Picture Canyon Natural and Cultural Preserve in Flagstaff is a favorite hiking place. It is an urban park where the Northern Sinagua people had settled centuries ago and we still see hundreds of their rock carvings throughout the park. 

While hiking the Tom Moody Trail, we passed a waterfall, rock carvings and a connector path to the Arizona Trail. On a recent hike, I noticed a plaque on a rock. I learned of the death of a guy I knew from bicycling in this area of Arizona: Jack Welch.

For me, Jack was the organizer for local mountain bike rides. We loved those rides! He knew the trails and the geology. I remember another time stopping at lava tubes in the area. Now I discover while reading the plaque, he was an advocate protecting this natural area and the 1,000 year old petroglyphs. 

I am thankful for individuals who love nature and help to protect it. This preserve’s wildlife benefits as we do too. Here we can hike, cycle, bird watch, see history, enjoy this protected natural area and remember a fellow cyclist.