So, it was with this in mind that seven adventurous Backcountry Journeys’ photographers embarked with their two guides on a trip to take in the fall colors, enjoy our nation’s public lands, and learn to navigate the new social protocols and health care measures needed to make outdoor travel safe and enjoyable in this new era with the presence of Covid-19. Our trip began, as they always do, with a traditional first-night orientation dinner.
The first two days featured locations around the San Francisco Peaks, just north of Flagstaff. This “mountain range” is actually the remains of an eroded stratovolcano. The largest of the 1,800 square miles San Francisco Volcanic Field, that was a result of tectonic movement over a geologic hot spot for several million years.
Our first morning’s shoot, at Lockett Meadow, on the north side of the San Francisco Peaks is a favorite for locals. This meadow offers a view of the Inner Basin, which is the place where the eroded avalanche of the stratovolcano opens up towards Mt. Humphreys at 12,633 ft, and the highest point in Arizona. The Quaking Aspen, which blanket the slopes, and border the meadow, were only just beginning to reveal their color, which combined with the soft light of the rising sun was a great way to begin our trip.
Following sunrise, we circumnavigated the Peaks on a game drive, returning to Flagstaff midday in time for a few shots of the historic train station, that sits in historic downtown, as well as a delicious lunch on the patio of the Lumberyard Brewery.