Don  Lancaster's Guru's Lair Some Gila Valley Day Hikes
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Over the years, I've managed to make at least one trip
somewhere just about every week forever. Some for
caving, some for tinaja quests, some for escape, some
for Bed and Breakfasts, and some plain old day hikes.
  
I thought I might compile a list of nearby Gila Valley
day hikes here. Some of which even the natives have
never heard of.

Since a very few of these are rather sensitive, I will
leave all specific access details out on everything.
You should be able to find out where most of these
are with a little further research on your own.

I've personally visited nearly all of these sites at least
once. While many are close in, a very few of the more
intriguing locations may involve an hour's drive or so
from the greater Bonita-Eden-Sanchez metropolitan
area.

Please report your own additions, corrections, present
conditions, or comments here.

You can click here for...

Acme Mapper Topos
Arizona Land Ownership
Arizona Place Names
Arizona Stream Gauges

Bureau of Land Management
Coronado National Forest
Desert Magazine Reprints
Food and Restaurant Guide

Fossils of the San Simon Valley
Google Maps
Graham County Dams
Graham County Lakes

Graham County Historical Society
Graham County Minerals
Graham County Peaks & Summits
Graham County Place Names

Hiking Clubs
Safford BLM Paleontology
USFS Fire Lookouts
Wilderness Net

      FREY MESA FALLS -- Waterfalls, rock
      scrambling, fishing. Family thru canyoneering.
      Final 4WD mile can be very rough.

      RED KNOLLS -- Has many dozens of
      pseudokarst pits. These are very easy
      to rig -- just push the bolts in with your
      thumb. A recent scientific experiment here
      verified that if you are going to blow the
      top off a mesa, it might end up suboptimal to  
      be standing on the mesa at the time.

     McENIRY TUNNEL -One of many local
     investment scams. This one to tap Mount Graham
     for water and gold. The last quarter mile of 4WD is
     usually hiked instead. AKA the Triumph Tunnel.

     SAFFORD GRIDS -- Spectacular pre
     historic ag structures. Possibly used to
     farm agaves for mescal. Or possibly
     the paleo prototypical Dilbert cubicals.

     SANCHEZ CCC CAMP -- Amazingly close
     in "ghost town" seems virtually unknown.
     Buildings, trails, auto service training ramps.

     TENSION STATION -- Much of the
     Mount Graham Tramway is very hard
     to access. But the first tension station
     is an easy hike with minimal 4WD.

    COTTON CAVE - Long empty small shelter
    in the McEniry Tunnel region was once a
    spectacularly significant source of prehistoric
    textile resources and similar artifacts.

    BONITA CREEK - Nearby wet stream
     has indian ruins, birds, hiking, and history

    RINCON SPRING - Mile long dayhike
    gives sweeping valley views. Very seldom
    traveled. Excellent winter trip. Go north
    from Marijilda crossing.

    DEAD CAMEL PLACE - Footprints of
    paleo animals and other Pliosene paleontology.

   FORT GRANT ICE CAVES -- No longer
    have any ice in them because of global
    warming. In spheroidally eroded granite.

   GOAT HILL SITE -- Indian ruin on the
    summit of a small knoll. Dating from the
    1300's. Other ruins nearby.

   ZEOLITE MINES -- Thin layers of minerals
   with an incredible variety of catalytic, filtering,
   and similar uses.

   GILLARD HOT SPRING -- One of the
   hottest anywhere at 180 degrees. Mixes
    rapidly with the cooler Gila River.

   CARTER BOX -- Secret hidden pools
   here once held native fish. I am not sure
   what our drought conditions have done
   recently. 

    MORENCI CRYSTAL CAVE - Several
    hundred feet of passage, typically with a
    lake blocking some easier access.
 
   HIDDEN GILA ACCESS -- Obscure ag   
   roads lead to an amazingly pristine river
   stretch halfway between Pima and Thatcher.

   ASH CAMP - Nice picnic area with a
   running stream. Flume and mountain access
   trails further up. Above Cluff ponds.

   MOUNT GRAHAM OBSERVATORY --
   Incredible technology. Guided tours only
   from Discovery Park. Seasonal.

   APACHE BOX -- A favorite hiking area
   of BLM employees just over the NM
   border. Nearby Zen monastery tours.

   STOCKTON & GILLEPSIE WASHES --
   Nice picnic areas. Through hikes down
   stream are easy but only seldom done.

   HOT WELL DUNES - BLM hot tubs,
   sand dunes, off road vehicle paradise.
   Enforced dress code.

   EDEN TRINCHERAS -- Enigmatic check
   dams leap out at you from satellite photos.
   These appear to be mostly CCC water control
   structures dating from the 1930's.
   
   SAN CARLOS FALLS -- Spectacular
   but difficult canyoneering on the res.
   Rec permit required and enforced.

   ALLEN RESEVOIR -- Failed flood
   control dam is rarely visited. Makes
   for interesting close in exploration.

    OAK GROVE CANYON -- Seldom
    visited and little known feeder canyon
    to Aravaipa offers a wet stream, cliffs,
    riparian. Check BLM for access.

    GOAT WELL DETENTION -- Spectacular
    San Simon erosional features caused by
    extreme long term overgrazing.

    CUNNINGHAM ROADS -- old logging
    trails atop Mt. Graham are closed to
    vehicles but offer superb and easy hiking
    and mountain biking. North of Swift Trail.

    GRANT HILL ROADS -- similar to the
     Cunningham Roads, except earlier and
     to the South of Swift Trail.

    SANTA TERESA ROCK CLIMBING --
    World class climbing granite is little
    known and seldom visited. Klondyke
    Wall is particularly challenging. 

      MARIJILDA PICNIC AREA -- Small
      pools are perfect for kiddies. Lots of
      big trees, but fewer because of recent
      flood damage.

      MORENCI MINE TOUR -- Commercial
      tours of one of the largest copper mines
      in the world. Reservations required.

      YELLOWSTONE DAM -- small catchment
       in scenic area has an unusual flying buttress
      architecture.

     SAN CARLOS LAKE -- Often the largest
     lake in the area offers fishing and boating
     plus unusual Coolidge multiple dome dam.
     Reservation permits required.  

     WEST END MINES -- Historic district
     east of Duncan offers all sorts of exploration
     possibilities. Avoid tunnels and shafts!

     PIMA BOX -- Unusual geological feature
     forms a short box canyon in the Upper
     Sonoran life zone. Javelinas common here.
     Black Hills Arch is further upcanyon.

     ROPER LAKE STATE PARK -- Has
     developed hot springs, lakes with islands,
     fishing, camping, hiking.

     FLYING BOXCAR - Rare static display
     of a military C119E twin boom cargo and
     paratroop plane at Pima International Airport,
    aka the Flying J. Call in advance.

    LEBANON PONDS - Collection of fairly large
    reservoirs that hold seasonal water and provide
    storage for a historic irrigation district.

   GILA BOX -- Hiking access to the box
   itself is difficult, but the whitewater takeout
   near the Flying W picnic ground includes
   superb swimming.

   DEADMAN CANYON -- Offers several
   waterfalls, mid-route access to the Round the
   Mountain trail, and an irrigation canal that
   runs along the highest point on its ridge. A
  "secret" seldom traveled track routes backwards
   and south off Deadman Mesa into the lower canyon.

   EAGLE CREEK BAT CAVE -- Early
   guano mining combined with seasonal
   bat flights. F-M permit recommended.

   OLD MARBLE QUARRY -- Historic
   artifacts in Emigrant Canyon include
   steam engines and other equipment.
   Also rappelling and huge stone blocks.

   SAN SIMON BARRIER DAM -- Erosion
   control structure quickly filled with mud the
   instant it was built. Proves that one of the
   indicator species of overgrazing is cows.

   DANKWORTH PONDS -- One time
   warm spring fish farm offers hiking and
   day picnicking, trails, and shady escape.

   CHINA PEAK OBSERVATORY -- A
   largely abandoned U/A geophysical
   facility includes a remote airport runway
   and an experimental geodetic dome.

   SNOW FLAT -- Small lake near the end
   of pavement. A hidden trail leads the back
   way to Treasure Park.

   DISCOVERY PARK -- A failed museum is
   now part of EAC. Nature trails, telescope
   access, flight simulators, lectures, more.

   MARIJILDA RUIN -- Multi-family rock
   architecture prehistoric native structures 
   date from the 13th century. 4WD access
   to start of hike is mesmerizingly awful.

   SAFFORD-MORENCI TRAIL -- Old horse
   route has been developed and marked by
   BLM. Mine activity may limit partial access.

   ROCKHOUNDING -- Areas include Black
   Hills and Round Mountain for fire agate and
   chalcedony; Old Hiway 70 for amygdaloid
   specimens; Bluebird Mine for low quality obsidian.
   Many other San Simon valley locations may show
   the odd piece of chalcedony. The Grand Reef mine
   once offered spectacular mineral specimens, but
   may be under ADEQ remediation. But Stanley
   Butte garnet and Peridot Peridots are off
   limits. More on our local minerals here.

   ARAVAIPA GHOST TOWN -- Some
   buildings remain from an old mining district.
   Access may be landowner restricted.

   ROUND THE MOUNTAIN TINAJAS -
   Just below the crossing in Upper Marijilda.
   These are world class rock pools.

   FISHOOKS WILDERNESS - Remote area
   with solitude, ruins, small intermittent streams,
   riparian. Rarely visited.

   RIGGS FLAT LAKE -- Fishing, camping,
   hiking on top of Mount Graham. Closed
   in winter.

   EUROFRESH TOURS -- Huge tomato
   production facility on the other side of the
   mountain offers free commercial tours.

   PADDIE'S RIVER -- Interesting side
   canyon in the Galiuros. You can approach
   from the Sunset area.

   WILD RASPBERRIES -- Late August
   in most any old burn area on the top of
   Mount Graham. Also prickley pears and
   commercial apples later and lower.

   EAGLE CREEK HOT SPRING -- There
   are several of these. The nicest is like
   soaking inside a giant geode. A F-M mine
   access permit is recommended.

   PIMA BADLANDS -- Huge area to the
   west is largely roadless. Interesting
   geology full of nooks and crannies of
   one sort or another.

   ARAVAPIA CANYON - World class
   riparian wilderness stream. BLM
   permits required. 

   CLUFF PONDS -- Several small lakes
   are an Arizona Game and Fish developed
   location. Just south of Pima.

   NORTH TAYLOR CANYON -- Hiking
   trails lead to a divide in the mountains
   separating Mt Graham proper from West
   Peak.

   COPPER CREEK CROSSOVER -- An
   ancient and vehicle impassible wagon
   road once connected fourmile with the
   upper end of the Copper Creek mining
   district. Access may be restricted. 

   CARTER SAWMILL - One of many
   earlier sawmill sites reachable by hiking
   trail beyond 4WD access.

   POWERS GARDEN -- Scene in the
   Galiuros of a major historical shootout.
   Today a pleasant but long riparian hike. 

   OLD US 70 - Two stretches of long abandoned
   and somewhat overgrown roadways are perfect
   for hiking and mountain biking.

   DUTCH HENRY TRAIL -- The only
   eastern trail off the mountain. Ends
   up in Stockton Wash.

   BLACKJACK CAVE -- Large shelter
   cave in the underappreciated Big Lue
   Mountain range near the NM border.
   Hidden Philips Tank makes an interesting
   destination southeast of Blackjack Campground.
   Off a superb Maverick Hill ATV route.

   HANNA HOT SPRING -- One of the 
   most remote in AZ now needing a 14
   mile round trip hike. Check nearby Little
   Blue Box and the columnar hex basalt
   a short trip upcanyon from the spring.

   FORT BOWIE -- Old military fort is
   a National Monument. Normal access
   involves a one mile hiking trail. But a
   "secret" paved road goes straight to
   the visitor center!

   NOON CREEK -- The first shady picnic
   spot on the mountain. Two miles further
   up is Jacobson Canyon with just enough of
   a small stream for kiddy puddling. These
   both have good examples of CCC rockwork.

   EL CAPITAN CANYON -- My favorite
   narrow Escabrosa Limestone canyon where
   you can almost touch both walls at once.
   Minimum trip size: four, at least one of
   whom should be rope qualified. No dogs.

   DEER CREEK CABIN -- Trailhead for
   several NE Galiuro trails that include
   Kennedy Peak and others.

   WHITLOCK HOT LAKE -- Declining
   water tables have left this artesian
   source less than it once was. But still
   an interesting and very offbeat trip.

 

   BELLOWS CANYON -- Start at the West Peak lookout
   tower and work your way down John's Canyon Ridge
   and Bellows Canyon to the old ranger station and spring.
   Topo maps essential on this long but easy downhill hike.

   CEDAR SPRINGS -- Popular family and
   religious retreat gathering place. Drought
   has reduced the springs from spectacular to
   the barest hint of a seep.

   JUAN MILLER -- Primo access to the
   Lower Blue River country along with
   some fascinating geology.

   FISHERMAN'S POINT -- Seldom visited
   area just into New Mexico offers fishing,
   swimming, impressive cliffs. Fuller road,
   then north, then right at wye..

   WHITLOCK CAVES & RUINS -- Nearly
   inaccessible on east face of mountain.
   See the topo maps for details.

   SOUTH BUFORD CANYON -- The "back
   way" to Aravaipa is perfect for mountain
   biking and remote hiking.

   HOT DOG FORMATIONS -- Mysterous
   bunkers five miles SxSSE of Swift Trail
   Junction are possibly CCC projects. SWq S9.

   McEUEN RUIN -- One of very few
   local large rock shelters inside a cave.
   Access restricted.

   GRANT CREEK - Very difficult hike
    involves steep trail. The falls themselves
    demand ropework and canyoneering skills.

    STOCKTON PASS AREA -- Besides
    picnic and camping areas, offers access
    to Shake Springs trail and routes south
    through upper Hog Canyon.

    HIDDEN TREASURE PARK -- Obscure
    rough trails lead to very private camping on
    flowing but tiny Big Creek. Plus alternate
    foot access to the Grant Hill area.

    REDFIELD CANYON -- The "other" wet
    stream in the Galiuros is my favorite.
    Private land access can be avoided by the
    longer Jackson Cabin approach.
  
    RUG ROAD TO PARSONS -- While this
    is a mesmerizingly awful world class jeep
    trail, day hiking to Parsons Grove makes
    for a very reasonable all day foot trip.

    THE GREASEWOODS -- Plenty of hiking
    opportunities, especially via the Wood
    Canyon road. Other approaches are from
    the Jernigan Ranch or the Ten Ranch. 

    GUTHRIE PEAK -- Antenna farm offers
    sweeping views of the Gila Valley and
    much of Southeastern Arizona.

 

    DAY MINE AREA -- Seasonal wet
    streams, oak woodland, solitude.
    Access starts just north of Fort Thomas.
    Do NOT try to return via Markham
    Creek! 4wd tracks do not connect.

    BATTLE MOUNTAIN -- The actual
    location of this Apache-U.S. Calvary skirmish
    ranged from Cedar Springs to K-H Butte.
    The injuns won this one 4-0 in double overtime.

    TRAMWAY ACCESS -- The best areas
    demand extreme effort. These do include
    the high towers, the escarpment leap,
    Alabam Point, and fourth transfer station.
   
    HOOKER HOT SPRINGS -- Aka the
    Muleshoe Ranch. Interpretive hikes and
    rentable Nature Conservancy casitas.  

   LADYBUG PEAK -- Stunning views plus
   seasonal namesake insects. Gives access
   to Dutch Henry, Bear Canyon, and the
   actual and quite steep Ladybug trail.

   SPRING CANYON -- Little known and
   seldom visited birding area north of the
   Mesquite Bosque. Last visit included
   two penguins and a great auk.

   LITTLE DRAGOON ARCH -- One of the
   larger natural stone arches in SE Arizona.
   Bushwacking required for access. Can be
   seen from I-10. Sort of.

   PEYOTE WAY CHURCH OF GOD --
   Definitely a trip. Probably the only remaining
   hippy commune in the area. Unique pottery.

   P RANCH MINE -- One of very few mines
   in the largely unmineralized Grahams. Also
   nearby is a very early irrigation canal.

   TOPPY'S CAVE -- Huge shelter cave on
    the eastern slope of upper Bonita Creek.
    Steep hike off a difficult 4WD route.
    Named, of course, for Preseley Cantrell.

   TANQUE -- Little remains at this railroad
    site that once provided water for steam
    engines. Alternate road to Hot Well Dunes.

   COPPER CANYON -- Old mining district
   at the far end of the Rug Road 4WD route.
   Wet stream, riparian, anglo ruins.

    SAN JOSE HOT WELL -- Yet another local
    hot artesian water source. OK Picnic spot is
    not really swimmable or soakable.

   TURTLE MOUNTAIN -- Long route gives
   possible mine-free alternate access to the
   lower Eagle Creek area.

   SHINGLE MILL CANYON -- Site of the
   original toll road up the Grahms. Now
   vehicle impassible in seven places. Also
   gives access to much of the Tramway.

   WINGS OVER WILLCOX -- Annual
   January birding event on the Playa
   celebrates Sandhill Crane flyway.

   SAND TANK -- The primary eastern
   Santa Teresa access point to cross the
   range or access Pinaccle Ridge climbing.
   Also Cottonwood Peak trailhead.

  SOUTHERN GILA BOX -- Access roads
  South of the river are much less used. A
  reasonable 4wd route near San Jose; a
  challenging one down Deadman Canyon
  off the Back Country Byway.

  THE ROAD TO NOWHERE -- A "new"
  road was started up the Grahams by
  prison labor, stalled when funding did.
  It is not clear how or where both ends
  were going to meet.

  THE BLUE PONDS  -- Popular tweenybopper
  party site south of Daley Estates. Lakes
  are apparently no longer full or maintained.
  Prehistoric grids, ruins, trincheras, and roasting
  pits nearby. As is an artesian warm tub.

  ARCADIA TRAIL -- One of the easiest of
  Grahm Mountain trails goes from Shannon
  to Arcadia. But avoid wandering off into
  super rugged Upper Marijilda canyon.

  BACK COUNTRY BYWAY -- Steep dirt
  alternate route to Morenci offers 21 miles
  of access to hiking, whitewater, trains, kiosks
  cinder pits, history, ranches, and vistas.

 THATCHER SEWER PONDS - An unlikely
  but popular birding spot. Sometimes are
  frequented by Great Blue Herons, by far our
  classiest local bird.

  THE OLD TUNNELS -- Abandoned railroad
  route on lower San Francisco river included
  these plus five 360 degree climbing loops.
  Of the 15 known loops on all US railroads,
  five of them were here. One loop remains.

  TWILIGHT AREA -- Underappreciated and
  easily accessed picnic and camping area
  above Turkey Flat. The other end of the
  "no middle" road to and from nowhere.

  BENEATH FRYE DAM -- Western fork off
  the Deadman Canyon road leads up and under
  the resevoir in an interesting riparian canyon.
  Watch out for rattlesnakes!

  WEBB PEAK -- No longer used but hiker
  accessible lookout tower in the top center of
  the Grahams. Sweeping views.

   OLIVER TRAIL -- Very remote canyon in one of
   the wildest parts of the Gila Montains on the Left
   Fork of Markham Creek. Note that upper and
   lower Markham 4WD tracks do NOT connect!

  WATCHIBLE WILDLIFE PLATFORM -- Treetop
   level intrepretive site is handicapped accessible.
   Near the junction of Bonita Creek and the Gila.

   HARRIS CAMP CANYON -- Eminently hikable
   and mountain bikable tracks just south of Tollgate
   Pass. Deepening canyon looks interesting on topos.

 

   TURKEY CREEK RUIN -- A second cliff dwelling
   inside a cave. BLM interpretive site upcanyon
   from Arivaipia.

   TABLE MOUNTAIN -- Sweeping views and early
   mine historic artifacts just off the legendary and world
   class 4WD Rug Road. You can't get there from here.

   JOHNNY CREEK -- Interesting area on the far side
   of back of beyond. Mining activity may limit loop
   trips. Approach from Solomon Pass. 

   H-X DAM -- Large and remote seasonaal tank
   in the upper Timber Draw area makes for a
   possible 4wd picnic site. Ruins nearby.

   BEAR SPRINGS TRAIL - Easternmost southern
   trail off the Grahams steeply goes through many
   life zones. Car shuttle advised.

   OLD BANANA FARM - Yet another Gila Valley
   scam just above the Thatcher Diversion dam.
   Close-in riparian and river access still recovering
    from a major fire.

   BACK ROUTE TO MUD SPRINGS -- Little
   known and seldom explored impassible jeep
   trail west from the Frey Mesa Road makes for
   quiet winter hiking.

   BRAMAHAM CAVE -- Longish hike off obscure,
   nonobvious, poorly mapped, and confusing jeep  
   trails on the res. Rec permit required.

   BLACK HILLS ARCH -- Smaller natural arch
   in the Pima Box Canyon north of Fort Thomas.
   A five mile round trip.

   SHEEP TANK --Small resevoir two miles east
   off the Frey Mesa road makes for a close in and
   easy picnic lunch site. Frye Creek is alternately
   diverted through here when it is flowing.

   BLUE JAY PEAK -- This top of mountain
   hiking trail starts at West Peak Lookout.
   Sweeping vistas, Government Spring.

   DEVAL RUIN -- BLM interpretive rock shelter
   site in the upper Bonita Creek area.

   NO NAME TANK -- Offbeat raw picnic
   location two miles east of the prison. South
   of old and abandoned US 70.

   GILA RIVER FLOAT TRIPS -- Range from
   placid to whitewater, depending on seasonal
   flow. Contact BLM for current conditions
   and permits.

   ADAMS FLAT -- Waterfalls and rock
   scrambling area above Engle Orchard
   in Jacobson Canyon. Seasonal flow.

 

   BONITA CEROMONIAL CAVE -
   Site of a one time stash of very early
   indian artifacts. A beautiful riparian
   area with flowing stream.

   CHESLEY FLAT -- Superb north views
   via easy hike to Grandview Peak. Also
   gives you top access to the remote and
   difficult Blair Canyon Trail.

   CAVE CREEK MYSTERY - Cavers
   have found nothing in this small canyon
   between Deadman and Frey in gniess.
   Why was it named by who?

   LEBANON RUIN - Medium sized site possibly
   dates from the 900's and sits on a high bluff.
   Has the usual pothunting damage.

   MOUNT GRAHAM SAWMILL - Largest
   and most important sawmill on the mountain.
   Both the tramway and the flume started here.
   More tramway details here.

  VIRDEN NM - Not really a ghost town,
   but definitely a "hidden" architectural blast from
   the past. Nearby are fireworks sales, ruins,
   riparian canyon hikes, and fire agate.

  ASH CREEK - The steep primary trail from
  Columbine to Pima follows a live stream
   much of the way. Site of the log flumes, of
   which only scant traces may remain.

  THE "OTHER" ASH CREEK - This one
  gives eastern access to the Galiuros via
  a shady partial 4wd riparian route.

  THE SOUTHERN GRIDS - While not as
  orderly or spectacular as the main Safford
  Grids site, a wider variety of structures is
  included. As are cones, pits, and trincheras.

   PELONCILLO WILDERNESS -- Area west of the
   Lordsburg Playa and northeast of Bowie offers
   mountain sheep, remote hiking, vista peaks,
   rockhounding. Some access restrictions.

  LEFTHAND ARCHEOLOGICAL DISTRICT --
  This 200 plus room complex has long been
   heavily pot hunted with appalling destruction.

   BIBLE CAMP -- Religious facility in the Old
   Columbine area hosted by a Tucson Congregation.
   Summer youth programs. More details here.
  
   CCC EROSION CONTROL DAMS-- These
   are all over the place, but the long triplet west of
   Freeman Flat and just southwest of the power
   line show exceptional stone masonry work.
    
   "FLYING W" PICNIC AREA-- A BLM group
   picnic area near the confluence of Bonita
   Creek and the Gila River. Rather than being
   a ranch brand, the name comes from the obvious
   structural steel shapes supporting the roof.

   COLUMBINE RANGER STATION --
   Seasonally manned mini-museum is a good
   starting point for most any top-of-mountain
   activity.

 

   CLARK PEAK 4WD LOOP -- A second and
   little traveled rough 4WD route loops back
   from the western end of the Swift Trail. It
   goes through dense forest and some marsh
   with three interesting side tracks.

   TWIN BOOBS CANAL -- Amazingly well
   preserved, long, and seldom visited prehistoric
   water project. The total system measured
   nearly eight miles! Very rough access trail.

   AREA BICYCLING -- The area is also
   superb for mid-length bicycle trips. Some
   routes I have tested include...

      Paved Loops...

          Safford to Thatcher
          Thatcher to Pima
          Pima to Eden
          Safford to Eden ( duh! )
          Reay Lane to Upper Solomon to Airport
          San Jose to 3-Way to Duncan
          Duncan to Virden to Franklin

     Paved One way...

           Mount Graham hill climb
           Big Lue hill climb
           Granville hill climb
           Calva to Coolidge Dam
           Willcox to Bonita
           Blackjack to Mule Creek
           Haekel to Hot Well Dunes
           Hannagan to Rose Peak
           Barney Lane to High Mesa
           Safford Urban Trail
           Hinton Road to Sanders Road
           Old central landfill

      Mountain Biking ( rougher or dirt )...

           Sunset Loop
           Cluff Ponds Loop
           Tripp Cottonwood Loop
           Black Hills Loop
           Skyline / Ward Canyon Loop
           Old Highway 70
           Tanque Road to Hot Well Dunes
           Back Country Byway
           Black Rock Road
           Morenci Southern Railroad
           Sheldon Peak Routes

   DISCOVERY DISTRICT --Yet another
   collection of Southern grids, ruins, trincheras,
   and circular features. At least four areas.

   SAFFORD URBAN TRAIL -- As close in
   as you can get, this multi use path is great for
   jogging, bicycling, dog walking. Currently
   being expanded from the Discovery Park
   area.

  BEAR BASIN -- The most obscure trail
  access on the North side of the Grahams.
  May have water and tinajas higher up.

  SLICK ROCK AMYGDALOIDS -- These
  volcanic inclusions are somewhat collectible
  as geologic specimens. Off old hiway 70.

   EDEN INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT -- Site
   of many CCC checkdam and erosion projects
   with dozens more up on the north bajada. These
   leap out at you from the satellite photos. Some   
   even include "drawbridges".

   LOWER DEADMAN TANK -- Long dry
   water catchment makes for a secluded 4WD
   picnic goal. At one time the prehistoric Deadman
   Ditch split three ways, going here, to Upper Deadman
   tank, and Porter Spring Tank.

   OLD MORENCI BRIDGE -- Restored
    historic bridge on the backcountry byway
    is also a shady picnic area and a Gila
    River whitewater put in. Also called the
    Pumroy Canyon Bridge or the Black Gap
    Bridge.

   DRY LAKE -- A military rifle range just east of
   Daley Estates is both closed and unsafe. But
   new public access areas are found at Dry Lake
   south of Safford Airport.

   THE CLIFFHANGER -- Prehistoric water
   delivery system literally hung on the side
   of a steep mesa. Up to NINETY FEET above
   the valley floor. An even more amazing and
   "above grade" aquaduct portion is nearby.

   BLACKROCK CCC DAM -- Centerpiece of
   a bizarre collection of Fort Thomas CCC
   water diversion and erosion control projects.
   Some of which seem more artistic than useful.

   UPPER SAN FRANCISCO -- Mine road
   above Clifton leads to caves, swimming,
   hot springs, and Blue River confluence.

  OLD STAGE STATION -- Not sure what if
  anything remains at this poorly documented
  historic site near the extremely remote Whitlock
  Cienega.

   GRANTHAM CAVE --  Large main room
   and some tight passage in this Escabrosa
   Limestone feature.  At the base of the "Vee".
  
   FURTHER AFIELD -- Here are some of my obscure
    favorites that involve longer out-of-area trips...

Oak Flat tinajas ( endangered! )
Dum Ditty cave
Cherry Creek cliffs
Salome Creek
Santa Maria canyon
Redlake karst area
Silver Creek
West Clear Creek
Natural Drainages
Glenwood Catwalk
Paige Canyon
Barnhardt to Sheep Bridge
Tonto Hell's Gate
Slavin Gulch
Mescal Pit ( Lone Pine Divide )
Rucker Box
Wet Beaver Creek

   CANADOR SITE -- Sits high on a bluff
   above the Gila River. Outstanding swimming
   fishing, and spectacular cliffs only a few miles
   upstream.

  BYWAY CAIRNS -- The subtle cairns near
  the northern kiosk are genuine and prehistoric.
  The big obvious trinchara looking projects
  south of the Pumroy Canyon Bridge are really
  CCC busywork boondoggles.

  SHELDON PEAK MOUNTAIN BIKING -
  Many 4WD tracks in the Peloncillos are
  outstanding. From Tollgate Canyon to
  Sheldon Loop to Shoat Tank Wash to
  Old Hiway 70. Great winter hiking, too.

  TIMBER DRAW RUIN - Also the site
  of a further BLM proposed erosion control
  structure. The previous ones instantly
  filled with mud.

  SOLOMVILLE BRIDGE - Historic iron truss
  bridge has been moved to an obscure eastern area
  of Roper Lake State Park for storage and
  eventual restoration. No access fee.

  SPEEDER JAUNTS --  Ride the rails on
  your own obsolete power handcar! But
  do so ONLY as part of a sanctioned event!
  Two local routes are spectacular. 
 
  LOCAL AIRPORTS - The FAA identifier of
  "SAD" for Safford Regional pretty much sums
  it up. The Flying J sometimes is a good choice
  for aerial surveys or local photography. The
  High Mesa airpark is a private homeowners
  association and sees little traffic. Greenlee
  sees even less. Sharp eyed pilots flying into
  Thatcher International may note minor debris
  on the runway, such as refrigerators or
  evaporative coolers.

  SIXPACK HABITATION - Small classic six room
  ruin  in the area of exceptionally engineered
  prehistoric canals and ag sites.

  TOLLGATE CANYON TOLL ROAD --
   Long rock borders still mark the Western
   portions of this early commercial route. Along
   with other enigmatic remains including some
   rather impressive dams. Hang right through the
   gate just past the Backcountry Byway turnoff.

  BIBLE CAMP CUTOFF -- The fastest and
  easiest access to the Mt. Graham Sawmill,
  Ash Creek trail, Upper Shingle Mill Canyon,
  and the tramway escarpment and upper towers
  is to slant steeply down canyon from immediately
  before the Bible Camp. Largely off trail.

  CLARK PEAK TRAIL -- Highest of the Mt.
  Graham trails offers spectacular views. Best
  done as "out and back" from the east due to
  lack of water, extreme elevation changes, and
  difficult vehicle pickups.

  "POTHOLE COUNTRY" -- This is a little out
  of range and I have yet to reach it, but the
  topo map features six miles north of Mule Creek
  include our title plus "cave canyon" and "pothole
  canyon". This Gila NF area seems unknown to local
  cavers. But the likely volcanic mudstone probably
  does not bode well.
  
   ARCADIA CAMPGROUND -- Lowest "full service"
   campground is open year round except during fires.
   Gives access to Adam's Flat, Arcadia Trail, Engle
   Orchard apples, and Ladybug trail. Paved access.

"THUMPER LOOPS " -- There are a dozen or more
   of these "roads to nowhere" that are always on a
   flat mesa, always close on themselves, and always
   are within a few feet of a steep mesa edge. One guess
   is that they are "post GPS" geophysical access for
   seismic exploration or core drilling. Satellite Imagery
   sometimes suggest CCC projects or prehistoric ag
   artifacts in the area. 

   GILA BOX RIVER TRAIL -- The first Arizona
   water trail is three miles long and goes from
   Bonita Creek to Dry Canyon. Whitewater rating
   is usually Class II or less, but always verify! Use
   only "real" watercraft and approved flotation.

   WHITE STREAKS CANYON -- This rock scramble
    is best viewed from a distance. Easily combined with
    a McENIRY TUNNEL, Shingle Mill toll road, or
    Cotton Cave trip.

   CUNNINGHAM CAMPGROUND -- The most "horsey"
   of top-of-mountain sites with public corrals. Near various
   logging roads and flowing Moonshine Creek. Dirt access
   road is closed in winter and during fires.

   OLD TRIPP CANYON RANGER STATION -- This
   now restored shady oak woodland forms a year round
   and nearly ideal unimproved camping and picnic area.
   Small springs are usually reliable for dog water.

   SKY GYPSIES -- Ultralight facility in the Amigos De
   Cielo airpark also includes an open-Sunday's internet
   cafe and a free classics/arts theater. Longish drive.

   COTTONWOOD TRAIL -- New two mile BLM loop trail
   in the Gila Box links the Flying W, Riverview Campground,
   Kearny Monument, Serna Cabin, and the Bonita
   Watchable Wildlife Area.

   SOLDIER CREEK -- Top of mountain full campground
   gives access to Grant/Goudy trail, Grant Creek Falls,
   the Ice Caves, and similar areas. Dirt access road is
   closed in winter and during fires.

   LOCAL HOT SPRINGS -- Some of these have been
   closed due to nudes-vs-prudes squabbles. Notably
   Thatcher Hot Well and Watson Wash. Remaining
   are Roper Lake State Park, Hot Well Dunes, San
   Jose Hot Well, Whitlock Hot Lake, Daley, Eagle Creek,
   Hooker, and ultra hot Gillard. Hanna Hot Spring remains
   pristine but very hard to access. Commercial sites
   include Indian Hot Springs, Essence of Tranquility,
   Katchina, and Muleshoe. Others are hidden in the
   Artesia area.

   ROUND THE MOUNTAIN TRAIL -- Ties in
   the Swift Trail highway with Marijilda, Deadman,
   and Frey Canyons. Also links the Gibson trail
   which is blocked at its top. A short spur goes to
   the Noon Creek picnic area. Superb tinajas are in
   upper Marijilda and middle Frey.

   ASH CREEK OVERFLOW -- Heavily riparian
   area north of Cluff Ponds is little known and
   seldom visited, yet sometimes has an impressive
   flowing stream. Very shady.

   SHANNON CAMPGROUND -- At the end of
   the Swift Trail pavement. Closed winter roads
   beyond make this a good access point for cross
   country sking, winter sports, and snowmobiles.
   Trails include Arcadia, Heliograph and Snow Lake.
   Wild raspberries in late August.

   PUEBLO VIEJO -- Originally referred to the
   Epley ruin between San Jose and the Gila.
   Long trashed by ag development. But the term
   can also mean "anything prehistoric in the
   Gila Valley." Translates as "old house".

   TOLLGATE TANK -- Seldom visited location
   of an impressively high concrete dam blocking
   an interesting and rarely explored canyon.
   The toll road itself bypassed to the south.

   HELIOGRAPH PEAK -- Site of an amazingly
   effective military communications facility from
   the 1880's. Also an antenna farm and a very
   high CCC built lookout tower. Access is usually
   foot or mountain bike only. Sweeping views.

 

   LIMESTONE MOUNTAIN / CRYSTAL PEAK --
   Res locations I've yet to visit may have cave and
   geologic potential. Permits required and might be
   off limits. Mineral specimen collecting is a no-no.

   HOSPITAL FLAT -- Ten unit campground includes
   a nature trail and a flowing stream, gives access to
   Grant Hill, meadows, cienegas. Dirt access road
   is closed in winter and during fires.

   TOLL ROADS -- The Weech road up Shingle
   Mill is easily 4WD followed at first, but is long,
   very rough, steep, and becomes vehicle impassible
   in seven places. Also home of the tramway. The
   Montes Road once ran up Tollgate Canyon. It is
   largely non-obvious, hard to follow in most areas,
   and vehicle impassable.

   DIAMOND BAR AREA -- Remote and seldom
   explored area west of the Fishooks is definitely
   on the "out west" side of back of beyond. Check
   out Steer Springs canyon and its feeders.

   LOST MINES & TREASURE -- Packsaddles
   of stolen Mexican gold are supposedly buried
   in, of all places, Treasure Park. Much of the
   "Shame of Pima" stolen cash from the Wham
   Paymaster robbery may still be unaccounted for.
   At least  some researchers feel the Lost Adams
   diggings are in Lower Eagle Creek rather than
   New Mexico's Malapais. Outright swindles
   included McEnuiry, Spenazuma, and the Banana
   Farm. My own vote for the most credible Arizona
   treasure remains the Seymour Safe.

   WILDERNI -- Local Wilderness Areas include
   Aravapia, Fishooks, Galiuro, North Santa Teresa,
   Peloncillo, Redfield, Needle's Eye, and Santa Teresa. Of
   these, Fishooks is probably the best choice that is both
   accessible and seldom visited. One local WSA is Pinalino
   Mountain.

    NANCY'S ROCKPILES -- Certainly these are
    among the strangest of local artifacts. Seven somewhat
    irregular walls up to four feet high by a hundred long formed
    of loosely piled rocks. With no apparent use or purpose.
    Upside down desert varnish suggests human origins.
    Classic punched oilcan artifacts and machine marks
    suggest a CCC origin. Along rather than cross drainage.

    CORONADO AND KEARNY -- Historians like to
    argue about these historic exploratory routes through
    the Gila Valley. Coronado most likely came up Tres
    Alamos wash, crossed Eagle Pass on the Klondyke
    road, entered the Safford valley and headed north.
    Kearny's route was basically down the Gila River,
    dragging two useless howitzers with him.

    BURMA ROAD BRIDGE -- Now inaccessible due
    to spectacular flood damage. But in gentle times,
    the reach of the Gila here offers shady hiking,
    picnicing, exploration, and even kiddy wading. Easily
    looped during low water times. Extremely dangerous
    otherwise!

    PIMA MUSEUM -- Has an excellent and definitive
    collection of tramway photos, along with many
    agricultural artifacts. Limited hours, so phone first.
    Do not confuse with the also superb but much larger
    Pima air and space Museum in Tucson

    NEEDLE'S EYE-- The most spectacular part of
    the Gila River Canyon below Coolidge Dam.
    Very difficult access. Escabrosa Limestone cave
    potential is largely unexplored here. Off res,
    but a permit is likely needed to get there.

    MID BONITA ACCESS -- A very steep ( 4WD
    low range with granny ONLY! ) track drops you into
    the middle of Bonita Creek. Outstanding riparian,
    flowing stream, rarely visited picnic areas, kiddy
    puddling. Plus routes to even more remote areas.
    Sometimes called the Lee Trail.

    FREY MESA RESERVOIR -- Small fishing lake and
    dam has nearby tinajas, waterfalls, canyoneering,
    and riparian access. Road quality may vary.
    Ropework recommended a quarter mile upstream.

    GRAHAM COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY --
    Their museum is presently in the old Thatcher
    Grade School. Historic and prehistoric artifacts,
    talks and seminars, access directly to the horses's
    whatever for living history.

    MARKHAM CREEK -- Remote preannual stream
    in the Gila Mountains offers ruins, riparian reaches,
    narrows, springs, more. Note that upper and lower
    4WD tracks do not directly connect! Seldom visited.

    MILLS COLLECTION -- Definitive and specactular
    but poorly organized and interpreted local prehistoric
    collection of pottery, basketry, and similar artifacts
    is haphazardly scattered hither and yon in the EAC
    administration building. Free access.

    APPLE ANNIE'S -- Largest and best of the Bonita
    Road U-Pick farms is well suited to family excursions
    with smaller children. Can be extremely crowded.
    Also can be expensive. Check out the amazing maize
    maze.

    COLTER SPRING TRAIL -- Topo Maps show
    a jeep trail from the 76 ranch clear north to
    Taylor Pass. I'm not sure of the present access
    and condition.

    FREEMAN FLAT -- Very close in area is an
    offroad favorite. Includes erosional canyons,
    ruins, and old CCC water diversion projects.
    Some "hidden" ones have impressive stonework..

    FIRE LOOKOUTS -- These are seeing less and less
    use and many are an endangered species. Local Mt. Graham
    examples are CCC built Heliograph, Webb, and West Peaks.
    Next closest are Rose Peak on the Apache and Signal
    Peak on the Tonto, Sugarloaf and Barfoot in the Chirachuas.
    Plus harder-to-reach Silver Peak and Monte Vista. A
    superb guidebook can be found here.

    MESCAL CRACK LINEAMENTS -- Lineaments are
    cave like but open earth cracks often orthogonal to
    a geologic fault. These rare limestone examples are found
    on this map and may be near N 33.16482 W 110.70876 and
    N 33.16333 W 110.70946. One is "in the saddle".
    Another is "down the hill" to the south.

   WEST PEAK -- The road becomes quite steep just
   before the lookout tower and extends as 4WD to
   Government Spring. The area around Dry Lake makes
   for nice unimproved summer camping in tall pines.

   BED & BREAKFAST -- Somewhat local places include
   the Olney House, Black Rock Ranch, and Hooker Hot
   Springs ( Muleshoe ). Further afield is the superb
   Casitas de Gila in Cliff and older Bear Mountain Lodge in
   Silver City. Los Olmos may be newly reopened in Glenwood.
   Our favorite remains Black Range Lodge in Kingston. Of
   many Greer sites, we found Snowy Mountain to be of interest.
   Great hot tubs, but their restaurant may be closed. Rodeo has
   a new Casa Adobe. Paradise has the George Walker house.
   And, of course, Hannigan Meadow has Hannigan Meadow.

   THUMB BUTTE -- Cliffs near the Black Hills rockhound
   area are often used for rappeling practice and rescue
   training. Do NOT attempt this without a qualified
   instructor, proper gear, and safety belay associates!

   GEOCACHING -- These high tech GPS based scavenger
   hunts have become quite popular. There are hundreds
   of local sites and you are welcome to add your own.
   But Discovery Park remains off limits due to vandalism.

   SPRING CANYON -- Area near the P ranch is rumored
   to be the site of an early historic ( and possibly prehistoric )
   canal and water management system. Adjacent Veech
   Canyon offers impressive cliff walls.

   ARIVAIPA PRESERVE -- 7000 Acre holding hosted by
   the Nature Conservancy east of and adjacent to the main
   canyon. No camping, offroad travel, or picnicing, but hiking
   and photography is apparently allowed by prearrangement.
   Rustic meeting facilities are sometimes available.

  TINAJAS - Natural rock basins made famouos by Ed
  Abbey make for superb swimming and wading holes. The
  easiest to reach are Frey Mesa Falls. Best on the mountain
  are in Upper Marijilda just below Round the Mountain
  crossing. Most difficult are in Grant Creek. Others are in
  Deadman, Shingle Mill, Adams Flat, etc.-- Further afield
  legendary tinajas are found below Oak Flat ( endangered! )
  and in West Clear Creek. My secret remote favorites
  include Paige Creek and Esperitu Canyon.

 VOLUNTEER WORK - Both BLM and CNF have formal
  and informal programs such as trail bulding, site hosting, and
  such. Other possibilities might include State Parks, Search &
  Rescue, Game & Fish, Nature Conservancy or the Sierra Club.

  CAVES AND CAVING - There's not much local limestone,
  so most of this is out of the immediate area. Contact ARA,
  CAG, EGI, NAG, CCC, MMCC, or the national NSS for
  further info.

    THE LAST SAGUARO? -- Sonoran Desert Saguaro
    Cactus forests are readily found on the res, around Pima
    Box or near Oliver Knoll. But where is the easternmost
    native individual cactus?

    EAGLE CREEK -- Long all day hike or difficult 4WD trip
    to a spectacular riparian wet stream area that includes
    shelter bat caves, hot springs, lost treasure lore, swimming,
    and impressive cliffs. F-M permit recommended.

    BEAR SPRINGS FLAT -- Elaborate abandoned canal
    system attempted to deliver artesian water to large and
    remote desert earthen dam tanks. Apparently failed with
    dropping water tables. Certainly overoptimistic, possibly
    a scam. Not very scenic.

    AREA GEOLOGY -- You'll find a wide variety of sedentary,
    metaphoric and ingeneous rocks. The Pliocene is well
    represented in fossles from Glyptodonts to Camels.
    Heavy mineralization to the north produces copper,
    silver and even gold. But the Grahams themselves are
    ancient precambrian Gniess and Granite and thus
    largely unmineralized. Shelter caves abound, but
    more significant ones are minor and scarce, owing to
    very little local limestone of isolated occurance. A
    number of zeolite mines remain in the San Simon
    valley area. Geothermal springs are common. Highly
    unusual minerals were often found in the Klondyke area.

    3 ENTRANCE & 5 ENTRANCE CAVES -- "swiss cheese"
    limestone cliff just above the river is fun to explore but
    has no known depth. Ropework and climbing skills required
    plus proper safety training.

    ASH CREEK FALLS -- Highest on the mountain at over
    100 feet, but more of a cascade than a true falls. Hard
     to photograph. Site of the one time logging flumes.
    Other falls are in Grant Creek, Frey Mesa, etc....

    OAK CREEK & HIGH CREEK -- Additional 4WD routes
    give eastern access to the Galuiros between Ash Creek
    and Paddy's River. Mostly Riparian and Oak woodland.

   OLD CLIFTON-- Part ghost town, part economic disaster,
    part emerging arts and crafts enclave, the original Clifton business
    district has bunches of old and odd buildings ( and inhabitents! )
    to explore.

   STREAM GAUGES-- These real time reports of local
    and regional water flow can be most useful for determining
    4WD access ease, swimmability, white water class, and general
    trip planning. Local gauges are on the Gila, San Francisco,
    Eagle Creek, Boinita Creek, Frey Mesa, San Carlos, etc..

   LEDFORD FIELDS-- Yet another "off the bajada"
    prehistoric ag water development. At least ten of these
    canal systems are known, one for each preannual stream
    off the northeast slopes of the Grahams. Many miles of
    total length combined with engineering beyond stunning.

    PUMPING PLANT -- Elaborate water exchange scheme starts
    by transferring water from Blue Ridge to Horseshoe, along
    with Black River pumping to Willow creek. Then a 51 mile
    journey to become Morenci water. Eagle Creek above the
    pumping plant is seldom explored. F-M permit recommended.

    GEOLOGICAL ROAD LOGS -- Can make for very interesting
    shorter and easier trips. Such as these three examples from the
    Friends of the Pleistocene.

    "CAVE IN A MINE" -- A horizontal mine shaft above and west
    of Morenci Crystal cave broke through into a rather short Escabrosa
    Limestone void. Other "cave mine caves" exist elsewhere in
    the mountain west.

    LONGVIEW SITE -- Mid sized and heavily pothunted classic ruin
    exhibits evidence of exceptional trading activity. Check dams
    and aprons in the vicinity.

    AMERIND FOUNDATION -- Museum and archaeological
    research facility noted for both the quality and controversy
    of their work. Authentic southwestern indian craft sales.

   "RING CONE" TANK -- The name likely started out as
   "Rincon". Makes for an  interesting winter offtrail hike
    destination via Cottonwood Wash or Goathill Trail.

    SERNA CABIN-- BLM restored historical structure at
    the mouth of Bonita creek is on the Cottonwood Trail.
    Kearney monument is in the area. Often superb swimming
    nearby in the Gila.

    ROBINSON DITCH -- A second cliffhanging canal along
    the edge of a steep mesa. Pioneers likely "stole the plans"
    from an existing prehistoric ag development. There is
    also a pair of unusual CCC dam projects along the cowpath
    access route.

    THE HOT WELL IN HOT WELL DRAW -- Old maps
    show this as artesian. Now dry as a bone following a
    succession of small, medium, and large windmills, and
    medium, large, and huge pump derelicts. Seldom visited.

     COTTON GIN TOURS -- Long staple Pima cotton was one
     of the secret weapons of World War II. Ginning season is
     often from October through December. Always phone ahead
     to (928) 428-0714 ( Safford ) or (928) 485-9255 ( Glenbar )
     for free tour info.

    NEWSPAPER ROCK -- One of the more significant local
     petroglyph sites. South of the Mackenzie River.

    AIRPLANE CRASH SITES -- I've yet to visit any of these,
    but a few details appear here, here, and here. A B-24 bomber
    off Bassett peak in the Galuiros, a navy N3N Canary off
    of Heliograph, a F-16A Falcon in the Whitlocks, a PB4Y2
    ( navy B-24 ) large air tanker somewhere in the Grahams,
    a second B-24 crash southeast of Wilcox, and a more recent
    SEAT air tanker off the Back Canyon Byway.

    CHECK DAMS WITH APRONS -- Prehistoric ag features
    South of Longview seem totally different than others in the
    area. Some have splash aprons, others a full downstream
    double retainment. Size suggests plant nurseries.

    SUNSET LOOP -- Dirt roads west of Bonita define the upper
    Sulphur Springs Valley and give access to Eastern Galuiro
    hiking, horse, and 4WD trails. Plus Basset Peak. Also a "high
    lonesome" mountain biking loop. No services.

   COAL CREEK -- The last campground on AZ 78 near the
   New Mexico border often sees little use. Coal Creek itself
   usually offers intermittent pools in an ever deepening canyon.

    GREEN'S SPRING -- Reasonably reliable water near
    the 4WD limit of the Shingle Mill Canyon road. Larger
    canyon pools are sometimes full and  third tramway
    tension station is nearby.

    RED KNOLLS ANNEX -- There is a second set of mudstone
    pseudokarst pits in the cliffs half a mile SSE of the Red
    Knolls Ampitheater proper. Aerial photos show more but
    much harder-to-reach cliffs even further south and east. I once
    encountered an all white ( and very pissed ) large owl here.

    THE THREE WAY SWITCH -- Somebody went to a lot of
    trouble to route a canal along the HIGHEST point of a long
    ridge to a three-way diversion to Porter Springs and both
    Deadman tanks. Is it in fact prehistoric? Similar tasks
    and technology in nearby canyons strongly suggest so.

    BIG LUE NEEDLE'S EYE -- The old gravel road thru
    the Big Lue Mountains went straight thru a volcanic piton
    by way of a short car tunnel. Paving the road trashed the
    piton and only a scant remnant remains today. Some
    photos can sometimes be found in local museums.

    ALBERTO'S SIGNATURE -- Some of the CCC
    diversion dams show exceptional stone masonry work.
    Alberto deeply incised his using this rock monument.

    "HUM ON THE DESERT" -- Enigmatic "loping generator"
     sounds are heard by some in the Desert Southwest, with no
     generally acceptable explanation. These could be real or
     variations on tinnitus or individuals that have exceptional
     infrasonic capabilities. Meanwhile, the classic southwestern
     sounds of coyote pup yip yarfs, the call of the canyon
     wren, and the creaking and groaning of an Aeromotor
     windmill should be lovingly cherished.

    GIMEE'S-- The best and most secret restaurant on the
    the Salsa Trail is cleverly hidden in downtown York between the
    theater and industrial districts on the loop thruway bypass.

    TWO REMOTE CCC DAMS -- Viewable to the east of
    the mesa edge 0.8 miles northeast of the junction of
    Deadman Canyon Road and the Lower Frey Creek Road.
    A locale frequently bypassed by the casual tourist.

                       ( update continuing )


           Please email your suggestions to me.

 

The condition, ease of use and maintenance of Coronado National
Forest trails is very much dependent on floods, fires, and funding.

Here is a list of some of their currently maintained trails:

GALUIROS --
                                         East Divide
                                         Holdout Spring
                                         Powers Garden
                                         Rattlesnake
                                         Sycamore
                                         Tortilla
                                         West Divide 

MOUNT GRAHAM -
                                         Arcadia
                                         Ash Creek
                                         Bear Canyon
                                         Clark Peak
                                         Cunningham
                                         Deadman
                                         Dutch Henry
                                         Frey Canyon
                                         Gibson ( top access blocked )
                                         Grant Creek
                                         Grant Goudy
                                         Grant Hill Loop
                                         Heliograph
                                         Ladybug
                                         Round the Mountain
                                         Shake springs
                                         Taylor
                                         Webb Peak

SANTA TERESAS --
                                        None listed, but there is a fairly good
                                        trail to and over the top.      

 

While there are numerous hiking trails of varying conditions
on local BLM lands, the only signed and promoted nearby
ones I know of are their...

Dankworth Villiage Cultural Trail
Safford-Morenci Trail
Turkey Creek Cliff Dwelling
Watchable Wildlife Platform
Cottonwood Trail
Gila Box Water Trail

We might complement our above lists of Gila Valley day
hikes with this list of places to avoid that you will NOT
want to visit..

    SPENAZUMA MINE -- 1900's gold
    mining scam is a private working ranch on
    which visitors are strongly discouraged.

   ARIVAIPA CANYON -- The eastern access
   problem caused by a locked gate from a few-
   chips-shy-of-a-full-board landowner has been
   resolved. But you should always have a BLM
   permit and should always check for access.

   TOP OF MT GRAHAM -- Red squirrel
   refugium access closed by the Bureau
   of sports fisheries and wildlife, among other
   agencies. Trailhead access to some northern
   trails ( especially Gibson ) are blocked and
   prohibited.

   OWENS-COLVINS -- Casual visitors are
   discouraged at this private ranch site.

   EDEN HOT SPRINGS -- Once hippy paradise
   is now part of a working cattle ranch. Apparently
   large group reservations remain possible on an
   advance fee basis. The hotel itself recently burned.

   FREEPORT McMORAN -- Due to copper
   mine development, many access points north
   to the Gila Mountains now have locked gates,
   guardhouses, or are otherwise restricted.

   THATCHER HOT WELL -- Has been plugged
    with concrete over a nudes-vs-prudes squabble.
    You still can visit, but there is nothing there.

   BEAR SPRINGS -- Old hippy commune and
   declining artesian spring site seems to have locked
   access gates and very little left. May be
   under new private development.

   MESCAL WARM SPRINGS -- It is only 85 degrees,
   has very little water and is extremely brushy. Very
   difficult access involves res permits, rough, and quite
   steep roads before a long hike. Plus posted property.
   Neither soakable nor swimmable.

   MT. GRAHAM OBSERVATORY -- While
   scheduled tours and individual invitees are
   welcome, trespassers will be prosecuted to the
   fullest extent of the law by an aggressive 24/7
   onsite police force.

   THE BLUE SILO  -- Until visitation rights
    become obvious, this one is best treated and
    respected as a private home. It sure looks
    like it would make a dandy WiFi coffee house
    with a superb view.

   THE LOWER COALFIELDS  -- Arizona's
   "other" coal mining area lies on the res in
   the mineral strip. Most access is strongly
   discouraged. The coal is apparently of little
   commercial value. Otherwise, it would have
   been stolen off the indians long ago.

   GUTHRIE -- One time ghost town and train
    watering station is now a group of ranchettes,
    complete with "Neighborhood Watch" signs.

   111 RANCH PALEO SITE -- This scientific
   paleo fossil research study in the Dry Mountain
  area remains access restricted.

   BLM GLYPTODONT SITE -- This scientific
   paleo fossil research area in the San Simon
   River basin remains access restricted.

   CARPENTER'S CAVE -- Between the ranch
   and res access hassles and the technical climb,
   this tiny shelter cave is not worth visiting.

   TRAMWAY PIMA BASE STATION -- This
   appears to have been recently sold and seems
   to be private property under development. The
   two story duck blind is somewhat of a mystery.
   More on the tramway here.

   WATSON WASH HOT WELL -- Now sealed
   by BLM over wild parties, drugs, shootings,
   fires, and nudes-versus-prudes issues.

   RES ACCESS -- There are all sorts of recent
   horror stories over visits to the San Carlos indian
   reservation. Ranging from gang intimidation to
   shakedowns to extreme permit enforcement
   to outrageous fines. But their casino will still
   be happy to take your money.

   WINTER ON THE MOUNTAIN -- Mount Graham
   access is closed during winter to vehicles beyond
   Shannon Campground. Skiers, snowmobiles,
   and hikers are usually permitted. 

 

 

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