Peeples Valley

Peeples Valley is in Northern Arizona . It is in Yavapai County. At the base of the Weaver Mountains in a green rolling pastureland with pinion pine and cottonwood trees sprinkled about lies Peeples Valley. The town is located on U.S. Highway 89 and is approximately 80 miles northwest of Phoenix.

Overview:
Peeples Valley is an unincorporated town that has its roots in mining and ranching. Today Peeples’s population is 1,315, which is a combined total with the town of Yarnell. The town sits at an elevation of 4,780 feet. The climate is mild all year round with a winter low temperature of 23 degrees and summer high temperature of 89 degrees. It is the place to visit when searching for real peace and quiet, in an attractive rural setting with cool fresh air. It is said that Peeples Valley is “Where the Desert Breeze meets the Mountain Air.”

Community Features:
There is one nearby attraction that is an amazing sight. The Shrine of Saint Joseph of the Mountains is located in the Weaver Mountains, about a half-mile west of Yarnell. This hillside shrine has a chapel, the Way of the Cross, replicas of the Garden of Gethsemane and the Last Supper. Felix Lucero sculpted all of the work out of reinforced concrete. The Catholic Action League of Arizona commissioned Lucero. The life-sized pieces are set among a tree-shaded area amidst the boulders. Visitors can take a trail through the statues or mediate in the beautiful park like setting.

An outdoor attraction that will make your eyes dance is the scenic overlook near town. You will find the lookout point just west of Yarnell, before you begin your descent into the Valley. Highway 89 drops 2,500 feet down the side of Table Top Mountain. This steep drop occurs in only four miles. The lookout point provides a panoramic view of the desert regions below. It is a view that you won’t soon forget.

History:

In 1863, the expedition of A.H. Peeples organized. They entered Arizona from California by way of Yuma. Here they found Pauline Weaver awaiting them in response to Peeple’s request for him to join them. Weaver was a rugged frontiersman, who led the party up the Colorado River to La Paz.

Next, they headed across the Plomosa Range to Cullen Valley. Near the mountains they found antelope. After killing five, Peeples named the stream Antelope Creek and the mountain by its bank Antelope Peak. Soon, they discovered another stream where they panned for gold. They named this stream, Weaver Creek in honor of their guide.
The following day, a group of men headed off in search of their horses. The horses had strayed during the night. That evening upon their return, they showed Peeples the gold nuggets that they had discovered on top of a nearby mountain.

The next morning, the party headed up to the mountaintop. There they could see innumerable nuggets of gold in a sloping basin. It is said that Peeples picked up seven thousand dollars worth of gold before breakfast. After a month’s time, it is believed that the amount of gold removed was estimated to be at a quarter of a million dollars. The mountain was named Rich Hill.

Abraham Peeples stayed in the area and developed a ranch. His ranch bore his name and soon so did the town. Peeples later sold his ranch and moved to Wickenburg.

Today, Peeples Valley remains a cattle ranching area. The Hays Cattle Company runs its cattle just outside of town and is noted as being one of Arizona ’s most historic ranches. The ranch’s brand the Bar-Muleshoe-Bar dates back to 1876. The Hays Cattle Company has owned the ranch since 1912 and is operated by John Hays. While taking the highway through town, you will spot the cattle and horses roaming the land.

Picacho

Picacho is in Southern Arizona . It is in Pinal County. The town is located in the lower Santa Cruz River Valley, along Interstate 10 between Phoenix and Tucson. Tucson is 50 miles southeast.

Overview:
Picacho has ideal land for grazing and agriculture. In the beginning, it was an early stagecoach stop. The town sits at an elevation of 1,624 feet. The warm desert climate has a winter low temperature of 40 degrees and a summer high temperature of 100 degrees. The small town has a rich western history to tell.

History:
The name Picacho is a Spanish word meaning “peak” or “point.” The name represents Picacho Peak, which rises 1,500 feet and stands apart from the Picacho Mountain Range to the northeast. This separation allows the peak to be easily noticed in the middle of the desert landscape. The name Picacho Peak is actually redundant, with the words being “peak peak.”
Picacho Peak has stood as a landmark, as far back in time, as the Hohokam Indians. The Indians used it as a stop over when trading with groups to the south. The Spanish missionaries and Mormon Battalion also used this spot as a resting place during their travels. Next, came the Butterfield Overland Stage Line with a station pass near here in the 1850’s.
Picacho Pass runs between Picacho Peak and the Picacho Mountain Range and is the site of the only Civil War Battle fought in Arizona . The skirmish took place in April 1862, when troops from the Union’s California Volunteers came up to a detachment of soldiers on guard duty from the Confederate’s Texas Volunteers.
Picacho’s post office was established in 1881. The town is actually a couple miles northwest of Picacho Peak and Picacho Pass and remains unincorporated.
Today, the town’s economy is based on agriculture and wholesale/retail trade. It is a shipping point for a variety of products, such as livestock, cotton, citrus and pecans. Both Interstate 10 and the Southern Pacific Railroad run through the pass and alongside town. Visitors will marvel at its scenic views, nearby historic attractions and outdoor activities.

Community Features:
Picacho has a famous outdoor activity situated nearby. Picacho Peak State Park is located in Picacho Pass, along Interstate 10. The park opened in 1968 and provides hiking trails, picnicking and camping. During the springtime, there is a spectacle of wildflowers blooming. The flowers edge the trails at the base of the peak.

Cordes Junction

Cordes Junction is in Northern Arizona . It is in Yavapai County. The town is located on Interstate 17 at exit 262, north of Phoenix and south of Flagstaff. State Route 69 begins at Interstate 17 and from here the route takes you into Prescott just 34 miles to the northwest.

Cordes Junction is a good place to take a break when traveling along Interstate 17. The town sits at an elevation of 2,825 feet. The southwestern climate has a winter low temperature of 40 degrees and a summer high temperature of 103 degrees.

The most popular place to visit in Cordes Junction is Arcosanti. Arcosanti or “Urban Laboratory” is a community developed by Paolo Soleri. Soleri is an Italian architect, who has worked on the project for over 30 years. The futuristic self-sufficient community offers a tour that gives visitors an inside look at this amazing structure and way of life. There is a gift shop and other shops available for visitors.
There are a few outdoor activities near town. The 34-mile drive to Prescott from Cordes Junction is one of the quickest ways to get to Prescott from Phoenix. It is also a beautiful drive.

The road takes you up to the pines and the cool air. In 2000, the Agua Fria National Monument was established. The Agua Fria National Monument is 71,100 acres of federal land that stretches between the towns of Black Canyon City and Cortez Junction and includes both Perry Mesa and Black Mesa. This piece of land includes at least four major late prehistoric settlements and as many as 450 prehistoric sites. The monument protects these sites along with the wildlife and vegetation in the area

Congress Arizona

Congress

Congress is in Northern Arizona . It is in Yavapai County. The town is located where State Highway 89 and State Highway 71 meet, at the base of the Date Creek Mountains. It is approximately 19 miles north of Wickenburg.

Overview:
Congress is an unincorporated town that has its roots in mining. The town sits at an elevation of 3,028 feet. The climate is mild all year round with a winter low temperature of 23 degrees and summer high temperature of 90 degrees.

Community Features:
If you leave Congress and head north up State Highway 89, you will want to stop at the top of Table Top Mountain and marvel at the sight below. The lookout point is just before you get to the town of Yarnell. In one section of Highway 89, the road crosses four miles and travels 2,500 feet up the side of Table Top Mountain. The lookout point provides a panoramic view of the desert regions below, including a bird’s eye look at Congress. It is a view you won’t soon forget.

History:
In 1884, Dennis May discovered gold near where the town of Congress is today. Diamond Joe Reynolds purchased the mine from May in 1887 and enjoyed his riches until he died in 1894.
Then a group of entrepreneurs went together to make the mine more profitable. Congress became a growing mining town with a school, telegraph and hospital. There were two sections of town. The “Mill Town” and the “Lower Town.” The “Mill Town” was were the mining operations took place and “Lower Town” was the business and home section. The town did have trouble getting water. Both in 1898 and in 1900, fire broke out and destroyed many of the buildings. During the town’s boom, it was estimated that there were 500 people living in Congress.

Congress Junction was established three miles from Congress. It was a rail stop for the Santa Fe, Prescott and Phoenix Railroad. Then, in 1938 the mine closed and so did the post office. Soon Congress shut down and the town of Congress Junction dropped Junction from its name and became just Congress.

Today Congress is a sheep and cattle shipping center. If you travel a couple miles to the north you can see the ruins of the gold mining town.

Verde Canyon Railroad

The Verde Canyon Railroad takes passengers on a historic trip through a wonderful Arizona landscape. The Verde Valley Railroad was built to help promote the United Verde Copper Company. The railroad had the nickname “Verde Mix” because of its diverse uses of the rail, both people and products road the line. The railroad was financed by Senator William A. Clark and was operated by the Santee Fe, Prescott and Phoenix Railroad. Then in 1953 the copper smelter closed down and so did the line.

Today, the restored route begins at the town of Clarkdale and proceeds to Perkinsville. Then it makes its return trip back to Clarkdale. The three-hour forty mile round-trip ride takes passengers through the Sycamore Wilderness Area along the Verde River. The path of the train follows the Verde River, through two national forests and the wilderness area. Visitors see steep rock formations and diverse plant life.

The historic train has Pullaman Standard coach cars built in 1946. The cars are pulled by a FP7 engine, of which there are only 12 such models left in North America. The Electro-Motive Division of General Motors built the engines in 1953 for the Alaskan Railroad. It takes two engines to pull the train at a speed of 12 miles an hour. There are beautiful eagle paintings gracing the outside of the engines, which were painted by Doug Allen, a wildlife artist.

The highlights of the trip are a ride into a 680-foot man-made tunnel and viewing the ancient Sinagua Indian ruins. The vintage train rides the old rails and crosses over old fashion trestles. You will be amazed at the unique sights that can be seen depending on the season of the year. During the spring there are wildflowers spread across the land, the summer blue herons stretch their wings, in the fall the leaves change colors and in the winter bald eagles can be spotted.

Visitors are encouraged to arrive at the train depot at least an hour and a half prior to departure. This early arrival will give you enough time to eat a picnic lunch at the outdoor picnic table area or purchase a lunch at the Copper Spike Café in the depot to take aboard. The train usually boards 15 minutes before departure.

Visitors will want to make sure that there adequate time to go through the exhibit at the depot. The exhibit explains the history of the railroad. The exhibit includes photos and items from the railroad’s past. There is the Boxcar Gift Store that has something to remind you of your journey.

There is a food and beverage service available on the train and at the depot. The train does request that no coolers or hard-pack containers, strollers or large carry-ons are brought on board. There is no smoking on the train or in the depot area.

The Verde Canyon Railroad offers several travel packages including lodging and train tickets. There are accommodations for special occasions such as weddings, anniversaries, reunions, birthdays, private parties, cookouts or company parties. If you have a party with more than 20 individuals, be sure to ask about a discount. There are occasional moonlight rides. You will have to contact Verde Canyon Railroad for dates and precise times.

There are several forms of accommodations on the train depending on the price of the ticket. Coach offers Pullman-style seating with two seats on each side of the center aisle. There is a snack bar available. First Class provides living room-style seating, complimentary appetizers, beverage service, a cash bar and a cozier atmosphere. All cars have restrooms and access to the open-air viewing cars.

The price for a coach adult is $54.95, coach child is $34.95 and coach senior over 65 is $52.95. The cost for first class is a flat rate of $79.95, no matter what your age. Ask about the Caboose Charter for $600. Refunds will only be made, if reservations are canceled at least 48 hours in advance of departure.

Please make sure you call in advance for the latest update on departure times and to place the required reservations. You may call 1.800-293-7245 or 520-639-0010.

You can get the Verde Canyon Railroad from Cottonwood by heading north on Main Street, past Tuzigoot. When you see the large green sign reading “Train Depot”, head straight across the bridge and park in the lot. If you are coming from Phoenix or Tucson take Interstate 17 north out of town. Continue on Interstate 17, until you reach exit 287. Turn left after taking the exit and head west on State Highway 260. Travel for approximately 14 miles, until you reach the third traffic light. At the light turn left onto Main Street, past Turzigoot. When you see the large green sign reading “Train Depot”, head straight across the bridge and park in the lot. It is approximately two hours from Phoenix. If you are coming from Flagstaff take State Highway 89A south out of town. Continue on to the town of Cottonwood and stay on Main Street and go through the old town of Cottonwood. You will go past Tuzigoot. When you see the large green sign reading “Train Depot”, head straight across the bridge and park in the lot. It is approximately one hour from Flagstaff. If you are coming from Jerome, you will take 89A east out of town to the town of Centerpoint. Here you will head toward the Clarkdale, where the train departs. You should look for signs directing you to the parking lot. The exact address is 300 North Broadway, Clarkdale, Arizona .

This railroad trip is a great way to see the sights. It’s not the destination; it’s the journey.

Chloride Arizona

Chloride is in Western Arizona . It is in Mohave County. The town is located in the foothills of the Cerbat Mountains. You can get to Chloride from Kingman by taking U.S. Highway 93 north out of town, until you come to the Chloride turn off. After the turnoff, you will travel approximately 20 miles before you reach town.

Overview:
Chloride is one of the oldest continuously inhabited mining communities in Arizona . Today Chloride’s population is 400. The town sits at an elevation of 4,000 feet. The warm desert climate has a winter low temperature of 40 degrees and summer high temperature of 105 degrees. People sometimes refer to Chloride as the “Gem of Cerbats.” The town offers clean air, friendly neighbors and old west charm.

Community Features:
One attraction you absolutely can’t miss is a performance from the “Immortal Gunfighters of Chloride.” This band of gunfighters gathers at high noon on the first and third Saturdays of each month for a display you won’t soon forget. The gunfight takes place in Cyanide Springs, an old west town built by locals. Even the lumber used for constructing this 1860’s town is authentic. Builders used lumber found at nearby century old buildings. Following the gun battle, a vaudeville show begins in one of the town’s buildings named the Melodrama Theater. Chloride residents volunteer their time to promote the Wild West. Another stop in town is the Jim Fritz Museum. The museum includes six buildings that have been purchased to preserve the past. The home of Jim Fritz, a local, has furnishings dating from 1918 to 1925. It is a great place to soak up pioneer life.

There are two outdoor activities that are within a stone’s throw of town. Both Windy Point and Pack Saddle campgrounds offer spectacular views and great camping areas.

Events:

Saint Patrick’s Day March
Black Powder Days April
Donna Days May
Old Miners’ Days June

History:
It began back in the 1840’s, when prospectors canvassed the area in search of minerals. Minerals are exactly what they did find. Silver, gold, lead, zinc and turquoise were all in the mountains around where Chloride is today. Even the town’s name came from the silver chloride discovered here.

Although many knew of the riches in the area, Chloride was a difficult place to reach. The Hualapai Indians protected this land, making it impossible for prospectors to search. Many years passed, before the Army troops came in and controlled the tribe.

In 1862, silver was discovered. The mine was called “Silver Hill.” During the time of the discovery, there were already approximately 75 mines operating in the surrounding area.

During Chloride’s boom period, there were estimated nearly 2,000 people living in town. Chloride was large enough to be the county seat for Mohave County in 1871. In the same year, Chloride established its post office. Today, the post office is noted for being the oldest post office in Arizona . The Butterfield Stage served Chloride from 1868 to 1919. The Santa Fe Railroad left Kingman and made its way to Chloride from 1898 to 1935. The town was growing.

By the 1930’s, the richest mine in the area was the Golanda. This mine was located between Kingman and Chloride. It was estimated that the Golanda had produced six and a half million dollars in ore. Later on, the Tennessee Silver Mine surpassed the Golanda and became one of the area’s riches mines.

In 1944, the mines were forced to close. The cost of materials and labor were not worth the price of the mineral. After the mine closures, Chloride was considered to be by many a ghost town.

However, the town proved everyone wrong. Today, Chloride is a town of retirees and business owners. The goal of the residents is to preserve the past. Visitors come to Chloride to experience the old west. There are shops, arts and crafts studios and cafés. The town prides itself on the preservation of buildings like the Jim Fritz Museum and the old jail. Even the fire department shows off its historic piece. The 1939 Ford Engine is a part of the Chloride Volunteer Fire Department. The Chloride Volunteer Fire Department is also noted as the oldest volunteer fire department in Arizona .

Chloride is a town from the past that is living in the future.

Catalina Arizona

Catalina

Location:
Catalina is in Southern Arizona . It is in Pima County. The town is located in the foothills on the north side of the mile-high Santa Catalina Mountains and sits in a valley formed by the Canada del Oro Wash. The Coronado National Forest and Catalina State Park border the community. Tucson is about 12 miles to the south.

Overview:
Catalina is a community built for retirees and tourists. There are several resorts located near town that offer wonderful accommodations. Today, Catalina’s population is 6,000. The town sits at an elevation of 3,100 feet. The warm desert climate has a winter low temperature of 40 degrees and a summer high temperature of 95 degrees. Catalina is known for it cooler climate. Rainfall is approximately 50 percent more plentiful than nearby Tucson and the temperature is 5 to 10 degrees cooler. Many come to experience the clean air, clear skies and no city lights, all of which allow for spectacular starry nights.

History:
Catalina is a residential community developed in the 1950’s. Many acres of State Trust Land provide open areas and promote rural lifestyles. Both the National Forest and the State Park edge the town and make it a great place for recreational activities. The town is unincorporated, yet it is experiencing a growing population.

Community Features:
Catalina has several outdoor activities. Catalina State Park is to the east of town. When the early Spaniards passed through the area, they thought the mountains took on a cathedral-like appearance. They named them La Iglesia, meaning, “church.” Today, the mountain range is called the Santa Catalina Mountains. The park offers camping, picnicking and bird watching. There is also an equestrian center that is a staging place for trail riders and trailer parking. The Pinal Pioneer Highway begins north of town on State Highway 79. The highway heads to the town of Florence passing by all kinds of desert fauna. There are plaques along the road with information on the various plants. It is a gorgeous desert drive. Biosphere 2 is located nearby and is world famous. It is a three-acre model of the earth’s ecosystem. The mission of Biosphere is to serve as a center of teaching, learning and research about the earth and its systems. There are tours offered daily.

Rim Road

The Rim Road is one of Arizona ’s most scenic drives.  General George Crook developed the road in the late 1800’s.  General Crook was stationed at Fort Verde and was charged with the task of subduing the Apache Indians living in the area.  The original military road was 200 miles long and connected Fort Apache with Prescott and Fort Verde.

In 1872, General Crook and his men developed the route, which hugs the edge of the Mogollon Rim.  The road was used for 22 years.  When the railroad came to Holbrook in 1882, the road became less traveled.  In 1928, the Rim Road was constructed.  The Rim Road follows parts of the old Crook Trail.  During the 1970’s, the historical value of Crook’s Trail was preserved by the placement of markers along its path.  Today drivers will see white V’s on trees and rock formations marking the old route.

Rim Road is also called Forest Road 300.  It has spectacular views along the 42-mile gravel road.  You can get to the Rim Road from Camp Verde by taking State Highway 260 east out of town, until you meet State Highway 87.  When you come to State Highway 87, turn left and head north.  Then you will be looking for the sign marking Forest Road 300.  It will be on you left.  Once you are on Rim Road, you will climb to a height of 8,074 feet at Baker Butte.  The road continues along the rim passing High View Point.  You will also go past roads leading to Knoll Lake, Bear Canyon Lake and Woods Canyon Lake.  All of these lakes provide camping areas.  The drive ends just past Woods Canyon Lake, where the road bumps into State Highway 260.  At this point, you will be 22 miles southwest of Heber and 32 miles northeast of Payson.

The best time to travel the road is between the months of May through October.  Make sure you plan on a four to six hour drive.  Be prepared for the trip.  Weather can be a problem with mud and snow.

Camping areas are located along the road.  Those with sharp eyes will spot wildlife.  Black bears, coyotes, turkeys and deer are just some of the animals living in the area.  There are hiking trails available.  You will want a trail guide map before you set out on a hike.  The scenic views are definitely the highlight of the journey.  It is possible to see Camelback Mountain in Phoenix 85 miles to the southwest and on very clear day the Santa Catalina Mountains can be made out near Tucson 150 miles away.

If you are coming from Phoenix or Tucson you will take Interstate 17 north out of town, until you come to Camp Verde.  You will then follow the directions stated above to reach the Rim Road.  If you are coming from Flagstaff, you will take Interstate 17 south out of town to Camp Verde.  Once you are in Camp Verde, you will follow the directions stated above to get to the Rim Road.

The Rim Road offers drivers wonderful views.

Casa Malpais National Historic Landmark

The Casa Malpais National Historic Landmark Site is located about 2 miles north of downtown Springerville. You can reach the site by Interstate 60. It is a 16-acre pueblo complex that is known around the world. Casa Malpais was built in 1250 A.D. and was lived in by the Mogollon (Western Pueblo people) for nearly 120 years. The site represents one of the largest and most complex communities in the United States. Casa Malpais has a Great Kiva, a large masonry pueblo, an enclosing wall, a prehistoric trail, numerous rooms, scared chambers, rock art areas and grinding spots. Many of the artifacts found are on display at the Malpais Museum. The Casa Malpais Museum and Visitor Center is open daily in the summer. There are tours of the site offered every day. This site is a must see when you are in the area of Springerville.

Route 66 Flagstaff

Route 66 Flagstaff

Not many years ago, a traveler would select colorful Route 66 for the drive west from Albuquerque. Though that picturesque trail has been replaced by rapid transit Interstate Route 40, the experience of seeing Flagstaff for the first time has not changed. For mile upon mile the desert plain stretches out. Finally, in the distance, mountains can be seen. And what mountains they are! The San Francisco Peaks rise far above the pine forests of Flagstaff, majestic and blue. These are the mountains, just north of the city, that are the site of the Arizona Snowbowl ski area, one of the state’s main winter playgrounds. In summer, miles of trails through these same mountains attract hikers and mountain bikers, and it is even possible to ride the chairlift for a panoramic vista that stretches 70 miles north to the Grand Canyon.

 

The three San Francisco Peaks are immediately north of the city, which is encircled by the Coconino National Forest. The peaks are the remains of an extinct volcano and are considered sacred by many Native American tribes in the area. Before the volcano erupted, the San Francisco Peaks were thought to have been over 15,000 feet high.

 

<”Flag” (as it is known locally) is the largest population center north of Phoenix. It is the home of Northern Arizona University and gateway for many of the state’s northern travel attractions. At 6,970 feet, Flagstaff’s climate is much different from that found in the Arizona desert regions. Enough snow falls for skiing at the Arizona Snowbowl. With or without snow, the sunsets seen from the Snowbowl are memorable at any time of year.

With its wide variety of accommodations and restaurants, the great outdoors at the edge of town, three national monuments nearby, one of the state’s finest museums, and a university that supports a lively cultural community, Flagstaff makes an ideal base for exploring much of northern Arizona.

 

The Grand Canyon is located approximately 120 miles North of Flagstaff. Meteor Crater, the world’s largest intact meteor impact crater is located 35 miles East of Flagstaff. Coconino National Forest provides many scenic views, trails and outdoor recreation opportunities. Northern Arizona University is one of the three state universities in Arizona.

 

Also in town, is the Lowell Observatory from which astronomers first viewed the planet Pluto. A visitor center is located at the observatory, and guided tours and telescope viewings are available. In February, Flagstaff hosts a Winter Festival with dog-sled races, arts and crafts, wine tasting and storytelling. or a good understanding of the region, visit the Museum of Northern Arizona, which has exhibits exploring the geology, paleontology and biology of the area, including a nature trail that offers an easy and enjoyable hike. It is especially impressive in the spring and fall because of its lush trees, plank bridges and huge blocks of basalt.

Flagstaff’s downtown historic district features refurbished late-Victorian and art-deco architecture. Riordan Mansion State Historic Park preserves the 40-room home designed by Charles Whittlesley. It is built of logs and is an excellent example of the Craftsman style of architecture. Be sure to consider a side trip to Sunset Crater National Monument, 20 miles northeast of Flagstaff. It is the site of an inactive volcanic cone. Visitors can walk across a hardened lava flow which is said to resemble the surface of the moon. Meteor Crater, fifty miles to the east, was when a giant meteor crashed to Earth some 50,000 years ago. The meteor left a huge hole, about 570 feet deep and 4,150 feet across. The interior of the crater was used for training the Apollo astronauts. The site is also home to the Museum of Astrogeology (meteor exhibits) and the Astronaut Hall of Fame.

What an exhilarating experience it is to visit Flagstaff with its nostalgic downtown historic area filled with reminders of the railroad and Route 66 days, its rugged, incomparable landscape, and its opportunities for nearly every outdoor recreational pursuit from skiing and hiking to hunting and fishing.

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