MBCA CHAPARRAL SECTION S

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1 Safety Rules of the Road A word about safety; Arizona is a dry state. No, not that kind of dry state where alcoholic beverages are prohibited (don t drink and drive in any case), but the kind of dry state where water is precious. When you travel away from home always carry sufficient water. That means at least a gallon of water per person per day. If you re hiking, carry enough to get you there and back with a reserve. Cell phone coverage can be spotty in rural Arizona, but carry one anyway. Our weather can be changeable any time of the year. Watch out for our summer thunderstorms, especially lightning and water filled water crossings. In winter, snow and ice can pose major hazards, particularly at higher elevations. Last, we are near the border with Mexico and some sites are right on the border. If off the beaten path in southern Arizona, don t travel in a single vehicle; a multi vehicle convoy is much safer. Arizona: It s Not Just The Grand Be forewarned: Call ahead for road and weather conditions, open hours for visits and seasonal closures, and reservations if necessary. We haven t provided websites or phone Canyon numbers for sites because they re readily available and more up to date in guidebooks and Google. Yes, some sites, particularly national parks and monuments, charge fees. We likewise haven t listed these fees because they are so subject to seasonal variation. Remember that if you are of a certain age, many parks waive or reduce their entrance fee for seniors. There are also reduced fee lifetime passes available. This event is about having fun in a safe manner while enjoying your Mercedes-Benz vehicle and the camaraderie of others who have like interests. Lynn Davison Beverly Maddalone Chaparral s Section Passport - Arizona Administrator Chaparral Section MBCA MBCA CHAPARRAL SECTION S PASSPORT ARIZONA TUCSON, AZ Discover Arizona Destination Descriptions by Lynn Davison

2 Section I The site in this section, The Grand Canyon North or South Rim, is a mandatory visit for this program. What It Is: The Grand Canyon is the very epitome and the icon of the state of Arizona. It even says so on our license plates. The Grand Canyon National Park, which begins at about the Desert View Watchtower and ends at the headwaters of Lake Mead, is more than 100 miles long, encompassing both rims of the actual canyon and also part of the Lake Mead National Recreation Area. You can hike to the bottom of the canyon, even cross it from rim to rim. The hike down to Supai in the western end of the canyon is one of the best. You can raft the entire length of the park on the river, taking several days. There s lots of sightseeing opportunities, one of the best is watching the sun rise over the canyon from the Desert Watchtower on the south rim or Point Imperial on the north rim. The south rim is much easier to access, so much more crowded, while the north rim is much quieter and less crowded. Take a four-wheel drive truck and visit the back roads on the north rim to visit some very remote views that are well worth the rough ride. Where Is It, How To Get There: The Grand Canyon is in northern Arizona north and west of Flagstaff on I-40. To visit the south rim, go to Williams then north on AZ 64. Or go north out of Flagstaff on US 89, then west on AZ 64. It s possible to make a day trip of the south rim if you stay in Flagstaff or Williams. You can even ride a train from Williams to the south rim. Only a few miles away by line of sight, the north rim is harder to get to on the Arizona Strip. Go north from Flagstaff on AZ 89 to Jacob Lake, then south on AZ 67. The diner at Jacob Lake serves wonderful pie, by the way. Distances are long in this part of the U.S. Keep the gas tank topped up and carry enough water for everyone for at least two days. When To Go: The south rim is open year round, but subject to snowfall in winter and is much less crowded then. The north rim is closed in winter from November to April. Planning well ahead of the visit to either rim is essential to secure lodging. Dinner reservations for sunset over the canyon from the lodge on the north rim are best made at least six months in advance. Where To Document: Take your selfie photo as per the instructions from any point that identifies the Grand Canyon. What To Listen To: Grand Canyon Suite (obviously) by Grofe, Bernstein the best conductor. 1. Tombstone. What It Is: Location of the famous gunfight at the OK Corral, Tombstone is a small town in southeastern Arizona with a full complement of amenities. Most of the places in town are clearly marked, but expect to pay a small admittance fee to visit them. Watch the movie Tombstone to see just what places you might want to visit. Main Street, Tombstone AZ Where Is It/How To Get There: Tombstone is about 20 miles southeast of Benson and I -10 on AZ 82. It s about 4000 feet above sea Level. When To Go: Some winter days can be chilly, but sunny. There is occasional snow, and frost is usual at night. Summer days can be very warm, but a comfortable visit can be made anytime. Where To Document: Pick any place with a Tombstone sign, they re everywhere. 2. Coronado Trail. What It Is: If you fancy yourself a road racer or just like to drive on a curvy mountain road, this 105 mile road with a 4000 foot plus elevation change is for you. Drive it south to north to test your car s engine because of the elevation gain, or drive it north to south if you want a true brake test. Don t over use those brakes, you ll need them a lot! This is truly some of the most gorgeous scenery in Arizona; stop and use the pullouts for the driver to enjoy the scenery because this is a full on intense driving experience. Plan at least three hours not including stops, more if your passenger is prone to car sickness. I ve driven it in less time, but I pressed very hard. My passenger didn t get sick, but complained a lot. The longest straight stretch once you re off the Mogollon rim is about a mile. Where Is It/How To Get There: US 191 from Morenci to Alpine is the route. You can access it from US 70 from the south or US180 from the north. Alpine offers a full complement of amenities, as does Safford. Clifton and Morenci have limited food and lodging. Coronado Trail When To Go: Go when the aspens are turning in the fall. From mid September to November, you ll find them at different elevations. Greenup time in spring or during the summer monsoon can offer lots of green vistas. Usually closed during winter storms due to snow. Can be beautiful, but risky for snowpack and ice.

3 Where To Document: Coronado Trail signs are few and far between, so use one when you see it. Another alternative is the lodge and restaurant at Hannagan Meadows, 22 miles south of Alpine. Call ahead for lodging or the restaurant, but well worth the stop. What To Listen To: Mozart s Symphonies 39 and 41 are my real favorites here. 3. Pima Air and Space Museum and AMARC/ The Boneyard What It Is: This is the best aviation museum west of the Smithsonian. Heavy into post WWII military aircraft, it also includes some prewar and WWII aircraft as well as unique civil aircraft like the first Air Force One. Complete with a diner and souvenir Pima Air and Space shop, there are indoor and outdoor exhibits and a guided tram Museum to tour the exterior exhibits. Also, the museum controls and conducts tours of the Boneyard, the military aircraft storage area for retired airframes and engines just across the road. In the winter tourist season, reservations are a must for this tour, made by calling the museum well in advance. Where Is It/How To Get There: Located on Valencia Road in Tucson, you can access easily off I-10 at the Valencia exit or from Kolb Road from I-10 and Kolb. From mid Tucson, go south on Kolb Road to Valencia. 4. Saguaro National Park (east or west) What It Is: This national park displays and interprets the iconic cactus of the Southwest. There are two sections, one on the east side of Tucson where the park headquarters and interpretive center are located along with a paved loop drive, and the west park with a loop drive that is only partially paved. There are many hikes of varying difficulty based on elevation change at both locations. Where Is It/How To Get There: The east section is located off Old Spanish Trail. In southeast Tucson go east on Old Spanish Trail from Houghton Road. The west section lies west of the Tucson Mountains and can be reached via Kinney Road from Ajo Way past Old Tucson and the Desert Museum, or from I-10 using Sunset Road or Ina. When To Go: If you plan to hike, you can visit in the cooler months from October to April. Desert wildflowers bloom in February to April and can be well worth the visit. The Saguaros bloom in May and June with the fruits harvested by the Tohono O Odham native Americans in June to July. If you hike in the warmer months, take all the water you can carry. Where To Document: The east side visitors center has plenty of signs. Watch for those signs on the west side. 5. Arizona Sonora Desert Museum What It Is: If you want the best interpretation of everything Arizona in the southern part of the state, visit here. The geology, climatology, weather, flora, and fauna exhibits are without equal. I think the walk in hummingbird aviary is the absolute best part. There are two restaurants and two gift shops with very reasonable prices that can make your stay an all day affair. Plan on lots of walking to visit all the exhibits, especially the animals. Where Is It: ASDM is located on Kinney Road on the west side of the Tucson mountains. Access it from I-10 and Speedway for a scenic drive across the mountains, or from Ajo Way and I-19. When To Go: You ll enjoy a visit anytime of the year, but be there when they open at 0730 am in the summer before the animals take a siesta. Winter is busy there, but docents put on excellent interpretive displays about all kinds of desert information. Hawk, Arizona Sonora Desert Museum, Tucson AZ Almost all the displays are outdoors, so plan accordingly. Where To Document: Right at the front entrance there are numerous places to identify where you are. CHAPARRAL SECTION S PASSPORT ARIZONA Saguaro National Park, Tucson AZ

4 6. Route 66. What It Is: The mother road, running from Chicago to southern California, was a migratory route followed by the hundreds of thousands. Originally unpaved, later paved, it wound through some of the most scenic country in America. Now mostly covered and duplicated by Interstate highways, the longest intact surviving section is in northern Arizona from Williams to Kingman. Other parts exist east of Flagstaff along I-40 but the best part is west of Williams. Drive it in both directions, easily done in a day, to get the best feel for the ambiance and scenery. Be sure and stop at some of the local business establishments meant to look just the way they did in the 1930 s at the height of the road s use. Hackberry General Store comes to mind. Watch some reruns of the old TV show Route 66. Visit Oatman which has an ambience all its own due to the wild burros that inhabit the town. Williams AZ Where Is It/How To Get There: Williams on the east end of the main section is on I miles west of Flagstaff. Kingman on the west end is on I-40 southeast of Las Vegas, NV When To Go: Enjoy the ride anytime because you ll be in your air conditioned car. Where To Document: The Hackberry General Store is a great photo op, but Route 66 signs line the route. What To Listen To: Get your kicks on Route Sedona. What It Is: Sedona is the capital of cool scenery in central Arizona. You ve seen all those photos of the red rocks around town, most identified by name. Downtown Sedona is loaded with all kinds of touristy shops and restaurants hawking everything from the outlandish to the sublime. Hiking is a favorite activity here with beautiful scenery everywhere. There are numerous places to enjoy the scenery, but the road up to the airport, which sits on a bluff, gives a good view of the town and most of the major sites. Jeep tours are available, and one of the best is Schnebly Hill Road from Sedona up to I-17. Yes, you can drive it in your own vehicle, but it needs to be high clearance at least and four wheel drive at best. Amenities vary from budget to resort luxury. Where Is It: Sedona can be reached via AZ 179 and I-17, or down AZ 89 south from Flagstaff. When To Go: Five thousand plus feet of elevation make Sedona a near year round destination, but you ll enjoy the outdoors more in spring and fall. For a scenic treat, visit Sedona when there s snow on the ground to contrast with the red rocks. Where To Document: Signs identifying the town and area are easily found. Red Rocks, Sedona AZ 8. Four Corners. What It Is: The only geographical location in the U.S. where four states join. With some gentle gymnastics you can put a body part in Utah, Colorado, Arizona, and New Mexico. Remember the picture of the Smits from New Zealand in the Star? There are no amenities here. It s high, windy, and remote. Where Is It: Located just off US 160 in extreme northeastern Arizona, it s a long drive from Flagstaff, about four hours, or north from Chambers on I-40, also about four hours. Plan ahead for food and lodging, they just aren t readily available on the Navajo and Hopi reservation. CAPARRAL SECTION S PASSPORT- ARIZONA 4 Corners Monument

5 1. Mission San Xavier del Bac. What It Is: The White Dove of the Desert, built in , is one of the best surviving examples of Spanish colonial architecture. It survives as the active parish to the Tohono O Odham nation and is on their reservation. Though the building has been recently refurbished, the right bell tower has never been finished. Please be respectful as this is an active Catholic church. There are a gift shop and some food booths there operated by the Tohono O Odham. Where Is It/How To Get There: Exit I-19 in the south part of Tucson onto Valencia Road. Turn south on Mission Road. The mission is very visible and has ample parking. Amenities abound in Tucson. When To Go: Year round visits are possible, but you may wish to avoid Sunday Mass. Mornings are the best time to visit in warm weather. Where To Document: A selfie taken in front of the mission speaks for itself. I don t think photography is permitted inside. Mission San Xavier del Bac 2. Hoover Dam/Lake Mead. What It Is: Hoover Dam, built in the 1930 s, backs up Lake Mead on the Colorado River between Arizona and Nevada all the way into the lower reaches of the Grand Canyon. The visitor center is actually on the Nevada side and provides a wealth of information on the lengthy construction. You can arrange an hour long tour of the power plant 530 feet below the top of the dam. Because of its security sensitivity, expect to enter the center via an airport type security system. Most of the recreation opportunities for boating and fishing are available on the Nevada side of the lake at several large marinas. Any imaginable water sport is available. Where Is It/How To Get There: Since completion of the Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge just Hoover Dam and south of the dam, US93 crosses there. You can no longer drive Bridge your vehicle across the dam itself. Proceed 72 miles north of Kingman on US 93 into Nevada, then to the visitor center. Of course all kinds of amenities are available in Las Vegas, but Boulder City is closer and has a variety as well. When To Go: If you go for the power plant tour, it s comfortable inside the dam year round, as is the visitor center. For outdoor recreation on the water, spring and fall are best. Summer temperatures are very warm, and the area is subject to winter storms which almost always involve high winds. What To Listen To: Handel s Water Music, of course. Where To Document: At the visitor center entrance of the overlook to Lake Mead with the water intake towers in the background are ideal places for your selfie. 3. San Francisco Peaks/Mt. Humphreys/Oak Creek Canyon. What It Is: Lumped together because of their proximity around Flagstaff, these three sites offer a variety of recreational opportunities. Mt. Humphreys at 12,633 feet is the highest point in Arizona. Vistas of the San Francisco Peaks, of which Mt. Humphreys is one, can be seen for great distances across the vastness of northern Arizona. Oak Creek Canyon, lined with trees and beside a creek, is the canyon road to Flagstaff from Sedona with turnouts and campgrounds all along it. If you like western powder snow, the Arizona Snowbowl is the place for you to ski. There are a number of monuments around the area with cultural, geologic, and scenic places to visit. Based in Flagstaff, you can visit a great many of the sites in the AZ Passport event. Oak Creek Canyon Where Is It/How To Get There: Flagstaff lies at the junction of I-17 and I-40 in northern Arizona. Oak Creek Canyon and Sedona can be reached via AZ 89 south from Flag to Sedona. Flagstaff has a wide variety of restaurants and lodging to fit every budget. When To Go: Cool temperatures at the 7000 foot elevation make summer an ideal time to visit, but the snow changes the scenery and allows skiing in winter. Oak Creek Canyon in fall when the leaves are turning is a must see. Where to Document: Signs for the attractions around Flagstaff abound, but any selfie with the San Francisco Peaks in the background with your Mercedes included will be a photo you ll cherish.

6 4. Casa Grande Ruins National Monument. What It Is: The remains of a large dwelling built by the Hohokam people before or around 1350 A.D. is a remarkable large construction dating from the time when the Gila River valley was populated by an agrarian society. You ll find photos of it on many tourism publications about Arizona. Where Is It/How To Get There: Actually lying within the city limits of Coolidge, the monument lies just off AZ 87/AZ 287 west of Florence and east of Casa Grande. Where To Document: Take your photo with the ruins in the background or in front of the visitor center. Casa Grande Ruins 5. Glen Canyon Dam/Lake Powell. What It Is: Another large dam and water impoundment on the Colorado River, this area has many outdoor water recreation opportunities, including houseboats of all sizes and budgets for rent for various lengths of time. Boating is the best way to see the sandstone formations along Lake Powell, which has hundreds of miles of shoreline, great fishing, and a chance to get waaay off the grid. Rainbow Bridge National Monument can only be reached by boat. In fact, the river just below the dam is one of the premier trout fisheries in North America, where the very cold waters harbor rainbow trout worth bragging about. Hire a guide, though. Most of the boat/ Glen Canyon Dam Construction houseboat marinas are on the north side of the lake just past the dam. Page has a large selection of tourist info and amenities. Most of the lake lies in Utah, extending into two arms from the Colorado and San Juan Rivers. Where Is It/How To Get There: Travel north on US 89 for about 120 miles. It s on the way to the north rim of the Grand Canyon. Page has full amenities. Where To Document: There are plenty of signs with the lake in the background where you can document your visit. What To Listen To: Splish Splash sung by Bobby Darrin 6. Meteor Crater. What It Is: 50,000 years ago a meteor from space impacted the northern Arizona desert, causing a large crater and throwing up the earth around it. Where Is It/How To Get There: Just south of I-40 off exit 233 east of Flagstaff will take you there. Don t worry, I-40 wasn t built yet when the meteor impacted there. There are no amenities. The visitors center is first class. What To Listen To: Theme from Outer Limits 1960 s Twilight Zone or Star Trek 1960 s TV series. Where To Document: Take your selfie from the rim with the crater behind you. CHAPARRAL SECTION S PASSPORT ARIZONA Meteor Crater

7 Visit a total of six sites from Sections III and IV. Visit a total of six sites from Sections III and IV. Visit a total of six sites from Sections III and IV. 7.Whiskey Row, Prescott. What It Is: A solid block of rough bars and brothels in Arizona territorial days, Whiskey Row is now a more sedate block of drinking establishments and restaurants, rebuilt after fire destroyed Prescott in about What you ll find today is a midsized town full of outdoor recreation such as hiking, camping, and sightseeing in a delightful climate. Try to visit at Halloween (plan ahead, it gets crowd- Whiskey Row ed) when an entire street is closed off and the residents go all out for trick or treaters of all ages. Fall is a great time to see fall color, as well. Prescott was the first and third territorial capital, losing out to Tucson, regaining the seat of government, and then losing again to Phoenix. Prescott has full amenities. Where Is It/How To Get There: From I-17 north of Phoenix, take AZ 69. Prescott can also be reached by driving west from Sedona on AZ 89, but the most scenic route is US60/US 93 and AZ 89 north of Wickenburg across the mountains. Where To Document: Anywhere you see a Prescott sign is a good place for a selfie. 8. Tumacacori National Park. What It Is: Another mission established by Father Kino but not finished until the 1760 s, this adobe church has been used and abandoned, but now represents a fine example of Spanish colonial life before it became part of the United States. The area around the building offers a real insight to the agricultural life of the area during those times. It s near the village of Tubac, now a modern suburb, which also has historical significance from that era. Just south of the park on the west side of the frontage road is the Santa Cruz Chili Company, where they sell the best chili powder in Tumacacori National Monument Arizona. Yeah, yeah, I know, you can buy it in any grocery store in Arizona, but it s just better if you buy it here. Where Is It/How to Get There: Take Exit 34 (Tubac) or Exit 29 off I-19 south of Tucson and north of Nogales to the frontage road. No amenities at the park, but there are full amenities in Green Valley and Nogales. Where To Document: A photo in front of the mission building is just perfect. 9. Arizona Capitol Building. What It Is: Opened in 1901, the building became the state capitol with statehood in Visit the museum in the building to understand how statehood came about and the present state of Arizona. Of course, Phoenix has a full variety of places to lodge and eat. Arizona State Capitol Where Is It: At 1700 W. Washington St. in downtown Phoenix, exit I10 at Exit th Avenue from the east or west. Go south to Washington St., then west about 10 blocks. When To Go: Tour in air conditioned comfort year round, but keep in mind the terrific summertime heat in the Valley of the Sun. Where To Document: Take a great selfie in front with the Capitol in the background. Music: By the Time I Get to Phoenix, sung by Glen Campbell. CHAPARRAL SECTION S PASSPORT ARIZONA

8 10. Mt. Lemmon in the Catalina Mountains. What It Is: The ski area on Mt. Lemmon is the southernmost ski area in the U.S. Up to 30 degrees cooler than Tucson, it s Tucson s summer playground with fishing, hiking, and hunting in the fall. When the aspen s are turning color in the fall, it s even more popular. There are very limited lodgings in Summerhaven unless you camp in a designated campground. The Sawmill Run restaurant has a great menu with lots of variety. Mt Lemmon Catalina Highway Where Is It: Lying north of Tucson, Catalina Highway which is the road to Summerhaven, can be reached from Tanque Verde Road intersecting either Houghton or Kolb Roads from I-10. Plan an hour drive to get the 30 miles to the top without stopping. When To Go: Visit year round depending on the activities you re looking for. During winter storms the road is occasionally closed and often limited to chains or four wheel drive vehicles. Where To Document: Across the street from the Sawmill Run restaurant is the post office with the name on the front. Take your selfie there or anywhere near a Summhaven or Mt. Lemmon sign. 11. Kitt Peak Observatory. What It Is: This is the University of Arizona s astronomical observatory, open to the public for tours during daytime hours. It sits atop a 6600 foot mountain to use Arizona s clear skies for looking into space with a variety of telescopes. There are no camping areas atop the mountain, but picnic tables are available in the parking area. Where Is It: From Tucson travel west from I19 on Ajo Way, Arizona 86. Turn at the intersection with AZ 286 to the top. It s about 55 miles west of Tucson. Plan more than an hour to reach the top. When To Go: This is an ideal late spring or early fall trip. Kitt Peak Observatory Winter can present challenges with the road, and the summer monsoons will definitely present the hazards of thunderstorms with lightning. Where To Document: At the edge of the parking lot is a large sign with one of the buildings housing a telescope behind it. This is the ideal place for a selfie. CHAPARRAL SECTION S PASSPORT ARIZONA 12. Bisbee. What It Is: Once the largest city between St. Louis and San Francisco, Bisbee in its heyday was a large mining and cultural center. Nestled in Tombstone Canyon, there s turn of the century architecture everywhere with shopping in the galleries, dining in the restaurants, walking up staircase after staircase, and many diverse places to stay. The Queen Mine Tour is an underground tour on small rail cars, but be warned it s cold and very wet in the mine. Everyone stops to admire the Lavender Pit mine between Bisbee and the bedroom community of Warren. B&B s abound, the Copper Queen Hotel even has a haunted room, and other lodgings are available to meet any budget. Don t miss Café Roka, one of the best dining establishments in Arizona. Where Is It: The county seat of Cochise County can be reached from I-10 at Benson and traveling southeast on AZ 80. Plan an hour drive from Benson. Honk when you pass through Mule Pass Tunnel at the top of the canyon. When To Go: At 5500 feet elevation, Bisbee is a year round destination. Cold morning temps will greet the early morning walker in winter, and afternoons with monsoon thunderstorms will be quite warm. Where To Document: Good spots for selfies abound, but a couple of the best are downtown near or in front of the post office or across the street in front of the old mine headquarters. Don t forget the patio of the Copper Queen either. Music: Sixteen Tons, sung by Tennessee Ernie Ford.

9 .13. Yuma Territorial Prison. What It Is: Only a prison for about 30 years, it was a notorious place for the grimmest incarceration of the worst of nineteenth century society. The adobe walls and structures that remain have many sordid tales to tell of life lived harshly in the Old West of the times. It s absolutely sobering. Yuma offers a complete selection of lodging and restaurants. Where Is It: Take Exit 1 off Interstate 8 in Yuma. When To Go: Keep in mind that Yuma is advertised as Arizona s sunniest city with 360 days per year of sunshine. It s also one of the lowest points in Arizona, so be Yuma Territorial Prison prepared for the fierce summer heat. Even days in winter can be quite warm. Where To Document: The sign in front is ideal for a selfie. Music: Folsom Prison Blues, sung by Johnny Cash. 14. Petrified Forest. What It Is: Over 200 million years ago, most of an entire forest was fossilized and turned to stone along with the remnants of the dinosaurs that roamed there. Nowhere else in the U.S. will you find entire trunks of trees waiting for you to see in their stone environs. A good part of the nearby Painted Desert is within sight from most of the park. Warning: Don t collect specimens to take home. It s all protected and can be very costly if you do take something. There are no accommodations in the park. Holbrook is the nearest town. Where Is It: Accessible from Exit 311 Petrified Forest from I-40 or from US180 east of Holbrook, you can drive through the park and exit without having to backtrack. When To Go: Winter winds have a bite out here, but the summer can be fiercely hot as well. Plan a spring or fall visit. Where To Document: Signs abound throughout the park for your selfie. 15. Kartchner Caverns State Park. What It Is: Arizona s newest state park is home to an extensive cave system only discovered in Kartchner Caverns It s been increasing in popularity since it opened so that you ll want reservations to make sure you get on a tour. Cameras are not permitted in the cave, and touching the formations is strictly prohibited. At seven acres, there s lots to see. No accommodations are available at the cave, but nearby Benson has everything. Where Is It: Exit I10 at Benson on AZ 90 and travel nine miles south. When To Go: Temperatures are mild year round, but the winter months in Arizona s tourist season can be very crowed and reservations hard to get. Where To Document: The big state park sign is ideal. Music: In the Hall of the Mountain King by Grieg CHAPARRAL SECTION S PASSPORT ARIZONA

10 16. Canyon de Chelly. What It Is: This 26-mile long canyon has been continuously occupied for hundreds of years by various succeeding native cultures, but most recently by the Navajo Nation who administer the park. To enter the canyon itself, you must be accompanied by a guide, but there are two rim drives that allow you to see most of the ruins from above. A guide can accompany you in your four wheel drive vehicle, or you can arrange for a tour. A primitive campground is available, but all other services are available in Chinle. Where Is It: Three miles east of Chinle, the park is reached via US191 north from I40 Exit 333. When To Go: Temperatures are most pleasant in spring and fall. You may encounter snow in the winter. Canyon de Chelly Where To Document: The visitor center or any of the multiple stops on the rim drives offer good places for selfies. 17. Jerome. What It Is: Like Bisbee, Jerome is an old mining town with a colorful past. Much smaller and far less presently populated than Bisbee, Jerome is still worth a visit for its colorful historical past as well as the galleries, restaurants, and shops in the old repurposed buildings. Be sure and visit the old (no longer used) brothel. No accommodations are available, but restaurants are in good supply. Where Is It: On AZ 89 west of Sedona, Jerome can be reached by driving south from Flagstaff continuing through Sedona on AZ 89, or by exiting I17 at Exit 287 and following AZ 260 to its intersection with AZ 89. From Prescott, follow AZ 89 east over Mingus mountain. When To Go: At a pleasant 5500 foot elevation just like Bisbee, Jerome can be visited year round. Watch out for summer thunderstorms and winter snows. Jerome AZ Where To Document: Find any store front or road sign with Jerome on it for your selfie. 18. Lake Havasu/London Bridge. What Is It: Who would have imagined that a bridge originally constructed in 1831 across the Thames River in London would be dismantled stone by stone, transported to the Colorado River in Arizona, and then reassembled? Not only that, a man made waterway was constructed underneath it to connect to the Colorado River. Watersports are the theme here from fishing, water skiing, and beach sports. Yes, it s kitschy but it s Arizona. All manor of lodging and eating establishments are available. London Bridge Where Is It: On AZ 95 south of I40 at Exit 9, or north of Quartzite on I-10 and exits 17 or 19, Lake Havasu City is easy to reach. When To Go: Summertime temps along the Colorado River will take your breath away, so if you go in the warm months, plan on spending lots of time in or on the water. Wintertime is delightful but you may find the water a little cool for swimming. Where To Document: Pay your $5 and go right out onto the bridge for your selfie. CHAPARRAL SECTION S PASSPORT ARIZONA

11 Arizona Passport Sites The following sites are labeled Extreme Option because the roads to or within them are not paved surfaces. Though generally good, they may be rough and washboard. You shouldn t need four wheel drive to navigate them, but higher clearance than a standard sedan or saloon is a good idea. Note also that there will be no amenities at the location of the sites, so plan a picnic lunch and/or camping. There are accommodations in nearby towns of course. Travel only in good weather, watch out for monsoon conditions, and never cross running water. A good topographical map showing Forest Service roads will be absolutely invaluable. Take far more water than you think you will need. You may be near the border and encounter border crossers. Travel in a group of more than one vehicle. Border Patrol personnel should be afforded all due respect. 1. CrownKing/Bumble Bee. What It Is: Two small villages atop the Bradshaw mountains north of Phoenix offer a chance to visit off the grid Arizona. Depending on the season, there may be some type of snack stop available, but fuel is not. There are many intersecting Forest Service roads in this area that offer an unlimited opportunity for hiking, hunting, and sightseeing. Where Is It: Leave I17 north of Phoenix at Exit 250 or leave AZ 89 southwest of (and across the mountain) from Prescott. No backtracking is necessary, but be prepared for lots of dust. There is a considerable increase in traffic during fall hunting seasons, but the fall color is worth it. Crown King Cafe Arizona Passport Sites When To Go: Thunderstorms seem to live over the Bradshaws permanently during the summer monsoon but the winter is seldom very wet. Fall and early spring are ideal. Where To Document: You should be able to find a sign with the names on it in either village or on the single storefront. Music: Flight of the Bumblebee (what else.). CHAPARRAL SECTION S PASSPORT ARIZONA 2. Pinery Canyon. Arizona Passport Sites What It Is: This is the only route across the Chiricahua mountains southeast of Willcox. It traverses terrain ranging from high desert to pine forests and back down again. Pinery Canyon is on the west side of the mountains, the villages of Portal and Paradise on the east side are famous for bird watching, including the coppery tailed trogon and Pinery Canyon all varieties of hummingbirds. A Forest Service road, the surface is well maintained, but may wash out in heavy monsoon rains. Deep winter snows close the route in winter. Hiking and camping are idea cool weather pursuits, especially in Rustler Park on the top of the pass. Where Is It: Follow AZ 186 southeast out of Willcox towards Chiricahua National Monument. Just before the monument turn onto AZ 181 which connects to Pinery Canyon road. You can also reach the road from the east side of the Chiricahuas by exiting I10 at Exit 182 east of San Simon. Follow the signs for Portal and Paradise. When To Go: The road is closed in winter, and may be in poor condition after heavy rains. Best time to go is the fall when you ll see plenty of aspens in the higher elevations. Where To Document: Any of the Forest Service signs offer good selfie opportunities, but the signs for Rustler Park or Onion Saddle at the top of the pass are probably the best.

12 3. Ghost Towns of Santa Cruz and Cochise Counties. What It Is: During the late nineteenth century after the Apache threat was reduced, Arizona experienced an unprecedented mining boom. Small, sometimes bigger, towns emerged to support the mines and provide services to the miners. Some of these towns remain private property and must be respected by not trespassing, but most can be visited. Some buildings may still be occupied or otherwise used. Tread lightly and leave property the way you found it. Caution: Some of the places are very near the Mexican border and can present danger from border crossers. You will undoubtedly encounter Border Patrol personnel doing their jobs. Likewise, you should never enter any abandoned mine and only with an escort if it s in operation. These ghost towns are a historical record of Arizona s past. Where Is It: From Tucson proceed east on I- I0 to Exit 281, then south to Sonoita on AZ 83. You can proceed south on AZ 83 from Sonoita or travel on AZ 82 to Patagonia and go south from there on dirt roads to Duchesne, Lochiel, and Washington Camp, among others. In Cochise County, ghost towns can be found on dirt roads branching out from AZ 80 South of Benson, along US191 south of Willcox, or along AZ 90 south of Benson. When To Go: Good mild wintertime weather is a nice time to travel here. Likewise, early spring when the wildflowers are blooming is another excellent opportunity. Where To Document: Some ghost towns may not be labeled with signs, but most are, so a selfie next to one of the road signs is the way to go. CHAPARRAL SECTION S PASSPORT ARIZONA 4. Organ Pipe National Monument. What It Is: Unique terrain and scenery along with some unique habitat mark this desert oasis. This is the only place where the organ pipe cactus grows. There are two drivable loops along either side of AZ 85. The Ajo Mountain loop covers hilly rough terrain east of the visitors center, while the desert loop is much flatter, but goes to Quitobaquito Spring, a real desert Organ Pipe Cactus oasis where fresh water bubbles from the ground creating a green area that supports a surprising variety of life. It s home to a rare species of minnow, found only here. Four wheel drive isn t required, but high clearance is a must. Nearby Ajo has limited amenities. Where Is It: The visitor center is 34 miles south of Ajo on AZ 85. You can reach Ajo on AZ 85 from I8 at Gila Bend or I10 west of Phoenix. When To Go: Without a doubt, after a wet winter when the desert wildflowers are blooming, the scenery can be absolutely mind-blowingly spectacular. You ll be glad you came then. This is the low Sonoran desert, so summer heat is fierce. Where To Document: The visitor center has a gorgeous flower and cactus display near its sign for your selfie.

13 Safety Rules of the Road 5. Coronado National Memorial. What It Is: Commemorating Coronado s quest for the cities of gold, the memorial is near where he entered the continental U.S. in The view to the east across the Coronado National Memorial San Pedro valley is gorgeous, but the west view across the oak grasslands of the San Raphael valley and Parker Canyon Lake is even better. You are literally on the border with Mexico. Where Is It: You can reach the monument by traveling south of Sierra Vista on AZ 92. But the real reason to visit the memorial is getting there and the scenery you ll see by proceeding south of Sonoita on AZ 83 past Parker Canyon Lake all the way to the site. Lush green Emory oak grasslands and views of the backside of the Huachuca mountains are what this trip is all about. When To Go: This is a year round site, but the fall when the area is still green after the monsoon and the road has dried is the ideal time to visit. Where To Document: The sign at the visitors center is the best place for a selfie. A word about safety; Arizona is a dry state. No, not that kind of dry state where alcoholic beverages are prohibited (don t drink and drive in any case), but the kind of dry state where water is precious. When you travel away from home always carry sufficient water. That means at least a gallon of water per person per day. If you re hiking, carry enough to get you there and back with a reserve. Cell phone coverage can be spotty in rural Arizona, but carry one anyway. Our weather can be changeable any time of the year. Watch out for our summer thunderstorms, especially lightning and water filled water crossings. In winter, snow and ice can pose major hazards, particularly at higher elevations. Last, we are near the border with Mexico and some sites are right on the border. If off the beaten path in southern Arizona, don t travel in a single vehicle; a multi vehicle convoy is much safer. Be forewarned: Call ahead for road and weather conditions, open hours for visits and seasonal closures, and reservations if necessary. We haven t provided websites or phone numbers for sites because they re readily available and more up to date in guidebooks and Google. Yes, some sites, particularly national parks and monuments, charge fees. We likewise haven t listed these fees because they are so subject to seasonal variation. Remember that if you are of a certain age, many parks waive or reduce their entrance fee for seniors. There are also reduced fee lifetime passes available. Lynn Davison Beverly Maddaone Chaparral s Section AZ Passport Administrator CHAPARRAL SECTION S PASSPORT ARIZONA