Lee Costa

Tag: travel

A Stop at Montezuma Castle

While visiting Sedona, we made a quick trip to see Montezuma Castle National Monument in the Verde Valley. Built by the Sinagua people around 700 years ago, the five story cliff dwelling sits about 70 feet up in a limestone alcove, still remarkably intact after centuries. You cannot go inside, but visitors can view it from a short path…
Hot Air Balloons Over Sedona Red Rocks

A solo sunrise at Lover’s Knoll turned into an unexpected surprise when three bright yellow hot air balloons appeared over Sedona’s red rocks. I grabbed the Z 100–400mm to capture a few frames before chasing them down to the Cultural Park Trailhead for a wider view.
From Sedona to the Grand Canyon — A Day Trip to the South Rim

Arizona · South Rim · Part 8 of 8 · A Sedona Series With the Grand Canyon only about two hours from Sedona, it was an easy decision to include it in the trip. We headed out early one morning, hoping to beat the crowds. Since it was our first time visiting, we weren’t sure…
Devil’s Bridge, Sedona — Before the Crowds

Sedona, Arizona · Devil’s Bridge · Part 7 of a Sedona Series Devil’s Bridge is the largest natural sandstone arch in the Sedona area, and if you’ve seen photos of it online you’ve probably also seen the crowds that come with it. Early in the week my wife and I decided we wanted to experience…
Lover’s Knoll, Sedona — Sunrise, Sunset, and Coyotes

Sedona, Arizona · Lover’s Knoll · Part 6 of a Sedona Series Not every good viewpoint in Sedona requires a long hike or a pre-dawn alarm. Lover’s Knoll ended up being one of the easiest places we visited, and one we kept coming back to. It sits just off the main road with a wide,…
Cathedral Rock, Sedona — Worth Every Scramble

Sedona, Arizona · Cathedral Rock · Part 5 of a Sedona Series Cathedral Rock is probably the most photographed formation in Sedona, and after seeing it in person it’s not hard to understand why. The twin spires rise sharply from the surrounding landscape and you can spot them from almost anywhere in town. The hike…
Chapel of the Holy Cross, Sedona — Built Into the Rock

Sedona, Arizona · Chapel Road · Part 4 of a Sedona Series The Chapel of the Holy Cross is one of those places that stops you before you even get through the door. Built directly into the red rock face above Sedona, the structure rises out of the sandstone as if it had always belonged…
Boynton Canyon & Subway Cave — Into the Canyon

Sedona, Arizona · Boynton Canyon · Part 3 of a Sedona Series Boynton Canyon, along the trail to Subway Cave, was a hike we were excited to explore during our time in Sedona, and it lived up to our expectations. We set out in the morning while the air was still cool, with early light…
Airport Mesa — A Sunset View Over Sedona

Sedona, Arizona · Airport Mesa Overlook · Part 2 of a Sedona Series While we were in Sedona, my wife and I kept hearing the same thing from locals and other visitors: if you want a good sunset, go to Airport Mesa. It’s also one of Sedona’s better-known energy vortex sites. The town has four…
Bell Rock, Sedona — A Rock Worth Returning To

Sedona, Arizona · Bell Rock · Part 1 of a Sedona Series My wife and I spent a few days in Sedona this past week, and the landscape really does live up to the hype. Bell Rock was one of the first formations we saw driving into town, and it ended up being a place…
First Light at the Paul Revere House

I arrived just as the first light touched the rooftops near the Paul Revere House. With the city still asleep and the day being Thanksgiving, I had the rare opportunity to capture this historic landmark without crowds and to take a quiet moment to appreciate its details and the charm of North Square.
The Industrial Glow

Here’s a shot from my San Francisco series that almost slipped through the cracks—a bright red-and-white Manson crane, standing still against the Bay Bridge during golden hour. The way it stood out against the sky gave this industrial scene an unexpected calm. What struck me most, though, was how no one else seemed to notice.…