19 replies to this topic

[ski3pin]

Patagonia for fantastic birding, both the lake area and in town.  Maybe go over to the Chiricahua NM or Cochise’s stronghold.  Reservations needed at Patagonia Lake, but I think it’s worth it.

 

Thanks Mr. Sage! Our day at Patagonia was cold and stormy. Chiricahua is a bit east but a possibility.

 

 

We spent a night here a couple of years ago. Nice campsites and some short and medium trails. Very easy access off the Interstate.

 

https://www.google.c...3.8847105?hl=en

 

 

Thanks! This may be a fun and convenient stop enroute.

 

 

Kartchner Caverns has a spectacular pair of caves, nice trails  and a nice campground. Best to get reservations for the caves and campground. The Ocotillo trail is about 4 plus miles and very interesting. Saw no one when we hiked it in late April.

 

 

https://www.google.c...0.3488848?hl=en

 

Kartchner Caverns was one of our favorite stops our last trip. We also found the trails fun and empty of other hikers. The campground was comfortable for two nights.

 

Chiricahuas east of Tucson are worth a visit.  There is boondocking along Pinery Creek just south of the monument.  If you are lucky in the Chirachahuas, you might see coatis.

 

There is a really sweet camping site at the Verde River Sheep Bridge in the Tonto NF.  Long drive in (36 miles) and the last three miles are pretty rough, which is good as it limits use.   Bloody Basin Road, just south of Cordes Junction on I17.  Takes you through Aqua Fria NM.

 

if you are into funky old mining/now artists towns, both Jerome and Bisbee are worth it.  Bisbee is south of Tucson and on the border.  Copper mining.  Jerome is south of Flagstaff.  Silver mining.  I prefer the back road from Williams to Jerome which takes you up the old rail bed.  Most people drive up the paved road from Clarksdale. 

 

if you are into astronomy, there is Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff.  Lots of the boondocking sites closest to Flagstaff have been closed by the Forest Service in the last few years, but there are plenty of possibilities a little further out.  For museums, the Museum of Northern Arizona has a fine collection of native artifacts.  
 

On 180 between Valle and Flagstaff, there is Red Mountain.  Geologically interesting as it is a volcanic cinder cone with one side sheared off.  Short hike in.

 

East of Flagstaff is Wupatki/Sunset Crater.  Wupatki has a host of native ruins, while Sunset Crater has a host of volcanic features to explore. Also Walnut Canyon for Native ruins. 
 

The rim drive along the Mogollon Rim east of Clints Well offers nice views.  You can camp along the rim.

 

Thank you for these suggestions. I'm adding them to our maps!

[ski3pin]

Here's how our trip is evolving. The trip to Tucson area will be 3 nights and fairly direct. We've done this route before and will add your suggestions for new stops and territory for us.

 

After family time, who knows how long it could take to get home? This will be the exploratory and adventuresome part of the trip. Our route and time on the road will depend on the weather. Will we get out to the east to Bisbee and the Chiricahuas? 

 

Thanks again to all and we're looking forward to more.

[Ronin]

Depending on your route : Montosa Canyon or Madera Canyon and on to Nogales for lunch. If you go to Bisbee the Copper Queen Mine tour is worthwhile.

[daverave]

If you've never been then the Grand Falls of the Little Colorado is worth checking out. It's managed by the local Native Americans (and free unlike the Four Corners) and is spectacular when flowing. We were there in late March of 2019 and it was spectacular but may not be as much in early winter. It was a bit crowded when we were there but check to make sure that it is open. You can hike down to the bottom but that might be a strain on your partner's knee.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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[goinoregon]

If you've never been then the Grand Falls of the Little Colorado is worth checking out. It's managed by the local Native Americans (and free unlike the Four Corners) and is spectacular when flowing. We were there in late March of 2019 and it was spectacular but may not be as much in early winter. It was a bit crowded when we were there but check to make sure that it is open. You can hike down to the bottom but that might be a strain on your partner's knee.

wow.  those falls are incredible !!

[SCHawk]

Whitewater Draw a bit NE of Bisbee

Thousands of Sandhill Cranes wintering over. Amazing place to view murmurations @ sunset/sunrise

primitive camping in parking lot with close neighbors but worth it to experience the above

 

Amerind Foundation Museum near Dragoon. About 65 miles E of Tucson. Nice collections and lovely setting.

 

San Xavier del Bac Mission great food in plaza!!!!

 

John & I will be doing 3 months in AZ/NM/CA(mainly DV)UT(weather dependent) this Winter

Might do Mardi Gras on the way back to SC as there is a great CG near the Algiers ferry.

B & J

[dr.tucson]

Hi Ski-  I imagine your trip is full by now, but I'll stick with my recommendation from your last excursion this way. 

The road that runs from the Nogales area over to Arivaca is called the Ruby Road, it is actually Forest Road 39.  It is a spectacular introduction to the border area, but unfortunately a bit wash boardy at the present time, and it is also, very slow, takes a couple hours. 

The road heading east from the Nogales area goes through interesting country too.  Access to it is off AZ 82, using Kino Springs Road, it hooks up with FR 61 and goes over a pass, then you can head farther east along the border or you can turn north and make a circle around the Patagonia Mountains and end up in Patagonia for lunch.  It is probably hunting season, so be careful.

I hope great trip.  dr.tucson

Edited by dr.tucson, 05 November 2021 - 05:05 PM.

[lmwilco1]

The Titan Missile Museum in Green Valley is in interesting couple hour tour. 

[SietePicos]

If you need an overnight spot between Las Vegas and Kingman, you could try the Cerbat Mountains.

 

Access is by a loop road, one end is in the town of Chloride, the other end meets Hwy 93 a few miles north and is signed Big Wash Road - which is the end you want. From the Chloride side there's a stretch passable by ATV but probably too rough for a truck.

 

Up Big Wash Road you have several dispersed spots along the canyon, then the road switchbacks up to two BLM developed camps - Packsaddle and Windy Point. Both are in the pinyons and manzanita around 6000 feet with tables, fire rings and outhouse.

 

Kitt Peak Observatory is an interesting stop if you are leaving Tucson on your way to Organ Pipe.

[ski3pin]

Thank you to all for these suggestions. It is very kind of you to share.