Willow Creek Picnic Area is a beautiful, coastal, pebble beach located in Sonoma County. This location features black jagged cliffs and aqua blue oceanic views. The Big Sur coast is one of California's most sought out locations. The operation hours for this location are 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and it is open year round.There isn't a place directly on the beach designated for camping, but if you go up further on the hill to some of the wide dirt patches, you can easily fit a tent.  Although there isn't a place on the rocky beach to overnight camp, there is plenty one can do in an eight hour day time stay. If you come to Willow Creek Beach to enjoy the views, there is a cliff off of the freeway that has parking spots looking over and onto the beach. To park in the suggested parking on the cliff, there is a $10 fee, however it is well worth it. Many are captivated by the black and blue unique hues of this beautiful coastal beach. This location is described by many as "one of California's treasures", while it only cost $10 to see, I would want a piece of the treasure too!

Willow Creek Picnic Area is equipped with toilets, but does not offer drinking water. Be sure to bring sufficient water supply for a day on the sea side, as the salt in the air combined with physical activity could lead to dehydration.  

Red Rock in Sedona, Arizona details the beauty in the layers of sedimentary rock that has been constructed over millions of years. It is at Red Rock that you can see "Schnebly Hill Formation", which tells the story of an ancient beachfront in the area over 275 million years ago. This beachfront deposited iron, which is what gives Red Rock its notorious crimson color. The sandstone layers tell the story of the sand dunes that were believed to cover much of the western hemisphere of the US thousands of years ago. If you look closely, you will also see limestone layers, these layers are from the shallow seas that covered the area millions of years ago.

Red Rock is a mystery to the eye, and food for the mind. These structures are more than boulders, the structure is natures way of recording its very own history. Much of Red Rock has contributed to the study of archeology. We can see signs of early civilizations on these rocks. Native Americans used these rocks to communicate, create petroglyphs, and to share their sacred beliefs. Where natural art can be found, so can artist. Because of the beauty in this area, it led to an art migration in the early 1950's. Max Ernst was the first artist to settle in the area, and soon led others to draw on the beauty of Red Rock as inspiration for their artwork. This is why this area is filled with many museums and galleries. 

There are many ways to take advantage of this wonderful location. You can hike, bike, or horseback ride through the parks many winding trails. Red Rock can be enjoyed year round, and there are five miles of trails all networked together through the park. In the visitors center, you can request a guided tour https://azstateparks.com/red-rock/explore/facility-information.  These guided tours leave from the visitors center every morning. Knowledgeable volunteers tour guides explain the geology, wildlife, history, archeology and plant life. The hikes begin at 10 a.m. from September through May and 9 a.m. from June through August.

Red Rock has much to offer for the curious mind. Take advantage of this remarkable location, you might be surprised with the story it has to tell.

Slide Rock is one of the most popular locations in the Sedona area. Slide Rock is natures most thrilling water slides. Slide Rock is a gargantuan 80 feet long, and 2-4 feet wide. This slippery slope is lined with algae that gives Slide Rock its gripless feel. Slide Rock has been named one of " America's Top Ten Swimming Holes". Between the incredible natural waterslide, and the famous red rock canyons, this location is unbeatable. If Sliding down an 80 foot long slip and slide isn't your thing, Oak creek is the river the slide funnels into and offers hours of endless water play. Slide Rock can be enjoyed by people of all ages.The area also offers amenities such as picnic tables and restrooms.

While Slide Rock is a well known attraction, it also has a rich history. The park itself is a 43-acre historic apple farm, which is nestled in Oak Creek Canyon. In 1907 a man named Frank L. Pendley acquired the land through the Homestead Act in 1910. Frank didn't just acquire the land, he transformed the area with his unique irrigation system that is still being used today. This irrigation system is what aided him in his endeavor to plant and sustain the first apple orchard in the area in 1912. In addition to the orchard, Frank also grew garden produce and owned livestock. The Slide Rock area is one of the only few homesteads that is still intact in the canyon. Today we can see through its beauty the hard work and dedication of the agriculture industry of the past.

There are a few tips that can be taken into consideration when going to this fantastic spot. Although Sedona, Arizona is known for its scorching heat in the summer, the temperatures are known to drop down to near freezing depending on the season. It is good to check weather reports as well as reviews before you go! The sandy stone under the water is what gives Slide Rock its amazing waterslide abilities, however because it is so slippery it can be quite hazardous on foot. Be sure to bring water shoes that have great grip for walking along the slippery areas. Playing in the sun and in the river is the greatest part of this location, however even though you cannot see it, you work up quite a sweat! The location does not offer drinking water, which means it is vital for you to pack a sufficient water supply to combat the risk of dehydration and heat stroke. Finally, be vigilant and careful. There is no lifeguard on duty. Make sure you're having fun, while staying safe!