Sandstone Towers After The Storm

As they have for centuries, Courthouse Butte (left) and Bell Rock (right) stand as sentinels above a juniper-covered high desert plain southwest of the Colorado Plateau. Much of Arizona's high country was under either winter storm warnings or winter advisories as a powerful storm swept through Arizona last Monday. Initial reports of snow accumulations were 8 to 14 inches between 6,000 and 7,000 feet, with up to 2 feet of snow falling above 8,000 feet. Areas as low as 3,500 feet received 1/2" of snow. At 4,326', the Sedona area (where Courthouse Butte & Bell Rock are located) received nearly two inches of the white stuff. This photo was taken from the Little Horse Trail, and shows the north faces and true summits of Courthouse Butte and Bell Rock. February 11, 2009