The park is listed as a National Monument and part of the part National Park System. It is located off Interstate 17 about 90 miles north of Phoenix. If you are driving north from Phoenix toward Sedona or the Grand Canyon, this is an easy stop along the way.
This area used to be under a shallow sea. The red color in the rocks comes from iron mixed in with the limestone and sandstone.
It is supposed to be about a two hour drive from Phoenix to Sedona. It took me more like three, but I stopped a few times along the way.
As you drive north from Phoenix, you also go up in elevation. You leave behind the saguaros and see more trees and, eventually, the red rocks of the area around Sedona.
Along the way, you pass by the Prescott National Forest to the west.
Here is a description from the United States Forest Service:
“At the lowest elevation, the primary vegetation is of the Sonoran Desert type. As the elevation rises, chaparral becomes common, followed by piñon pine and juniper. Above that, Ponderosa pine dominates the landscape.”
Forest Service: Prescott National Forest
We saw several dolphins in Clearwater Bay, Florida, but they stayed at a distance. We weren’t as close as it might look in some of these photos. Fortunately, I have a pretty good zoom lens.
It’s always better to treat wildlife with respect and give them their space.
Official website: cmaquarium.org
Fort De Soto was built between 1898 and 1900 on Mullett Key – one of a string of islands along the coast.
Official site: History of Fort De Soto
We found the beach littered with shells and even a few starfish. Like everywhere else near water in this part of Florida, we saw plenty of birds.
We were even lucky enough to run into some kite surfers at the far end of the park with the Sunshine Skyway Bridge in the background.
It was mostly cloudy but the sun got through just enough to make the drive worthwhile.
Our visit included dinner on the balcony of the Brass Monkey Bar and Grill.
