Horton Creek Trail, Payson, Az

The creek and spring is named after cattle rancher L.J. Horton who settled near the creek in the 1880’s. While we still don’t know much about L.J. Horton, he did write memoirs while residing in the Arizona Pioneer Home about the Pleasant Valley War which can be found at the Sharlot Hall Museum in Prescott, Arizona. Horton Creek Trail, originally an old wagon road, gave cattlemen like Horton access to the rim country and its many resources. Unfortunately, shortly after settling near the creek he lost his heard to thieves and never ranched again. The rim lakes (Canyon, Bear, Knoll) drain into the the natural spring which literally gushes from the side of the rim like an an enormous faucet.

 Once you cross the creek bridge you will look for parking on the left in the Horton Picnic site. After parking, you will hike back down the road and cross the bridge. Turn left on the dirt road and this will lead you to a sign for trail #285. The trail drops quickly into Horton Creek. The trail with then evolve into a larger path along the west side of the creek and at .25 mi you will come to an old fence and turnstile.

At .75 mi the trail forks. The left fork is the official trail and you’re more likely to encounter other hikers on this route. The right fork takes you along the creak where you will come across several small campsites. The right fork is certainly more scenic as it traverses right along the creek allowing you to see all the waterfalls and foliage. Both forks will rejoin about 1 mi from the trailhead. 

The trail with course the creek for another 2 mi with some rocky parts on the old wagon trail, but the grade is easy. The trail ends at Highline Trail #31. To reach Horton Springs you will continue on Highline Trail for about 300 feet and to your right you will see this unusual spring gushing from the side of the rim. The spring runs year around. You can return the way you hiked or make a loop by continuing along the Highline Trail and taking Derrick Trail #33 back to the trailhead.

SALT RIVER CANYON

4 days of hiking and camping in The Salt River Canyon was spectacular!

COOL CITY

A Lofty Place In History

By Valerie Millett

Interview: Landscape Photography Magazine 2019

I ran into an ole friend the other day. We worked together in the medical field in Pediatrics some 17 years ago!  Since leaving, I'd seen her children grow up on social media and it was so cool to see them all in person, all grown.  As we were catching up, she says ..."and what about you and your photography!!"   When we worked together, I wasn't a photographer, I was a painter.  In fact, I painted the murals for the entire Pediatrics Center and got a big kick out of the whimsical nature of the art and how the kids reacted.  It was good times.

A Photographer's Love Letter: The American Southwest

Zabriskie Point

T

his mysterious land of enchantment—the American Southwest—is a siren song seducing many an explorer, writer, poet, artist and even those seeking healing of the metaphysical kind. It’s an indescribable allure that promises those of a curious nature to provide endless fascination. For those suffering the ills of industrialized urbanization, the open road and vast empty spaces have long inspired romantic notions, uplifted spirits, encouraged self-discovery and delivered an unabashed sense of freedom. You’re entering a realm imbued with a magical charm and a tangible presence of ancient people.

Laguna Beach, California

Cresent Bay

Hard to tell but a storm had just cleared after raining for days and the sun was out with no clouds (a landscape photographers' nightmare) but it gave me a chance to get out and tinker around the beach. 

Published In National Geographic 2019

Representing February 2019

15th Street, Newport Beach

I've had this project in the back of my mind for literally years. 
My memories of Newport Beach are so endearing that I've wanted to see if I could capture the "essence" of what made this place so special. 

Lowepro Backpack Review

Ihad the opportunity to review Lowepro’s Flipside 400 AW backpack last year.  That backpack survived some intense hikes, including Angel's Landing and the Narrows in Zion National Park. To this day, The Flipside bag still remains one my favorite.

Multi-day treks with camping gear in tow mingling in the same cargo space as expensive camera gear create numerous concerns.  The added weight could compromise stability on rugged trails. Conventional backpacks aren't set up to secure delicate lenses and cameras. Good thing Lowepro specializes in just that. 

 The idea is to carry as much photography gear needed to capture the landscape but still have room for other essentials such as clothing layers, food, water, and first aid and accessories. 

First Friday Phoenix

That mindless droning of the downtown business hub transforms into an eclectic mix of art, crafts, music, dancing, drinking, eating, incense, hedonism, religion and the "warm smell of colitas rising up through the air" 

Spring In The Sonoran Desert

San Juan Capistrano

 I remember these places even as a kid, it's so Southern California. Quaint little eats tucked into old beachside neighborhoods. It's these iconic images of a place I loved so much as a child and a culture that still resides deep in my psyche that are so enjoyable to photograph. 

Lowepro Flipside 400 AW Backpack Review

I had the chance to try Lowepro's Flipside 400 AW camera backpack on my recent trip to photograph a few hikes in Zion National Park. This camera backpack is a high capacity backpack built for the outdoor shooter.  

The Lone Cypress

Classic West Fork 2018

I've put to thought often,
how it is that
certain locations just resonate so brilliantly
with your own psyche.
When I look at my own images, it's the first thing I see or I don't see. 

This place 
is always full of magic. 

Arizona Highways 2019 Scenic Calendar

The Month of January 2019 for Arizona Highways Magazine

The Sonoran Desert: My Backyard

A desert storm is something to be experienced, over and over again. I love the storm seasons, especially the warm monsoons.  Beautiful dramatic backdrops, the sand travels in waves, the lightning strikes, the thunder cracks and rolls  all mixed with fragrant sage, acacias and mesquite for a unique desert bouquet.

#GetOutside

It's been raining on and off now for a few days and this morning.  I wanted to see the Dells saturated by the rain as the colors deepen and the patterns stand out.  On a subdued morning, under a broody monsoon haze, we spied some kayakers.  The Dells are spellbinding. One could easily meander around these formations for days.