Southern Gila County Outdoor Recreation Guide

IN THE HEART OF ARIZONA

RIM COUNTRY RIM COUNTRY

YOUNG TONTO BASIN Punkin Center 87

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Tonto National Forest

TONTO NATIONAL MONUMENT

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SaltRiver River Salt Rafting Rafting

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SAN CARLOS

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Coolidge Dam

HAYDEN RAY MINE WINKLEMAN TO TUCSON

Thank You: ​We would like to sincerely thank the following individuals and entities for their input and assistance with this guide (in no particular order): Arizona Game and Fish, the Globe Ranger District, the Tonto Basin Ranger District, Tonto National Monument, Dave Pearson, Brent Bingham, Janelle Pierce, Sandra Widmer, Mike Stubing, Paul Wolterbeek, Cameron Davis, Brian and Marysue Myers, Tracy Purtee, Natalie Robb, Patricia Sanders, Craig Gregory, Manuel Rangel, Darrel Yerkovich and the Arizona Trail​Association

An Introduction to the Outdoors Guide If you drive two hours or less east of Phoenix or north of Tucson, you arrive in the heart of Southern Gila County. The majority of this region is occupied by the Tonto National Forest and the San Carlos Apache Reservation, and anyone who spends much time here knows it is a mecca for outdoor recreation, spared from the footprints of urban sprawl. The lack of major development of this area makes it a wonder to explore; yet it is the very reason that it can often goes unnoticed.

For this reason, we’ve produced this guide in order to provide a small glimpse of the outdoor splendor that this rugged part of the state has to offer.

Southern Gila County is known for its worldclass climbing, bouldering and whitewater rafting opportunities. People travel from as far as Europe to hunt on the San Carlos Apache Reservation, and there is no shortage of guides willing to take hunters on guided hunting expeditions throughout the region.

The Tonto National Forest is one of the largest in the US, spanning nearly three million acres, including 589,000 acres worth of designated wilderness areas. Ranging in elevation from 1,300 to almost 8,000 feet, this forest is one of the only places on earth where you will find cactus coexisting with pine.

Here you can experience all four seasons.

You can enjoy the rivers and lakes anytime of year, especially on long, hot summer days.

Just pick an outdoor activity, and you will find a place to enjoy it, whether it’s fishing, hiking, boating, bicycling, or camping. Even if you aren’t up for climbing or hiking, jump in the car anyway and just pick any of these places to visit.

If you’re not feeling that spontaneous, try driving the Apache Trail (can be scary but worth it) or the Desert to Tall Pines route. You won’t be disappointed − no matter which direction you head, scenic beauty is within an hour’s drive. All our highways lead to somewhere spectacular.

Some Words of Caution Roads: Our national forest is teeming with dirt roads that lead to trailheads and areas to explore.

They are marked with numbered route markers.

Horizontal markers mean the road can be driven by any vehicle. Vertical route markers are for high clearance and/or 4-wheel drive vehicles, and vehicles that are anything less than that should not attempt to travel such roads.

Cell Phone Service: Along with rugged territory comes patchy to no cell phone service, especially depending upon your provider. Be sure to always let someone know of your itinerary and plan accordingly.

Preparation: Some of the areas mentioned in this guidebook may not have amenities nearby, so be sure you always have enough food and water with you. It can be hot and dry here, and dehydration can sneak up on you fast. Be prepared for encounters with wildlife, including rattlesnakes and africanized bees. Also be wary of wildfires during the summer. It’s never a bad idea to check in with the nearest ranger station for any updates.

Tonto Pass and Watercraft Sticker: Certain parts of the forest require a Tonto Pass. These are primarily developed areas, where restrooms and facilities are available. Watercraft stickers are required for motorized boating. A Tonto Daily Pass costs $8 and a watercraft sticker costs $4; both can be purchased at any Tonto National Forest Office, in addition to many gas stations and grocery stores in the area.

Visit the following link for more information: www.fs.usda.gov/detail/tonto/passes-permits/

Our Front Cover: Birding in the Pinals and Pinal Mountain Birding Checklist

Photo by Dave Pearson.

Mr. Pearson has been on the faculty of the School of Life Sciences at ASU for 30 years.

He has led many birding trips to the Pinal Mountains over the last 15 years and is the author of 12 books, mostly for birders and ecotourists.

Resources: To learn more about the Tonto National Forest, including permitting information, visit www.fs.usda.gov/tonto/.

To learn more about the outdoor recreation on the San Carlos Apache Reservation, including permitting information, visit www.scatrecreation.org or call 928-475-2344.

This guide only provides a small glimpse of the outdoor recreation opportunities in this region. If you really want to get to know our forests, then make sure the folks at the ranger districts become your friends.

Globe Ranger District, 7680 S. Six Shooter Canyon Rd., Globe, Arizona 85501, (928) 402-6200 Tonto Basin Ranger District, 28079 N. Az Hwy 188, Roosevelt, Arizona 85545, (928) 467-2795

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PARKS AND EDUCATION 54

A Special Thanks..

This guide was underwritten by a grant from the Freeport-McMoRan Foundation in cooperation with the Gila County Industrial Development Authority

WILDFLOWERS 52

CAMPING & RVING 46

HUNTING 44 BIRDING 38 RAFTING, KAYAKING AND BOATING 48

GOLFING 58

CLIMBING 30

HIKING 12 FISHING 42

ABOUT THE TOWNS 5 BIKING 33

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Contributors (in no particular order): Natalie Robb, Patricia Sanders, Jenn Walker, Kim Stone, Paul Wolterbeek, Dave Pearson, Jim Lindstrom, Jim Burns, O. Niehuis, Cameron Davis, Kenneth Chan Linda Gross, Editor Jenifer Lee, Creative Director The Outdoor Guide is produced twice a year: March and September For information regarding future participation in the guide as a vendor, advertiser, event host or sponsor, please contact us at editor@globemiamitimes.com.

Deadline for September: August 25th

Globe Miami Times Globe Miami Times Publishing | (928) 961-4297 | editor@globemiamitimes.com www.GlobeMiamiTimes.com Copyright@2017 GlobeMiamiVisitorsGuide/GlobeMiamiTimes All rights reserved. Reproduction of the contents of this publication without permission is strictly prohibited.

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About

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THE TOWNS

lobe has been called “the heart of Arizona” with good reason. In addition to its central location, Globe offers a unique blend of history, culture, and economics, giving visitors a window to Arizona’s past as well as a living experience of the modern-day West.

Silver was discovered here in 1870, and by 1876 the community then known as Globe City was established. Around the same time ranchers began to come to the area from Texas and California. In 1881 Globe became the seat of a new Arizona county – Gila County. By the end of the 19th century Globe, now a prosperous community, had turned from silver to copper mining. Copper production became the area’s most profitable enterprise, as it is to this day.

Whether it’s Here, the history of the Southwest lives on in shopping, dining, ranching and mining – still vital components of the region’s economic and cultural life – and in events recreation, such as the annual spring Pow Wow at the Apache or history that Gold Casino, where Native American singers, dancers, brings you here, we and drummers perform wearing ornate regalia. think you’ll find that, Visitors can connect with the ancient history of above all, Globe is a the region at Besh Ba Gowah, the 700-year-old ruins town with heart. of a Salado Indian settlement. For a taste of Globe’s Old West history, visit the 1910 territorial jail, where colorful 19th century graffiti is still visible, or peek in the window of the building where Doc Holliday’s wife, “Big Nose Kate,” once ran a boardinghouse, or go for a drive along Highway 70, following the route of the famed Old West Highway.

A short drive away is the San Carlos Apache Reservation, where a cultural center offers a Native American perspective on history, and arts and crafts are available for sale.

Globe’s Historic District is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and Globe is also a Main Street City. Many of Globe’s buildings date from the town’s earliest days, including fine examples of Territorial architecture. Under the Main Street program, the railroad depot, originally built in 1910 and designed

by Trost & Trost, has been restored to its original glory, and other downtown buildings have been renovated.

For visitors and residents alike, Globe offers much to delight the eye and the palate – whether you walk through our historic downtown and browse in our antique shops, visit the Cobre Valley Center for the Arts and view the works of local artists, or dine in one of Globe’s friendly restaurants. Globe’s elevation of 3,500 feet provides a cooler climate than the Phoenix valley, while offering yearround opportunities for outdoor enjoyment and recreation. Globe is located within the magnificent Tonto National Forest, providing beautiful scenery, hiking, wildlife viewing, boating, and fishing all within a half hour of town. And Globe’s convenient location – with Phoenix, Payson, Safford, and Show Low all within 90 minutes, and Tucson only two hours away – makes much of eastern Arizona accessible for day or overnight trips.

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©Collection of Jeremy Rowe Vintage Photography – Vintagephoto.com

here’s more to Miami than meets the eye. Beneath its steep hillsides run rich copper deposits that once produced unheard-of tonnages of ore, and have contributed to Arizona’s economic wealth for over a century. A quiet town with a population of 1,800, Miami is today home to some of Arizona’s largest copper operations and is the site of one of only three copper smelters in the United States.

Visitors who casually pass through town on Highway 60 will miss Miami’s colorful main street – Sullivan Street, just one block to the north of the highway. They would also miss out on experiencing the town’s fascinating history and geology, brought to life in exhibits at the Bullion Plaza Cultural Center & Museum, located just off Highway 60 at the west end of town.

Visitors to the museum will marvel at the 240-ton haul truck bed holding a 35-ton haul truck located outside the building. Inside the museum, you’ll find thought-provoking exhibits on geology, mining, ranching, Mexican and Native American culture, and the complex ethnic history of the area. The museum is open Miami is a small town from 11 to 3 on Fridays and Saturdays, and with more than its entrance is free. share of treasures.

Miami’s birth makes an unusual story. In the first decade of the 20th century, new mines were being opened west of Globe as developments in technology made the type of ore in that area profitable to mine. The miners lived in Globe and had to travel seven miles each way to work in the new mines. Most of them, unable to afford horses, had to make the trip on foot. In 1907, an enterprising man named Cleve Van Dyke bought up land near the mines and aggressively advertised building plots in the area that would become Miami. October 11, 1909, was set as Miami Townsite Day. Thousands of prospective residents arrived by train, wagon, horse, and foot. A “land rush” was held, and the new town was born.

Within a year Miami had a population of 1,300, and there were grocery stores, hotels, restaurants, banks, bakeries, a barber shop – and 26 saloons. At Miami’s peak, between 17,000 and 23,000 lived here, and it’s said the sidewalks were so crowded people had to walk in the street.

Today, when you stroll in the Arizona sunshine along Sullivan Street, it’s easy to imagine the hustle and bustle of Miami’s heyday. Antique lovers can explore nine shops within two blocks, art galleries featuring local artists, and a quilt shop.

For a refreshing break, drop into Soda Pop’s, an old-fashioned soda fountain that serves excellent coffee, a variety of old fashioned sodas including sarsaparilla, moxie, root beer and green river – or, just a few blocks away, enjoy a meal at one of Miami’s five eateries, with choices from Mexican to Thai to hamburgers.

Miami is a small town with more than its share of treasures. Whether you spend the day exploring history at the museum, shopping in Miami’s unique stores, or dining at one of our friendly restaurants, you’ll come away with a taste of the region’s rich history and vibrant present.

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million miles away from it all, yet at the heart of Arizona mining and railroad history, Hayden and Winkelman are also a crossroads for outdoor recreation in southern Gila and neighboring counties. An easy drive from Phoenix or Tucson brings you to these adjacent communities surrounded by ghost towns and beautiful desert scenery with mountain ranges as a backdrop.

Winkelman was settled first, around 1877, by farmers and ranchers. The railroad When you want to get came in 1903, as part of the Santa Fe out of town – way out – Railway that linked Winkelman to Phoenix Hayden and Winkelman via Florence. Hayden’s founding followed in are an off-the-beaten 1910 when the ASARCO mining company path destination created it as a company town for their rich in history and employees. In 1912 ASARCO constructed desert beauty, and a smelter here, which continues in stepping-stone to the operation today and is one of only three recreational offerings copper smelters in the United States. The of eastern Arizona. smelter smokestack, slender, tapered, and reaching 1,001 feet into the desert sky, is the tallest free-standing structure in Arizona.

During copper boom times, Hayden had a bustling downtown with shops, cafes, and a movie theater, but hard times came in the 1970s with low copper prices. By the end of that decade, Hayden’s population had been reduced by half, and the only business left in town was a single restaurant.

Currently, only one restaurant is operating in the two towns – Marie’s in Winkelman – and the nearest accommodations are in Kearny.

Nature lovers and outdoor adventurers will find possibilities in every direction around Hayden and Winkelman. To the north are the Pinal Mountains, with trails up to their pine-forested peaks; to the south there’s ziplining, Biosphere 2, and the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum; and to the east, the Aravaipa Canyon Wilderness, with an 11-mile-long canyon and outstanding scenery and desert wildlife. Also nearby is the Aravaipa Farms Orchard & Inn, a family-run B&B offering farm-to-table cuisine in the San Pedro River Valley.

But don’t leave Hayden/Winkelman too soon. Right in town, the Winkelman Flats public park offers swimming, tubing, canoeing, and fishing, with camping and picnic sites right on the banks of the Gila River.

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Photo by Jim Lindstrom

oosevelt Lake’s sandy beaches, water sports, and cooler climate have made it a favorite vacation destination for generations of Arizonans. Named for a legendary outdoorsman and US President, the lake offers 128 miles of shoreline and over 33 square miles of water when full, providing endless options for recreation year round. Visitors praise Roosevelt Lake for being an oasis in the desert that’s fun, clean, easy to get to, and uncrowded.

Facilities at the lake include several marinas, 27 car and Whether you boat-in campgrounds, picnic areas (some with BBQs), day use areas, and a visitors center. Waterskiing, jetskiing, and camp, fish, boat, hike, swim, swimming are just the beginning of the fun to be found in the lake’s welcoming waters. The lake is renowned among or just enjoy, anglers for producing some of Arizona’s biggest catches, Roosevelt Lake and is considered a bass fisherman’s paradise. beckons you to Hikers can enjoy the Vineyard Trail, a 6-mile in-and-out its shores. maintained trail giving spectacular views of Roosevelt and Apache lakes and Roosevelt Dam. The trail is part of the 800-mile Arizona Trail, and for history buffs, it passes through the work camp that was used during construction of the dam. An abundance of additional hiking and mountain bike trails surround the lake, including trails in the Sierra Anchas north of the lake and the Superstition Mountains to the south.

Theodore Roosevelt Lake was created in 1911 with the construction of the Roosevelt Dam on the Salt River. At the time, the dam was the tallest masonry dam in the world, and Roosevelt Lake soon became the largest man-made lake in the world. (It’s now the third largest lake in Arizona, after Lakes Mead and Powell.) It was thanks to Roosevelt Dam and its water distribution system that the Arizona desert became fertile agricultural land.

Overlooking the lake just east of the dam is the Tonto National Monument, the ruins of cliff dwellings inhabited by the Salado people beginning in 1150 AD. The monument offers guided tours, and its Visitor Center and Museum features pottery and textiles of the Salado.

With a mountain backdrop, gorgeous scenery, and beautiful sunsets, Roosevelt Lake offers both outdoor adventure and a serene setting for rest and relaxation. j

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Photo by Jim Lindstrom

ust a few miles north of Roosevelt Lake, the Tonto Basin offers a place to get away from it all – and get to recreational possibilities across western Gila County. Located 20 minutes from Roosevelt Dam, 45 minutes from the Mogollon Rim, and under an hour from Globe, the Tonto Basin can serve as a hub for outings ranging from mountain biking around Payson, to boating at Roosevelt Lake, to hiking in the Superstitions or the Pinals, and much more.

Numerous RV resorts provide easy access to an abundance of ATV trails right in their backyard, and some resorts host events such as campfire potlucks and ATV rides. Anglers can choose from Roosevelt, Saguaro, and Apache lakes, or even Woods Canyon. Javelina, white tail and mule deer, desert bighorn sheep, and bobcat are common sights, and dove and quail are abundant in the area. Birdwatchers can look out for black-headed grosbeaks, lazuli buntings, and summer tanagers, among other songbirds that make their home in Tonto Basin. The entire Tonto Basin is located within the Tonto National Forest. Restaurants, lodgings, groceries, and watering holes can be found in the towns of Tonto Basin and Punkin Center.

Whether you spend your vacation at the lake, in the mountains, or just playing horseshoe in the shade, you’ll appreciate the convenience, beauty, and hospitality of the Tonto Basin.

In the 1870s, the Tonto Basin was a “stockman’s paradise,” said to be the best-watered basin in the Territory, with grasses that reached a horse’s stirrups. Soon ranchers were bringing herds of cattle from all over the West, as well as sheep, goats, and hogs, and the basin became heavily grazed. Crowded conditions caused tempers to flare, and range wars sometimes erupted. The most famous of these was the Tewksbury-Graham Feud, also called the Pleasant Valley War, set off in 1882 when sheep herders brought their flocks south of the Rim, down onto cattle range. The feud went on for 10 years and eventually claimed the lives of up to 50 men. (Graves of some of the victims can be found at the Young cemetery.) Cattle ranching continues to be an important part of the local culture and economy. j

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he town of Payson lies in a pine-fringed valley at the foot of the Mogollon Rim, among mountain forests dotted with lakes and abundant with wildlife. Originally a ranching community settled in 1882, for many years Payson remained a well-kept secret, difficult to reach from Phoenix or Flagstaff. But since the late Fifties – when the Beeline Highway was paved – Payson has become a beloved playground for generations of outdoor enthusiasts. Located nearly at the geographical center of the state, Payson is sometimes called the Heart of Arizona.

The drive to Payson passes through gorgeous scenery, whether you come from Mesa through the Mazatzal Mountains, from Camp Verde along Highway 87 as it winds through the ponderosa pine-covered mountains of the Coconino National Forest, or from Show Low across the stunning eastern Rim. Arriving in Payson, you will find a picturesque mountain town proud of both its western heritage and its natural setting.

Dedicated to providing high-quality recreational facilities and programs, Payson has become a place with activities around every corner. The town’s centerpiece is Green Valley Park, with grassy hillsides wide enough to fly a kite.

Sailboats and rowboats ply the blue waters of its lake, anglers dot the lake shore, and joggers circle the lake on a paved path, while families relax and play at shady picnic tables or at the playground. The park’s walking paths are just part of Payson’s extensive network of pathways, trails, and bike lanes, which connects up with National Forest trails and roads.

Just north of Payson, the Mogollon Rim is a giant With mountain escarpment of volcanic and sedimentary rock that charm and endless towers 3,000 feet high, marking the boundary between possibilities for the cool high country to the north and the desert land below. Its magnificence and mystery have inspired outdoor recreation, many an adventurer to explore the country around and Payson and above it. There is much to discover in Rim Country: northern Gila seven lakes, innumerable trails and campgrounds, and County are a nature lookouts with vistas that will take your breath away. lover’s paradise.

Pristine streams wind through limestone cuts, anglers forgetting about time as they dream of catches of Brown and Rainbow trout. Hikers battle steep grades for the sake of an unforgettable view, or just let their cares drop away as they wander along peaceful trails under a canopy of trees. A birdwatcher thrills to the sight of a golden eagle in a treetop or a lazuli bunting at Deer Creek, while a child is filled with wonder and passion for the natural world while learning about trout at the Tonto Fish Hatchery.

Vacationers at Woods Canyon Lake breathe in the clean, cool high-mountain air and relax into the tranquility of their primitive campsite under the pines.

A couple makes a date of driving the Rim Road, stops at Fulton Point, and together gaze down at the deep green pine sea below as a wind picks up and sways the trees around them. At night, campers come outdoors to be amazed by the night sky, filled with sparkling stars and luminous planets, a spectacular sight thanks to Payson’s dark sky law.

Payson and the surrounding area offer something for every age, fitness level, and interest. For information about outdoor recreation in Payson and northern Gila County, please visit www.paysonrimcountry.com.

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ocated 20 miles south of Globe on Highway 70, the San Carlos Apache Reservation offers unmatched outdoor recreation opportunities, as well as a window on Native American culture.

The tribe welcomes visitors and sportsmen to explore, hunt, fish, and enjoy the beautiful land of the Apaches. The land varies from high, cool country covered with forests of pine, spruce, fir, and aspen to lower elevations with desert ecosystems. The scenic wonders of the reservation include Point of Pines, Seneca Falls, the wild beauty of the Black River, and hundreds of remote ponds, The reservation seldom visited by man. contains more For the hunter, the reservation offers some than 1.8 million acres of the largest antler-bearing elk in the world, and is home to over as well as deer, black bear, turkey, javelina, 10,000 people who antelope, bighorn sheep, and mountain lion. enjoy a culture that The tribe’s Recreation & Wildlife Department combines modern regulates big game hunting with permit influences with sales, and Apache guides are required for ancient traditions. some hunts.

Anglers will find both cold and warm water fisheries on reservation land. San Carlos Lake, when full, is the one of the largest lakes in Arizona. It is stocked with trout, bass, catfish, and crappie and is among the premier largemouth bass lakes in the entire Southwest.

The Black/Salt River and the reservation’s three lakes and more than 200 ponds offer anglers a wide variety of settings and locations to cast their lines.

Whitewater rafting enthusiasts come to the reservation from all over the country to run the rapids of the Upper Salt River. The Upper Salt is a 52-mile class III-IV river that weaves through the Salt River Canyon, sometimes called the “mini Grand Canyon,” where canyon walls rise majestically up to 2,000 feet above the riverbed.

For information about outdoor recreation on the San Carlos Reservation, visit the tribe’s website at scatrecreation.org or call (928) 475-2343. The site lists more than 50 Apache guides who will show you the very best places to hunt, fish, hike, bird watch, and camp.

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HIKING T H E A RI Z O N A T R A I L Over 800 National Scenic Trail Miles Courtesy photo

Although the Arizona Trail is just outside of Southern Gila County, it’s popularity and international attention brings many outdoor enthusiasts to our area; many of whom go on to explore our region further.

It was designated a National Scenic Trail in 2009 and covers 817 miles of Arizonas’ most beautiful mountains, canyons, forests and deserts. Popular with an array of equestrian, hikers and mountain bikers, it is broken into 43 sections. Locally that means you can head south from Superior on the Alamo Canyon section, or north into the remote mountainous region of the Superstition Wilderness.

The section of the Arizona Trail which is closest to Superior is known as Passage#18- Reevis Canyon. It passes just 4 miles west of Superior and is named after Elisha Reevis who used part of this route in the 1890’s to haul fruits and vegetables from his ranch to Superior.

Today, Reevis Mountain Farm and School of Self-Sufficiency is internationally known for its organic produce and wilderness survival workshops. It’s founder, Peter “Bigfoot” Busnack originally make a solo foraging trek in 1976; hiking across 85 miles of the Sonoran Desert during one of the hottest, driest seasons on record. He took no food or water, foraging for all his needs. When he returned alive his journey was reported in the Phoenix newspaper and he quickly became a sought after teacher of desert survival. You can visit his website at www.peterbigfoot.com.

There is also a short trail connecting the historic mining town of Superior with the Arizona Trail, located just six miles to the west known as the Legends of Superior Trail. Here you will find interpretive stations which describe the topography, history and wildlife found in the area. Hotels and great local eateries in Superior make it a popular stop over for those hiking the Arizona Trail.

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f Superior were summed up in one word, that word might be surprising. Anyone who visited here only a few years ago would be surprised to see how the town has blossomed since then. Explore the new Superior, and you will discover an up-and-coming community with eateries worthy of any cosmopolitan city and a vibrant main street lined with delightful retail shops.

Perched between mountains and valley, Superior might be said to have nine lives. With roots in silver and copper mining, its first incarnation was located several miles to the west and named Picket Post, after a nearby military camp. Within a year this first settlement had closed down and been reborn as Pinal City, a mill town.

When the silver mines in the area played out, Pinal City in turn was abandoned.

The buildings were dismantled board by board, moved, and rebuilt closer to the mountains, near a new mine, and the new town was named Hastings after the mine’s owner. Before long the name was changed to Superior, after another local mining company, the Lake Superior and Arizona. Since then the town has stayed put.

Superior’s heyday lasted from 1910 to the early 1970s, the period when the Magma Copper Company was one of the most productive and innovative mining enterprises in the country. Magma’s founder, William Boyce Thompson, also established the Boyce Thompson Arboretum, a world-class botanical garden focusing on arid-land plants, located just west of Superior on Highway 60.

Even more than copper or silver, the lifeblood of Superior has always been its people. When mining operations wound down during the 1980s and closed permanently in 1996, the town faced hard times, and it was only the community’s strong bonds that kept Superior from becoming another of Arizona’s many ghost towns. During this challenging period Superior was sustained mainly by the devotion of loyal residents who worked elsewhere.

Attention from Hollywood directors also supported Superior through its tough years. The town has served as a film set for movies such as U-Turn, The Prophecy, How the West Was Won, and Eight-Legged Freaks. In some cases film crew members have fallen in love with the town and returned to invest in its renaissance.

Visit Superior today, and you will feel the gathering energy. The venerable Magma Hotel is set to reopen in 2016 after magnificent renovations, and new businesses dot the map of Main Street. With its convenient location – only 25 minutes from Globe to the east or Gold Canyon to the west – Superior stands poised to serve as both a refreshing retreat from the Valley and a gateway to the offerings of eastern Arizona.

Superior is quickly burgeoning into a vibrant and colorful community of entrepreneurs and artists with much to offer. On your next visit, we hope you’ll pause as you enter town, turn off the highway to visit our charming Main Street, and open your eyes to a new Superior.

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HIKING PINAL MOUNTAINS

The Pinal Mountain range covers 45,760 acres and are located in the Tonto National Forest just south of Globe. The Pinals have a maximum elevation of 7,848 feet at Pinal Peak and a prominence of over 4,000 ft. Covered with Ponderosa Pine, Douglas fir, White fir, Juniper, and Pinyon Pine, these mountains offer wildlife habitat for many species such as whitetail deer, mule deer and black bear.

The Pinals experience cooler weather than the Globe/Miami area, and offer a popular recreation area in the summer. Snow is often in the higher elevations during winter. The maintained facilities include a dirt road, FR 651 that goes all the way to the summit of Pinal Peak, Pioneer Pass Road (FR 112), and the Madera Peak Road (FR 580). There are three campsites, many hiking trails, as well as some radio towers are located near Pinal and Signal peaks (the two highest peaks of the range). Roadside parking is available at all trails and a parking lot and restroom is available at the Icehouse CCC day use and the Pioneer Pass Campsite site May-November.

CAMPGROUNDS: See Camping

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Access to East Pioneer Pass Trails in the Pinal Mountains From Globe; heading east on Hwy 60, turn left on Cedar Street and then right (south) on Broad Street in downtown Globe. Follow .6 mile to the three way intersection at the railroad crossing. Turn right, crossing the bridge and follow road to the left to stay on Jesse Hayes Road/Six Shooter Canyon Road. After one mile, turn right at Icehouse Canyon Road.

After 1.8 mile, you will reach the Icehouse Canyon (FR 112) Road and Kellner Canyon (FR 55) intersection. Continue on the Icehouse Canyon Road (FR 112) which soon becomes unpaved.

HIKES Following are the trails listed from lower elevation to higher elevation, from the base of the Pinal Mountains to the top at Pioneer Pass.

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From southern trailhead on FR 138 – 3.2 miles to the Una Del Oso Trail and 1 mile to Check Dam Trail.

This is a seldom used trail that was originally a toll road built in 1883 to open a route through the mountains to the Pioneer Mine. It offers scenic views of Upper Pinal Creek. The trail begins in the semi-desert grassland and terminates in the tall pines of upper Pinal Creek canyon. With three other trails connecting to it, the Toll Road Trail provides opportunities for loop hikes as well.

MODERATE DIFFICULTY

4.3 miles one way | 3,880 feet to 5,600 feet Water is usually available in Gap Tank and in a cattle trough just north of the intersection with the Check Dam Trail #190 as well as the in the upper section of Pinal Creek.

YOUR GUIDE TO SOUTHERN GILA COUNTY

ACCESS The southern trailhead is located at the end of Six Shooter Canyon Road, south of Globe. Begin at Jess Hayes Road in Globe and follow until it turns into Six-Shooter Canyon Road. After approximately 3.6 miles, drive past the Forest Service Boundary sign and cattle guard and continue .3 mile to a pull out on the west (right) side of the road. There is a small trail marker but it sometimes is destroyed.

Park here and follow the trail up the stream bed. You will soon go thru an old gate and the trail will move west out the stream bed following an old dirt road. At .8 miles the trail drops into a rocky stream bed. From here, follow a small trail right (west) across the rocky stream bed and onto the upland.

There is a broken sign marking the junction of this trail and the Check Dam Trail 190 that heads east towards Icehouse Canyon.

At this point, the trail follows another dirt road that was the old Toll Road Trail. Follow north and uphill. At 3.2 miles you will reach the intersection of the Uno Del Oso Trail 201. Once you cross the creek and the junction of Uno Del Oso Trail, you walk uphill along the creek until you leave it for a short climb up to the Pioneer Pass Road and to the junction of the East Mountain Trail 214. The creek is the highlight of the trail and has some good swimming holes during wetter years. The trail leaves the chaparral vegetation and climbs into the Douglas fir and ponderosa pine forest. It also offers great fall colors and birding due to the riparian tree species on the stream.

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DIFFICULT 5.9 miles one way | 4,600 feet to 7,560 feet Pinal Creek usually has water in the winter and spring and sometimes during the summer monsoons.

This trail steadily climbs from the Arizona chaparral zone with scrub oak and manzanita up thru the pinyon pine and juniper to the pines and fir trees. There is often snow on the northern portion of the trail during winter. It offers spectacular views of Globe, Miami, and the Apache Mountains.

ACCESS From the junction of Icehouse Canyon Road/FR 112 and Kellner Canyon Road/FR 55 continue on FR 112 for 3.6 miles to the Icehouse CCC camp. Beginning at the north or lower end of the trail, park at Icehouse CCC camp and walk east on Telephone Trail 192. You will quickly arrive at the Six Shooter Trail junction. You will arrive at the Pioneer Pass Road and Pinal Creek at 1.4 miles. To begin your hike from the Pioneer Pass Rd (FR 112), this trailhead is 4.9 miles south of the junction of Icehouse Canyon Road/FR 112 and Kellner Canyon Road/FR 55. From here, the trail continues upward and south along the creek, then up to a saddle and around a ridge along a fence line. Near the end of the trail is a fork. The right fork leads to Ferndell Trailhead, while the main trail crosses a road, climbs and then crosses FR 651C before ending at a T-intersection with Middle Trail 202.

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EASY .4 miles to junction of Toll Road Trail 200 | 4,860 to 5,060 feet Water is usually available in Pinal Creek except in dry months.

This trail connects Forest Road (FR) 112 and the Toll Road Trail 200. It is a beautiful short trail and Pinal Creek has riparian trees Arizona Sycamore and Fremont cottonwood that provide shade and great birding.

ACCESS From the junction of Icehouse Canyon Road/FR 112 and Kellner Canyon Road/FR 55 drive 5 miles to the trailhead at the pullout on the left. Trail runs downhill until it meets Pinal Creek. This stream runs most of the year except during dry periods. The trail ends at the junction of the Toll Road Trail and then you can continue north or south on the Toll Road Trail 200.

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MODERATE

3.4 miles one way | 5,510 – 6,700 feet

Water is usually available only in Pinal Creek at the lower and northern end.

This trail is entirely in the ponderosa pine and fir forest and steadily climbs upward and south before it levels off and offers spectacular views south of the Pinals and East to El Capitan and the San Carlos Reservation. It then follows the ridge along the west face of East Mountain. The trail drops down to the Pioneer Pass Road (FR 112) again at Pioneer Pass. Pioneer Pass is the summit of East Mountain and offers views south of Dripping Springs.

You can continue on Squaw Spring Trail 196 from here.

ACCESS From the junction of Icehouse Canyon Road/FR 112 and Kellner Canyon Road/FR 55 drive 6.8 miles to Pioneer Recreation Area/Campground to the trailhead at the pullout on the left. The trail begins as the Toll Road 200. Head north down the old road and you will soon hit the East Mountain trailhead.

The southern end of the trail is accessed 3.3 miles south on Pioneer Pass on FR 112.

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Trail begins at the top of Pioneer Pass.

There are beautiful views of the south into the Dripping Springs Valley and the Dripping Springs Mountains from the trailhead. This trail is one of my favorites although it is steep. It starts in the scrub oak and large manzanita corridors and travels thru beautiful Gambles oak forest and then tops out thru ponderosa pine and fir trees before it ends on Forest Rd 651 at the radio towers on Pinal Peak.

Ferns cover the forest floor.

If you walk on the road west for about 100 yards at the top, there is a dirt tank that holds water in wet years where you can sometimes see elk and turkey tracks and beautiful views looking south from the top of the Pinals.

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MODERATE 2.8 miles one way | 6,190 to 7,790 feet No water avaialable

ACCESS From the junction of Icehouse Canyon Road/FR 112 and Kellner Canyon Road/FR 55 drive 8.2 miles to Pioneer Pass on FR 112.

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HIKING SIERRA ANCHA

The Sierra Ancha is a mountain range 40 miles northwest of the City of Globe in the Tonto National Forest. It contains the Sierra Ancha Wilderness and Salome Wilderness areas which were established in 1964 and 1984 respectively.

The area is unique among mountain ranges for its precipitous box canyons, high cliffs, pine-covered mountains and abundance of archeological ruins.

Both hiking and horse trails criss cross through the area and there is dispersed camping throughout including Rose Creek and Reynolds Creek group site (see below).

Popular creeks in the area include Workman and Reynolds Creek which are stocked with rainbow trout in the summer months. Note: An Arizona fishing license is required for anyone over the age of 10.

Elevations range from 4,000 feet near Cherry Creek to more than 7,400 feet on several high peaks, with the highest point on Aztec Peak at 7,733 feet.

Arizona chaparral covers lower elevations with scrub oak, manzanita, and mountain mahogany. Some pinion pine and juniper cloak the east side of the Sierra Ancha dropping to desertscrub and semidesert grassland below.

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Campground Rose Creek Campground 22 miles south of Young and 40 miles north of Globe on State Hwy 288 (Young Highway), 24.5 miles north of the Hwy 188/288 junction.

Campground is ½ mile west of Hwy 288 on Forest Road 152.

Primitive site. Open all year round. No reservations, first come first serve. There are five camp units with picnic tables & grills, no water, no trash service. Pack it in, pack it out. Vault toilets available.

Restrictions: Stay limit 14 days, trailers under 16’.

MORE CAMPGROUNDS IN SIERRA ANCHA: See Hells’ Hole

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DIFFICULT

5.5 miles one way 5,480 feet to 4,340 feet Parking is available for up to 10 vehicles at Reynolds’s trailhead. Water is always available in Reynold’s Creek and Workman Creek. Horse use discouraged due to trail hazards and damage to riparian areas.

Campground Reynolds Creek Group Campground 19 miles south of Young and 43 miles north of Globe on Hwy288 to Forest Road (FR) 247.

This primitive group camping area is nestled between towering ponderosa pine at an elevation of 5,250 feet and provides a great base camp for a wide range of recreational activities including, hiking, fishing, hunting, and nature photography. The group site is located adjacent to Reynolds Creek which runs year round. Opportunities for wading, fishing, and hiking abound. Berry picking is a popular activity in the fall. A thick stand of ponderosa pine covers the group area, offering pleasant shade. A large meadow provides the perfect place for group activities.

Site is open May 15-October 15 and includes two large ramadas, eight picnic tables, group grill, large metal campfire rings, two vault toilets, and one corral.

No water or trash service. Pack it in, pack it out. Reservations are required and can be reserved online at www.recreation.gov.

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Hell’s Hole Trail 284 is a spectacular trail into the Salome Wilderness with scenic views of Hell’s Hole Canyon and Workman Creek. This trail is popular with backpackers who camp on the shore of Workman Creek in the bottom of Hell’s Hole Canyon. Riparian vegetation with Fremont cottonwoods and Arizona sycamore trees are found on both Workman Creek and Reynold’s Creek that offers shade and great birding.

Opportunities for fishing are available for Brown and Rainbow trout in Reynold’s and Workman Creek. The trail is brushy and long pants are recommended. It connects with Boyer Cabin Trail 148 at 3.2 miles.

ACCESS From Highway 60 in Globe, drive north on Hwy 188 to Hwy 288 (Young Highway). Continue north to Reynold’s trailhead 43 miles north on Hwy 288.

From Young, the Reynold’s trailhead is 20 miles south on Hwy 288. The Reynolds trailhead is on a small spur road on the west side of Hwy 288. From the trailhead, the Hell’s Hole trail descends thru ponderosa, pinyon pine, and juniper forest on an old dirt road and to Reynold’s Creek and the private property of Armer Ranch. The trail then ascends onto a plateau and meets with the Boyer Cabin Trail 148. Vegetation is sparser on this plateau with manzanita and scrub oak, offering fantastic views. The trail continues about a mile down a steep set of steep switchbacks into Hell’s Hole and to Workman Creek. Three primitive campsites with fire rings are found at the end of the trail on Workman Creek.

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MODERATE 4.6 miles one way | 5,050 feet to 7,100 feet Water is almost always available in Parker Creek on the lower end of the trail and sometimes available in Mud Spring. Parking is available at the trailhead for 4-5 vehicles. FR 487 is currently closed to vehicles.

This is a well maintained trail that offers scenic views of Carr Mountain, Grantham Peak and canyon walls above you that are covered in giant rock towers and cliffs. To the north you will see the burned area of the 2016 Juniper fire as well as the 2000 Coon Creek fire in Coon Creek Canyon.

ACCESS From Hwy 188/Hwy 288 junction, drive north 20 miles to the trailhead at the ADOT yard on the east side of the hwy. From Young, the trailhead is 27.5 miles south on Hwy 288. The trail begins under a canopy of Arizona white oaks and climbs up the South Fork of Parker Creek, under the imposing Carr Mountain, which rises 2000 feet above you. You will immediately pass the remains of the old Sierra Ancha Experimental Forest station. As the trail climbs, oak trees give way to Ponderosa pine and huge Douglas fir trees. There are also some nice box elder, maple trees and large Mexican locust trees as you climb higher. You will arrive at Mud Spring and the junction of the Rim Trail 139 at 3.8 miles. The trail moves into Coon Creek Canyon then finally up to the trail’s summit. Walk gently downhill ¼ mile to the end of the trail at FR 487.

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DIFFICULT 4 miles one way | 5,700 feet to 7,480 feet Not dog friendly.

No water available.

This is a difficult hike, due to the elevation gain and the trail finding, to the top of McFadden Peak.

The reward at the end of the hike is well worth it. At the end of the trail, one reaches an overlook of a prehistoric ruin known as Elephant Rock and a view of the vast expanse of Cherry Creek. ACCESS The trailhead is on Highway 288 at milepost 288. Roadside parking is available. The trail can also be accessed via the Cienega Trail 145, which joins up from FR 235 although this adds an additional 4.5 miles round trip. From Hwy 288, follow the trail past a trail sign and up an old jeep trail thru ponderosa pine forest. This part of the trail is brushy and hard to find in spots. At one mile, you will reach the junction of the Cienega trail 145. Follow the McFadden Horse Trail up the steep switchbacks. At the top of the ridge, the trail disappears and you will need to follow the cairns. Fortunately, the cairns are numerous and well placed. The trail will continue on top of the bench and across a rocky top of agaves and junipers and ends at Elephant Butte Fortress.

DIRECTIONS Arizona Highway 288 (Young Highway) passes thru the heart of the Sierra Ancha, into the town of Young, and north to Hwy 260 and is designated as the Desert to the Tall Pines National Scenic Byway. Hwy 288 is partly paved but well maintained. A high clearance vehicle is not necessary. A Tonto Pass is not required to recreate in the Sierra Ancha. Stay limit is 14 days.

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HIKING THE FOUR PEAKS AND SALOME WILDERNESS

The Four Peaks and Salome Wilderness areas are two of eight wilderness areas in the Tonto National Forest. The Four Peaks Wilderness lies to the southwest of Tonto Basin and north of the Salt River, while the Salome Wilderness is located to the east of Tonto Basin, northeast of Roosevelt Lake.

These wilderness areas offer a bounty of hiking trails, ranging from in difficulty from easy to most difficult. The Four Peaks Wilderness, established in 1984, contains approximately 60,740 acres, with Four Peaks Mountain rising up in its center from the desert foothills. The summit of Four Peaks is visible for many miles and is one of the most widely recognized landmarks in central Arizona. Elevations range from 1,900 feet near Apache Lake to 7,600 feet on Brown’s Peak, the tallest of the four. The dramatic change in elevation in the Four Peaks Wilderness produces interesting and unique plant and animal communities.

The Arizona Trail, part of the National Scenic Trail system, passes through the northeast edge of the Four Peaks Wilderness. The Salome Wilderness was also established in 1984.

It contains approximately 18,530 acres, with Hell’s Canyon running practically its entire length. The upper reaches of Salome Creek and Workman Creek are small perennial streams snaking their way through the bottom of this scenic canyon. Elevations range from 2,600 feet at the lower end of Salome Creek to 6,500 feet on Hopkins Mountain. Spring and fall are ideal times to visit this area. Note that trails are rare, and access to the wilderness is limited.

Mechanized and motorized travel are prohibited in wilderness areas. Group size is limited to 15 people with no more than 15 head of livestock.

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MODERATE Loop from Pigeon Trail to Four Peaks Trail: 3.8 miles

Pigeon Trail: 1.7 miles | Four Peaks Trail to Pigeon Trail junction: 1.4 miles 5,371 feet – 5,537 feet Water available at Pigeon Spring and at Shake Spring only during cooler months.

This loop is a beautiful hike with stunning views of the Four Peaks and Roosevelt Lake. Most of this hike wanders through the area of the Lone Fire, which was the largest-known fire in Arizona history when it tore through the Mazatzal Mountains, Four Peaks Wilderness Area, and other portions of the Tonto National Forest in 1996. Most of the ponderosa pine was killed by the fire, but the area is recovering nicely. Large oaks, pinyon pine, and juniper dominate the landscape, with beautiful wildflowers in the spring. Trails are brushy. Long pants are recommended.

ACCESS The road to the Pigeon Spring trailhead is unpaved and steep. High-clearance vehicles are recommended. To reach Pigeon Spring Trailhead, take FR143 at the Four Peaks turnoff from either AZ87 or AZ188. Turn south onto FR648 and continue one mile to the trailhead. Parking is not available at Pigeon Spring Trailhead, and roadside parking is limited. A large parking lot is located at Lone Pine Trailhead, one mile farther on FR648.

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MODERATE TO DIFFICULT Four Peaks Wilderness

Brown’s Trail begins at Lone Pine Trailhead, in the higher elevations of the Four Peaks Wilderness.

The trail gently climbs through white and Emory oak and manzanita until it reaches a steep drainage near the end of the trail. This 0.2-mile last stretch leads to the top of Brown’s Peak. This section is dangerous and requires scrambling and climbing up steep rock walls. A rope is recommended for safety.

From the top of Brown’s Peak, 360-degree views are spectacular, and in winter hundreds of thousands of ladybugs are often found here.

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2½ miles one way | 6,100 feet – 7,790 feet

ACCESS See access to Pigeon Trail and Four Peaks Trail. Ample parking is available at Lone Pine Trailhead.

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EASY to FR341 | MODERATE from FR341 to the Arizona Trail | 2,270 feet – 2,760 feet 3.3 miles one way from Frazier Trailhead to the Arizona Trail Water is almost always available year round in cattle troughs and in a spring at the junction of Cottonwood Trail and FR341

The Cottonwood Trail is a gorgeous trail that follows Cottonwood Creek through a beautiful Sonoran desert canyon before coming out on Forest Road 341 and proceeding to the Arizona Trail. From the trailhead, you will walk through saguaro, barrel, and cholla cacti of the Sonoran desert and into Cottonwood Canyon until you reach FR341 at 1.4 miles. Hike up the hill until you reach the Arizona Trail. This trail is not recommended in the summer due to high temperatures.

ACCESS Frazier Trailhead is located on Highway 188 at milepost 242, 31 miles from Globe and 18 miles east of Tonto Basin.

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Salome Wilderness Area

Jug Trail #61 travels through beautiful Sonoran desert vegetation on an old dirt road bed that gradually drops into Salome Creek. Once at Salome Creek, you can explore the creek and enjoy the gorgeous canyon walls and deep pools. Salome Creek is a popular canyoneering route that begins a mile upstream from the trail and ends downstream where the trail meets the canyon. Due to a 50-foot dropoff, hiking through the canyon requires rappelling gear and canyoneering experience. This trail is subject to extreme desert temperatures. During the summer, hiking is recommended only in the early morning hours.

ACCESS Jug Trail #61 begins at a marked trailhead on the A-Cross Road/FR60. From Tonto Basin, drive 4.2 miles east to the unpaved A-Cross Road at milepost 250 and proceed 10.1 miles east to the trailhead.

Four-wheel drive is not necessary, but a high clearance vehicle is recommended. From Globe, drive west on A-Cross Road/FR60 15.3 miles from Highway 288 at milepost 270.6. It is about 30 minutes faster to drive to the west end of A-Cross Road, east of Tonto Basin, and then drive west to the trailhead. Ample parking is available at the trailhead.

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CLIMBING

THE HOMESTEAD

Best time to Climb: Spring, Fall, or Winter Climbing Ratings: 5.6 to 5.13 (easy to difficult) Total Climbing Routes: 232 The Homestead is considered one of the best winter limestone climbing spots in the United States, attracting climbers from across the country. Planted in heart of the desert about 20 miles south of Globe, the canyon’s massive walls offer a variety of climbs; several offer shade throughout the morning. It’s a serene place, and with the exception of lighthearted climbing banter and occasional echoes across the canyon, it’s relatively quiet. The area remained little-known in the climbing world until three years ago, when a bank foreclosed on a portion of the private property. At that point, Access Fund, a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving climbing areas, purchased the property to preserve it for climbing. It has become increasingly popular ever since.

Come prepared. There is NO water.

There are NO toilets, and NO cell service.

Getting to the Homestead requires a high-clearance, four-wheel drive vehicle. You can get here from AZ 77.

If headed south from Globe, you’ll turn left onto a short dirt road just after Dripping Springs Road, before mile marker 153. You’ll approach a gate immediately after turning (be sure to close all gates behind you). Once you pass the gate, it takes roughly half an hour to get to the parking area. It’s a steep and hilly drive. You’ll park at the Upper Access Fund Camping Area, and then hike about another 30 minutes to the cliff bands. Follow the trail headed southeast, which will take you through a creek bed to the Welcome Wall. Continue up the creek bed to reach other walls.

To learn more, visit: accessfund.org

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Queen Creek Areas

The Queen Creek Areas are a huge destination for Arizona climbers, encompassing a stretch of land from Top of the World to just outside Superior. The most popular of these areas are Queen Creek Canyon and Devil’s Canyon.

QUEEN CREEK CANYON

Best Time to Climb: Year-Round Climbing Ratings: 5.6 to 5.13 (easy to difficult) Total Climbing Routes: Near 1,000 A vast battlefield of boulder and rock pinnacles, Oak Flat is surely Queen Creek Canyon’s greatest claim to fame. From 1989 to 2004, Oak Flat was home to the world’s largest bouldering contest − the Phoenix Boulder Blast, later known as the Phoenix Bouldering Contest.

The event drew hundreds of top athletes from around the world. In addition to 2,000 developed boulder problems, the area boasts almost 1,000 developed climbing routes.

In addition to Oak Flat East and West, Queen Creek Canyon consists of three other sections: The Mine Area, Euro Dog Valley and the Road Area. All except the Road Area can be accessed by turning on to Magma Mine Road toward the Oak Flat Campground, which is just off US 60 roughly 20 miles west of Globe.

The Road Area

The Road Area, on the other, hand, is aptly named for the fact that it’s accessible from US 60. Despite its rather unglamorous title, the Road Area is home to all kinds of gems, like Atlantis, where you can take shelter from the wicked summer heat, and the Pond, which is a popular spot among climbers.

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LOWER DEVIL’S CANYON

Best time to Climb: Spring, Fall, or Winter Climbing Ratings: 5.6 to 5.12 (easy to difficult) Total Climbing Routes: 243

Arguably the most majestic climbing area of all in this region, Lower Devil’s Canyon is as rugged as its name suggests. Like silent giants, volcanic rock pillars surge upward from the earth, lining the sides of this massive canyon. Standing apart from the rest is the Totem Pole, a single rock tower looming above the canyon.

It is an iconic climb for anyone who pays a visit to this place.

Come prepared. There is NO potable water.

There are NO toilets, and there is NO cell service.

Because it is difficult to access, Lower Devil’s Canyon receives little traffic. It is situated just southeast of Superior, several miles south of Oak Flat. Unless you want to hike in, a four-wheel drive, high-clearance vehicle is mandatory. To get here, turn on to Magma Mine Road toward the Oak Flat Campground, which is just off US 60, roughly 20 miles west of Globe. After about 1.4 miles, you’ll see large gate and a dirt road on your left. Follow the dirt road straight (do not turn left) for roughly 1.7 miles. Once you reach the large hill, you may consider parking and walking from here if you don’t have four-wheel drive or high clearance. The road gets gnarly. If you hike in, it takes roughly 45 minutes; there is no shade along the way.

Just over the hill, you’ll see a meadow and a windmill below in the distance. Follow the road down to the windmill. From the windmill, veer to the left, following Hackberry Creek. At the end of the road, you will be greeted by the splendor of Lower Devil’s Canyon.

Follow the cairns and well-traveled paths to access climbing routes.

For details on the Queen Creek Area, go online to theqcc.com.

In the early 2000s, Resolution Copper Company, a subsidiary of the mining corporation Rio Tinto, began laying the groundwork to mine a large copper deposit beneath the Queen Creek area. The company’s operations are already underway, although climbers still have access to these areas. It is unclear to what extent and for how many more years these areas will be accessible for climbing.

For more information on any of these climbing areas or on climbing in Southern Gila County, go online to themountainproject.com and search “Central Arizona.” Queen Creek Canyon and The Homestead will appear as hyperlinks on the left-hand side of the page.

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BIKING The 188 to Roosevelt

Level: Experienced Elevation: 3,071 feet to 3,884 feet Distance: 14.7 miles one way

This is a windy, hilly road with few amenities, but well-worth the trip for its stunning desert views as it winds its way toward Roosevelt Lake. There is a decent shoulder to ride on, and there is generally little traffic.

You will start where the AZ 188 N intersects the US-60 in Claypool, with a beginning elevation of around 3,060 feet. You’ll pass tailings dams on your left; the Sleeping Beauty Mine will be visible in the distance to your left. Soon enough, you’ll be greeted by the Tonto National Forest sign as you wind through saguaro-studded hills. Just after the road curls northwest, you’ll see Salt River Peak to your right as you travel through spectacular desert views. Once you reach the 3,883 elevation marker, you’ll see Roosevelt Lake before you. You’ll descend down to about 3,220 feet, and the unmistakable silhouette of Four Peaks will come into view on your left. At 14.7 miles, you’ll reach the 288 N junction to Young. If you decide to continue from here, you’ll come across a few dining options in about four miles, and the first lake access point (School House Point) in about ten miles.

The 60 Towards Show Low

Level: Experienced Elevation Range: 3,592 to 4,977 feet Distance: 10 miles one way

This rolling uphill route toward Show Low is a breathtaking ride, and it has a decent shoulder to ride for almost the entire way. There is some faster traffic traveling this route, so you’ll want to be alert and stay on the shoulder as you ride.

From Globe, start at the intersection of Ash Street and US-60 East. There is no shoulder to start, but you gain one within a mile. You’ll quickly ascend into rolling hills, passing occasional homes and ranches.

Beyond five miles, civilization ends as you continue to climb into the sprawling hills covered in juniper.

As the elevations become increasingly dramatic, so does the scenery.

You could continue to ride after this, but the shoulder disappears almost immediately beyond the 10-mile point. Bike tourists will ride all the way to Show Low. Keep in mind that this is a windy road with dramatic elevation changes and fluctuations in cell service.

For information on more biking routes in southern Gila County, visit mtbikeaz.com or singletracks. com, or inquire about trails at one of the local ranger districts.

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Arizona Trail: Alamo Canyon Passage The Arizona Trail is not only popular among hikers; it’s also a favorite for the mountain biking community. Stretching from the Mexico-Arizona border up to the ArizonaUtah border, the trail covers a total of 800 miles, passing through a wide variety of landscapes and climates.

Some bicyclists choose to “bikepack” the entire trail, carrying their bikes through wilderness areas where bicycling is prohibited.

Others choose to ride just the segments that are rideable. One of the most popular segments is Alamo Canyon Passage, section 17 of the Arizona Trail. Many agree this is one of the best segments of the entire Arizona Trail.

This section of trail makes a rolling climb

Level: Experienced Elevation: 2,360 feet to 3,637 feet Distance: 11.5 miles one way upward as it passes close to the impressive Picketpost Mountain through a desert landscape of saguaros and cholla. The trail can be technical at parts, and it is not for a beginning rider.

This route begins at the Picketpost Trailhead.

Access is just off US60. If you’re headed east, continue 0.5 miles after mile marker 221, and then turn right onto FR231. Drive 0.4 miles and turn left onto FR310. After 0.6 miles, turn right at the sign for the Picketpost Trailhead. From the parking lot, you will see the Arizona Trail sign, marking your starting point.

Of course, there are plenty of other segments of the Arizona Trail that are worth checking out.

For more information on biking the Arizona Trail, visit aztrail.org.

The trails described are shared with hikers and horse riders. Be prepared for encounters with animals. Some parts of the trail may be overgrown or have large rocks, tree stumps, or other hazards, and there are numerous blind corners and steep drop-offs. The trail is very well marked, but we encourage you to contact the Globe Ranger District for more information and a detailed map.

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AZT-17 8

3,684,000

484,000 111°10'0"W

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Picketpost Boyce Thompson Trailhead Arboretum State Park

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LOST Trailhead

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3,672,000

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WHITE CANYON WILDERNESS

Arizona Trail Association PO Box 36736 Phoenix, AZ 85067 (602) 252-4794 1/17/2017 www.aztrail.org A. Seifert v2.0 Access Map Book.mxd Copyright © 2017 1/17/2017

Interstates

Alamo Canyon Passage AZT-17 Lat/Long WGS 84 UTM NAD 83 12N Scale: 1:61,000

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0.5

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Gila River Canyons Passage AZT-16

Copyright: © 2013 National Perennial Stream

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Downhill Biking in the Pinals

Level: Experienced Best Season to Go: Spring, Summer, Fall The Pinal Mountains offer some of the best downhill riding in the state and have long been a major attraction for downhill cyclists − for good reason. Places where you can drive up into the mountains and ride down a trail aren’t all that common. It’s cooler, too, at elevations of 7,000-plus feet. You’ll catch some shade in the pines towards the summit, and still be amazed by the grandeur of the mountains as the trees open up for displays of impressive vistas.

The most popular trails to ride are Kellner (#242), Ice House (#198), Six-Shooter (#197).

These trails are difficult to ride and can be dangerous. They should only be ridden by those with technical downhill experience.

Depending upon your experience level, riding down can take about an hour.

You will have to shuttle cars to get to the top of the trail, whether you catch a ride to the top and have your ride meet you at the bottom, or drive up, leave your car, and catch a ride at the bottom that can bring you back up.

If you don’t have the ability to shuttle cars or catch a ride, you can park at Ice House CCC and ride Road 112 south, then take the Six Shooter Trail north back to Ice House CCC. It’s a short cross-country ride, but you’ll still get some good views. It’s a nice elevation (Icehouse CCC is at 4,560 feet) and not terribly steep. Many other parts of the road and trail system are worth exploring, such as the Ice House CCC Loop − inquire about this at the Globe Ranger District Office.

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Biking in the Pinals

~ Bicycling Event in Gila County ~ Arizona Bicycle Classic • Saturday, Oct. 23 This year marks the second Arizona Bicycle Classic, which offers long-distance, non-competitive rides along Roosevelt Lake. Four routes are available, with distances of 24, 38, 60, or 80 miles. All routes begin at the Cobre Valley Country Club in Miami. The first ride starts at 7 a.m. The registration deadline is Oct. 20. For information, visit scenicarizonabicycleclassic.com.

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Pinal Mountain Area

A BIRDING BONANZA

By David L. Pearson, School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe

R

ising from the southern edge of Globe to over 7,800 feet elevation, the Tonto National Forest Pinal Peak Recreation Area is one of the best kept secrets in the bird watching world. With a checklist of 209 species that includes dense populations of several Blue Grosbeak species difficult to see elsewhere, this area is becoming a must for birders visiting Photo by J. Burns from all over North America. During migration in May and again in August, you can find 110 species in six or seven hours of birding up the slopes. Even in winter when higher elevation roads can be closed because of snow, it is possible to find 50 to 60 species in a day birding the lower elevations. Late spring into early summer, however, is the favorite time for most birders to be here. Not only is it 10 to 20 degrees cooler than the oven-like temperatures of Phoenix and Tucson, but a different set of colorful and unusual birds is in each habitat as you ascend the mountain.

All year the lowest elevation mesquite bosques and cottonwoods along Russell Road, Kellner Canyon, and Ice House Canyon Road are full of early morning bird activity. These range from brilliantly-colored Vermilion Flycatcher to more somber-colored desert species. In the summer Blue Grosbeak and other migrants from Mexico add their songs to the predawn chorus and help make this habitat the most species rich in the area.

Scott’s Oriole

Magnificent Hummingbird

Woodhouse’s Scrub-Jay

Red-faced Warbler

Photo by J. Burns

Photo by J. Burns

Photo by J. Burns

Photo by O. Niehuis

As you drive farther, you encounter a sea of low madrone and chaparral bushes that extends for miles up the slopes. At first sight they appear birdless and not worth stopping for, but there are many secretive species uniquely adapted to this open habitat. In the spring and summer, Woodhouse’s Scrub-Jay and Scott’s Oriole become obvious. During the winter, some of these birds are replaced by visitors, such as Fox Sparrow, escaping the harsh months in northern states.

Higher along USFS roads 651 and 112, junipers are scattered in among the chaparral, and they are home to Juniper Titmouse and Spotted Towhee. Then above 5,500 feet elevation the first Ponderosa pines appear, and soon you are in a cathedral of pines and oaks 80 feet tall or more. In the winter most birds of this area are packed into mixed species flocks. An hour can go by with no birds around, and then, all of a sudden, a flock of 30 birds made up of eight or more species comes through led by the noisy Bridled Titmouse and Yellow-eyed Junco. In the summer, birds are a more constant presence, and jewels like Painted Redstart and Hepatic Tanager make for jaw-dropping views.

Finally above 7,000 feet the coolness allows Douglas firs, maples and aspens to grow. Among them live higher altitude birds, such as Red-faced Warbler and Magnificent Hummingbird. Picnic and camping areas along several parts of this route are always handy places to stop, eat and review the dazzling bird species already seen that day. Whether you are taking photos or just observing, a day in the Pinal Mountains is one you will brag about to your friends and remember for a long time.

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TH E G R EAT O UTD O O RS

list of the Birds

Pinal Mountains, Tonto National Forest, AZ

The Pinal Peak Recreation Area of the Tonto National Forest, south of the City of Globe has a variety of habitats that includes: lower elevation mesquite bosques and riparian areas along Russell Road, Kellner Canyon Road, Ice House Canyon Road (r); Russell Gulch Landfill (l); mid-elevation chaparral and junipers along FR 651 and FR 112 (c); Ponderosa-oak woodlands at Sulfide del Rey Campground, Pioneer Pass, and Madera Peak Road (p); and upper elevation Douglas fir-aspen at Signal Peak, Pinal campgrounds, and the antenna tower area (d).

Some bird species are permanent residents (R) with elevational movements between seasons; others are winter residents (W) only; summer (S) residents only; or passage migrants (M) present during short periods in the spring and fall.

A few species are erratic wanderers (E) that can be present some years and absent others. Species that are seen on most visits during the season they are normally present are considered common (Cm); those seen on about half the visits are uncommon (Uc); those seen irregularly are considered rare (Ra), and those seen only once or twice in the last 25 years are considered occasional (Oc).

____Abert’s Towhee (r; R; Cm) ____Acorn Woodpecker (p, d; R; Cm) ____American Goldfinch (r; W; Ra) ____American Kestrel (r; M; Ra) ____American Redstart (p; M; Oc) ____American Robin (p, d; R; Cm) ____Anna’s Hummingbird (r, c, p; R; Cm) ____Ash-throated Flycatcher (r, c; S; Cm) ____Bald Eagle (l; W; Uc) ____Band-tailed Pigeon (p, d; S; Uc) ____Bank Swallow (r: M; Oc) ____Barn Owl (r; R; Ra) ____Barn Swallow (r, c; M, S; Cm) ____Bell’s Vireo (r; S; Cm) ____Belted Kingfisher (p; M; Oc) ____Bewick’s Wren (r, c, p, d; R; Cm) ____Black Phoebe (r; S; Uc) ____Black-and-white Warbler (r; M; Oc) ____Black-chinned Hummingbird (c, p; S; Uc) ____Black-chinned Sparrow (c; R; Cm) ____Black-headed Grosbeak (c; p, d: S; Cm) ____Black-tailed Gnatcatcher (r; S; Uc) ____Black-throated Gray Warbler (c, p; S; Cm) ____Black-throated Sparrow (c; R; Cm) ____Blue Grosbeak (r; S; Uc) ____Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (p, d: S; Cm)

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____Blue-throated Hummingbird (p; M; Oc)

____Fox Sparrow (r, c; W; Cm)

____Blue-winged Teal (l; M; Oc)

____Franklin’s Gull (I; M; Ra)

____Brewer’s Blackbird (l, r; M; Cm)

____Gambel’s Quail (r; R; Cm)

____Brewer’s Sparrow (c; M; Uc)

____Gila Woodpecker (r; R; Uc)

____Bridled Titmouse (p, d; R; Cm)

____Golden Eagle (p, d; R; Ra)

____Broad-tailed Hummingbird (p, d: S; Cm)

____Golden-crowned Kinglet (d; W; Ra)

____Broad-winged Hawk (p, d; M; Oc)

____Grace’s Warbler (p, d; S; Cm)

____Bronzed Cowbird (r; S; Uc)

____Gray Flycatcher (c; S; Ra)

____Brown Creeper (p, d: R; Cm)

____Gray Hawk (r, M, Oc)

____Brown-crested Flycatcher (r; S; Uc)

____Gray Vireo (c; S; Cm)

____Brown-headed Cowbird (r, c, p, d: S; Cm)

____Great Horned Owl (r, p, d; R; Uc)

____Bullock’s Oriole (r; S; Cm)

____Great-tailed Grackle (r; R; Cm)

____Bushtit (r, c, p: R; Cm)

____Greater Pewee (p; S; Cm)

____Cactus Wren (r, c; R; Cm)

____Greater Roadrunner (r, c, p; R; Uc)

____Calliope Hummingbird (p, d; M; Uc)

____Green Heron (r; M; Oc)

____Canyon Towhee (c; R; Cm)

____Green-tailed Towhee (r, c; M; Cm)

____Canyon Wren (c; R; Ra)

____Hairy Woodpecker (p, d; R; Cm)

____Cassin’s Finch (c, p; W; Ra)

____Hammond’s Flycatcher (r, p, d: M; Uc)

____Cassin’s Kingbird (r; M; Uc)

____Hepatic Tanager (p, d; S; Cm)

____Cassin’s Vireo (r, p; M; Uc)

____Hermit Thrush (p, d: R; Cm)

____Cedar Waxwing (r, p: M; Ra)

____Hermit Warbler (p, d: M; Uc)

____Chestnut-sided Warbler (d; M; Oc)

____Hooded Oriole (r; S; Cm)

____Chihuahuan Raven (l; W; Cm)

____Hooded Warbler (r; M; Oc)

____Chipping Sparrow (r, c, p; W; Cm)

____House Finch (r, c, p, d; R; Cm)

____Clark’s Nutcracker (d; E; Oc)

____House Sparrow (r; R; Cm)

____Cliff Swallow (r, c; M; Uc)

____House Wren (p, d: S; Cm)

____Common Black-Hawk (p; S; Oc)

____Hutton’s Vireo (p; R; Cm)

____Common Nighthawk (p, d; S; Oc)

____Inca Dove (r; S; Ra)

____Common Poorwill (r, c; S; Cm)

____Indigo Bunting (r: M; Oc)

____Common Raven (l, c, p, d; R; Cm)

____Juniper Titmouse (c; R; Cm)

____Common Yellowthroat (r; M; Oc)

____Ladder-backed Woodpecker (r; R; Cm)

____Cooper’s Hawk (p, d; R; Cm)

____Lark Bunting (r; M; Ra)

____Cordilleran Flycatcher (p, d; S; Cm)

____Lark Sparrow (r, c; W; Uc)

____Costa’s Hummingbird (r; S; Oc)

____Lawrence’s Goldfinch (c; W; Oc)

____Crissal Thrasher (c; R; Cm)

____Lazuli Bunting (r, c; M; Uc)

____Curve-billed Thrasher (r, c; R; Cm)

____Lesser Goldfinch (r, c, p, d; R; Cm)

____Dark-eyed Junco (c, p, d; W; Cm)

____Lesser Nighthawk (r; M; Ra)

____Downy Woodpecker (d: Oc)

____Lewis’ Woodpecker (d; M; Oc)

____Dusky Flycatcher (p, d; M; Uc)

____Lincoln’s Sparrow (r, c, p, d; W; Cm)

____Dusky-capped Flycatcher (p; S; Cm)

____Loggerhead Shrike (r; R; Ra)

____Eurasian Collared-Dove (r; R; Cm)

____Lucy’s Warbler (r; S; Cm)

____European Starling (l, r; R; Cm)

____MacGillivray’s Warbler (p, d; M; Uc)

____Evening Grosbeak (p, d: E; Oc)

____Magnificent Hummingbird (p, d; S; Uc)

____Flammulated Owl (p; S; Ra)

____Mallard (r; S; Ra)

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____Merlin (r, d; M; Oc)

____Sharp-shinned Hawk (r, p; W; Uc)

____Mexican Whip-poor-will (p, d; S; Uc)

____Short-tailed Hawk (p; S; Oc)

____Mexican Whip-poor-will (p, d; S; Uc)

____Song Sparrow (r; R; Oc)

____Mountain Bluebird (c; W; Ra)

____Spotted Owl (d; R; Ra)

____Mountain Chickadee (p, d; R; Cm)

____Spotted Towhee (c, p, d; R; Cm)

____Mourning Dove (r, c, p; R; Cm)

____Steller’s Jay (p, d; R; Uc)

____Nashville Warbler (p, d: M; Uc)

____Sulphur-bellied Flycatcher (p; S; Oc)

____No. Beardless Tyrannulet (r; S; Ra)

____Summer Tanager (r; S; Uc)

____No. Rough-winged Swallow (r, c; M; Uc)

____Swainson’s Hawk (r, d; M; Ra)

____Northern Cardinal (r; R; Cm)

____Swainson’s Thrush (p; M; Uc)

____Northern Flicker (p; S; Cm)

____Townsend’s Solitaire (p; W; Ra)

____Northern Goshawk (d; E; Ra)

____Townsend’s Warbler (p, d; M; Uc)

____Northern Harrier (r; M; Oc)

____Tree Swallow (r, c; M; Uc)

____Northern Mockingbird (r, c: R; Cm)

____Turkey Vulture (r, c, p, d; S; Cm)

____Northern Pygmy-Owl (p, d; R; Ra)

____Varied Thrush (p; W; Oc)

____Northern Shoveler (l; W; Ra)

____Verdin (r, c: R; Cm)

____Olive Warbler (p, d; R; Cm)

____Vermilion Flycatcher (r; S; Cm)

____Olive-sided Flycatcher (p; M; Uc)

____Vesper Sparrow (r; W; Ra)

____Orange-crowned Warbler (d; M, S; Uc)

____Violet-green Swallow (p, d; S; Uc)

____Pacific Wren (d; M; Oc)

____Virginia’s Warbler (p, d; S; Cm)

____Pacific-slope Flycatcher (r, c; M; Uc)

____Warbling Vireo (r, p, d; S; Cm)

____Painted Redstart (p, d; S; Cm)

____Western Bluebird (c, p: W; Cm)

____Peregrine Falcon (d; M; Ra)

____Western Kingbird (r, c; S; Cm)

____Phainopepla (r, c: S; Cm)

____Western Meadowlark (r; Ra)

____Pine Siskin (p, d: W; Uc)

____Western Screech-Owl (r; R; Ra)

____Plumbeous Vireo (p, d; S; Cm)

____Western Tanager (p, d; S; Cm)

____Purple Martin (d; M; Ra)

____Western Wood-Pewee (p; S; Cm)

____Pygmy Nuthatch (p; R; Cm)

____White-breasted Nuthatch (p, d; R; Cm)

____Red Crossbill (p, d; E; Ra)

____White-crowned Sparrow (r, c; W; Cm)

____Red-breasted Nuthatch (p, d; R; Cm)

____White-throated Swift (p, d; S; Uc)

____Red-faced Warbler (p, d; S; Cm)

____White-winged Dove (r; S; Cm)

____Red-naped Sapsucker (r, p: W; Uc)

____Wild Turkey (p; R; Ra)

____Red-tailed Hawk (r, c, p, d; R; Cm)

____Williamson’s Sapsucker (p, d; W; Ra)

____Red-winged Blackbird (l, r; W; Cm)

____Willow Flycatcher (r, M, Oc)

____Ring-billed Gull (l; W; Cm)

____Wilson’s Warbler (r, c, p, d; M; Cm)

____Ring-necked Duck (l; W; Ra)

____Winter Wren (p: M; Oc)

____Rock Pigeon (r; R; Uc)

____Woodhouse’s Scrub Jay (c; R; Cm)

____Rock Wren (c; R; Uc)

____Yellow Warbler (r; S; Cm)

____Rose-breasted Grosbeak (r; M; Oc)

____Yellow-billed Cuckoo (r, p; M; Ra)

____Ruby-crowned Kinglet (r, c, p, d; W; Cm)

____Yellow-breasted Chat (r; S; Uc)

____Rufous Hummingbird (c, p, d; M; Cm)

____Yellow-eyed Junco (p, d; R; Cm)

____Rufous-crowned Sparrow (c; R; Cm)

____Yellow-headed Blackbird (r: Oc)

____Say’s Phoebe (r, c; R; Cm)

____Yellow-rumped Warbler (r, p, d; M, S; Cm)

____Scott’s Oriole (c; S; Cm)

____Zone-tailed Hawk (c, p, d; S; Uc)

YOUR GUIDE TO SOUTHERN GILA COUNTY

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FISHING

The Southern Gila County region holds some of the best state records for fish. Apache and Roosevelt Lakes, which host numerous tournaments in the area, hold a number of these records. Fall and winter are known as a great time for fishing in these waters; many state record fish were caught anywhere from September to March.

Apache Lake Spanning 2,660 acres, Apache Lake offers 41 miles of shoreline and clear waters, with plenty of coves and reefs to fish. Because it’s deep, Apache Lake is considered a cooler lake with a maximum depth of 266 feet. There fact that there are only two boat ramps here, one at Burnt Corral and one at the Apache Lake Marina Apache. That and the fact that you must brave the Apache Trail (see page 51) to access the lake keeps the crowds relatively low. Bass tournaments are popular here. Apache Lake holds five state records currently, two for Black Buffalo Fish, along with records for Smallmouth Buffalo, Smallmouth Bass and Black Crappie. Apache Lake has a reputation for its smallmouth bass population; several national fishing magazines reported on the smallmouth bass in this lake. Arizona Game and Fish brings Rainbow Trout to the lake during the winter, which in turn supposedly helps the Largemouth Bass population. Yellow Bass, Sunfish, Bluegill, Catfish (Channel and Flathead), Carp and Walleye may also be found here.

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Roosevelt Lake Another prime destination for bass tournaments, Roosevelt Lake is the largest lake in Central Arizona, and the third largest in the state. It offers 128 miles of shoreline at 21,493 acres, and its maximum depth is 188 feet. There are nine boat ramps situated along this lake and miles of water to explore, making it easy to blast across the lake with a bass boat. Like Apache Lake, Roosevelt Lake is a popular fishing tournament destination; night tournaments are often held here during the summer (the daytime is just too hot). In addition to bass, it’s also known for having some of the best crappie and catfish in the state. It currently holds seven state records: two smallmouth bass records, two bigmouth buffalo records, two flathead catfish records, and a yellow bass record. You may also find sunfish, bluegill and channel catfish here.

TH E G R EAT O UTD O O RS

Regional Tournaments

Visit www.letstalkfishin.com or azbasszone.com for more information on regional tournaments and fishing information in the area.

Please be advised: San Carlos is a sovereign nation, tribal law prevails.

Check with tribal authorities for permits and recommendations. Tribal permits are required for all recreation on tribal lands. See scatrecreation.org.

San Carlos Waters

The Black River The Black River, which converges with the White River to form the Salt River, holds the record for Brown Trout (catch and release), and has been recognized for having some of the best smallmouth bass in Western Arizona.

The Black River is remote and difficult to access.

Consult with the tribal recreation and wildlife department (more information below).

San Carlos Lake Local fishermen say that San Carlos Lake used to be one of the hottest lakes in the region for crappie fishing.

San Carlos Lake holds the record for Black Crappie since 1959. The caveat is that the waters can only be fished when the water levels are high enough; when the water is up, it’s still considered one of the best crappie lakes in the state. The best spot for crappie fishing is on the north end of the lake. If you’re interested in an overnight trip, consider booking a room at the Apache Gold Casino (approximately 45 minutes east of the lake, just off Highway 70).

YOUR GUIDE TO SOUTHERN GILA COUNTY

Talkalai Lake and Seneca Lake Other waters to consider exploring within Southern Gila County are Talkalai Lake and Seneca Lake, which are both smaller lakes at 600 acres and 27 acres, respectively.

Largemouth Bass, Flathead Catfish, Channel Catfish, Black Crappie, and Sunfish can be found at Talkalai Lake, which has two boat ramps. Seneca Lake has opportunities for Largemouth Bass, Channel Catfish and Red-ear Sunfish during the summer, and it is regularly stocked with Rainbow and Brown Trout during the fall and winter. The lake has a boat ramp and several fishing piers.

Purchase a daily fishing permit to fish on tribal land. For more information, visit the tribe’s Recreation & Wildlife Headquarters just off Highway 70, approximately 12 miles east of Globe. You can also find guide information, as well as catch limits and permit information, online at scatrecreation.org.

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HUNTING

Spread across more than two million acres of vast and remote land, Southern Gila County is a renowned hunting destination. Much of Arizona’s most desirable big game reside in this region, such as world-class populations of elk and black bear, bighorn sheep (both desert and Rocky Mountain), white-tailed deer, mule deer, pronghorn antelope, mountain lion, wild turkey and javelina. Smaller game, like quail, dove, tree squirrel and cottontail rabbit are also found here.

Southern Gila County is primarily split between Arizona Game Management Units 24A and 24B and the San Carlos Apache Reservation. Unit 24A is bordered to the north by the Salt River, to the east by San Carlos, to the south by the AZ Highway 177 and the Gila River, and to the west by US-60 and AZ Highways 288 and 88. Unit 24B borders the western side of Unit 24A, bound by Roosevelt Lake to the north and US-60 to the south, extending outside of Gila County east toward Apache Junction.

To hunt in Units 24A and B, you’ll need a hunting license and the appropriate tags or permits for the animal(s) you will be hunting, which you can purchase from Arizona Game and Fish. Likewise, to hunt on the San Carlos Apache Reservation, you will need to purchase the appropriate permits and tags for the animal(s) you are hunting from the San Carlos Apache Tribe Recreation and Wildlife Department.

In designated areas on the reservation, non-tribal members are also required to hire an Apache guide.

Some of the best hunting guides in the world are based in this region, both on the San Carlos Apache Reservation and in surrounding areas. Trophy hunters come from as far as Europe to hunt with these guides, who may offer decades of experience and may have well over 1,000 hunts under their belt. They know this region and its game like the back of their hand.

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Big Game Hunting Seasons in Units 24A and B (dates may vary) Antelope: August (archery-only); September (firearm) Bear: August-December; March-June Bighorn: December Deer (archery-only): August-January Deer (firearm): October-December Elk (archery-only): August, September, November Elk (firearm): September-November Javelina: October, January, February Mountain Lion: Year-round Turkey: October, April, May

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Region VI (Unit 24A)

San Carlos Apache Reservation

Black bear, elk, javelina, mountain lion, mule deer, white-tailed deer, cottontail rabbit, quail, tree squirrel

(Unit 26)

Region VI (Unit 24B) Bighorn sheep, black bear, javelina, mountain lion, mule deer, white-tailed deer, cottontail rabbit, dove, quail

Bighorn sheep, black bear, elk, javelina, mountain lion, pronghorn antelope, wild turkey, white-tailed deer, cottontail rabbit, dove, quail, tree squirrel Visit Arizona Game and Fish online or in-person for specific information regarding permits, tags, hunting regulations, hunting seasons, species and hunting guides in Units 24A and 24B. Visit the San Carlos Apache Tribe Recreation and Wildlife department online or in-person for specific information regarding permits, tags, hunting regulations, hunting seasons, species and hunting guides on the San Carlos Apache Reservation.

Be sure to also check out www.coueswhitetail. com, a locally-based website that provides a wealth of knowledge about hunting in this region and also serves as a discussion forum.

Big Game Hunting Seasons in San Carlos (dates may vary)

Wildlife photos courtesy of George Andrejko, Arizona Game and Fish Department

YOUR GUIDE TO SOUTHERN GILA COUNTY

Antelope (tribal and non-members): August Black Bear (tribal and non-members): August, October, April, May Bighorn: (non-member): August-December Deer (non-member): November, January Deer (tribal member): October, December Elk (tribal member): December, January, February Elk (non-member): September, November, January Javelina (tribal and non-members): January, February Mountain Lion (tribal member): Year-round Turkey (non-member): November, April, May Turkey (tribal member): October, April 45

CAMPING

There is no shortage of incredible camping opportunities in Southern Gila County, whether you prefer to be next to water or up high in the mountains. To reflect the diversity of the region, we chose four of our favorite campgrounds to feature here.

CAMPING Timber Camp

Elevation: 6,000 feet Season of Use: Year-round Facilities: Vault toilets Nestled in ponderosa pine, Timber Camp is situated in a remote area just east of the Salt River Canyon Wilderness. Although it is open year-round, winter camping isn’t recommended since the area gets snow. The campground is well-kept, and a small creek runs along the edge of the grounds. The grounds offer a social ambiance, with picnic tables and grills grouped beneath ramadas and is divided into two groups. Brundrett #1 consists of 13 individual campsites, each equipped with a fire ring and picnic table.

Brundrett #2 is a large, open area available to either 15 RVs or 25 vehicles (available by reservation only).

Burnt Corral

Elevation: 1,914 feet Season of Use: Year-round Facilities: Toilets, potable water hydrants, some trash services, payphone Despite its popularity, especially during the summer, there is a sort of magic about Burnt Corral. Spread along the edge of Apache Lake, surrounded by saguaro, desert chaparral and mountains, this 82-site campground stretches right up to the water’s edge.

Each campsite has a fire ring and a picnic table, some shaded by small ramadas. This campground tends to attract some noisy groups, especially during the summer, so if you prefer more privacy and quiet, try one of the campsites further away from the water.

Getting here requires a drive along the Apache Trail (see page 51), but the trip is well worth it. From Globe, take AZ-188 north for 30 miles. Turn left onto AZ-88 west and continue past the Roosevelt Dam for six miles. Then turn right on to Forest Road 183/Burnt Corral Recreation Site.

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Cholla Bay

Elevation: 2,200 feet Season of Use: Year-round Facilities: Toilets, showers, potable water hydrants, some trash services Cholla Bay is a popular camping destination along Roosevelt Lake, and for good reason. Just five miles north of Roosevelt Dam, this campground offers the grandeur of Four Peaks to the west and the lake to the east (which can be reached by a short footpath). It also happens to be the largest all-solar powered campground in the U.S. Campsites are equipped with ramadas, picnic tables, and fire rings; palo verde and, of course, cholla, offer a bit of privacy.

Cholla Bay is open year-round, offering a total of 206 camp units. It is also accessible to wheelchairs, and has toilets, showers, two playgrounds, a paved boat launch ramp, and a fish-cleaning station on site.

To get here from Globe, take Highway 188 north for 30 miles. You will see signs for the campground approximately six miles after crossing the bridge.

Pinal and Pioneer Pass Campgrounds

Elevation: Pinal - 7,500 feet Pioneer Pass - 5,900 feet Season of Use: May through November Facilities: Vault Toilets Looking for a cool reprieve from the summertime heat? The Pinal Mountains make an excellent escape.

There are several campgrounds scattered throughout the Pinal Mountain Trail System − Pinal and Pioneer Pass Campgrounds are two excellent options.

Of the two, Pioneer Pass is a closer drive from Globe, taking roughly 40 minutes. It offers 23 camp units. From here, you can access the East Mountain Trail as well as the Pioneer Trail (formerly “Squaw Springs Trail”). Pinal Campground offers 13 camp units. It is about an hour’s drive out of Globe, but it also brings you within a mile of Pinal Peak, and it is an absolute must to stand at the top and admire miles of mountain silhouettes stretched out before you (accessible by road or hiking). There are at least eight hiking trails within a mile’s reach of the campground, including Ferndell and Pipeline Trails. (You can also hike the Pioneer Trail from Pioneer Pass to Pinal Peak.)

TH E G R EAT O UTD O O RS

Roosevelt Lake – Park at any one of these locations and make yourself at home next to the scenic Roosevelt Lake. Don’t forget a fishing pole! Here you can find both boondocking options and established sites. Each site includes one or more bathrooms; several also have potable water, fire rings and picnic tables.

See page 49 to view a map.

Oak Flat Campground – Sites: 16; Toilets: 2 Trailers: under 30 feet. See page 31 Timber Camp, Brundrett #2 – See page 46 Cholla Campground (see page 46), Windy Hill Campground, Schoolhouse Point Campground, Bermuda Flat Campground, Bachelor’s Cove Campground, Indian Point Campground, Frazier Recreation Site Campground

If you’re a boondocking-kind of RV-goer, there are many scenic places to visit.

Many of the campgrounds in this region make excellent options for RVs. We’ve listed several spots worth checking out.

RV CAMPING

Pinal Mountains – Pinal Campground, Upper Pinal Campground, Pioneer Pass Campground, Sulphide Del Rey Campground.

Contact the Tonto Basin Ranger District (regarding Roosevelt Lake RV options) or the Globe Ranger District (regarding Timber Camp, Oak Flat or the Pinal Mountains) for information about these locations.

Caution: Keep in mind that developed campsites will require a Tonto Pass and Stay limit is 14 days.

OFF-ROAD

If you’re looking for an off-road adventure, check out some of these popular options.

Pinal Mountains – Venture up to the signal towers atop the Pinal Mountains, and you will discover incredible views from elevations above 7,000 feet. Numerous Forest Service roads traverse these mountains, giving you plenty of ground to cover. Consider riding up Pioneer Pass and venturing to the west side of the Pinals.

Mescal Mountain OHV Area – This low desert area has a variety of trails and short loops running through canyons and sandy washes, with elevations ranging from 2,000 to 2,400 feet. It’s considered a novice rider’s paradise. There is a staging area with 12 campsites, restrooms, potable water and loading ramps. The Gila River also happens to be within five miles of the campground.

Reno Pass – A spectacular ride through the Sonoran Desert, this 12-mile route follows an old military road. Keep in mind that this is a steep, narrow ride. Elevations exceed 4,500 feet. The Edge Fire, which burned here in 2005, caused the closure of the west end of Reno Pass Road to motor vehicles. You’ll start at Trail 524 just north of Punkin Center and end at Bushnell Tank, where there is primitive camping.

Coke Ovens – Although the Coke Ovens fall a bit east of Gila County, near Florence, it is an especially popular ride within the OHV community. Here you can find a box canyon with a small stream running through it, views overlooking the Gila River, the Martinez Mine, old houses and cabins, and, of course, the coke ovens, which once produced the charcoal product known as coke. Caution: The coke ovens themselves are located on private property. The trails leading up to them are public, but some visitors have had trouble distinguishing where public land ends and private property begins.

YOUR GUIDE TO SOUTHERN GILA COUNTY

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RAFTING, KAYAKING AND BOATING

Photos courtesy of Canyon Rio Rafting

The Salt River The Salt River is a major river in the spectacular Sonoran Desert, and a large portion of it passes through southern Gila County. Roughly 200 miles long, it is formed at the confluence of the Black River and White Rivers on the Fort Apache Reservation, and terminates at the Gila River, southwest of Phoenix. It is one of only a few rivers that pass through stands of saguaro cactus.

The Upper Salt: Arizona’s Other Grand Canyon The most rugged stretch of the Salt River is known as the Upper Salt, lying within the Salt River Canyon Wilderness. Fed by the snowmelt of the White Mountains, the Upper Salt is a 54mile stretch passing through the Fort Apache Reservation, 800-year-old Salado ruins, and the 2,000-foot-deep Salt River Canyon. The Salt River Canyon, often referred to as Arizona’s “other” Grand Canyon, winds its way through ponderosa pine, oak, and juniper woodlands, down to the saguaro cactus forest of the Sonoran Desert.

The Upper Salt provides the United States’ first whitewater rafting trip of the year. Nowhere else in the country you can raft in March. It is also the only whitewater run in the Sonoran Desert.

One out of five years, the river doesn’t run high enough for rafting, so any trip on the Upper Salt should be treasured.

There are no trails within the Salt River Canyon Wilderness, meaning that it is largely accessible only by kayak or raft. The river is considered a solid class III to IV river, and sometimes even a V at low levels. This means you must either have solid whitewater skills, or you must book a trip with one of the river’s four whitewater guiding companies, to raft the Salt.

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Guided Rafting Trips Season: February to May (dependent on water levels and guiding company) Four guiding companies lead whitewater rafting expeditions on the Upper Salt that range from halfday adventures to five-day wilderness trips. The five-day trips are considered some of the best in the country, according to experienced rafters, and they venture deep into the heart of the Salt River Canyon. Water levels permitting, trips are offered from February to May (dates vary by company).

It’s best to book a trip well in advance, since slots fill up quickly. Check the companies’ websites or call them to book a trip or get more information.

Canyon Rio Rafting (800) 272-3353 • canyonrio.com Mild to Wild (800) 567-6745 • mild2wildrafting.com Salt River Rafting (800) 425-5253 • raftingsaltriver.com Wilderness Aware Rafting (719) 395-2112 • inaraft.com

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Rafting the Upper Salt On Your Own Because the Upper Salt River is a solid class III to IV river, and sometimes even a class V at low levels, you must be an experienced whitewater boater if you are taking an unguided trip. You will also need a permit if your trip falls between March 1 and May 15. You can get a permit online by visiting recreation. gov and searching “Salt River Canyon Wilderness Permit.�

A lottery application is typically available throughout the month of January. If you choose to pass through any portion of the Fort Apache Reservation, you will also need to purchase a permit in advance from the White Mountain Apache Tribe. You can purchase one online by visiting wmatoutdoors. org/buy_permits. The Upper Salt is free flowing and can flood within hours at any time of the year, so be sure to check weather conditions and snowpack conditions in the White Mountains before your trip.

Shuttle services may be offered during rafting season by the four rafting companies. You can book a shuttle online. Expect a three-hour round trip from the Phoenix area.

For more information about the Salt River Canyon Wilderness, visit the Tonto National Forest website or contact Tonto National Forest River Manager Don Sullivan at (928) 402-6200.

Caution: There is no cell service in the canyon, so be sure to take all necessary precautions to ensure a safe trip.

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Gila County Lakes For Boaters

Photo by Jim Lindstrom

Just west of the Upper Salt River is Roosevelt Lake, a desert oasis rife with water recreation opportunities.

The lake spans approximately 22 miles and boasts 1,515 individual campsites, 80 lakeside picnic sites, nine boat launch areas, and six fish-cleaning stations, most of which can be accessed from Highway 188. There is no shortage of ways to enjoy Roosevelt Lake, whether you’re looking for boating, jet skiing, kayaking, sailing, wading, swimming, camping, or picnicking opportunities. You will need a Tonto Daily Pass and Watercraft Sticker for boating. Drop by the Tonto Basin Ranger Station for details.

Roosevelt Lake Marina (602) 977-7170 | rlmaz.com The Roosevelt Lake Marina is located just two miles east of the dam. It is situated centrally on the lake between two inlets, offers boat storage, and is equipped with a paved boat launch ramp and fuel dock that make it a great point to launch from. The marina also offers boat rentals, including pontoon and ski boats (for experienced boat drivers only). You can call the marina to make boat reservations, which are highly recommended.

The marina also offers lodging options, ranging from a floating hotel to camping areas that are open 24/7, and some sites stand at the water’s edge. You can also find an open-air bar equipped with a public barbecue area and the Village Store.

The Village Store, barbecue area, and marina office are open seven days a week and accessible by walking down the boat ramp. Call the marina for the most up-to-date information about facilities and conditions at the lake.

Roosevelt Dam and the Roosevelt Lake Bridge The Theodore Roosevelt Dam, more commonly known as Roosevelt Dam, creates the reservoir that is Roosevelt Lake. The area was once a river crossing for Native Americans, ranchers, and farmers. The original Roosevelt Dam was constructed between 1903 and 1911 as part of the Salt River Project, a largescale effort to divert water from the Salt River for agriculture, and one of the first federal projects authorized under the Reclamation Act. Roosevelt Dam was one of the last stone masonry dams to be built, and at the time of construction it was the highest masonry arch dam in the world.

The dam straddles Roosevelt Lake and Apache Lake just west of Roosevelt Lake Bridge, near the junction of Highway 188 and Arizona Highway 88 (locally known as the Apache Trail). The bridge, which was built in 1990, spans 1,080 feet, making it the longest two-lane, single-span, steel-arch bridge in North America. In 1995, it was named one of the top 12 bridges in the United States.

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Wild West Bass Trail

Going into its second year, Wild West Bass Trail, a bass fishing circuit committed to hosting premiere competitive fishing events throughout the west, will hold its championship event at Roosevelt Lake from May 4-6, 2017. Visit this link for more information: www.wildwestbasstrail.com

Apache Lake Apache Lake lies within deep canyon walls on the west side of Roosevelt Dam and spans 17 miles. Apache Lake is far less developed than Roosevelt Lake, and to access it, you must brave the treacherous end of the Apache Trail—a narrow dirt and gravel road that sidewinds along steep cliffs carved into the sides of the canyon, without guardrails. Drive slowly and you will be handsomely rewarded for your efforts. Apache Lake is a desert gem nestled within the magnificence of saguaro-studded canyon walls, offering blue-green waters, coves, and serenity. These peaceful waters provide marvelous opportunities for boating, jet skiing, kayaking, wading, swimming, camping, and picnicking. Keep your eyes peeled for bighorn sheep on the cliffs.

There are just two boat ramps (both paved) on Apache Lake, one at Burnt Corral and another at the Apache Lake Marina. You will need a Tonto Daily Pass and Watercraft Sticker for boating. Visit the Tonto Basin Ranger Station for details.

To reach Apache Lake, take the turnoff from Arizona 188 onto the Apache Trail/AZ-88 West, at the eastern end of Roosevelt Lake Bridge. Within the next several miles, you will reach various pull-offs where you can access the water. After you’ve had your fill of time in and on the water, we recommend you keep driving on the Arizona Trail, since you’ve already made it this far. You won’t regret it: this route offers one of the most scenic drives in Arizona, as the Apache Trail winds and carves its way through the Superstition Wilderness.

Drive far enough west, and you’ll eventually reach Phoenix.

Apache Lake Marina and Resort (928) 467-2511 | apachelake.com If you’re longing for a night at the lake, but you’re not interested in camping, check out the Apache Lake Marina and Resort. The marina offers boat storage, a paved boat launch ramp, a fuel dock, and pontoon and fishing boat rentals (provided on a first-come, first-serve basis). Motel rooms with lake views are available, and the Apache Lake Restaurant and Bar is open year round. Call the marina for the most up-to-date information about lake facilities and conditions.

Coolidge Dam A testament to 20th century architecture, the Coolidge Dam is a sight worth seeing if you’re near San Carlos Lake. The Coolidge Dam lies in Peridot on the San Carlos Apache Reservation. It was dedicated by President Calvin Coolidge on March 4, 1930. Stretched across the serene Gila River, impounding San Carlos Lake, the dam’s most notable feature is its three large, dome-shaped buttresses that arc over the river.

The dam was built by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, and its initial construction cost $10,000,000. At the time of its completion, the domes were thought to be the largest in the world. The dam itself was intended to provide enough water to irrigate 100,000 acres of land, half of which would go to the Pima Indians.

You will need to purchase a $10 recreation permit from the San Carlos Apache Tribe to visit the dam.

To access the dam, travel approximately 20 miles east of Globe on AZ 70 until you reach Coolidge Dam Road. Turn right onto the road and follow it for about another 12 miles until you reach the dam.

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WILDFLOWERS

March + April = Peak Season

By Paul Wolterbeek

Famous swaths of goldpoppies blooming along Highway 60 lure photographers and petal-peepers to the communities of Miami and Globe, reliable even in years that lack the generous winter rainfall we’ve had during the first quarter of 2017. From now through April, drivers eastbound with Apache Junction receding in the rear-view mirror will find Highway 60 bordered with purple, blue, orange, yellow, and red from (respectively) phacelia and lupine, globe mallow, brittlebush, poppies, and penstemon.

Also known as the Superstition Freeway, Highway 60 allows anyone to become familiar with common spring wildflowers on a scenic 90-minute drive to Globe and Miami. Any weekend in March or April, you can learn to I.D. flowers on a guided walk at Boyce Thompson Arboretum State Park (on US60, 45 minutes east of Mesa), where wildflower walks are included with admission ($12.50).

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Highway 60 Hot Spots

Boyce Thompson Arboretum is just past milepost 222. Join a guided 1:00 wildflower walk any March weekend (10 a.m. during April), then continue east on Highway 60 another six miles, up and through Queen Creek Canyon, watching for firecracker penstemon (Penstemon eatonii), white trumpet-shaped blossoms on moonflower (datura), and seven-foot-tall tree tobacco near the Queen Creek Tunnel.

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One highlight of your wildflower drive will be thick patches of Mexican goldpoppies between Miami and Globe between mileposts 244 and 246. Ponder our own “Beauty and the Beast” contrast along an otherwise industrial mile of highway past the copper rod plant east of Miami, as you drive through the small community of Claypool. Continue on Highway 60 past the Fry’s plaza for golden yellow wallflower.

Need trail maps for the nearby Pinal Mountains? Chamber of Commerce staff have directions to trailheads into the Pinals—most popular are the Ice House, Six-Shooter, Ferndell, and Telephone trails.

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Round Mountain Park in Globe offers free admission and well-marked trails, winding among colorful native flowers ranging from false garlic to wallflower, delphinium, doubting mariposa lilies, fragrant barberry shrubs, and vivid purple hedgehog cacti. Round Mountain Park is near the Highway 60/70 stoplight; turn at the Two Lanes bar and drive north another mile to reach this close-to-the-city park. (For better directions and trail descriptions, visit hikearizona.com.)

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If magazine-quality carpetsof-color landscapes are what you seek, Peridot Mesa on the San Carlos Apache Reservation, 20 minutes east of Globe, can be breathtaking—and is a magnet for pro photographers.

It’s also easily accessible: less than a mile north of Highway 70. No 4WD or high clearance needed; the dirt road up and over the mesa is suitable for most vehicles driven carefully.

Daily $10 recreation permits are required to explore and photograph flowers on the Apache reservation.

Buy ’em in Globe at the Circle K or Fast Stop convenience stores (there are several along Highway 60), or at the Basha’s grocery store on the reservation—conveniently, just two miles east of Peridot Mesa. Directions: From Globe, take Highway 70 east for about 20 minutes. After milepost 268, slow down and watch for a left-hand turn (north) onto an unmarked dirt road; unmarked, that is, except for two H-shaped metal posts that bracket a cattle guard. Turn here and drive north over the mesa.

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PARKS AND EDUCATION

Photo courtesy of Kenneth Chan

Besh Ba Gowah

NOT-TO-MISS

The Annual Festival of Lights is held every December at Besh Ba Gowah. 1,600 luminaria are arranged throughout the ruins and a variety of festivities ranging from dancing to flute-playing take place.

Just outside downtown Globe lies a small archaeological treasure: Besh Ba Gowah Archaeological Park and Museum. Here you can explore the partially-restored ruins of a Salado village on a self-guided tour, having opportunities to explore both inside and around these ancient structures. The Salado were a people believed to have inhabited the Southwest between 1100 to 1400 A.D.; they occupied Besh Ba Gowah from 1225 to 1400 A.D. The village once housed hundreds of small chambers. Just outside the ruins, there are two gardens on site: a seasonal ethnobotanical garden emulating the foods grown by the Salado, in addition to a yearround botanical garden. The park also contains a gift shop, as well as an indoor museum believed to hold one of the largest collections of Salado artifacts in the world.

For more information, call 928-425-0320 or visit online at: globeaz.com/visitors/besh-ba-gowah.

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Boyce Thompson Arboretum Kim Stone

Boyce Thompson Arboretum is located in the heart of the Sonoran Desert, just one hour east of Phoenix. Three miles of garden paths and trails wind through 392 acres of plant exhibits and striking landscapes. Over 4,000 different types of plants from the deserts of Australia, North and South America, southern Africa, and other arid-land regions of the world blend seamlessly into an incomparable natural setting. Nestled along Queen Creek at the foot of Picketpost Mountain, the Arboretum is a haven for desert plant lovers, photographers, birders, and nature enthusiasts of all ages.

Surrounded by the wilds of Tonto National Forest, the Arboretum attracts a wide diversity of birds and other wildlife. Visitors have seen bobcats, javelinas, coatimundis, rattlesnakes, gila monsters, hawks, hummingbirds, and turkey vultures. Over 270 bird species have been recorded, and the National Audubon Society has designated the Arboretum as an Important Bird Area.

Boyce Thompson Arboretum is cooperatively managed by the non-profit Boyce Thompson Southwestern Arboretum, Inc., the University of Arizona, and Arizona State Parks, and it’s Arizona’s oldest and largest botanical garden. It was founded in 1924 and is dedicated to instilling in people an appreciation of plants.

From botanical curiosity to nature study and photography, Boyce Thompson Arboretum offers a wide range of educational programs and activities to engage the whole family. There is a well-stocked bookstore/gift shop, year-round plant sales, and a shady picnic area. A day trip to the Arboretum is a perfect escape from the city.

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Old Dominion If you wonder what mines were like during the late 1800s to early 1900s, Old Dominion Historic Mine Park is one way to get your imagination going. Largely responsible for the City of Globe’s booming economy back then, the Old Dominion Mine has since been converted into a place frequented for its outdoor opportunities and educational value. Nonetheless, its now defunct slime tanks, mine shaft and original structures remain. A “boneyard” of original mine equipment can be found along the Silver Nugget, a trail located just beyond the park’s entryway. Signage with original photographs from the era dispersed throughout the park allows visitors to take themselves on a self-guided walking tour along the park’s various trails, learning about not only the structures and artifacts, but also about how the mines operated and what life was like back then. In addition to its network of nine different trails (each under a mile long), the park also has a disc golf course, a children’s playground, and a picnic area shaded by ramadas, making it an ideal location for anyone who simply wants to get outside and catch the views overlooking the hills of Globe.

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Photo courtesy of National Park Service

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Round Mountain

Round Mountain Park is a local favorite in Globe.

It consists of six scenic trails that range in length from just under a mile to several miles. The park is also marked with educational signage identifying the many plant and animal species to be found there.

The East Trail and the West Trail, both of which will take you to the top of Round Mountain for a stunning 360-degree view at 4,201 feet, are by far the most well-traveled.

For those wanting a more challenging hike,

consider catching the Boulder Canyon Trail from the East Trail.

From it, you can split off to the Box Canyon or Ridge Trails.

Keep in mind that these trails are more challenging than the East and West Trails − they’re not nearly as well-marked or well-maintained as the other two − and therefore require significantly more time to travel. There are three picnic areas with ramadas here. One is located just beyond the park’s entry, and the other two are located roughly halfway up and at the top of the West Trail. Numerous benches are dispersed throughout the park, offering excellent opportunities to take a seat and enjoy the views. Keep in mind that beyond the park entry, there is no water or bathroom access, and shade is limited.

Don’t miss the Sunrise Challenge Run held at Round Mountain Park every June! Contact the Globe-Miami Chamber of Commerce for more information!

Tonto National Monument Tucked into the mountains of the Sonoran Desert at elevations varying from 2,300 to 4,000 feet, Tonto National Monument is home to two cliff dwellings that, like Besh Ba Gowah, were also once occupied by the prehistoric Salado People. The monument consists of a Lower Cliff Dwelling and an Upper Cliff Dwelling − clay chambers that were built into naturally-occurring caves in the side of the mountains.

Built sometime around 1300 A.D., the Lower Cliff Dwelling consists of 20 rooms, and the Upper Cliff Dwelling consists of 40 rooms. Not only do these dwellings offer a fascinating glimpse into the lives of a society which existed many years ago, they also offer breathtaking views of the desert landscape and Roosevelt Lake.

The Tonto National Monument is located 25 miles northwest of Globe via State Highway 188. The entrance is to the left and marked by signage. The Lower Cliff Dwellings are open to visitors from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. everyday except Christmas.

The Upper Cliff Dwellings are open to visitors Friday through Monday from November through April. The Upper Dwellings must be accessed via a three to four-hour guided tour, and reservations are required (booking at least two weeks in advance is recommended).

For more information, call the visitor information line at 928-467-2241 or visit the park’s website at: www.nps.gov/tont/index.htm.

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GOLFING

Cobre Valley Country Club Golf Course CVCC is a par 36 course boasting nine unique golf holes on links that span some 3,338 yards. The course is laid out with additional back tees to accommodate 18 holes of challenging golf at 6,487 yards.

The 19th hole – The Cobre Den – is a sports bar inside the CVCC clubhouse. Cobre Valley Country Club also features tennis, basketball, volleyball, and racquetball courts, a swimming pool, and a fitness center.

Contact: 928.473.2542; 4877 Cypressway, Miami, AZ.

Courtesy photo

Apache Stronghold

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Apache Stronghold Golf Club, located on the San Carlos Apache Reservation, is an 18-hole, par 72 high desert golf course that challenges golfers with natural features including desert washes, rolling topography, and natural rugged bunkers. The course offers panoramic, unspoiled mountain and desert vistas, as well as a golfing experience that is cooler than nearby Phoenix and Tucson during the summer and mild during the winter. The Stronghold Golf Course is one of the first courses in the world to offer AeroGolf, a combination of golf and archery played on a golf course with a conventional archery bow and special aerodynamic “Aeros.” An Aero will fly over 200 yards and is more accurate than a golf ball hit with a club, making AeroGolf quick to learn and enjoyable to play. AeroGolf makes the pleasure and health benefits of a golf-like game accessible to anyone who can pull a bow. Contact: 928.475.7664; San Carlos, AZ.

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