By Rachel Joel · AZ Places · Bluff, Utah Some places stop you in your tracks — not because of their size or grandeur, but because of what they represent. The Sand Island Petroglyphs just outside Bluff, Utah is one of those places. Standing in front of that rock wall at six in the evening, the light clear and warm across the stone, it's hard not to feel the weight of thousands of years of human history looking back at you. What is the Sand Island panel? The Sand Island panel is a remarkable rock wall stretching more than 100 yards along a sandstone cliff just above the Sand Island Campground on the banks of the San Juan River, managed by the Bureau of Land Management. The petroglyphs — images carved directly into the rock — are estimated to be anywhere from 800 to 2,500 years old and represent nearly the entire span of human habitation in the Four Corners region. The carvings span multiple cultures and time periods — from early Basketmaker Anasazi through the Pueblo III period, with more recent additions from Ute and Navajo people. Experts believe the number and variety of images here indicate this panel held deep spiritual and cultural significance to the ancient peoples of the Southwest. What you'll see Walking the length of the panel is an experience in itself. The informational signs at the site help identify what you're looking at, which makes a real difference — without them, some of the more abstract carvings are easy to overlook. Once you know what to look for, the panel reveals itself slowly. Animal figures appear throughout — deer, bighorn sheep and other creatures that were central to the lives of the people who carved them. Human figures stand alongside them, some in poses that suggest ceremony or hunting. The sheer density and variety of imagery across the wall is something that has to be seen in person to fully appreciate. We filmed the panel in the evening light of September 8th, 2025, walking the full length and capturing both the wide view of the wall and close-up details of individual figures. The evening light worked in our favor — the low angle brought out the depth of the carvings beautifully. Getting there The Sand Island Petroglyphs are located just southwest of Bluff, Utah along Highway 191. The site is free to visit year-round and is managed by the BLM. A short quarter-mile trail leads from the Sand Island Campground directly to the panel. GPS coordinates: 37.261901, -109.619004. One important note — please look but never touch. These carvings have survived thousands of years and the oils from human hands cause irreversible damage. The panel is fenced for protection but please respect the boundary and help preserve this site for future generations. Worth the stop If you are traveling through southeastern Utah — or building a bucket list of ancient ruins and archaeological sites in the Southwest — Sand Island petroglyph panels is easily accessible and impressive It is not remote or difficult to reach, which makes it a perfect stop whether you have an hour or an entire afternoon. For full visitor details, GPS coordinates, and history of the Sand Island Petroglyphs see our complete Bucket List entry →

By Rachel Joel · AZ Places Rachel is the founder of AZ Places — Camping Made Easy — based in Arizona. A lifelong outdoor enthusiast, Rachel has personally explored and documented hundreds of camping locations, ancient ruins, ghost towns, hot springs, and wild places across Arizona, Utah, New Mexico, and the greater Southwest. She guides hosted camping adventures in the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, operates a firsthand bucket list of visited locations and maintains this complete site. When she's not on the trail she is a jewelry designer and a mother of two. Read the full bio → Some road trips plan themselves. You look at a map, connect the dots between places you've been meaning to go, and realize the route is already there — it just needed someone to drive it. This one covered five days, roughly 1,400 miles, and more geological and human history than most trips three times the length. Painted Desert. Navajo National Monument. Monument Valley. Valley of the Gods. Moki Dugway. Muley Point. Fish Creek Canyon Wilderness. Sand Island Petroglyphs. A different canyon every day, a different camp every night, and the Colorado Plateau doing what it does — delivering landscapes that make every other landscape feel understated by comparison. The Route at a Glance Day Date Stops Camp Day 1 Sep 6 Painted Desert / Anasazi Inn → Cameron (Yummy Shack) → Navajo NM Navajo National Monument Day 2 Sep 7 Monument Valley Jeep Tour → Forrest Gump Point → Valley of the Gods → Moki Dugway Muley Point Day 3 Sep 8 Muley Point → FR-237 through The Twist → Bluff (Sand Island) → Comb Ridge attempt → Fish Creek Canyon / The Twist Fish Creek Canyon Day 4 Sep 9 The Twist hike → US-191 river overlook → Mother Road Frybread → Bear Springs FR 124 Bear Springs Day 5 Sep 10 Bear Springs → home — Day 1 — Painted Desert, Cameron, and Navajo National Monument The drive north from the Phoenix Valley on US-89 is one of Arizona's great transitions. The Sonoran Desert gives way to the high desert, the elevation climbs, and somewhere north of Flagstaff the landscape begins to feel ancient in a way that the lower desert doesn't quite manage. By the time you reach the Painted Desert the light is different — lower, flatter, hitting the banded hills of red and lavender and buff in ways that make the drive feel like moving through a painting someone else started. We stopped at the Anasazi Inn at Gray Mountain — the Painted Desert Project murals on the exterior walls are worth the stop on their own. The murals depict the Ancestral Puebloan people who once inhabited this landscape, painted directly on the building, visible from the highway. The Yummy Shack — Cameron, AZ Just past the Painted Desert in Cameron on US-89 we stopped at the Yummy Shack — a Navajo-owned food stand that deserves more attention than it gets. We ordered the Navajo Burger and the Navajo Taco, both on authentic fry bread. The fry bread is the real thing — made fresh, substantial, and exactly what you want after a long highway drive through the high desert. Meals come with a canned soda or water. When we arrived they had run out of propane — an honest moment in a small roadside operation. We chose to wait. They live nearby and had things running again quickly. We enjoyed the food and the chance to support this community business. We will stop again when this route comes up. Payment: cash preferred, CashApp and Zelle accepted, credit cards accepted with a fee. No GPS address — find them at VH6J+CHP, Cameron, AZ 86020 on Google Maps. Navajo National Monument — Rim Camp and Ancient Dwellings From Cameron we headed northeast toward Navajo National Monument — the remote and little-visited site in the Navajo Nation that protects the cliff dwellings of Betatakin and Keet Seel, two of the most intact and isolated Ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings in Arizona. We camped at the monument overnight — the campground sitting on the canyon rim with the canyons and cliff faces visible in the fading light. The Navajo Nation is a dark sky. The stars on a clear September night here are extraordinary. The next morning we walked the 1.3 mile paved trail to see the Betatakin cliff dwelling viewable from the rim edge. Day 2 — Monument Valley, Forrest Gump Point, Valley of the Gods, Moki Dugway, Muley Point The longest day of the trip and the one with the most iconic stops. Monument Valley — Jeep Tour with Travis Mose We arrived at Monument Valley in the morning. There are places that photographs prepare you for and places that photographs don't. Monument Valley is the latter. The Mittens and Merrick Butte are so deeply embedded in the visual culture of the American West that seeing them in person feels like recognition rather than discovery — and yet the scale of the real thing, and the quality of the September morning light on the red sandstone, is something no image has ever captured correctly. Before the tour we browsed the visitor center — the Native jewelry on display is exceptional, the craftsmanship and variety worth taking time with regardless of whether you're buying. We booked a backcountry jeep tour with Travis Mose of Monument Valley Tribal Tours — $70 per person, 2.5 hours. My strong recommendation for anyone visiting Monument Valley: get the backcountry tour. The main drive loop is accessible to any vehicle, but the backcountry requires a Navajo guide and takes you to locations the self-drive loop doesn't reach. It also freed me from driving — which meant I could actually take in the scenery instead of watching the road. Travis is a talented musician. He performed for us throughout the tour — flute at the Big Hogan, and at Moccasin Arch where Matthew joined Travis on the drum. Travis played again at Chief Head. He performs with the band Dark Sky. The music in those canyon locations is its own experience. Landmarks we visited on the tour: West and East Mitten Buttes, Three Sisters, John Ford Point, Sleeping Dragon, the Big Hogan (flute), Moccasin Arch (Matthew joined Travis on drum), Sun's Eye, Totem Pole, petroglyphs, and Chief Head (Travis on drum). Monument Valley Tribal Tours: monumentvalleytribaltours.com Forrest Gump Point Between Monument Valley and Valley of the Gods on US-163, the road runs straight across the open desert with a series of red buttes perfectly aligned behind it — the view made famous by the Forrest Gump film. We made a brief stop. It was busy — people running into the road to get the shot, many pullouts filled, the logistics of the location working against any clean photography. We got what we got and moved on. Worth knowing the conditions before you plan your stop — weekday mornings are the better bet for a less chaotic version of this view. Valley of the Gods Fifteen miles from Mexican Hat, accessed via a 17-mile gravel loop road that the conventional crowd never finds. The same geological character as Monument Valley — Cedar Mesa sandstone buttes and mesas carved by 250 million years of erosion — without the entrance fee, the tour infrastructure, or the crowds. We drove through, confirming the dispersed camping spots we had scouted on OnX before the trip, and stopped for a late lunch directly below Castle Butte at 37°18'54.8"N 109°51'07.4"W. The Valley delivered everything we came for even as a drive-through. We would like to return someday to camp. The Moki Dugway The Valley of the Gods loop exits onto SR-261, which immediately begins climbing the Moki Dugway — three miles of steep gravel switchbacks gaining 1,200 feet to the top of Cedar Mesa with an 11% grade and no guardrails. Not for the faint of heart. The view from the top looking back down over the Valley of the Gods and the desert below is one of the finest road views in the Southwest. Take it slowly. Muley Point Five miles of well-maintained gravel road from SR-261 across Cedar Mesa to the rim — and then the rim drops 2,400 feet to the San Juan River below. Monument Valley visible on the southern horizon. The Goosenecks of the San Juan to the east and a partial view of the San Juan River from the ridge. Free BLM dispersed camping right at the rim's edge. On a September evening in 2025, no one else for miles. We camped right at the rim. The sunset was extraordinary — the canyon system turning from red to orange to purple as the light died. The moon rose over the canyon after dark. A camp mouse found our dishes before the night was out. Small price for a camp this good. Day 3 — Muley Point to Comb Ridge Attempt to Bluff to Fish Creek Canyon We started driving with the tent still open. Somewhere in the process of breaking camp at Muley Point — the morning light across the canyon, 2,400 feet of air below the rim — we got moving before confirming the tent was closed. A passing car flagged us down within a few hundred yards. The tent was fine. Check the tent before moving. Every time. Comb Ridge — The Road We Didn't Take From Muley Point we drove SR-261 to FR-237 (Snow Flat Road) and followed it all the way through to Bluff — a drive that took us most of the day. This road follows much of the historic Hole-in-the-Rock Pioneer Wagon route through Cedar Mesa, passing through The Twist and the Fish Creek Canyon country before descending to the desert floor and the San Juan River corridor near Bluff. The road is the experience — rocky gravel, dramatic ridgeline views, and the knowledge that wagon wheels crossed this same ground in 1879. From Bluff we headed toward Comb Ridge with plans to find the River House Ruins and camp near the San Juan River — from US-163 to the San Juan River is approximately 25 minutes. The road had other ideas. Deep sections of sand appeared on the approach and not knowing the conditions of the rest of the road, late in the day with no recovery backup readily available, we made the call not to risk getting stuck. We turned around and headed back toward Fish Creek Canyon instead. This is one of the realities of overland travel in this country — the road makes the decision sometimes, not you. The River House Ruins and a San Juan River camp are on the list for a return trip with better timing and a clearer sense of road conditions. Bluff, Utah — Ice, Gas, and Sand Island We stopped in Bluff to get ice, top off the gas, and visit Sand Island Petroglyphs — three miles west of town on US-191 where a sandstone cliff face holds more than 100 yards of continuous rock art representing 2,500 to 8,000 years of human presence along the San Juan River corridor. The panel spans the full human history of the Four Corners region: Archaic figures, San Juan Anthropomorphs, five Kokopelli figures, animals, dancers, and the inevitable 19th-century graffiti mixed in. Do not touch the rock art. The oils from human hands accelerate the deterioration of images that have survived thousands of years. The Dust Devil On the drive back from Bluff toward Fish Creek Canyon — near Comb Ridge — a dust devil spun across the open desert ahead of us. A column of wind picking up sand from the desert floor and moving across the landscape with the casual power of something that has been doing this for millions of years. One of those spontaneous moments of desert spectacle the canyon country produces without warning. Fish Creek Canyon Wilderness — The Twist We returned to Fish Creek Canyon and camped at The Twist on Snow Flat Road (BLM 237) — dispersed camping in the designated area on Cedar Mesa, permit required for overnight stays. The road is the approach: rocky gravel, high clearance required, impassable when wet. The views from the ridgeline in every direction include Bears Ears, Sleeping Ute Mountain, and south into Arizona. The Fish Creek Canyon WSA encompasses four main canyons reaching up to 700 feet in depth — natural arches, fins, alcoves, and some of the most remote Ancestral Puebloan ruins in the Bears Ears region. The Snow Flat Road follows the route of the Hole-in-the-Rock Trail, the historic wagon road used by Mormon pioneers in 1879–1880. The ground you drive on here has wagon ruts beneath it. Things We Noted but Didn't See The Bluff area has more than a day's worth of destinations on its own. On this trip we noted but didn't get to: Goosenecks State Park, Comb Ridge, the Wolfman Panel petroglyphs, the Bluff Great House Historic Marker, and Mexican Hat. All are on the list for the return trip as well as some additions of other ancient sites in this area. Day 4 — The Twist Hike, US-191 River Overlook, Mother Road Frybread, Bear Springs We hiked the Twist on the morning of September 9 before breaking camp — a route through the slickrock formations and canyon terrain of Cedar Mesa in the early morning light before the day's driving began. The right way to leave a good camp. US-191 River Overlook On the drive south from Fish Creek Canyon on US-191 we stopped to look at the river below the overpass — the San Juan River visible from the highway bridge, the canyon walls framing the water below. A brief stop that connects the road back to the landscape it's crossing. Mother Road — Navajo Frybread, Chambers, AZ Prior to picking up US Route 66 we spotted Mother Road — Navajo Frybread in Chambers, Arizona and stopped. Lucky timing — they were about to close. We both had Navajo tacos made with fresh fry bread that was exactly what a long day of driving through canyon country calls for. Delicious and worth the stop. 36820 US-191, Chambers, AZ 86502 Find them on Google Maps: Mother Road — Navajo Frybread From Chambers we headed to Bear Springs / Sunny Park FR 124, near Heber-Overgaard — a dispersed camping area in the ponderosa pine and pinyon-juniper country above the canyon country below. After three nights exposed on canyon rims and slickrock benches, the enclosed feeling of a forest camp is its own kind of comfort. A quieter final night before the drive home. Day 5 — The Rim Road Home The drive home was not the direct route. From Bear Springs we took part of the old Mogollon Rim Road — a stretch we hadn't driven before. FR 124 to FR 146 to Rim Road 300, connecting back to AZ-260. A fitting end to a canyon country loop — heading home through the pines of the Mogollon Rim, than the interstate. On that stretch we had to stop to remove a downed tree from the road — the kind of task that comes with driving forest roads and that most people in most vehicles wouldn't attempt. We cleared it and moved on. And on that same stretch we found the horses that had been shot. We had been on this road before from AZ-260 to Gentry Lookout — this section from FR 124 connecting through to the Gentry Lookout was the new ground. It closed the loop in more ways than one. The canyon country receding behind us, the high desert transitioning back to the Sonoran Desert, the Valley eventually appearing on the horizon. Five days well spent — and one drive home that stayed with us longer than we expected. What This Loop Requires A capable vehicle is the foundation. The Snow Flat Road requires high clearance — the Tacoma handled everything without issue. Passenger cars can manage some of these roads in dry conditions but not all of them. Download your maps before you go. Cell service disappears north of Kayenta on the Navajo Nation and doesn't reliably return until you're back near Blanding or Moab. OnX was invaluable — we scouted Muley Point and Valley of the Gods camp spots before leaving home. Permits are required for overnight stays in Cedar Mesa canyons — Fish Creek Canyon included. Day-use permits are $2/person. Overnight permits are $8/person in high season. Pick up permits at the Kane Gulch Ranger Station on SR-261 south of SR-95, open September 1–October 31 daily 8 AM–Noon. September is the right time for this loop. The crowds of summer have thinned, the permit availability at Cedar Mesa opens up, and the lower September sun hits the canyon walls in ways that July never produces. Spring — April through May — competes for best season with wildflowers and running creek systems. Both work. Summer does not. Eat Along the Way Two Navajo-owned food stops made this trip better and are worth returning to: The Yummy Shack — Cameron, AZ on US-89. Navajo Burger, Navajo Taco, authentic fry bread. Cash preferred, CashApp and Zelle accepted, credit cards with a fee. GPS: VH6J+CHP, Cameron, AZ 86020. Mother Road — Navajo Frybread — Chambers, AZ on US-191. Navajo tacos and fresh fry bread. Check hours before stopping, appears only open Tuesday-Thursday — they close early at 5pm. 36820 US-191, Chambers, AZ 86502. Both are community-owned, both are worth supporting, and both serve food that belongs in the category of things you think about on the drive home. Bucket List Pages — Full Location Details Anasazi Inn & Painted Desert Project Navajo National Monument Monument Valley Valley of the Gods Muley Point Fish Creek Canyon Wilderness Sand Island Petroglyphs Bear Springs / Sunny Park FR 124

By Rachel Joel · AZ Places · August 31, 2026 By Fredlyfish4 - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, Our thoughts are with those lost, those still missing, and the families waiting for word. We are also thinking of the people of Nepal and Tibet, where a catastrophic glacier collapse and flood beginning August 26 has killed over 900 people and left thousands more missing — a separate and even larger disaster unfolding on the other side of the world during the same week. Our condolences to every family affected by both events. At approximately 2:30 PM on Saturday, August 29, 2026, a major flash flood swept through Bright Angel Canyon at the bottom of the Grand Canyon. The water moved fast and without warning at the canyon floor — sweeping through campgrounds and hiking trails at the bottom of the national park. At least two persons was killed, approximately 15 reported missing, and 62 were rescued via helicopter evacuation from the depths of the canyon. As of this writing the search continues. The floods swept large boulders, metal structures, and other debris into the Colorado River. Footbridges over Bright Angel Creek were wiped out and the landscape was significantly altered — the creek bed widened and a new river rapid formed. The flooding caused extensive damage to infrastructure in the inner canyon, including the Transcanyon Waterline, which supplies water from the canyon for use in the park. The waterline is currently not operational, leaving the park with limited water reserves. All Grand Canyon hotels have been closed with no reopening date announced. By NPS Photo/J. Thompson The National Park Service is asking for information about anyone who may have been hiking or backpacking along Bright Angel Creek, as well as anyone with campground reservations at Phantom Ranch or Bright Angel Campground. Officials are also trying to track down travelers who might have been stranded along the North Kaibab Trail. If you know anyone who was in the inner canyon on August 29 — contact the National Park Service immediately at (928) 638-7888. How This Happens — The Arizona Monsoon Arizona's monsoon season runs from June 15 through September 30. It is not a gentle rainy season. It is a atmospheric shift in which moisture from the Gulf of Mexico and Gulf of California pushes north into the state, colliding with the desert heat to produce intense, localized afternoon thunderstorms that can drop significant rainfall in a very short time over very small areas. Visiting the Grand Canyon — a crown jewel of the national park system — can be particularly dangerous in the summer because of the risk of flash flooding that accompanies the monsoon season. Hours before the August 29 flood, a series of severe monsoonal storms impacted the Grand Canyon, with rains of up to 1 inch per hour observed. At the time of the flood, the downpour intensified to two-thirds of an inch in a quarter of an hour. That rate of rainfall on the Grand Canyon's steep, rocky terrain — which cannot absorb water quickly — funnels directly into the drainage systems below. Bright Angel Creek becomes a conduit. The canyon amplifies the water's speed and force. People at the bottom have almost no warning. This is the critical and often misunderstood reality of flash flooding: the storm does not have to be above you. Rain falling miles away on the rim or on the plateau above the canyon drains directly into the canyon system below. Hikers at the bottom of Bright Angel Trail in sunshine can be in danger from a storm they cannot see and may not even know is happening. The Canyons of the Grand Canyon — Why They Are Uniquely Dangerous The Grand Canyon's inner canyon is one of the most demanding and unforgiving hiking environments in North America — not because of technical difficulty but because of the combination of factors that work against the unprepared. Heat: The inner canyon regularly exceeds 110°F in summer. Hikers who descend in the cool of the morning find themselves climbing out in the heat of the afternoon with miles of vertical elevation between them and the rim. Water: The canyon is remote. Water sources are limited. Dehydration is the most common cause of Grand Canyon rescues — far more common than flash flooding in most years. Distance and time: The rim-to-river distance on the Bright Angel Trail is 9.5 miles one way with 4,460 feet of elevation change. The descent takes 4–6 hours. The ascent takes longer. Most people underestimate both. Flash flooding: The canyon's drainage systems concentrate water from a vast surface area — the Colorado River drainage above the Grand Canyon covers roughly 242,000 square miles. Any significant rainfall anywhere in that system can produce dramatic effects at the canyon bottom. Bright Angel Creek, which flows from the North Rim to the Colorado River through the inner canyon, is particularly vulnerable. Its canyon is narrow, steep-walled, and directly connected to the North Rim drainage. When monsoon storms hit the North Rim — which receives significantly more precipitation than the South Rim — Bright Angel Creek can rise dramatically and without warning at the canyon floor. Phantom Ranch — the historic lodge at the canyon bottom where many of the evacuations centered — sits adjacent to Bright Angel Creek and has historically been vulnerable to flooding events. It is fully booked months in advance and is one of the most sought-after reservations in the National Park System. The people there on August 29 were not being careless. They had reservations, they had planned, and the flood found them anyway. Flash Flood Safety in Arizona Canyon Country The Grand Canyon event is the most visible example this monsoon season of what flash flooding can do — but the risk extends across all of Arizona's canyon country during monsoon season. Antelope Canyon near Page. Havasupai. Zion Narrows in Utah. Slot canyons throughout the Colorado Plateau. Any confined canyon with a significant drainage area above it carries flash flood risk during monsoon season. What to do: Check the weather — including above you. Before entering any canyon, check the weather forecast for the entire drainage area above your location — not just the canyon floor. A clear sky above you means nothing if storms are building on the rim or the plateau above. Know the exit. Before you go in, know how you get out and how quickly you can do it. In narrow slot canyons, the answer may be "you can't" — which means the decision to enter is the decision that matters most. Watch for signs. A sudden increase in water flow or turbidity. The sound of roaring water from upstream. A change in the smell of the air — wet earth and debris. Any of these can precede a flood by seconds to minutes. Get to high ground immediately. If you see or hear any sign of rising water in a canyon, move to the highest ground available immediately. Do not wait to assess. Do not try to outrun moving water through a canyon. Get up. Do not enter slot canyons during monsoon season without a guide. Commercial tours of slot canyons like Antelope Canyon monitor weather and close when risk increases. If a guided tour is cancelled due to weather, do not attempt the canyon independently. Tell someone where you are going and when you expect to return. If something goes wrong, the National Park Service needs to know where to look. The August 29 event was complicated significantly by the number of people in the inner canyon whose exact locations were unknown. Carry a communication device. Cell service is nonexistent in the inner Grand Canyon. A satellite communicator — a SPOT, Garmin inReach, or similar device — allows you to call for help from anywhere. For inner canyon trips in summer this should be considered essential, not optional. A Note on Nepal and Tibet As Arizona processes what happened at the Grand Canyon this weekend, the people of Nepal and Tibet are living through a disaster of incomprehensible scale. At least 903 deaths and 4,247 missing were confirmed in Nepal with an additional 16 dead and 546 missing in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China following a catastrophic flood triggered by what scientists believe was a glacier collapse on Langtang Lirung in the Himalayas. The flood was reportedly triggered by a landslide about 12 miles northeast of the Rasuwagadhi border post along the Nepal-China frontier. The scale of human loss in Nepal and Tibet is devastating. Our condolences to every family affected. The disasters in both places — on opposite sides of the world in the same week — are a reminder of what water can do when terrain, weather, and circumstance align against the people in a landscape. Current Grand Canyon Status As of August 31, 2026: Search and rescue operations are ongoing for approximately 15 missing individuals All overnight stays in the park are cancelled until further notice Grand Canyon hotels and lodges are closed with no reopening date The Transcanyon Waterline is non-operational — water conservation measures in effect Flash flood risk remains elevated — additional storms forecast for Monday August 31 Bright Angel footbridges destroyed — trails in the inner canyon significantly altered NPS tip line for missing persons information: (928) 638-7888 Current park status: nps.gov/grca If you were planning a Grand Canyon inner canyon trip in the coming weeks — verify trail and facility status before making any commitments. The inner canyon infrastructure damage is significant and recovery will take time. AZ Places documents firsthand camping and outdoor destinations across Arizona and the Southwest. We have camped, hiked, and explored this state for decades. The monsoon is part of what makes Arizona extraordinary — and part of what demands respect from everyone who comes here to experience it. References ABC News — "At least 2 dead in Grand Canyon flash flooding as urgent search for missing continues" — abcnews.com CBS News — "Grand Canyon flash floods leave 2 dead, about 15 missing, park officials say" — cbsnews.com NBC News — "More than a dozen missing at Grand Canyon after extreme flash flooding" — nbcnews.com CNBC — "More storms possible at Grand Canyon where a flash flood killed 1 person and left 15 missing" — cnbc.com Al Jazeera — "Dozens evacuated and about 15 missing after Grand Canyon flash flood" — aljazeera.com PBS NewsHour — "1 dead and several missing or unaccounted for after Grand Canyon flash flood" — pbs.org Bloomberg — "Grand Canyon Flash Flood Leaves at Least 15 Missing" — bloomberg.com Wikipedia — "2026 Grand Canyon flood" — en.wikipedia.org Grand Canyon National Park Service — Official statements and updates — nps.gov/grca ABC News — "Hundreds dead as over 3,000 remain missing in massive Nepal-Tibet flood" — abcnews.com CNN — "Death toll rises, thousands missing in Nepal-China floods" — cnn.com Wikipedia — "2026 Nepal floods" — en.wikipedia.org UN News — "Immense impact of Nepal flood disaster highlighted as casualties mount" — news.un.org

By Rachel Joel · AZ Places Our day trip to Alamo Lake Wildlife Area was anything but ordinary. As we arrived and set up camp, strong desert winds picked up, sweeping across the lake with surprising force. The result? Waves that looked and sounded like the ocean—right in the heart of the Arizona desert. Despite the gusty conditions, it was a day full of beauty. Birds called out, boats cut across the windblown water, and the surrounding landscape felt alive and powerful. Later in the day, we ventured out on a hike into the hills—and caught sight of wild burros, peacefully grazing and wandering across the rugged terrain. It was a reminder of why we camp: to witness nature's mood swings and surprises, and to reconnect with the wild, even on a windy day. Want to plan your own trip? Alamo Lake offers both developed campsites and nearby dispersed camping. Be prepared for wind exposure—especially during spring and early summer. This location is ideal for solitude, photography, fishing, and wildlife watching. For further details — Visit the Bucket List Alamo Lake Wildlife Area

By Rachel Joel · AZ Places Rachel is the founder of AZ Places — Camping Made Easy — based in Arizona. A lifelong outdoor enthusiast, Rachel has personally explored and documented hundreds of camping locations, ancient ruins, ghost towns, hot springs, and wild places across Arizona, Utah, New Mexico, and the greater Southwest. She guides hosted camping adventures in the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, operates a firsthand bucket list of visited locations and maintains this complete site. When she's not on the trail she is a jewelry designer and a mother of two. Read the full bio → There is a place on the Coconino National Forest rim above Sedona where the land simply drops away. One moment you are in ponderosa pine forest. The next, 2,000 feet below you, is an entirely different Arizona — red rock towers, canyon walls, the Sedona basin spreading to the horizon, and the Red Rock-Secret Mountain Wilderness filling every direction you can see. People call it the Edge of the World. The name is accurate. ⚠️ Current Status: Both Edge of the World (FR 231 / Woody Mountain Road) and Howard Pocket are currently closed due to the Pocket Fire, which started June 19, 2026 and has grown to over 27,000+ acres as of August 2026. Do not attempt to access these areas at this time. Check current closure status at fs.usda.gov/r03/coconino/alerts before planning any visit. We spent three nights on that rim in June 2026 — the first two at Edge of the World on FR 231, the third at Howard Pocket on the ridge above West Fork Oak Creek Canyon. Night One — Edge of the World, FR 231 We arrived on a Friday evening, which meant the area was busy. Edge of the World is well known in dispersed camping circles — 25 miles of unpaved road from Flagstaff on FR 231 (Woody Mountain Road) filters out the casual visitor, but not on a summer weekend. The sites along the rim fill. Not having been to the area before, we scouted before committing. The first stop was the main viewpoint near 34°58'52.0"N 111°49'37.2"W — the sweeping panoramic view of Sedona below that explains why people make the drive. The Red Rock-Secret Mountain Wilderness spread out in every direction below us. Sedona's towers visible, Cottonwood in the Verde Valley, and Mingus Mountain across the way. We continued further down FR 231 and found a site tucked between two hills at 34°58'47.1"N 111°47'29.2"W — more sheltered than the exposed rim sites, with trees requiring a short walk to access the views. Not the postcard location but the right choice for two nights with privacy. The rim sites with the best views had neighbors nearby. If we had continued further down FR 231 there were additional sites with great views — ones we noted during our hike after already having set up camp. Worth exploring the full road before committing to a site. The further you go the more options open up. From our campsite we hiked an old road now closed to vehicles and camping. From this route we found another viewpoint that opened up a view of Bell Rock in Sedona from above — a perspective on a landmark most visitors only see from AZ-179 far below. After the main camp nights we drove FR 778 to its end and with a short hike reached the viewpoint at 34°59'40.1"N 111°46'39.9"W — a secondary overlook positioned to look down over the Red Rock-Secret Mountain Wilderness from a different angle. Worth adding to any Edge of the World visit. Do note: high clearance vehicle recommended. What We Witnessed On our arrival we noticed a group at a nearby site with an open campfire burning. Campfires are prohibited at Edge of the World dispersed camping. Fire restrictions are clearly posted. The logic in a drought-stressed ponderosa pine forest at nearly 8,000 feet in late spring is not difficult to understand. Two weeks after we left, on June 19, 2026, the Pocket Fire started approximately 7 miles north of Sedona in the Oak Creek Canyon area. FR 231 — the same road we camped on — was closed. Evacuations were ordered for Oak Creek Canyon. The fire grew to over 27,000+ acres. Night Two — Howard Pocket From Edge of the World we moved north-east to Howard Pocket — one of eight designated dispersed camping areas established by the Coconino National Forest west of Sedona following the 2022 buffer zone restrictions that banned general dispersed camping in the area. The designated areas are the compromise — specific small plots where free camping is still permitted within the otherwise restricted zone. Howard Pocket sits on a ridge above West Fork Oak Creek Canyon with the Red Rock-Secret Mountain Wilderness spread below. We scouted the location on OnX before arriving and arrived with specific site coordinates. Our site at 35°01'35.6"N 111°48'26.5"W was the best of the designated options — the others either more exposed or requiring a short walk through trees to reach an open view. Upon arrival we thought we were alone in the area. Exploring the ridge revealed a camper at a neighboring site we had scouted. They passed our camp the next day. Two trucks came up to our site later — clearly hoping it was available — assessed the situation and moved on. Preparation and arriving with specific coordinates pays off at small designated camping areas. The View Rock formations and cliffs were the main event. The Red Rock-Secret Mountain Wilderness directly below — the canyon walls, the layered sandstone, the depth of the drainage where West Fork Oak Creek runs far below but is hidden by the canyon walls and vegetation. You know the river is down there. You cannot see it. What you see instead is everything around it. The panorama east from Howard Pocket's ridge is as interesting as the wilderness view. Two canyon systems to the east — Oak Creek Canyon along AZ-89A, and the corridor carrying I-17. Lights from Munds Park visible at night in the eastern canyons. Across the distance the fire towers on the Mogollon Rim catching the setting sun. The light across the Red Rock-Secret Mountain Wilderness moves through the day in a way that makes sitting and watching the only reasonable response. Morning light on the east faces. Midday the full red of the sandstone. Late afternoon the west-facing walls turning warm and deep. Bear Country I hiked along the ridge heading west — but with signs of bear in the area and hiking alone, opted not to go far. The bear sign was real and close. We found Pansy Tank — a stock tank on the ridge — full of water and surrounded by animal tracks pressed into the mud: large bird prints, deer tracks, and bear clearly impressed around the edges. Bear prints in the sandy road right near our campsite confirmed that we are in bear country. For further details — Visit the Bucket List Edge of the World Howard Pocket Edge of the World & Howard Pocket | Coconino National Forest, Arizona

By Rachel Joel · AZ Places Rachel is the founder of AZ Places — Camping Made Easy — based in Arizona. A lifelong outdoor enthusiast, Rachel has personally explored and documented hundreds of camping locations, ancient ruins, ghost towns, hot springs, and wild places across Arizona, Utah, New Mexico, and the greater Southwest. She guides hosted camping adventures in the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, operates a firsthand bucket list of visited locations and maintains this complete site. When she's not on the trail she is a jewelry designer and a mother of two. Read the full bio → I did not set out to build an overland rig. It happened one piece at a time — the way most good things do. The white Toyota Tacoma was already the right platform. A black Alu-Cab Explorer Canopy went on first in February 2022. The Gen 3 Expedition Roof Top Tent followed in July. A cupboard, recovery tracks, water storage, and a growing collection of camp-specific organization followed after that. The result is a truck that goes from highway to fully set up camp in minutes — a bed always made, gear always organized, and everything I need within arm's reach. Here's how it came together, what it cost, and what I've learned from using it across Arizona and the Southwest. The Truck A white Toyota Tacoma — the black canopy and tent create a clean two-tone contrast against the white cab. Worth noting: the truck was subject to multiple Toyota paint recalls over the years. Everything but the bed has since been repainted under the recall. The bed lives under the canopy and stays protected — so the two-tone look works out regardless. Modified for the kind of use we put it through: Increased leaf springs — added for towing and off-road capability as part of the build done for the launch of AZ Places. Tires — appropriate for mixed highway and dirt road travel. Westin HDX Grille Guard — front protection. I've heard mixed reviews on the brand but it's on there. Rhino Rack Pioneer Platform 52x49 — rode on top of the truck until the tent installation made that position unavailable. Currently being cut down to fit above the cab — when reinstalled it will restore the exterior storage capacity that came off when the tent went on. The Alu-Cab Explorer Canopy — February 2022 The canopy went on first — the foundation everything else is built around. I ordered through OK4WD. Cost: $3,370 with tax. The Explorer Canopy is made in South Africa by Alu-Cab — a company that has been building overland equipment for the African market for decades. The aluminum construction is genuinely robust. The black finish matches the tent exactly. One rear window provides visibility — it does not open. I've been considering adding a grate or a curtain since the truck bed contents are visible from outside. The Alu-Cab branded grate is the clean solution but priced accordingly — still deciding on the right approach. Inside the canopy: The interior is where the real organization happens. Along the rails I've mounted: A shovel along the top back rail — easily accessible without unloading the bed Eyebolts with carabiners along the rails for hanging bags, a trash bag, and other items that need to be off the floor A hanging duffle behind the cupboard holding hammocks, a lightweight sleeping pad, and a down blanket Even with the full setup in place, there's still room to sleep in the back of the truck. Luca does this regularly — and has done it in some memorable locations. On the outside of the canopy, hooks on the side rails provide hanging space for gear at camp — my daypack lives on that hook when we're set up. The Canopy Cupboard — September 2023 The 750mm Alu-Cab Canopy Cupboard went in on the driver side in September 2023, along with push button lock covers. Cost: $299. The driver side placement was deliberate — it's the first thing accessible when I open the canopy, and it holds everything I need quickly at camp. Lights, camp stove with fuel, hammer, saw, fire whistle, repair supplies, paper towels, mess kit, and more. Everything has a place. Setup goes faster when you know exactly where everything is. The cupboard alone changed how I approach arriving at camp — from hunting through the bed for gear to having everything at hand in seconds. Recovery Tracks — November 2023 The GoTreads XL recovery tracks went on the passenger side in November 2023 — mounted using custom brackets I fabricated from file folders and aluminum strips. Cost: $160. The passenger side made sense since that's where we use the ladder to access the tent. The GoTreads haven't been used for a recovery yet — they came after a mud incident in Sun Valley that clarified the value of having them. They double as leveling blocks, though most of the time rocks do the job just as well. They're there when needed and out of the way when not. The Alu-Cab Gen 3 Expedition Roof Top Tent — July 2022 The tent is the centerpiece of the build. The Gen 3 Expedition — now updated to the Gen 3-R — is a hardshell roof top tent that opens in seconds, sleeps two comfortably, and closes just as fast. Weight is approximately 194 pounds. Top load rating is 110 pounds. Two Water Rotopax containers ride on the top bars of the tent — accessible from above, keeping weight centered and out of the bed. New price at the time: approximately $4,200 plus tax, around $4,600 out the door. I found mine on Craigslist — never used, blocks from my parents' house in Texas. They picked it up and months later I drove from Arizona to get it. Paid $3,000. It came with load bars included. The Gen 3-R is the current version — worth looking at if you're shopping now: OK4WD: ok4wd.com/gen-3-r-expedition-tent Alu-Cab: alu-cab.com/products/alu-cab-gen-3-r-expedition-rooftop-tent What I love about it: The bed is always made. Pillows, blankets, and gear stored in the pockets — open the tent and it's ready. From an overland travel perspective where you're moving from one camp to the next, you simply can't beat the convenience of a pop-up roof top tent. No tent to pitch, no sleeping bag to unroll, no gear to relocate. Open, place the ladder, climb in, done. The side rain cover deploys over the ladder — a detail that matters more than it sounds. At Sunny Flat Campground in Cave Creek Canyon during six hours of monsoon rain, the rain cover meant getting in and out of the tent without soaking the interior. We stayed completely dry while the canyon around us turned to mist and the thunder rolled both directions through the rocks. At Alamo Lake during the windstorm that turned the lake into an ocean — the tent performed. You hear the wind working the rain covers, the same as any tent in those conditions. But the hardshell structure doesn't flex the way a soft shell would. It held. We get attention with this setup. At the Navajo Nation Fair in Window Rock — September 2025 — we camped roadside with everyone else waiting for the parade. Had the tent up and watched the parade from it. Plenty of people came over to look. The one time it nearly went wrong: At Muley Point in Utah — perched 2,400 feet above the San Juan River canyon — we started driving away from camp with the tent still open. A passing car flagged us down immediately. Tent was fine. Pride took a small hit. Check that the tent is closed before moving. Every time. After four years of use the screen on one side is showing wear from climbing in and out. Expected for the use it gets. Everything else is holding up well. We never bothered to hook up the interior lighting — the tent came with it but it hasn't been a priority. One maintenance lesson — air it out After four years I'll add one practical note that anyone considering a roof top tent needs to hear: air the tent out after every trip, especially if you camped in wet or humid conditions. I learned this the hard way. After a trip with wet weather I packed the tent without giving it adequate time to dry. Mold developed on the mattress and floor. Treating it meant washing the mattress cover, spraying down the entire mattress and floor to kill the mold, and letting everything dry completely before closing it back up. On Reddit someone recommended two products that work well for this: Dehumidifier Packs MiracleMist Instant Mold & Mildew Stain Remover Both are worth keeping in the kit if you camp in monsoon season or anywhere with high humidity. The simple habit that prevents all of it: after every trip, open the tent and let it breathe for several hours before closing it for storage. If you camped in rain, give it a full day if you can. It takes five minutes of attention to avoid a problem that takes hours to fix. The Setup in the Real World What strikes me most after four years with this configuration is how much it changes the rhythm of a trip. Rolling into camp at dusk after a long drive — the kind of arrival where a conventional tent setup would mean 30 minutes of work before you could sit down — becomes a five minute process. Open the canopy, open the tent, pull out the camp chairs, done. The cupboard is open and the stove is out while the tent is still going up. For a trip like the Chiricahua Mountains loop — four days moving between Sunny Flat, Herb Martyr, and Pinery Creek — that efficiency compounds across every stop. You're not managing gear. You're camping. What's Next The Rhino Rack Pioneer Platform above the cab — once trimmed to fit — is the main remaining item on the build list. It will restore the exterior storage that came off when the tent went on and give the roof a cleaner, more purposeful look. The canopy window situation is still unresolved. An Alu-Cab grate would be the clean solution. A DIY curtain is the economical one. Still deciding. Cost Summary Item Cost Alu-Cab Explorer Canopy $3,370 Alu-Cab Gen 3 Expedition Tent (used) $3,000 Alu-Cab Canopy Cupboard 750mm $299 GoTreads XL Recovery Tracks $160 Total to date $6,829 Have questions about the build? Drop them in the comments — happy to share more detail on any part of the setup. Visit locations from this post in our Bucket List Muley Point Sunny Flat Campground Alamo Lake Wildlife Area

By Rachel Joel · AZ Places · Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, Arizona If you've spent any time in the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, you know how special the wild horses there are. Watching them move freely through the pines is one of those experiences that stays with you. Which makes what's happening right now in that same forest deeply troubling — and personal for us. What's happening According to a recent report by AZFamily, the U.S. Forest Service is investigating the deaths of four more horses on the Black Mesa Ranger District in the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest — following nine horses that were shot at the end of January. At least thirteen horses killed in just a matter of weeks. This isn't new. Local horse advocate Betty Nixon, who spends dozens of hours each week in the forest, told AZFamily this has been happening for years. In 2022, at least 30 horses were killed in the same forest. In 2020, more than a dozen. Investigators have noted many of the killings appear to happen during full moons — possibly because the light makes it easier to see. The Forest Service is investigating but has made no arrests. "They need people to be their voice and to be their witness because the story needs to be told." — Betty Nixon, local horse advocate We were there — this is what we found We didn't learn about this from a news report. We found it ourselves. On September 9th, 2025, we had camped and filmed along Forest Road 124 and were making our way out via Rim Road 300 — a less-traveled road that doesn't see much traffic. We had already stopped to clear a downed tree blocking the road when, around the next curve, we noticed several ravens gathered near the roadside. Any time you see ravens like that, your first thought is that something has died. We slowed down. The first horse was about eight feet from the road. The second was about twelve feet off into the trees. Two horses down, close together. One near the road could be an accident — hit by a vehicle. One alone could be illness or unknown causes. But two, together, in that location? Our instinct said these animals had been killed. We got out and took a closer look. We couldn't say with absolute certainty, but everything we saw pointed to them having been shot. We marked a GPS pin at 34.28828, -110.56271, photographed the scene, and as soon as we had cell service we called the ranger's office to report it. RACHEL'S TAKE This is so wrong, and it's so sad. We had spent that entire morning watching these horses alive — filming them moving through the forest, completely free. A few hours later, we're standing over two of them dead on the side of a remote road. We talked about it a lot on the drive home. What kind of person does this? Is it just for the thrill of it? We don't have an answer to that. What we do know is that people need to be aware this is happening in Arizona's forests. These animals are part of this landscape. They belong here. And they deserve better than this. What you can do The Forest Service can't have eyes everywhere — but visitors can. If you're out in the Apache-Sitgreaves or anywhere in Arizona's national forests and you come across something suspicious, please report it. Don't assume someone else already has. Report wildlife crime anonymously to the Arizona Game & Fish Department 24-hour hotline: 1-800-352-0700 or at azgfd.com. Your call can make a difference. We plan to keep going back to the Apache-Sitgreaves — it's some of the most beautiful country in Arizona and it will be the setting for many of our future trips. We hope the next time we're out there, the story we bring back is a better one. Read the full AZFamily report: Advocates want answers after 4 more horses killed in eastern Arizona →

By Rachel Joel · AZ Places · Tonto National Forest There are places in the Tonto National Forest that show up on maps but give very little away about what's actually there. Bear Hide is one of them. Near the community of Bear Flat, about 14 miles east of Payson on Highway 260, down an easy forest road through the pines, sits a genuinely layered and rewarding dispersed camping area in central Arizona that keeps drawing us back. We have been back multiple times — in 2017, 2018 and most recently October 2025 — and discovered something new on every single trip. Bear Hide is dispersed camping area near Bear Flat in Tonto National Forest Getting There & Camping Turn off Highway 260 just past mile marker 266 onto FR 405, then head east toward FR 405A. The camping section of the road is easy — suitable for most vehicles, winding through ponderosa pine with dispersed sites spread along both FR 405 and FR 405A. Tonto Creek and the Bear Flat Trailhead are further down FR 405, past the camping area, where the road narrows and descends steeply with abrupt hairpin turns and drop-offs. That lower section is a day activity drive from camp — not the camping road itself. The Forest Service has installed mirrors at the sharpest turns on the lower road to help drivers see oncoming traffic. The Bear Hide Group Site The Bear Hide Group Site is our favorite site on forest road 405 and one of the more interesting dispersed camping spots we have come across in the Tonto National Forest. It is genuinely large and genuinely private — across multiple visits we have only once shared it with another camper. What makes it remarkable is what it holds: the remains of an old homestead. Stone foundations and partial walls still stand in the trees. An apple tree that no one planted recently still produces. A blackberry patch grows nearby — wild and productive in August, when we have picked fruit directly from the canes. Wild grapes also grow in the area, beginning to ripen by late August and early September. Down the Canyon A trail leads down the canyon from Bear Hide Group Site to a spring — a reliable water source worth knowing about. This spring is not tapped for drinking, but worth soaking your feet in or your hat. Beyond the spring the canyon continues toward Tonto Creek and the Hellsgate Wilderness, but there is no established trail past the water. We have explored this stretch on foot, pushing through the brush, but have not yet completed the full route to Tonto Creek. That is still on the list. Along the way we found a large hole excavated in the rock. Not a natural formation. Someone dug this by hand, deliberately, at some point in the past. What they were looking for we have never determined. It sits there in the canyon, purpose unknown, waiting for someone to figure it out. Bear Country The name Bear Hide is not decorative. In 2017 we discovered a downed trail camera in the area — still containing photos of elk and bear. In 2025 we found a burnt log near camp with claw marks scored into the charred wood, consistent with bear activity. We have found bear scat on multiple trips and there have been moments on the ridge hikes where the sensation of being watched was difficult to dismiss. Standard bear country protocols apply — store food properly, dogs on leash, stay aware of your surroundings. The wildlife here is real and present. The Ridge Hikes The hills surrounding the camping area reward those willing to climb them. Hike to the ridgeline and the views open dramatically — canyon country in every direction and a clear sightline to the Mogollon Rim in the distance. In October 2025 the cottonwoods and sycamores along Tonto Creek below were blazing orange — one of the better fall color displays we have seen in central Arizona. In May wildflowers and cactus blooms fill the lower terrain. The area gives something different in every season. Bear Flat Trailhead & Hellsgate Wilderness — a day hike from camp At the end of FR 405, near the Bear Flat community along Tonto Creek, sits the Bear Flat Trailhead where a campground once existed. Camping is no longer permitted at this location, but it is well worth the drive down the lower road as a day activity. The trailhead provides access to Bear Flat Trail #178 and the Hellsgate Wilderness beyond. The trail begins with a crossing of Tonto Creek via concrete stepping stones, then climbs immediately and steeply through pines and junipers with no switchbacks — straight up on pea gravel for the first quarter mile, rated strenuous. At the top the trail enters the Hellsgate Wilderness and the terrain opens into grassy meadows with manzanita, wildflowers and sweeping rim country views. The Hellsgate Wilderness covers 37,440 acres established in 1984 — accessible only on foot, no motorized vehicles permitted inside its boundaries. Bear Flat Trail #178 runs 8.4 miles end-to-end through the wilderness. Tonto Creek holds rainbow, brown and brook trout. Best fishing is in hidden pools at higher elevation — stealthy approach, quiet first cast. A Place That Rewards Return Visits Bear Hide does not announce itself. There are no signs pointing to the best spots. But for those who make the drive and take the time to explore the canyon trail, the homestead site, the ridge above camp and the hike into the Hellsgate, it is one of the most genuinely interesting dispersed camping areas in central Arizona. We keep going back. There is still more to find. Bear Hide is part of the AZ Places bucket list. See the full location guide → AZ Places offers guided camping trips across Arizona — view our hosted adventures →

By Rachel Joel · AZ Places · Coronado National Forest, Arizona There are corners of Arizona that most people never find. The Chiricahua Mountains are one of them — tucked into the far southeastern corner of the state, closer to Douglas than to Tucson, rising abruptly from grassland plains into one of the most biologically diverse sky island ranges in North America. We spent four days here in late April and early May 2026 — Matthew, Luca, and I — working our way through Cave Creek Canyon, up to Rustler Park, through Chiricahua National Monument, and out through the dispersed country along Pinery Creek. It was the kind of trip where something unexpected happened every day. We planned for that. We weren't disappointed. Day One — Portal, Dinner in the Rain, and Lightning in the Canyon We arrived in Portal on the evening of April 30th with a storm on the horizon and a plan to find camp before dark. Portal is small — a handful of homes at the mouth of Cave Creek Canyon, including the Portal Peak Lodge Store and Cafe where we stopped for dinner. We sat outside at the patio tables as the storm built over the canyon walls. Matthew and I had sandwiches. Luca had pizza. The place was busy for such a remote location — birders mostly, which tells you something about what this canyon draws. After dinner we drove toward the end of South Fork Cave Creek looking for a dispersed site. Prior to leaving Portal we seen a bobcat on the edge of the road, he crossed behind us, making it possible to capture a photo. The sign at the South Fork trailhead said No Camping — this area is day use only, protected for the Elegant Trogons and other sensitive bird species that nest here during spring and summer. With the rain starting in earnest and evening settling in we continued to Sunny Flat Campground. At the very end of the campground loop we found what appeared to be one of the last available sites — and it was exactly right. A large slab with a ramada, picnic table, and bear box. Views of the canyon walls from the site. We parked, popped up the Alu-Cab rooftop tent, and Luca set up his cot under the ramada. The rain came in fully and stayed for six hours. We didn't mind. We hung around under the ramada watching the mist move through the canyon, reading, snacking. At one point we pulled on rain gear for a walk to the fee station to pay our $20 and check the restrooms. I filled out my pay stub, found it difficult, being everything was wet. The kind of small camp errand that feels completely different in the rain. The lightning started later in the evening. Six good strikes — and what happened to the thunder is something I still think about. It rolled both directions through the canyon simultaneously. When it hit a side canyon you could hear it split — going two ways at once. The sound traveled the full length of the canyon in both directions, echoing off the walls, before fading. I've never heard anything like it. We didn't record it. I wish we had an audio recording — the visual isn't the thing that stays with you, it's the sound. We went to bed late, listening to the last of the rain on the tent. Day Two — The Sunny Flat Trail, a Swimming Hole, and Herb Martyr's Waterfall Blue sky the next morning. Muffins and coffee for breakfast. We had the site until 11 and used the time on the Sunny Flat Trail before breaking camp. The trail starts at the end of the campground and works its way through the canyon vegetation — tall sycamores, oaks, junipers, and pines shading the path along Cave Creek. Along the way we found the explosive shacks — small structures built directly into the stone walls of the canyon with rock construction and metal doors. These were storage facilities for explosives used during the construction of the road through Cave Creek Canyon. Easy to walk past without noticing. Worth stopping for. The trail also had signage identifying native plants along the route — the kind of interpretive detail that rewards attention. A Fremont Cottonwood stood out among the trees, genuinely tall and striking in the canyon setting We spotted a group of deer moving through the hillside vegetation and heard turkey calls in the distance from somewhere across the canyon. Later, while walking through the Idlewilde Campground area, we spotted a wild turkey in the open. We also noticed a campsite at Idlewilde next to a swimming hole — pinned it for a future visit. After breaking camp we drove to the South Fork Trailhead — word had spread among birders that a rare species had been spotted in the area and people were gathering with cameras and long lenses. Rather than joining the crowd we drove back to the Idlewilde swimming hole, took a cold dip, and had lunch on the bank. Egg salad sandwiches on fresh baked bread, chips and salsa, cold sodas. The swimming hole was running cold and clear from the previous night's rain. We took the opportunity to take a dip. It was cold, but very refreshing. After lunch we stopped at the Southwestern Research Station — a facility of the American Museum of Natural History that sits where the pavement ends in Cave Creek Canyon. We browsed the bookstore, looked at field guides, and each had an espresso. Talked with a former ranger. Small stop, worth it. This is the kind of place that makes a canyon road trip feel like more than just driving between campsites. From the research station we turned left onto Forest Road 42A and followed it approximately four miles to the end of the road — Herb Martyr Campground. We chose Site 4. The reason was immediately obvious — a 12-foot waterfall on Cave Creek sat just a short distance below the campsite. The waterfall is created by a series of rock dams built across the creek at various points, stacking the water up and dropping it over the edge. We set up camp. Luca set up his cot and worked on practicing different methods of setting up a rain cover using a tarp — a skill he wanted to develop for open camping. We gathered what firewood we could find and had brats and vegetables over a small fire as evening settled in. A wild turkey walked through camp while we were cooking — crossed the creek without hesitation and worked its way up the steep slope on the far bank at a pace that suggested it knew exactly where it was going. After dinner Luca turned in early and Matthew and I sat by the river in the dark until late — the waterfall audible the whole time. The next morning I woke early and hiked back up the canyon with my camera before the others were up. Returned to camp for a simple breakfast — cold cereal, fruit, coffee. Then we took one more walk along the lower river, following the rock dams downstream and finding more pools, more structure, more of the creek at its best. We still don't know when those dams were built or why. The mystery of a place is sometimes better than the answer. Day Three — Rustler Park, Barefoot Park, and Pinery Creek We left Herb Martyr and drove south and west, stopping to confirm dispersed camping spots we had scouted on OnX before the trip. Along FR 42 toward Onion Saddle we marked six potential dispersed camp locations. At Onion Saddle — 7,619 feet — we turned toward Rustler Park. View from Onion Saddle — looking out over the canyon system from 7,619 feet The campground sits at 8,400 feet in a wildflower-carpeted meadow rimmed with Douglas-fir and ponderosa pine. The campground has been rebuilt since the catastrophic Horseshoe 2 Fire of 2011 burned through here — consuming the tree canopy and destroying the Barfoot Lookout tower entirely. Some sites now have shade canopies installed as a result. The downed trees and fire scars are still visible throughout — the forest is recovering but slowly. Two major wildfires in 20 years have fundamentally changed what Rustler Park looks like. The Road on the way to Rustler Park. We noted it as a strong future destination for night sky viewing — the elevation and distance from city lights make it one of the better dark sky locations in this part of Arizona. Ranger station cabins sat under some of the remaining trees. We tried to spot Barfoot Lookout from the road on the drive in and out without success. Learned later why — the tower was destroyed in the Horseshoe 2 Fire and what remains is only a foundation and block walls, which explains why it wasn't visible from the road. The trailhead to the Barfoot Lookout is at Barefoot Park, We took FR 357 (Pine Canyon Road) to check out Barefoot Park — a National Natural Landmark down the road from Onion Saddle. The area appeared to see limited use. Picnic tables scattered in odd locations. Large old foundations and a small shed behind a fenced meadow — remnants of a former Boy Scout camp that once operated here, including a chapel built by the Kiwanis Club of Douglas in 1962. We didn't drive much further due to muddy road conditions after the rain. What the modest appearance doesn't reveal is the significance of the place. Barfoot Park was designated a National Natural Landmark the same month the Horseshoe 2 Fire burned through it in June 2011 — an almost impossibly bad coincidence. The park supports an unusual mix of Sierra Madre and Rocky Mountain flora including four pine species and 18 other tree species, three meadows, two permanent springs, and more than 15 acres of talus slopes. Those talus slopes are the US epicenter for the Twin-spotted Rattlesnake — one of the rarest rattlesnakes in North America. The Pine Satyr butterfly, which barely reaches the US from Mexico, also lives here. The fire damaged it significantly but the recovery is ongoing. It deserves a proper visit on a dry day. Heading out of Barfoot Park we stopped to talk with a man attending to gear on the roadside — he was from Utah and suggested we check out FR 42C near Pinery Creek. OnX listed it as Methodist Camp. He mentioned it was a decent road most of the way with one washed-out section that was still passable. We found the washed-out section and knew we were in the right place. A short distance further was an excellent dispersed campsite on Pinery Creek at approximately 6,160 feet — views of the cliffs, established fire rings, firewood available to gather. The campsite had a large standing dead tree with holes covering it all the way up the trunk — no branches remaining, just a column of drilled holes from bottom to top. A classic granary tree. Luca spotted a bird pulling something from one of the holes and flying off. We watched this continue throughout our stay. This was our introduction to the Acorn Woodpecker. The Acorn Woodpecker is one of the most distinctive birds in the American West — a clown-faced woodpecker with a bold red cap, white forehead, black back, and yellow eyes that give it a permanently startled expression. What makes it remarkable is what it does. It lives in cooperative family groups of up to 15 individuals and builds what are called granary trees — dead or dying trees drilled with thousands of individual holes, each the right size for a single acorn. The birds harvest acorns in fall, wedge them tightly into the holes, and tend the granary constantly — checking holes, moving acorns to better-fitting spaces as they dry, and defending the whole operation fiercely against squirrels, jays, and competing groups. A single granary tree can contain up to 50,000 stored acorns and may be used by multiple generations of the same family group for decades. We set up camp, gathered firewood, had a late lunch of sandwiches. Walked down the road to check other available sites — ours was the best in the immediate area. One note that needs to be said plainly. Someone had left bags of human waste on the riverbank near our site. Not what anyone wants to deal with upon arrival — cleaning up someone else's mess, especially that. If you cannot dig a proper cat hole, going on the ground away from water is still preferable to bagging waste and leaving it at a campsite near a river. Please pack out waste properly or follow Leave No Trace principles. This is a beautiful and rarely visited canyon — it deserves better. After dark we enjoyed the campfire for many hours. Luca had setup his cot next to the fire in the open. Matthew and I stepped away briefly and heard a loud scurry — something jumping across the river. Luca woke fully from a sound sleep, startled with an adrenalin rush. We never identified the animal. My trail cam had been set up across the creek for exactly this — but a low-battery IR failure meant nothing was captured. Frustrating. After the excitement settled we stayed by the fire a bit longer before heading to bed. Day Four — Downing Pass, the Carved Cave, and Chiricahua National Monument The next morning Luca and I rose early and hiked off-trail from camp — up from 6,160 feet to the cliffs at approximately 6,400 feet on Downing Pass. Small pools of water with thick moss beds. Cactus in flower. Birds. Black-colored lizards on the rock faces. Cut-down power poles and a broken ceramic insulator — one foot wide, the kind used on high-tension lines. A large rock that looked like petrified wood. We're still not sure. We descended, walked the road back to camp, and took a cold dip in the river before packing up. On the way out we stopped at a cave noted on the drive in — a short walk from the road to a cavity carved into the rock with a metal door frame. Inside: a wooden air vent system, evidence of an old campfire, a bat roosting in the corner. A place with obvious history and unclear purpose. We continued on to Chiricahua National Monument, during the drive we saw many Turkeys. Our first stop upon arrival at 2:00 PM, was the visitor center — museum exhibits, trail maps, conversation with rangers, real restroom. We picked up a map of the Chiricahua Mountains and the usual keepsakes: sticker, pin, ornament. Then drove the 8-mile Bonita Canyon Drive to Massai Point at 6,870 feet, parked at the end of the loop, and had lunch from the tailgate before starting the hike. Before the main trail we walked the Massai Point Exhibit Trail — a short paved loop to the historic exhibit building with panoramic views of Rhyolite Canyon and the surrounding peaks. The interpretation here frames everything you're about to walk through. Worth the 15 minutes before committing to the longer trail. A note on the Apache history of this place: to the Chiricahua Apache, Massai Point was known as Yahdeshut — Point of Rocks. The point was later named after Big Foot Massai, an Apache warrior who stole a horse from the Stafford Homestead and was pursued to this very point before escaping into the rocks and disappearing. He was never caught. We then hiked the full loop — Massai Point Nature Trail, Massai-Echo Canyon Spur, Echo Canyon, Hailstone, and Ed Riggs Trails — returning to Massai Point. Total distance approximately 4 miles from the Massai Point start. Plan for 3+ hours. We got back after dusk. We felt it in our legs the next morning. One mid-hike lesson: before you leave the car, make sure you actually have everything you need on the trail. We found ourselves short on snacks and a spare camera battery. We also realized mid-hike that we should have brought our radios — one member of our party headed back to the car early, and coordinating the split would have been much easier with them. Echo Canyon descends 400 feet through the rock formations that make this monument famous — spires, balanced boulders, formations stacked improbably on top of each other in configurations that look engineered rather than natural. The trail winds through grottos and narrow passages carved by water over millions of years. The Grottoes are one of the highlights. We rested inside the rock formation and looked straight up — massive boulders balanced directly overhead, the gaps between them framing the sky. We joked about not lingering too long. They have been there for thousands of years. Probably. One of the more memorable moments was a long hallway section — a channel between two flat-walled rock formations approximately 130 feet long with relatively short walls on either side. On the Hailstone Trail — nearly level with sweeping canyon views — we found one of the largest agave plants either of us had seen. We also noticed an agave that had grown its flower stalk and been removed, with the hollow center now filled with water — a natural basin. A tree with a hollow cavity a few feet off the ground, completely filled with rocks — we couldn't determine if the tree grew around them or if people placed them. The mystery of it was more satisfying than any explanation. The Ed Riggs Trail climbs 400 feet back to Massai Point through a small canyon with large Douglas Firs and Ponderosa Pines. By the time we reached the top the light was nearly gone. Total time at the monument: 2:00 PM to 6:20 PM. That night we camped at a dispersed site on FR 42 across from FR 356 — one of the spots scouted on OnX before the trip. Simple dinner of burritos cooked in the dark — potatoes, sausage, black beans, cheese, and avocado. Small campfire after. Went to bed early. Day Five — Ruins, a Pioneer Cemetery, and the Road Home The final morning. We took FR 356 to check out some unnamed ruins found on OnX. Along the way we marked three promising dispersed camping locations and checked out two ruin sites. The first had a small wood building with old bed springs covering the windows — inside, only a bin filled with rocks. Outside: a watering hole, corral, windmill filling a water tower, what appeared to be an old well. A new electrical panel confirmed the site is still in active use. The second site required crossing a dry wash — not advisable in a standard vehicle — and held the remains of barely visible rock walls in the grass. We look forward to exploring further up that canyon on a future visit. Along the route to Chiricahua National Monument the previous day we had spotted something worth noting — a fenced-in headstone on the open landscape, belonging to Frank H. Hands (1862–1936) and Grace K. Hands (1876–1955). A private grave site in the open desert. The kind of quiet historical detail that stops you when you're paying attention. We left the Coronado National Forest at 11:20 AM and headed home. While heading home we came upon the Dos Cabezas Pioneer Cemetery — a quick browse of a site with many unmarked graves. A plaque acknowledges the unknown burials, the oldest dating to an infant from 1885. Walking through it you watch your step carefully, looking for snakes. The grass is tall and the ground is full of holes. Final Notes Five days. Two campgrounds. Two dispersed sites. One national monument. One rainstorm. One lightning experience. One river dip. Two long hikes. Lots of Turkeys seen. The Chiricahua Mountains reward patience and attention — the more time you spend here the more it gives back. We came home with a list of things to return for: Crystal Cave, John Hands Waterfall, the upper canyon ruins on FR 356, Rustler Park under a dark sky, Barfoot Park on a clear day. That's the sign of a good trip. You leave wanting more. For Further Details — Visit the Bucket List Chiricahua National Monument Chiricahua Mountains Dos Cabezas Pioneer Cemetery Explore more Arizona camping locations and trip reports on the AZ Places Bucket List — firsthand guides to the places we've personally been. → Arizona Bucket List → Guided Camping Trips

By Rachel Joel · AZ Places · Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, Arizona Most people think of Arizona as desert — saguaro cactus, red rocks and scorching summer heat. What surprises so many first-time visitors is that rising above all of that is one of the most dramatic geological features in the American Southwest: the Mogollon Rim. A towering escarpment stretching nearly 200 miles across central Arizona, the Rim is where the desert ends and the forest begins — and it is one of the most remarkable places in the state to camp and explore. What is the Mogollon Rim? The Mogollon Rim is a massive escarpment that forms the southern edge of the Colorado Plateau, running roughly 200 miles across central Arizona. In some areas the rim drops as much as 2,000 feet in a sheer limestone and sandstone cliff, with views stretching south across the desert basin toward the Mazatzal Mountains northeast of Phoenix. Elevations along the rim reach up to 7,700 feet, placing it well above the desert heat and firmly in the cool mountain air of the Apache-Sitgreaves and Coconino National Forests. Its name comes from Don Juan Ignacio Flores Mogollón, the Spanish governor of New Mexico from 1712 to 1715. The escarpment itself was shaped over millions of years by erosion and faulting, and the geology underfoot tells the story of an ancient landscape unlike anything else in Arizona. The Trees What most visitors don't realize is that Arizona is home to the largest contiguous ponderosa pine forest in the world — covering approximately 2.6 million acres stretching from the New Mexico state line to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. The Mogollon Rim sits right in the heart of it. Step onto the Rim and you step into a different Arizona entirely. The forests here are dense and towering — thick stands of ponderosa pine and Douglas fir that stretch as far as the eye can see. In places you'll also find Gambel oak and quaking aspen, particularly along the rim's edge where the terrain creates pockets of cooler, wetter conditions. In fall these aspen groves turn brilliant gold and orange, making the Rim one of Arizona's best spots for fall color. In summer the forest floor stays cool and shaded even when the desert below is well over 100 degrees. This is a forest that rewards those who slow down and pay attention to it. The Lakes The Mogollon Rim is dotted with lakes — from easily accessible family destinations to remote backcountry gems that reward those willing to work for them. The heart of the lake country is the Rim Lakes Recreation Area, sitting atop the rim at 7,700 feet in the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest. Dispersed camping is available throughout the forest surrounding all of these lakes, and several developed campgrounds are in the area as well — from primitive first-come sites to reservable campgrounds with water and toilets. Woods Canyon Lake The most popular lake on the Rim and the most developed, with a well-stocked general store, boat rentals and regular trout stocking by Arizona Game and Fish. It draws large summer crowds, especially on weekends. If you want facilities and easy access, this is your lake. If you want solitude, keep driving. Willow Springs Lake Runs cold year-round due to snowmelt and is the second most visited lake on the Rim. Good for fishing — largemouth bass were illegally introduced years ago and remain alongside the regularly stocked rainbow trout. No store or boat rentals but a boat ramp is available. We captured a sweeping shoreline view of Willow Springs on video — watch it on our YouTube channel to get a feel for just how beautiful this lake is. Watch our Willow Springs Lake reel → Bear Canyon Lake At 7,560 feet this is one of our personal favorites on the Rim. It's narrow, canyon-bound and surrounded by pines and aspens that run right to the water's edge. There are two ways in from Forest Road 89A — a shorter quarter-mile trail from the upper access point, or a slightly longer approach from the lower trailhead that adds a bit more scenery along the way. We prefer to camp past the powerlines where dispersed sites spread out and the quiet is real — you can hear elk and coyotes depending on the season. The lake is stocked with rainbow trout about six times a year. No water or services on-site so pack everything in. See our Bear Canyon Lake guide → Black Canyon Lake Sits at 7,000 feet about 15 miles southwest of Heber and is popular for rainbow trout fishing and non-motorized boating. Wild horses are regularly spotted in the area and stop at the lake for water — we've captured this on video and it never gets old. The lake sees heavy use, particularly on summer weekends, and unfortunately sees more than its share of irresponsible campers. If you visit, please pack out everything you bring in and leave it better than you found it. Black Canyon Rim Campground sits nearby at the junction of FR 300 and FR 86 with 21 sites, water and toilets. See our Black Canyon Rim guide → Chevelon Canyon Lake For those who truly want to get away from it all. Accessed via 30 miles of unpaved forest road, the lake requires a hike to reach the water — no vehicle access is permitted past the gate. There are two entry options: the more commonly used northern route from FR 169B that follows the old roadway down to the dam, roughly three-quarters of a mile, and a shorter southern trail accessed from FR 180 that drops less than half a mile to the lake's edge with stunning canyon views along the way. It is designated a blue ribbon fishery, managed for large trophy rainbow and brown trout. The primitive campground has six sites and a vault toilet but no water. We've hiked it, swum in it and filmed the whole experience — it is genuinely one of the most scenic and rewarding lakes in Arizona. See our Chevelon Canyon Lake guide → The Wildlife The Mogollon Rim is home to one of the most diverse wildlife populations in Arizona. Elk are perhaps the most iconic — large herds roam the rim country and it's not uncommon to find them walking through campgrounds or crossing FR 300 at dawn and dusk. Mule deer are a constant presence throughout the forest, and black bears inhabit the deeper reaches of the Apache-Sitgreaves. Mountain lions exist here too, though sightings are rare. Wild horses add something truly special to the Black Canyon Lake area — we've filmed them coming down to drink at the lake and it's one of those moments that stops you in your tracks. Coyotes are heard more often than seen, particularly in the evenings around Bear Canyon where their calls carry clearly through the trees. Birdlife on the Rim is exceptional. Bald eagles are regularly spotted perched near Woods Canyon Lake in winter. Wild turkeys move through the forest in groups, and the ponderosa pine habitat supports a wide variety of species including Steller's jays, mountain chickadees, red-tailed hawks and the pygmy nuthatch — a small but distinctive bird that works its way headfirst down pine trunks much like the White-breasted Nuthatch we filmed on Forest Road 124. The monsoon season from July through early September brings the forest to life in a particular way — wildflowers bloom, the creeks run and wildlife activity increases noticeably. If wildlife photography is part of your reason for visiting the Rim, early morning and the hour before sunset are your best windows. The Views From the rim's edge the views are simply staggering. Vantage points along Forest Road 300 — the 45-mile Rim Road connecting Highway 260 and Highway 87 — offer views stretching 100 miles or more across the Arizona desert. In some spots the cliff drops away so suddenly beneath your feet that it takes a moment to fully register the scale of what you're looking at. The Rim Lakes Vista Overlook near Woods Canyon Lake is one of the most accessible viewpoints and a good starting point for first-time visitors. But the real reward comes from exploring the lesser-known forest roads that branch off FR 300 — places where you can sit on the rim's edge with no one else around. We filmed one of those moments on Forest Road 607A near Pine, Arizona — a video that captures the view, a fire started by bow drill and wildlife encountered along the way. Watch it below to get a feel for what the Rim experience is really like. Sunrise and sunset on the Mogollon Rim are among the most spectacular in Arizona. Camp on the rim's edge and you can watch the desert below glow into existence at dawn — nearly half of Arizona laid out beneath you. The History The Mogollon Rim has been a landmark for human civilization for over a thousand years. Long before European settlers arrived, the ancient Mogollon people and later the Ancestral Puebloans inhabited the rim country, leaving behind archaeological sites throughout the region. By the mid-1800s, after Arizona became a U.S. territory in 1863, settlers, ranchers and miners began moving into the high country, drawn by the cool climate, fertile soil and vast timber resources. The late 1800s brought a logging boom to the Rim. Ponderosa pine and Douglas fir were harvested on an enormous scale — some trees up to six feet in diameter — to meet the growing lumber demands of an expanding nation. The arrival of the railroad in 1882 made large-scale logging operations possible, and thousands of miles of logging roads were cut into the forest. Many of those same roads form the forest road network that campers and explorers use today. The Rim's history also includes one of Arizona's most significant wildfires. On June 25, 1990, a lightning strike ignited the Dude Fire near Payson. Before it was contained on July 1st, the fire took the lives of six firefighters, destroyed 60 homes and burned nearly 24,000 acres. Remnants of the Dude Fire are still visible in parts of the forest today — a sobering reminder of both the fragility and resilience of this remarkable landscape. How to use the Rim — Seasons & Recreation The Mogollon Rim is a year-round destination, though each season offers a different experience. Summer is peak season — daytime temperatures between 68 and 80 degrees make it a natural escape from the Phoenix valley heat, and the lakes are at their most active. July through early September brings Arizona's monsoon season, with afternoon thunderstorms that roll in quickly and clear just as fast, leaving the forest smelling of pine and rain. Fall brings cooler temperatures, golden aspens and far fewer crowds. Winter closes some campgrounds and heavy snowfall can shut FR 300 entirely, but dispersed camping is available year-round for those equipped for cold weather. Recreation on the Rim is as varied as the landscape itself. Hiking, fishing, boating, kayaking, horseback riding, off-road driving, wildlife watching and photography all have their place here. The Arizona Trail passes through two sections of the Rim, and the historic Cabin Loop Trail System traces routes once used by early forest rangers and ranchers moving cattle across the high country. Getting There From the Phoenix area, Highway 87 north leads to Payson — the gateway community to the Mogollon Rim. From Payson, Highway 260 east takes you up into the rim country. Forest Road 300, the Rim Road, begins just east of Highway 260 and runs 45 miles to Highway 87, with campgrounds, overlooks and trailheads along the way. The Mogollon Rim Visitor Center sits at the east entrance off Highway 260 and is worth a stop — it has a viewing deck, maps and current road and fire information. For campground reservations in the Rim Lakes area visit Recreation.gov. Dispersed camping on forest roads is free and available year-round where conditions allow. AZ Places guides camping trips in the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest including the Mogollon Rim area. If you'd like to experience the Rim without the stress of planning, packing or going it alone — we handle everything. View our hosted camping adventures →

By Rachel Joel · AZ Places · Tonto National Forest Most people drive through Globe on their way somewhere else. What they don't realize is that just south of town, rising over 4,000 feet from the desert floor, is one of Arizona's most rewarding and least-known camping destinations — the Pinal Mountains. In May 2024 Rachel and Luca spent two nights and three days at Six Shooter Campground in the Tonto National Forest. What unfolded was one of those trips that reminds you why you do this. The Drive Up Getting to Six Shooter Campground is part of the experience. From the Globe Ranger Station it's about 15.9 miles via FR 651 — a narrow, winding gravel mountain road that takes roughly 56 minutes to drive. Take it slow. The road climbs through chaparral and desert scrub before transitioning dramatically into ponderosa pine and white fir as you gain elevation. Communication and radio towers near the summit are visible ahead and serve as a useful landmark. The road is maintained — in part because of those towers — but it is not a road for rushing. Snow in May We arrived to find snow still lingering in the shaded spots near the road. In May. At nearly 7,700 feet, the Pinal Mountains operate on their own schedule, and the snow patches tucked into the shadows of the pines were a welcome reminder of just how much elevation we had gained from the desert below. The Campground & Surroundings Six Shooter Campground has 12 units tucked into tall stands of ponderosa pine and white fir — the shade is genuine and the quiet is real. The nearby Pinal Campground has 4 units and Upper Pinal has 3 sites for those wanting even more solitude. Sulphide Del Rey and Pioneer Pass offer additional dispersed options in the area. What gives this place an extra layer of interest is its history. Both Six Shooter and the nearby Pinal Campgrounds sit on a site once occupied by the U.S. Army, which used it as a heliographic signaling station in the late 1800s — flashing messages across the desert landscape using mirrors to reflect sunlight. Standing in those pines knowing soldiers once stood in the same spot communicating by reflected sunlight across the Arizona territory adds something to the place. The Hiking At least eight trails branch out within one mile of the campgrounds. We hiked to the fire lookout tower at 7,838 feet — one of the highlights of the trip. The view from up there is extraordinary, looking out in every direction across central Arizona. We also set out to find a spring, which turned out to have been tapped off. The trail system rewards those who explore it and there is genuinely more to discover here than a single trip can cover. We also found a cluster of large boulders that made a natural outdoor living room — the kind of place you settle into and don't want to leave. With the pines overhead and the quiet of the mountain around you, it was one of those moments that doesn't need any enhancement. Wildlife The Pinal Mountains are considered a sky island and the wildlife reflects that. Our biggest surprise was the coatis — a first sighting for us. We also encountered a horned toad lizard, white-tailed deer and an impressive variety of birds throughout the trip. The Pinal Mountains are well known among birdwatchers and it's easy to understand why once you're up there. Keep your eyes and ears open — this mountain delivers. Camp Life Firewood was plentiful for gathering throughout the forest, the trees were perfect for hammocks, and the wildflowers were in full color for a May trip. Luca processed yucca into fibers — a hands-on primitive skills moment that felt right at home in a forest this rich. The culinary highlight was a Dutch oven goulash cooked over the campfire — featured in the main video and in a second dedicated cooking video. Camp cooking at nearly 7,700 feet in a ponderosa pine forest is a completely different experience from cooking at home, and the goulash did not disappoint. Getting There From Chandler or Phoenix take US-60 East through Superior and Miami to Globe. Follow Jess Hayes Road southeast to the junction of Icehouse Canyon Road (FR 112) and Six Shooter Canyon Road (FR 222). Continue on FR 112 for 2.5 miles to the junction of FR 55. Take the right fork, continue 2.5 miles to FR 651, turn left and follow FR 651 approximately 10 miles to the campgrounds. No fees, no reservations — first come, first served. Potable water is available at Six Shooter and Pinal Campgrounds. No trash service — pack it in, pack it out. Check fire restrictions with the Globe Ranger District at (928) 402-6200 before your trip. The Pinal Mountains are one of the locations in the AZ Places bucket list. See the full location guide → · AZ Places also offers guided camping trips in Arizona — view our hosted adventures →

Camping offers a wonderful opportunity to reconnect with nature and enjoy the serenity of the great outdoors. However, it's important to remember that responsible camping goes hand in hand with environmental stewardship. One essential aspect of this is taking care of trash while camping. In this article, we will explore effective strategies to deal with trash, reduce waste, and keep your campsite clean, ensuring a positive camping experience for both you and the environment. How to deal with trash when camping: When it comes to dealing with trash while camping, proper disposal is key. Always carry trash bags or designated containers to store your garbage. Avoid leaving any waste exposed, as it can attract animals and disrupt the ecosystem. If there are no trash receptacles available at the campsite, pack your trash and take it with you when you leave. Remember, leaving trash behind not only harms the environment but also spoils the experience for future campers. Reduce trash on a campout: Reducing trash on a campout starts with conscious decision-making. Consider these tips to minimize waste: Plan meals and snacks thoughtfully: Opt for reusable containers and avoid excess packaging. Preparing meals in advance and bringing them in reusable containers not only reduces waste but also makes mealtime more convenient. Use reusable utensils and dishware: Instead of disposable plates, cups, and utensils, invest in durable, eco-friendly alternatives such as an Enamel Mugs. These not only contribute to reducing waste but also add a touch of nostalgia to your camping experience. Practice responsible water usage: Minimize the use of disposable water bottles by bringing refillable ones. Utilize water responsibly for cooking and cleaning, avoiding excess waste. Keeping the campsite clean: Maintaining a clean campsite is not only aesthetically pleasing but also important for preserving the environment. Follow the "Leave No Trace" principles: which include packing out all trash, minimizing one's impact, and leaving natural features undisturbed. These guidelines help protect the ecosystem and leave the campsite pristine for others to enjoy. Here are some tips to keep your campsite tidy: Pack it in, pack it out. Set up a specific spot in your campsite to gather and store trash securely. Use separate containers for recyclables and non-recyclables. This organization will help prevent litter and facilitate proper disposal when leaving or upon returning home. This also makes it convenient for putting away the trash at night or when you leave camp for an adventure. We use two different sizes of collapsible reusable landscaping bags. Pop-up the bags add and liner and your trash collecting system is ready. To wash yourself or your dishes, use or carry water 200 feet away from streams or lakes and use small amounts of biodegradable soap. Scatter dirty dishwater. Utilize toilet facilities whenever possible. Otherwise, deposit solid human waste in catholes dug 6 to 8 inches deep, at least 200 feet from water, camp and trails. Cover and disguise the cathole when finished. Pack out toilet paper and hygiene products. Conduct regular site clean-ups: Inspect your campsite, food preparation areas, and rest areas for trash or spilled foods. Dedicate a few minutes each day to pick up any litter around your campsite, even if it's not yours. Leave the area cleaner than you found it, ensuring a positive impact on the environment. Conclusion Taking care of trash while camping is an essential responsibility for outdoor enthusiasts. By following proper trash disposal practices, minimizing waste, and keeping the campsite clean, we can protect nature's beauty and ensure that future generations can enjoy it as well. Let's strive to be mindful campers who leave no trace and make a positive difference in preserving the environment for all to cherish. Remember, every small effort counts in keeping our campsites and the great outdoors clean and pristine.