We started off our day with heading to the San Francisco Peaks to do a hike on the Inner Basin Trail starting out from Lockett Meadow. Unfortunately, once we got up there, the road was closed for construction until July. I was so sad as I was looking forward to this hike and made sure we were going to do it first so I wouldn't have tired kids begging to not do it at the end of the day. Thankfully we had other plans that were right across the highway. That place was Sunset Crater so we headed there. We stopped at the visitor's center and looked at all of the exhibits about volcanoes and earthquakes which were really intriguing for the kids. It is thought that this volcano erupted about 1100 years ago and was quite large. We went on a hike on the Lava Trail which meandered around the crater. It was really cool as you were walking on hardened lava and rock. Definitely a unique experience! After our hike we headed down the road to Wupatki Monument. The scenery changed quite a bit as we descended in elevation about 2000 feet and headed toward the Painted Desert. We stopped in the visitor's center and learned all about the Natives who lived here about 1000 years ago. The kids got sworn in for their Jr. Ranger badges for Sunset Crater and then we went off to do the trail that led to the Pueblo monument. There was a huge structure that was the dwelling place for Native Americans who farmed and lived there. There was even a ball court there to go into. So great for the imagination to think how they lived during that time and wonder why they left. The kids really enjoyed seeing it and learning about a part of Arizona history. It was then time to head back to camp….after a stop for ice cream to reward some great hiking behavior from the kiddos…not one complaint today! We relaxed for a while at camp…Tim and I went on a bike ride and then we headed down to Lake Mary so Noah could cast a line. The lake was really pretty and the kids and Lily enjoyed romping around on the shore. Noah tried to fish but the wind was blowing the current towards him so it was not too successful for him. So, after a time of walking the shore and wading a bit, we headed back. Then it was dinner time and hanging out. The kids built a huge raging fire all by themselves but it quickly got out of control and had to be put out by Daddy. They were a little over zealous! Then it was bed time. Only one more day to go!
This is the Lava Flow trail at Sunset Crater, the crater being right behind us.
Wupatki National Monument, the main ruins are right behind us.
Lake Mary pictured here. Only a 5 minute drive from our campsite.
My 4 kids looking out at the water at Lake Mary. Lily had the best time of all!
Noah did some fishing but didn't catch anything.
The kids found tons of lobster and clam shells on the shore.
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