there, I can see why it so popular. The fall colors were alright, but the real highlight was the canyon itself. Remember, the leaves may disappoint, but the rocks never will.