A hike down into Walnut Canyon National Monument will take you back in time. The canyon walls hold the ancient cliff dwellings of nearly a thousand years ago. Walnut Canyon National Monument is one of
the most well preserved cliff dwellings of the Sinagua people. Sinagua means “without water” in Spanish, which refers to their method of farming.

From 1120 to 1250, the Sinagua people chose this ideal spot to build their home, with the cool stream at the bottom of 400-foot gorge. Their dwellings are located under the natural overhangs of limestone and
sandstone along the canyon walls. The Sinagua’s used stones and mortar to close in the exposed sides of their dwellings. If you look carefully, you might find the handprints in the mud left behind by the builder. At one time, there were 300 rooms at Walnut Canyon. Today, visitors can see 24 rooms.

The Visitor Center has lots of information about the Sinagua people. There are displays and artifacts recounting their existence. A showcase holds a variety of flora found at the canyon. Many of the single-
family dwellings are visible from the Visitor Center. There are picnic facilities outside the Visitor Center. At the Visitor Center, the Island Trail down to the dwellings begins. The hour long Island Trail hike into the canyon is a must. The hike includes a 250-step downward path with handrails and several resting spots along the way. It is a hike offering wonderful natural views and glimpses of cliff dwellings. There is another easier hiking trail around the canyon rim. The Rim Trail takes you to two viewpoints and two dwellings. Along the trail, there are signs describing the plants and wildlife. Please allow 30 minutes for the half-mile loop Rim Trail. Both trails can be closed, if snow and ice are present.

The monument is open everyday from 8:00 to 6:00 June through August, 8:00 to 5:00 September through November, 9:00 to 5:00 March through April and the rest of the year, except Christmas and New Year’s Day. The Island Trail does close one hour before the Visitor Center closes. The admission is $3.00 per person and children under 17 are free. If you would like more information, you may call 520-526-3367.

Walnut Canyon National Monument is located seven miles east of Flagstaff, just off of Interstate 40. If you are coming from Phoenix or Tucson take Interstate 17 north to Flagstaff. Once you are in Flagstaff, take Interstate 40 east out of town. You will travel for approximately seven miles, until you come exit 204 and the signs for Walnut Canyon National Monument.

Sycamore Canyon Trial goes through the scenic canyon filled with plants and wildlife not found anywhere else in the United States. The habitat is Riparian, Sonoran desert scrub, oak woodlands, grasslands and mesquite. It is in the Coronado National Forest. The trail is rough in spots, but it can be followed downstream to the Mexican border. Hiking in the Sycamore Canyon is good all year round. The elevation begins at 4,000 feet and then falls to 3,500 feet at the border of Mexico. The hike can vary depending on what you want. You can do an easy two-hour stroll or a long 10-hour hike down to Mexico.

The first mile and quarter are easy walking. Then the trail turns to boulder hopping and wadding through water might be necessary. Occasionally you will see spire-like pinnacles that rise from the ground 100 feet. At the end, the canyon opens up and saguaros are on the slopes. You will see a barbed-wire fence marking the Mexican border.

You can get to Sycamore Canyon Trail by taking Interstate 19 north from Nogales to Pena Blanca Lake. Then continue past the lake another 12 miles on Forest Route 39. This Forest Route is a narrow gravel road. You will pass by the abandoned mining town of Ruby and then on to Sycamore Creek. Park here in the shade of one of the oak trees. From this point, you will hike down to the canyon’s entrance. Along the way you will pass by the ruins of the old Bartlett Ranch.

Hikers need to be prepared for the weather conditions. In July and August, the temperature can climb to above 112 degrees with no wind. Thunderstorms are very common during these months and provide temporary relief to the heat. At nightfall the temperature can drop to 60 degrees. By September the cooling trend begins and by February afternoon highs reach the lower 60’s. Hikers should come prepared for the weather and the conditions of this hike. No camping is allowed along the trail.  You will enjoy this hike. The views and plant life are spectacular.

Glen Canyon National Recreation Area is a part of the Grand Circle, which is a collection of seven national parks, eight national monuments, numerous state parks and spectacular geological formations that stretch from Northern Arizona to Southern Utah. In 1972, Congress established Glen Canyon National Recreational Area, which covers 1.25 million acres. It is one of only 19 national recreational areas under the National Park Service. 

National Recreational Areas include lakes and reservoirs, which were created by dams. Glen Canyon Dam was built to meet the demands of water and electricity. Lake Powell was created when Glen Canyon Dam was built. Lake Powell is the crowning jewel in the Glen Canyon National Recreational Area. The lake is 200 miles long and its shoreline spreads out longer than the shoreline between Mexico and Canada. Due to the fact that very few roads connect to Lake Powell, visitors will need to either hike or boat to truly see its magnificent beauty.

Glen Canyon National Recreational Area is the home to a variety of wildlife. There are more than 170 species of birds that make this a stop on their migration. Some birds found in the area are the Canada 
goose, blue heron and bald eagle. There are 800 different mammals living in Glen Canyon National Area. Badgers, gray foxes, mountain lion, striped skunks and pronghorn roam the land. Lizards love to rest on rocks soaking in the sunshine. Striped Bass, Largemouth Bass, Walleye Pike, Northern Pike, Channel Catfish, Bluegill, Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout and Carp are just some kinds of the fish that can be hooked in Lake Powell. 

Along with wildlife, there are 730 species of plants growing in the area. Since the water level in Lake Powell fluctuates, plants do not line the lakeshore. However, high desert flora can be found. Indian rice 
grass, rabbitbrush, hedgehog cacti and prickly pear can be seen. There are cattails, willows and cottonwood along the waterways.

There are four marinas operating in the Glen Canyon National Recreational Area. These marinas are on the perimeter of Lake Powell and are accessible by land. All of the marinas offer rental, accommodations, fuel, food, fishing gear and dockside storage. A fifth marina called Dangling Rope is accessible only by boat. 

It is seven miles southwest of the entrance to Rainbow Bridge and 40 miles from Wahweap Marina. The name Dangling Rope came from a dangling rope found in a nearby canyon left behind by prospectors. 
Wahweap Marina is on the south shore of Lake Powell. Wahweap means, “bitter water” in the Ute Indian language. The marina is six miles north of Page and five miles from Glen Canyon Dam. Wahweap is the largest marina on the lake and many lake tours leave from here.

Bullfrog Marina is in Utah near the middle of Lake Powell. It is named after the Bullfrog Rapids, which used to flow here before Lake Powell was created. Halls Marina is across from Bullfrog Marina. In 1881, Charles Hall used this site as a ferry crossing location. Hite Marina is the northernmost marina and is the smallest of the four. It is 140 miles 
from Glen Canyon Dam. Cass Hite found gold here in 1883 and a small town sprang up. Hite Marina is one of the quieter marinas and is well liked by many fishermen.

It is important for campers to know that anyone camping within one-quarter of a mile to Lake Powell is required to carry and use a portable toilet, unless their boats or campers have self-contained or toilets available. Waste must be disposed of only at designated boat pumpouts and dump stations. Camping is permitted throughout Glen Canyon with two exceptions. No camping is allowed within one mile of the marinas, including Lees Ferry and Rainbow Bridge National Monument. The second exception is the 14 consecutive day limit for any interior site. The maximum stay along shore is 30 days.
Primitive camping is allowed along the shoreline at Lone Rock near Wahweap, Stanton Creek, Bullfrog North and South, Hite, Dirty Devil and Farley Canyon near the Hite area. None of these sites have 
facilities, except for pit toilets. There is a $6.00 fee per vehicle per night. You may camp outside these developed areas lake-wide as long as campers have self-contained or portable toilets. There is no fee for 
this camping. 

Glen Canyon National Recreation Area has so much to offer its visitors. Scenic views and geological wonders are some of the unique characteristics of this area. Visitors can also spend their time fishing, 
boating and boat camping. Water recreation, summer ranger programs, half and full day tours to Rainbow Bridge, tours of Glen Canyon Dam, four wheeling on marked back roads and backpacking are just a short 
list of many activities visitors can choose from when making a trip to the area.

There are three Visitor Centers located in Glen Canyon National Recreational Area. Carl Hayden Visitor Center is located at the Glen Canyon Dam in Page. You can get to Page from Tucson or Phoenix by taking Interstate 17 north out of town to Flagstaff. Once you are in Flagstaff take U.S. Highway 89 north to the town of Page, which lies just south of Lake Powell. Page is approximately 395 miles from Tucson, about 277 miles from Phoenix and 136 miles from Flagstaff. This Visitor Center has maps and photos retelling the history of the Glen Canyon Dam. The Bullfrog Visitor Center is located at the Bullfrog Marina in Utah. 

This Visitor Center has exhibits focusing on geology and the human history of Glen Canyon. The Navajo Bridge Interpretive Center is located on Highway 89A near Lees Ferry. Here you will see an interactive video about the old Navajo Bridge, which spans the Colorado River.

The cost of admission to Glen Canyon National Recreational Area is valid for seven days. Admission costs vary depending on how you will be using the area. Vehicles are $5.00, individuals $3.00, boats $10.00 and motorized vehicles $4.00. However, if you are planning on making return visits there are annual and lifetime passes available. If you have questions about admission prices, you may call 520-608-6542. If you would like more information on Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, you may call 520-608-6404 or 520-608-6200.

Congress authorized the construction of Glen Canyon Dam and the Bureau of Reclamation was given the task of building it. The location of the dam was determined by a group of Bureau of Reclamation engineers and geologists. This group worked from 1946 to 1948 examining different areas. Eventually, Glen Canyon was chosen for several reasons. The basin could contain an immense amount of water, the canyon walls and bedrock were strong and stable and a substantial source of rock and sand were located nearby for the dam’s construction. 

The dam is located about 20 miles upriver from the boundary of the Grand Canyon National Park. By 1959, the Glen Canyon Bridge was built to transport equipment and supplies needed for the dam and its 
workers. The following year, construction began on the 3,700-foot dam with blocks of concrete reaching 7 feet high. The concrete construction continued day and night for three years. It is estimated that over five 
million cubic yards of concrete make up the dam and the power plant. This equals to the construction of a four lane highway stretching from Phoenix to Chicago. 

The turbines and generators were installed during 1963 to 1966. Then on September 22, 1966, Ladybird Johnson dedicated the dam. Glen Canyon Dam holds back the second largest manmade lake in North 
America at a cost of $260 million. Today the power plant generates more than 1.3 million kilowatts of electricity and provides electricity for the Pacific Southwest and the Rocky Mountain areas. The sheer size of the dam can be realized with a water depth of 500 feet, which took 17 years to reach full pool. The 710-foot wall of concrete supplies power to the southwest and regulates the flow of water. 

The dam forms Lake Powell, one of the most beautiful lakes in Arizona .
Carl Hayden Visitor Center is located next to Glen Canyon Dam and is staffed by the National Park Service. The center has information on Glen Canyon Dam from its early beginnings up to the present day. 

Visitors will see exhibits describing the story of the dam’s construction. One popular exhibit depicts prehistoric mammals roaming this area during the Ice Age. There are films shown in the center. An observation deck outside the Visitor Center allows visitors different perspectives from Glen Canyon Dam to Lake Powell. There is also a large relief map of Glen Canyon Dam, Lake Powell, Page and the surrounding area, which is an amazing sight. Visitors can take a tour of the dam beginning at the crest of the dam. The tour takes an elevator 528 feet down into the interior of the dam. The tour includes a video, photos and Native American artifacts. 

Visitors are asked not to bring handbags or cameras. This tour is a terrific activity for any visitor to the area. The visitor center is open every day from 7:00 to 7:00 Memorial Day through Labor Day and 8:00 to 5:00 during the rest of the year, except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day. You should plan on spending about one to two hours at the Visitor Center including the tour of the dam.  For more information you can call 520-608-6404. 

You can reach Carl Hayden Visitor Center at Glen Canyon Dam by traveling two miles north of Page, on U.S. Highway 89. You can get to Page from Tucson or Phoenix by taking Interstate 17 north out of town 
to Flagstaff. Once you are in Flagstaff take U.S. Highway 89 north to the town of Page, which lies just south of Lake Powell. Page is approximately 395 miles from Tucson, about 277 miles from Phoenix and 136 miles from Flagstaff. 

Wahweap Marina is the largest marina on the south shore of Lake Powell. The marina was named for Wahweap Canyon, which is a side canyon of the Colorado River that is now covered by Lake Powell. 

Wahweap is a Paiute word for bitter or alkali water. Before Glen Canyon Dam was built, this spot was popular camping spot for river runners and cowboys running cattle in the area. Today, Wahweap Marina has a wide variety of services and recreation activities. Visitors will find lodging, food services, gift shops, two campgrounds, laundry, showers and a gas station. The marina offers slips, buoys, boat rentals, tours, dry storage and fueling. 

There is also a ranger station at Wahweap. The station offers restrooms, free boat pump-out stations, picnic areas with grills, a fish cleaning station and drinking water. During the summer, the ranger provides programs. If you are interested in finding out more, you may contact the National Park Service at Wahweap by calling 520-608-6404.

You can get to Wahweap Marina from Tucson or Phoenix by taking Interstate 17 north out of town to Flagstaff. Once you are in Flagstaff take U.S. Highway 89 north to the town of Page, which lies just south of Lake Powell. The marina is six miles north of Page and five miles from Glen Canyon Dam. Wahweap Marina is 140 miles from Flagstaff, 280 miles from Phoenix and 399 miles from Tucson

White Horse Lake is a man made lake, built in 1935. The lake has many things to offer those who love the outdoors. White Horse Lake is open May 15 through October 31. The lake has solar powered composting 
toilets, paved roads and camp pads. There are no dumping stations available. The water is limited during the winter months. Pets are permitted, as long as they are restrained.

White Horse Lake is an extremely popular fishing lake. The lake requires only boats that have single electric motors or 1 horsepower or less. The lake is stocked with rainbow trout, brown trout and channel 
catfish. A fishing license is required for those over the age of 14. There is no swimming in the lake. 

You can get to White Horse Lake from Williams by taking Fourth Street south and traveling approximately nine miles. Then take a left down County Road 110 and travel for six miles. Then take another left onto County Road 109 and head three miles to the campground entrance. If you are coming from Phoenix or Tucson, take Interstate 17 north out of town to Flagstaff. Then take Interstate 40 west out of Flagstaff to Williams. Take exit 161 and head south into the town of Williams. After passing half way through town, you will come to Fourth Street. Turn right and head south on Fourth Street, traveling approximately nine miles. Then take a left down County Road 110 and travel for six miles. Then take another left onto County Road 109 and head three miles to the campground entrance. If you would like more information on this lake, you may call 520-635-4061.

The Navajo National Monument covers 360 acres on the Navajo Indian Reservation in Northeastern  Arizona . The monument contains some of the best Anasazi ruins on the Colorado Plateau. The Navajo National Monument has numerous trails and a visitor center. Once you are in the monument you will need to hike in order to see the Indian ruins. There are no scenic drives in the monument, however there are four hiking trails. 

The Betatakin Trail is a strenuous five-mile hike to the Betatakin ruins. Betatakin means, “house on a ledge”. This trail gives hikers a view of a group of dwellings clinging to the Tsegi Canyon wall. Betatakin was built and abandoned between 1250 B.C. and 1300 B.C. Hikers need to plan on four to five hours to hike this trail. These cliff dwellings can also be viewed at an overlook when taking the Sandal Trail. Tickets are required in order to take the Betatakin Trail. These tickets are handed out on a first come, first serve basis. Hikers need to be present on the morning of the hike to receive one of the twenty-five tickets available daily. 

The Keet Seel Trail is a 17-mile round trip hike. Keet Seel is the largest cliff dwelling. You will need a reservation and a backcountry permit to embark on this hike. This hike will take an entire day to complete. 
You may call 520-672-2366 for more information on gaining a permit for this hike. 

The Sandal Trail is a smooth one-mile round trip hike to the Betatakin overlook. Be sure to bring binoculars to see the dwellings. It will take approximately one hour to travel this trail round trip. This trail 
is wheelchair accessible. 

The Aspen Trail is a steep one-mile hike to an overlook of the Betatakin Canyon’s Aspen forest. It is important to call ahead for more information on all of these hikes. 

The monument is open every day, all year round. There is no admission charge, however donations are appreciated. No food or gas is available at the monument. Camping is available on a first come, first serve basis. However, there are no water hookups. Pets are not allowed on the trails or the backcountry. They are allowed on paved roads with a leash.

The visitor center is open daily. The center includes a museum, gift shop and bookstore. The museum has exhibits featuring artifacts found in the surrounding dwellings. There are restrooms available at the visitor center, along with picnic areas.

You can get to the Navajo National Monument from Tucson or Phoenix by taking Interstate 17 north out of town to Flagstaff. Once you are in Flagstaff take U.S. Highway 89 north out of town. When you get to 
U.S. Highway 160 take it traveling east to the monument. You will follow the signs along U.S. 160 to the Navajo National Monument. If you would like more information on the monument, you may call 520-
672-2366 or 520-672-2367.

Patagonia-Sonoita Creek Preserve is owned and managed by the Nature Conservancy. It is the first preserve the Nature Conservancy had in Arizona . The 770-acre lush riparian habitat is ideal for the many birds that call this sanctuary home. The preserve lies between the Santa Rita and Patagonia mountains, where the Sonoita Creek passes through. The plant life is abundant in the area. Cottonwoods, willows, velvet ash and Arizona mulberry are just a few of the trees growing naturally.

The Patagonia-Sonoita Creek Preserve has over 250 species of birds. The preserve is a popular spot for birders from all over the world. Many individuals have spotted spectacular birds. The Gray Hawks have been seen making their nests in the cottonwoods.

The Common Black Hawk, Thick-billed Kingbird, Northern Beardless-Tyrannulet, Violet-crowned hummingbird, Rose-throated Becards and others find the Patagonia-Sonoita Creek Preserve a safe haven. Birders will discover that the months of April, May and June are the best months for viewing. Yet, due to the preserve’s numerous migratory birds, any month is a good month for a visit. Visitors will not only find birds in the preserve.

There are a variety of wildlife roaming the area. White-tailed deer, coatimundi, javelina, Arizona gray squirrel and badgers also live in the woods. The Sonoita Creek, which flows through the sanctuary, is another habitat for animals. The Gila topminnow, along with other native Arizonan fish enjoy the waters of the creek.

The Patagonia-Sonoita Creek Preserve wants to make sure the creatures living here continue to make this their home. In order to make sure this takes place, the preserve requests visitors follow the rules. There is no picnicking, camping or pets allowed in the preserve. The visitor center provides restrooms, water and informative displays. On Saturday mornings at 9:00, there is a guided walk through the preserve.

The preserve has an unusual schedule of operation hours, due to the need to provide privacy for the wildlife. It is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. The preserve is open Wednesday through Sunday from 7:30 to 3:30 pm. The cost of admission is $5.00. If you would like more information on the preserve, you may call 520-394-2400.

You may reach the Patagonia-Sonoita Creek Preserve from Patagonia along State Highway 82 by turning west onto Fourth Avenue. Then turn left and head south onto Pennsylvania Avenue. You will need to cross the creek, but do not attempt this if you cannot see the bottom. The preserve is on the south side of Patagonia. You will follow the signs directing you to the visitor center.

The Sycamore Canyon Wilderness Area is 55,937 acres. It is a deep a 26-mile canyon sculpted out of sandstone. Sycamore Creek runs at the bottom of the canyon. The winding creek is surrounded by tree filled side canyons and wildlife. The canyon runs parallel with Oak Creek Canyon, which is just to the east of it. This canyon is one of the most breathtaking spots in the area.

It is an ideal place for hiking and enjoying the sights. There are several hiking trails in the area. A popular hike in the canyon is Parson’s Trail. It is a 21-mile hike. The path will take you up the scenic canyon traveling by many cliff dwellings.

The canyon is a designated wilderness area, which means no wheeled or motorized vehicles are allowed.

You can get to the wilderness area from Cottonwood by heading north out of town toward Tuzigoot National Monument. Take the turnoff for the monument and follow the maintained dirt road past the golf course for approximately 12 miles. You will then come to the trailhead at the end of the road. If you are coming from Phoenix or Tucson, you will take Interstate 17 north out of town. Then take exit 287 off the Interstate and head west on State Highway 260. Continue on State Highway 260, until you get to Cottonwood. Once you are in Cottonwood take the Main Street north toward the town of Clarkdale. On the way to Clarkdale there are the signs to Tuzigoot National Monument. Then take the turnoff for the monument and follow the maintained dirt road past the golf course for approximately 12 miles. You will then come to the trailhead at the end of the road. If you are coming from Flagstaff, you will take State Highway 89A southwest out of town. Continue on State Highway 89A through Sedona and follow the signs into Cottonwood. Once you are in Cottonwood take the Main Street north toward the town of Clarkdale. On the way to Clarkdale there are the signs to Tuzigoot National Monument. Then take the turnoff for the monument and follow the maintained dirt road past the golf course for approximately 12 miles. You will then come to the trailhead at the end of the road. If you are in Jerome, take State Highway 89A east to the town of Centerville and then turn toward Clarkdale. Once you are in Clarkdale follow the signs to Tuzigoot National Monument. Then take the turnoff for the monument and follow the maintained dirt road past the golf course for approximately 12 miles. You will then come to the trailhead at the end of the road.

Sycamore Canyon Wilderness Area is a secluded spot. You can also view this canyon from the northern point of the canyon, by heading up to the town of Williams, just west of Flagstaff. The Sycamore Canyon Point is a scenic view from the top of the canyon down to the Verde Valley.

It is believed that Indians would hide out in the Granite Dells. Some artifacts have been found to substantiate these claims. The scenic Granite Dells are giant boulders that have weathered over time into interesting forms and shapes. 

In the 1920’s and through the 1950’s, the Granite Dells Resort lured many visitors to the area. Today rock climbers enjoy taking a shot at these challenging rock formations. 

You can get to the Granite Dells from Prescott Valley by heading west to Prescott. Then taking U.S. Highway 89 north out of town for approximately four miles.

The Granite Mountain Wilderness has a variety of plant life. Visitors will see manzanita, mountain mahogany, pinyon and Ponderosa pines. The Granite Mountain Wilderness has a multitude of trails. These trails are moderately difficult and last most of a day. The trails are marked, however it is advisable to bring a map along to double check your path. Visitors should be reminded to bring along water, wear appropriate clothing and be watchful of wildlife. The best time to plan your hike is during the months May through October. Trail 261 is a great one for hikers and campers. The Wilderness is also a popular spot for serious rock climbers.

You may reach the Granite Mountain Wilderness by heading west out of Prescott Valley and into Prescott. Once you are in Prescott turn on Iron Springs Road or State Highway 10 heading northwest. Once you get to Granite Basin Lake (or Forest Service Road 374) take the right turn and head on for five miles to the trailhead.

This trail is a very popular hike near Prescott in the Prescott National Forest. The hike climbs Thumb Butte Saddle at an elevation of 6,300 feet. The trail loop gives terrific views of the surrounding area and of Prescott. Hikers will come across signs labeling the plant life along the path. 

Many people have found the view at sunset to be the most breathtaking sight. The trail is moderately easy covering almost 2 miles. A spur trail is available for those who want to reach the summit. However, you will need to be an experienced rock climber to make this trip. Hikers should allow two hours to complete the round trip trail. The best time to hike is during the months April through November. 

You can get to the trail from downtown Prescott by heading west on Gurley Street/Thumb Butte Road for approximately 3 and a half miles. You will come to Thumb Butte Park. Here you will see signs for the trail.

The Springerville Volcanic Field is the third largest young volcanic field in the continental United States. The field was created during the late Pliocene to Pleistocene age. The earliest eruption was nearly 3 million years ago.

The Springerville field contains 405 vents and covers 1,158 square miles, which is larger than the state of Rhode Island. The field is also famous for being the opening setting of one of Edgar Rice Burroughs books John Carter on Mars in 1935.

You can see the field by completing a driving self-guided driving tour beginning just outside of Springerville. It is a drive you won’t want to pass up. In order to complete the tour, the directions must be followed using odometer readings. The tour begins about 3 miles northwest of Springerville. Take Interstate 60 north to Interstate 180 and head about 6 miles up the Interstate to Hall Ranch Road. This is where you should set your odometer to zero. At this point, you will see several flows from the “Twin Knolls” vent.

The next stop is heading back south on Interstate 180, till the odometer reaches 2.9. Here you will see remains of a vent and to the east Coyote Hills is a shield volcano. A shield volcano is formed by many lava flows that have gradually build up to a large volcano. When viewing this from above it looks like a Roman shield.

Then travel south again to U.S. 60, approximately 3 miles. Turn west onto U.S. 60 and drive approximately 8 miles. When the odometer reads 14.0 miles pull off the road. Here you will see a sag flow out. The view is from the middle of the bowl.

Continue west on U.S. 60, until Green’s Peak Road. The odometer should read 18.0. Then travel down the FS-117 to FS-61. The odometer should read 31.2 and turn right. Head west on FS-61, less than a mile. Next turn right and go north up to Green’s Peak to the lookout tower. The odometer should read 33.0 miles. At this advantage point, the view provides a great look at the Springerville Field. This is the end of the self-guided tour. At this time you need to retrace your path back home.

Garden Canyon lies in the Huachuca Mountains, in Fort Huachuca. The canyon is well maintained by the fort. It has a variety of plant and wildlife. Visitors will see wildflowers, mammals and birds. Garden Canyon is known for its butterflies. As a matter of fact, a butterfly checklist of f Fort Huachuca was published in 1997.

During a visit to Garden Canyon, you might run across mule deer, pronghorns and javelinas. In one section of the canyon called the Upper Picnic Area, visitors will encounter a terrific birding area. The Sulphur-
bellied Flycatcher, Elegant Trogon and the Painted Redstart are some of the unique birds found in this spot. If you want to continue past the Upper Picnic Area, along Scheelite Canyon Trail, it is advisable to have a four-wheel drive vehicle because the road is not maintained. In this part of the canyon, you might see Mexican Spotted Owls.

The canyon is home to many ongoing archaeological studies, especially at a prehistoric village near the opening of the canyon. You can see rock paintings at higher elevations in the canyon. Some of the art is dated back to 1200 AD. There is a white eagle painting believed to be done by Apaches in the 18th century. Admission to the Garden Canyon is free. Drivers will however have to show proof of insurance, vehicle registration and a driver’s license at the fort’s gate. For more information on this canyon, you can call .

You can get to Garden Canyon by heading to the west side of Sierra Vista or to the south end of Fort Huachuca. Enter at the main gate of Fort Huachuca off of Fry Boulevard. Take the main road into Fort Huachuca for 2 miles. Then follow the signs to Garden Canyon. When starting out from the town of Bisbee, head east on State Highway 80 to the small town of Lowell. Then take State Highway 92 southwest, as you drive along, you will find the highway will begin to head north. Continue to travel on State Highway 92, until it crosses State Highway 90. Here you will take State Highway 90 east into the town of Sierra Vista and Fort Huachuca. Once in town enter at the main gate of Fort Huachuca off of Fry Boulevard. Take the main road into Fort Huachuca for 2 miles. Then follow the signs to Garden Canyon.

Coming from the town of Tombstone, take State Highway 80 south out of town. Follow State Highway 80 through the town of Bisbee to the small town of Lowell. Here you will find State Highway 92. Take State Highway 92 southwest, after traveling on the highway it will begin to turn and head north. Continue to travel on State Highway 92, until it crosses State Highway 90. Then take State Highway 90 east into the town of Sierra Vista and Fort Huachuca. Once in town enter at the main gate of Fort Huachuca off of Fry
Boulevard. Take the main road into Fort Huachuca for 2 miles. Then follow the signs to Garden Canyon.

The simplest way to get to the Garden Canyon from Benson is to take Interstate 10 east for a very short time, until you come to the State Highway 90 exit. Take State Highway 90 south down to Fort Huachuca. Once in town enter at the main gate of Fort Huachuca off of Fry Boulevard. Take the main road into Fort Huachuca for 2 miles. Then follow the signs to Garden Canyon.

Ramsey Canyon Preserve is owned and operated by The Nature Conservancy. In 1975, the Nature Conservancy established the 300-acre Ramsey Canyon Preserve. It is a spectacular preserve. This canyon
is on the eastern half of the Huachuca Mountains, at an elevation of 5,525 feet.

The preserve has a permanent spring-fed stream and hosts a variety of plant and wildlife. The high canyon walls offer Ramsey a cool, moist and stable habitat. There are places to rest and take in the beauty as you walk the three-quarter mile round trip trail. Along the trail you come across a multitude of wildlife. Visitors may get a trail pass at no charge at the preserve office. There are at least 15 species of hummingbirds at Ramsey Canyon. That’s not all you will see, there are wrens and woodpeckers flying about. The best time to come and see these creatures is April through September.

The canyon preserve has six furnished cabins for visitors. Guests need to bring food. The cabins offer a bedroom, living room, dining room and kitchen combination. Cabins also include a bathroom. If you want to spend a night in one of these cabins you will need to call in advance. There is a bookstore at the preserve that offers a variety of information that will enhance your visit. The store includes books on birds, nature and cards to remember your trip. Ramsey Canyon Preserve is a very popular spot for many nature lovers and hikers. Because of the canyon’s popularity and limited parking, it is advisable to call in advance and/or make your visit during the week. Phone reservations are required during Saturday and Sunday visits. The preserve has limited parking and tours need to be scheduled in advance. You may call the preserve at 520-378-2785.

You can get to Ramsey Canyon Preserve from Sierra Vista and/or Fort Huachuca by taking Highway 92 south out of town. Then you will head west on Ramsey Canyon Road, just outside of town. The preserve
is approximately 6 miles out of town. When starting out from the town of Bisbee, head east on State Highway 80 to the small town of Lowell. Then take State Highway 92 southwest, as you drive along, you will find the highway will begin to head north. Continue to travel on State Highway 92 past Nicksville to the sign for Ramsey Canyon Road. It is just before you get to Sierra Vista.

Coming from the town of Tombstone, take State Highway 80 south out of town. Follow State Highway 80 through the town of Bisbee to the small town of Lowell. Here you will find State Highway 92. Take State Highway 92 southwest, after traveling on the highway it will begin to turn and head north. Continue to travel on State Highway 92 past Nicksville and look for the sign to Ramsey Canyon Road. The preserve is just before you get to Sierra Vista. The simplest way to get to the Ramsey Canyon Preserve from Benson is to take Interstate 10 east for a very short time, until you come to the State Highway 90 exit. Take State Highway 90 south down to Fort Huachuca. Continue through Fort Huachuca and Sierra Vista south out of town, for approximately 6 miles. Then you will see signs for the preserve, head west on Ramsey Canyon Road.