Verde Valley Birding and Nature Festival: Sedona: Boots & Burgers with Roger Naylor

Cockscomb-Ground Control-Outer Limits Loop On this hike guests will climb the shoulder of the Cockscomb formation in West Sedona using a moderate three trail loop. We’ll depart from the Aerie Trailhead and travel through pine and juniper woodlands. The Ground Control Trail slithers up the side of the Cockscomb, a narrow passage hugging the cliff face high above the valley floor. We’ll enjoy spectacular red rock panoramas on this exposed trail before descending over the side and returning via Outer Limits Trail. Total distance is 3.5 miles round-trip, with more than 300 feet of elevation gain. Not appropriate for anyone with limited mobility or an extreme fear of heights. After the hike, we’ll head for a locally-owned restaurant to enjoy a tender burger or other dish. Vegetarian options are available. Meetup location: Vans at Dead Horse Ranch State Park Rating: 4 (due to narrow passage and see sentence in red) Transportation: Van Trip Meal: Yes Cost: $140       Part of the Verde Valley Birding and Nature Festival Join us 100 miles North of Phoenix in North Central Arizona’s Verde Valley for the Verde Valley Birding and Nature Festival. Experience birding during the peak Spring migration season at Dead Horse Ranch State Park on the banks of the Verde River. Close proximity to the Verde, Oak Creek, Sycamore Creek, and other perennial waters offers a wide selection of guided tours, hikes, and workshops in one of Arizona’s richest birding habitats. Our experienced guides have extensive knowledge of birds and the unique habitat that makes this region special. The festival, presented each April by Friends of the Verde River, is a purpose-driven community benefit organization and 501© 3 non-profit working to preserve one of the last perennial flowing rivers in the American Southwest. Festival site is at Dead Horse Ranch State Park.