FLAVOR OF THE MONTHS

THE MONTHS

After the winter we had, it's hard to imagine anyone saying that Arizona doesn't have four seasons. nevertheless, it's bound to happen. so, in our ongoing endeavor to dispel the stereotype, we present a sample of winter, spring, summer and fall in a place that showcases the four seasons as well as anywhere in the world. a portfolio edited by jeff kida and keith whitney

PRECEDING PANEL: APRIL

ABOVE: ОСТОBER RIGHT: MAY

PRECEDING PANEL:

NOVEMBER

Clear water rushes over small waterfalls at slide rock state park in oak creek canyon. the main attraction here - an 80-foot natural waterslide made slick by algae - is the reason the park was created in the 1980s.

JANUARY

A sandstone alcove frames a wintry view of evergreens and other plants along the West Fork of Oak Creek. The trail along the West Fork is one of Arizona's most popular hiking routes but sees significantly less foot traffic in winter.

LEFT: FEBRUARY

Fog, weathered rock walls and vegetation form an eerie scene in Boynton Canyon, northwest of Sedona. One of the most scenic of Red Rock Country's box canyons, Boynton Canyon can be explored via an easy hiking trail that bears its name.

ABOVE: AUGUST

Oak Creek nourishes abundant greenery at Red Rock Crossing. Perhaps best known for its views of Cathedral Rock, Red Rock Crossing also offers opportunities for fishing, picnicking and learning about the history of the area.

PRECEDING PANEL:

JANUARY OCTOBER

Healthy yuccas mingle with multicolored maple leaves and stately ponderosa pines in Oak Creek Canyon. In addition to maples, walnut and oak trees bring color to the canyon in autumn.

BELOW: JUNE

Delicate wildflowers and other greenery huddle beneath steep canyon walls along the West Fork of Oak Creek. The biodiversity of Oak Creek Canyon led the federal government to designate part of it as a Research Natural Area in 1931.

OPPOSITE PAGE: ОСТОBER

One of the spires of Cathedral Rock, perhaps Sedona's best-known sandstone formation, glows in morning light. Hikers can explore Cathedral Rock via a short, steep trail that's more like a rock climb in places.

AUGUST

a monsoon storm rages at sunset in a view from Schnebly Hill, named for Red Rock Country pioneers T.C. and Sedona Schnebly. Among the features visible here are Munds Mountain (left) and Mitten Ridge (right).