AtoZ Bucket List

We spend several nights here on the edge of the lake. Enjoyed listening to the water and the birds while siting by the fire. Really great spot for camping. Nice and secluded beaches and peninsulas with beautiful views of the lake and surrounding mountains. A lot of fishermen in boats trolling, lake is well known for bass fishing. Looking forward to return with our kayaks. While in the area we visited the Alamo Dam and made a stop for ice-cream at the ranger store at the Alamo State Park. On our drive there we saw wild burros.

Explore the fascinating Temi' Po' Op' site, pronounced "tumpee poo oop," located near the Santa Clara River. This family-friendly hike offers breathtaking views and hundreds of petroglyphs. Uncover the remnants of an Anasazi Farmstead and learn about the rich history of this area. Choose between the longer, winding trail or the shorter, well-developed shortcut to access the remarkable rock art that showcases the artistic legacy of various native cultures.

Apache Lake, located in the Tonto National Forest, is a scenic reservoir offering both developed and dispersed camping options. Surrounded by steep canyon walls and accessible via the historic Apache Trail, it’s a hidden gem perfect for camping, boating, and outdoor adventures. The Burnt Corral Campground provides 76 campsites, and visitors can also enjoy secluded dispersed campsites with stunning views of the lake and desert landscape.

Aztec Ruins National Monument in New Mexico is home to a complex of ancient ruins built by the ancestral Puebloans over 900 years ago. As I walked through the park, I was struck by the impressive masonry of the structures and the rich history and culture they represent.

We first visited Baker hot springs in 1995 and went on and off through out the years while I lived in SLC. We last visited while traveling through Utah in 2017, we camped near the springs at that time there was one other camper. This gentlemen served us pancakes in the morning and told us he had spotted a white llama that came down from the hill to drink from the water. During our visit the water was flowing well and appeared the tubs have been well maintained, due to lack of algae. We found an additional pool in the area that could be dipped in as well as the tubs. There was once some abandoned buildings in the area, they since I believe have been destroyed. I look forward to visiting Baker hot springs again.

Bear Canyon Lake is one place we go most often. There are plenty of places to setup camp and lots to explore. We have never had a issue finding a spot to camp, at times can barely hear anyone around. We pass all the nearest sites near the lake and go past the powerlines where there are plenty of sites spread out. From there it is a bit of a hike to the lake, or short drive. Depending upon the season you can hear elk and coyotes in the area.

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Black Canyon Rim Road (FR 300) winds through the cool, pine-covered high country of Arizona’s Mogollon Rim region, offering a peaceful escape surrounded by towering ponderosa forests. Located just minutes from Black Canyon Lake and only 12 miles from Willow Springs Lake, this area is ideal for dispersed camping, trout fishing, hiking the historic General Crook Trail, and visiting landmarks like the Pleasant Valley War gravesite. Frequent wildlife sightings—such as wild horses, elk, and bears—add to the adventure in this quiet, off-the-beaten-path destination.

Camping near C.C. Cragin Reservoir offers a unique escape into nature, where you can enjoy peaceful solitude surrounded by rugged canyon walls, serene waters ideal for kayaking, and the thrill of fishing for rainbow trout, all while being immersed in the diverse wildlife and scenic beauty of the area.

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Explore the historic ruins of Bradshaw City, a former gold-mining boomtown established in 1863 in Yavapai County, Arizona. Once home to nearly 5,000 residents, today it offers visitors a fascinating glimpse into Arizona's mining past, surrounded by beautiful forested landscapes.

The Domes of Casa Grande was four massive structures located in Casa Grande, Arizona, that were built to facilitate the manufacturing of computers in the late 1970s and early 1980s. However, the project was never completed, leaving behind only a few foundations that were started and left to molder. One of the buildings is shaped like a flying saucer, and the other three resemble spheres joined together. Despite their abandoned state, the Domes remain a popular destination for urban explorers and photographers, drawing visitors to their otherworldly appearance.