 | |
Apache Trail Historic Road
Spanning 41.5 miles of State Route 88 from Apache Junction to Theodore Roosevelt Lake
The Apache Trail Historic Road, also known as State Route 88, exemplifies the duality of Arizona as both harsh and lush in more ways than one. The route is believed to have been a migration trail for the Salado Indians and was designated a scenic historic byway in 1986. The Apache Trail offers views of the Superstition Mountain range and unique roadside attractions from Apache Junction to the Roosevelt Dam. Half of the route is paved, leisurely meandering past places such as Goldfield, a ghost town with tours and attractions and Canyon Lake. The second half of the route, however, is a wild, steep descent along a dirt road. For those who venture forward, the rewards are views of Fish Creek Canyon’s stately sycamores and cottonwoods, Apache Lake and Roosevelt Lake.
Information: www.arizonascenicroads.com/main.aspx
Arizona Mining and Mineral Museum
1502 W. Washington St., Phoenix
The museum began as a Territorial Fair exhibit in 1884. More than 3,000 minerals are exhibited, including native copper, geodes, moon rocks and a chunk of the meteorite that formed Meteor Crater near Winslow. Historic mining equipment is displayed outside. A gift shop offers books, prospecting tools, jewelry and a collection of minerals.
Information: 602-255-3795; www.admmr.state.az.us/musgen.htm
Arizona Science Center
600 E. Washington St., Phoenix
The center offers more than 300 hands-on exhibits about geology, mining, weather, earth forces like gravity and magnetism, and how the body and mind work. The center has traveling exhibits, a planetarium and an IMAX theater. Science camps, outreach programs and educational services are available.
Information: 602-716-2000; www.azscience.org/home.html
Bartlett Reservoir
On I-17, drive north from Phoenix and take Carefree Highway east to Cave Creek Road; drive northeast 5 miles on Cave Creek to Bartlett Dam Road
A veritable hop-skip-and-a-jump from civilization, Bartlett Reservoir is perfect for campers and water buffs alike. Picnic areas and camping sites dot the shore around the lake, and a marina provides boat rentals and refreshments. Adding to the lake’s charm, desert natives such as eagles and mule deer occasionally make appearances in the area.
Information: Tonto National Forest, Cave Creek Ranger Station, 480-595-3300; www.bartlettlake.com/index.shtml
Casa Grande Ruins National Monument
10 miles west of Florence off State Route 87/287 in Coolidge
The nation’s first archaeological preserve, Casa Grande Ruins was the home of the Hohokam, ancient Indian farmers who lived in the area for thousands of years. The Casa Grande, or big house, is one of the largest ancient structures built in North America. The monument offers regularly scheduled guided tours as well as interpretive programs. Bird-watching and wildlife viewing are popular activities.
Information: 520-723-3172; www.nps.gov/cagr/index.htm
Cave Creek Museum
Off Cave Creek Road at the intersection of Basin and Skyline
This museum houses historic artifacts that tell the story of the Indians, miners, ranchers and pioneers who once inhabited the Cave Creek area. See exhibits on early Hohokam life, animals of the desert, textiles and modern life. Of particular interest is a tubercular cabin, one of 16 cabins once part of a tubercular camp in the 1920s and 1930s, where victims of tuberculosis lived in isolation. The cabin became part of the National Register of Historic Places in 2002.
Information: 480-488-2764; www.cavecreekmuseum.org/index.htm
Desert Botanical Garden
1201 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix
Internationally known for its plant collections, the Desert Botanical Garden has 50 acres of desert plant life to explore in the red buttes of Papago Park, including 139 rare, endangered or threatened plants. Amenities include guided desert trail tours, interactive exhibits, an outdoor patio cafe, and related workshops and demonstrations.
Information: 480-941-1225. www.dbg.org
Goldfield Ghost Town
4 miles northeast of Apache Junction on State 88
A rich discovery of gold in 1892 lured people to the Superstition Mountains to stake their claims. Goldfield grew, and after more than $3 million in gold was drained from nearby mines, the town died. Today, this authentic Arizona ghost town offers entertainment with an Old West feel and pristine desert views. Enjoy an underground mine tour, a full-size, narrow-gauge railroad, panning for real gold, museums, a live rattlesnake exhibit, carriage rides, jeep tours, horseback riding and shopping. The town also has a steakhouse, coffee shop, ice cream parlor, campground and a (former) bordello.
Information: 480-983-0333; www.goldfieldghosttown.com
Heard Museum
2301 N. Central Ave., Phoenix
The Heard Museum houses an expansive collection of Indian arts and has more than 35,000 pieces in its permanent collection. There are 10 exhibit galleries with art and artifacts, plus outdoor courtyards and events and festivals. The museum’s bookstore offers handmade original artwork, including jewelry, pottery, paintings, sculptures, and books.
Information: 602-252-8848. www.heard.org/index.php
Lake Pleasant Regional Park
33 miles north of Phoenix off State Route 74
Just 45 minutes north of downtown Phoenix, Lake Pleasant Regional Park offers visitors many recreation opportunities including boating, swimming, hiking, camping and fishing. Stop at the Lake Pleasant Visitor Center to get an overview of the park, learn about the desert critters you might run into and get a look at the Waddell Dam. Check the Web site for upcoming events, which range from fishing tournaments to a campground cook-off.
Information: 602-372-7465; www.maricopa.gov/parks/lake_pleasant
Lost Dutchman State Park
5 miles north of Apache Junction on State Route 88
A mixture of mountains and mystery, the Lost Dutchman State Park is named after Jacob Waltz, "the Dutchman,” who reportedly found a gold mine in the Superstition Mountains in the 1870s. A place of historical and legendary significance, the Lost Dutchman State Park is perfect for hikers and picnickers alike. The park also contains cliff dwellings built by a number of Indian cultures. The adventurous can hike any of the park’s numerous trails that range in difficulty from easy to hard. For those just looking to relax and take in the sights, the park provides campgrounds and picnic areas. A visitors center sells maps and publications.
Information: 480-982-4485; www.pr.state.az.us/Parks/parkhtml/dutchman.html
McFarland State Historic Park
West of State Route 79 at Main and Ruggles streets in Florence
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the park's two-story building was constructed by hand in 1878 with native materials, including adobe bricks, river rocks and lumber hauled by wagon from Northern Arizona. The building served many roles in the history of Florence, including sheriff’s office, jailhouse, hospital, judge’s chambers and jury room, as well as being the first Pinal County Courthouse. The park has guided walking tours, by appointment, of historic downtown Florence, as well as an exhibit and video presentation on prisoners of war and archived government documents from Arizona’s Territorial days.
Information: 520- 868-5216; www.pr.state.az.us/parkhtml/mcfarland.html
Phoenix Art Museum
1625 N. Central Avenue, Phoenix
The Southwest’s premier visual arts venue offers a world-class collection of more than 18,000 works by American, Asian, European, Latin American, African and Western American artists. The museum also features traveling exhibitions with works by such renowned artists as Rembrandt, Norman Rockwell, Annie Leibowitz, Monet and many others. Festivals, live performances, art films and educational programs are offered throughout the year.
Information: 602-257-1222; www.phxart.org
Phoenix Zoo
455 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix
Home to more than 1,200 animals, the Phoenix Zoo offers everything from elephants and giraffes to macaws and meerkats, as well as a trail dedicated to Arizona wildlife. Animal encounters, keepers' talks and feeding-time shows are scheduled daily, and overnight camping activities are held. Food, strollers, wheelchairs and a gift shop are available.
Information: 602-273-1341; www.phoenixzoo.org/zoo/location
Pioneer Arizona Living History Museum
Interstate 17 to Exit 225, 1 mile north of Carefree Highway; 3901 W. Pioneer Road, Phoenix
This replication of an 1880s Arizona village gives visitors a chance to see what it was like to live in Arizona’s Territorial days. Amenities include 30 original and reproduction buildings to explore, among them an opera house, cabin, working blacksmith’s shop, dress shop, sheriff’s office, jail and more. Museum staff members dress in traditional Old West clothing and teach visitors about life in Arizona Territory. Guided tours are available.
Information: 623- 465-1052; www.pioneer-arizona.com/index.htm
Pueblo Grande Museum
4619 E. Washington St., Phoenix
Located at the ruins of a 1,500-year-old Hohokam village, the museum allows exploration of an 800-year-old platform mound built by the Hohokam, as well as an excavated ball court and some of the last remaining canals built by the ancient culture. The museum has exhibits displaying Hohokam life and a full-scale reproduction of Indian houses along a trail. The museum shop sells Indian jewelry, pottery, books, music and other souvenirs.
Information: 602-495-0900; www.ci.phoenix.az.us/PARKS/pueblo.html
Spur Cross Ranch Conservation Area
At the intersection of Cave Creek Road and Carefree Hwy., go north on Cave Creek Road for 3 miles to Spur Cross Road and turn north. Go 4.5 miles until you reach the public parking area. Be advised that after 3 miles the road turns to an all-weather graded surface.
Open 365 days a year, the conservation area covers 2,154 acres of upper Sonoran Desert where visitors can enjoy more than 7 miles of hiking, mountain biking and equestrian trails. The trails vary in length from 1.2 miles to 4.6 miles, and some are more difficult than others. Look at the park’s schedule for upcoming events that include park ranger interpretive talks about plants, archaeology and the ecology of the Sonoran Desert.
Information: 480-488-6601; www.maricopa.gov/parks/spur_cross
Superstition Mountain Museum
4087 N. Apache Trail, 3.5 miles northeast of Apache Junction on State 88
From the geological, natural and Native American history in the Superstitions, to the mining and military history, the Superstition Mountain Museum tells all about the mysteries and myths surrounding its 160,000-acre namesake range. Enjoy unique exhibits and an extensive bookstore.
Information: 480-983-4888; www.superstitionmountainmuseum.org
Theodore Roosevelt Dam
80 miles east of Phoenix on State 88
Upon completion in 1911, this former National Historic Landmark was the world’s largest masonry dam. The uppermost of four dams on the Salt River, it was built for the purpose of generating power and named for President Theodore Roosevelt who was instrumental in the Federal Reclamation Act of 1902. Eventually, the unique structure and its grandeur fell victim to technology and time. In 1999, after massive reconstruction, it lost its landmark status. The original structure still exists but is buried beneath seven years of modifications and 440,000 cubic yards of concrete. The dam is not open to the public, but there is an overlook. Information about the dam is available at the Roosevelt Lake Visitor Center, just 2 miles from the dam on State Route 188.
Information: 928-467-3200; www.nps.gov/tont/culture/roosevelt.htm
Theodore Roosevelt Lake
80 miles east of Phoenix on State Route 88
Created by Roosevelt Dam in 1911, Roosevelt Lake was once the largest man-made lake in the world. With 89 miles of shoreline for camping and exploring, the lake is a haven providing ample opportunity for boating, swimming, fishing or simply enjoying the scenery. A visitors center is located near the lake, and various watercraft can be rented from the Lake Roosevelt Marina.
Information: 928-467-3200; www.nps.gov/tont/culture/roosevelt.htm
Tortilla Flat
17 miles northeast of Apache Junction on State 88
Tortilla Flat features the only authentic surviving stagecoach stop on the Apache Trail. Though the town is small (population: 6), its residents serve up big helpings of Old West folklore and food for the whole family. Top off your visit with a cool cone of prickly pear ice cream at the Old Time Ice Cream & General Store or see where the bucks stop in a saddle-style seat at the Superstition Saloon, whose walls are papered with currency from around the world.
Information: 480-984-1776; www.tortillaflataz.com
Usery Mountain Regional Park
4 miles west of Apache Junction and 5 miles north of U.S. Route 60 on Ellsworth Road
The lower Sonoran Desert park offers more than 3,600 acres of recreational opportunities including camping, hiking, picnicking, horseback- and mountain-bike riding. Other amenities include a six-course archery range with 4 miles of trail and various educational presentations and hikes.
Information: 480-984-0032; www.maricopa.gov/parks/usery/default.asp
VERDE VALLEY REGION
Arcosanti
Mayer
What began in 1970 as an answer to urban sprawl and an experiment in sustainability, officially continues development in one of the most famous architectural experiments of our age. Whether or not you agree with the principles of arcology – that’s architecture and ecology working in balance – put forth by Frank Lloyd Wright student Paolo Saleri, Arcosanti lets you go back to the future – or the past – or a past version of the future. Whatever it is, just have fun. You can visit the site’s gift gallery, which features Arcosanti’s famous Soleri Bells, or enjoy a delicious meal at the cafe. Guest rooms face the canyons of Agua Fria National Monument.
Information: 928-632-6225; www.arcosanti.org
Bronzesmith Fine Art Gallery & Foundry
7331 E. Second Street, Prescott Valley
Come browse bronzesmith casts in this unique showcase of sculptures of local and national award-winning artists. Take a tour illustrating the steps in the bronze casting process, and come Tuesday or Thursday mornings to watch a bronze pour.
Information: 928-772-2378; www.bronzesmith.com
Dead Horse Ranch State Park
In Cottonwood, take Main Street west to North 10th Street, go north on 10th Street and cross the Verde River Bridge to the park entrance
Situated on the banks of the Verde River, the park offers camping, mountain biking, hiking, canoeing, fishing and picnicking. Amenities include a system of hiking trails that provides access to the Verde River and a 4-acre fishing lagoon, group use and individual ramadas, rest room facilities and camping sites with tables and grills.
Information: 928-634-5283; www.pr.state.az.us/Parks/parkhtml/deadhorse.html
Fort Verde State Historic Park
125 E. Holloman St., Camp Verde
Remarkably preserved, Fort Verde State Historic Park allows visitors a glimpse of life in a fort during Arizona’s Indian Wars period. The commanding officer’s quarters, bachelors’ quarters and doctor’s quarters on officers’ row are all listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Interpretive exhibits and period items relating to the military, Indian Scouts and the Indian Wars are on display in what was previously an administration building.
Information: 928-567-3275; www.pr.state.az.us/Parks/parkhtml/fortverde.html
Jerome-Clarkdale-Cottonwood Historic Road ¬
Spanning 10 miles of State Route 89A from Jerome to Cottonwood
This historic road takes travelers through the historical mining town of Jerome and along the Verde River through Clarkdale and Cottonwood, surrounded by views of the Mogollon Rim and Verde Valley. Along the way, travelers can visit Sinagua Indian ruins, two mining museums, catch the Verde Canyon Railroad and explore several state parks and wilderness areas.
Information: www.arizonascenicroads.com
Jerome State Historic Park
In Jerome, just off SR 89A on Douglas Road
This 8,000-square-foot mansion built by James S. Douglas, owner of the Little Daisy Mine, now houses a museum devoted to the history of the Jerome area and the Douglas family. Exhibits include a restored period room, historic photographs and mining equipment, artifacts, minerals and a 3-D model of the town and its underground mines. A picnic area with tables and rest rooms offers views of the Verde Valley.
Information: 928-634-5381; www.pr.state.az.us/Parks/parkhtml/jerome.html
Lynx Lake
344 South Cortez Street, Prescott
If frolicking in the moment is more your style than browsing through history, you couldn’t do much better than Lynx Lake near Prescott. Surrounded by ponderosa pine trees at this 55-acre lake, try your hand at canoe paddling or trout fishing. You might spot a fellow fisher – in the air. Ospreys fish these waters and have been known to nest here, along with bald eagles. The area also boasts hiking, horseback riding and mountain biking trails and archaeological sites. Be sure to call ahead, as portions of the lake are closed to vehicle and foot traffic December through June to protect nesting eagle pairs.
Information: 928-443-8000; www.fs.fed.us/r3/prescott/fishing/fishing_lynx.htm
Mingus Mountain Scenic Road
Spanning 11.5 miles of State Route 89A from its junction with State Route 89 north of Prescott to Jerome
Drive from the weathered boulders and rock hideaways of Granite Dells through rolling valleys and canyons into the conifer forests of the Black Hills, once rich with minerals. Enjoy views of the Mogollon Rim, Verde Valley and San Francisco Peaks as you climb to the historic hillside mining town of Jerome.
Information: www.arizonascenicroads.com
Montezuma Castle National Monument
About 4 miles north of Camp Verde on I-17, take Exit 289, then follow the signs to the monument
Mistakenly attributed to the Aztec emperor Montezuma because of its imposing size, Montezuma Castle is actually a five-story cliff dwelling originally built and used by the Sinagua Indians. More than 900 years ago, these ancient people built a five-story pueblo on a soaring cliff overhang and climbed ladders to reach their rooms every night. A visitors center provides information and exhibits on the ruin. Guests can also walk a one-third-mile trail for a better view of Montezuma Castle and other ancient structures.
Information: 928-567-3322; www.nps.gov/moca
Montezuma Well
I-17, Exit 298
After visiting Montezuma Castle, drive 11 miles up the road to see Montezuma Well, also part of the monument. A natural spring feeds the 368-foot-wide, 55-foot-deep well, which formed 11,000 years ago. Now the well area serves as the home for an abundance of wildlife.
Information: 928-567-3322; www.nps.gov/moca/home.htm
Phippen Museum of Art
7 miles north of downtown Prescott on SR 89
Founded to display the work of Western artists, the Phippen Museum of Art holds a permanent collection of Western paintings, sculptures, drawing, photography, and Indian artifacts and jewelry. It also offers rotating exhibits and a research library with more than 600 volumes relating to Western art.
Information: 928-778-1385; www.phippenartmuseum.org/index.html
Richinbar Mine
I-17, Exit 256
Less than 2 miles from the Badger Springs trailhead sits Richinbar Mine, accessible by scrambling up the 700-foot canyon wall. The mine bustled for 16 years at the turn of the century, producing both gold and silver. After yielding some 800 tons of ore, the mine was shut down, but you can still stroll by the old buildings and equipment used for mining.
Information: 602-417-9200; www.blm.gov/az/aguafria/pmesa.htm
Sharlot Hall Museum
415 W. Gurley St., Prescott
Take a stroll through Arizona history as you tour nine historic buildings, that house a library and archive, a museum store and a historic-vehicle collection, as well as historic furnishings. Top it off with an amble through one (or all) of Sharlot’s four gardens, including a rose garden honoring more than 400 women from Arizona’s territorial days.
Information: 928-445-3122; www.sharlot.org
Smoki Museum
147 N. Arizona St., Prescott
Designed to resemble an Indian pueblo, the Smoki Museum was built in 1935 from native stone and wood. The museum houses collections of pottery, jewelry, stone artifacts, baskets and kachinas, as well as artist Kate Cory's numerous photographs, paintings and documents. A museum library contains more than 600 volumes on Indian history and ethnography, and the museum store offers a variety of Indian arts and crafts for sale.
Information: 928-445-1230; www.smokimuseum.org
Thumb Butte Park
From downtown Prescott, take Gurley Street, which becomes Thumb Butte Road and follow it to the trailhead and picnic area.
This park is great place to hike up Thumb Butte, but remember to bring sunscreen, water, comfortable walking shoes or boots, insect repellent and a wide-brimmed hat.
Information: Prescott National Forest, 928-443-8000; www.fs.fed.us/r3/prescott
Tuzigoot National Monument
52 miles south of Flagstaff on State Route 89A, or in Cottonwood take Main Street 5 miles north towards Clarkdale
An ancient hilltop village built about a thousand years ago by the Sinagua Indians, Tuzigoot had more than 100 rooms rising some three stories high. Explore the ruins and surrounding marshlands on two self-guided trails. Other amenities include a visitors center with a museum and bookstore.
Information: 928-634-5564; www.nps.gov/tuzi
Verde Canyon Railroad
300 N. Broadway, Clarkdale
Take a train ride through the Verde Canyon along the Upper Verde River for a chance to view crimson cliffs, a lush riparian habitat and some of the wildlife that call the canyon home, such as bald and golden eagles, black hawks and great blue herons. The four-hour round trip ride runs from Clarkdale to Perkinsville and back. Amenities include both coach and first-class seating in climate-controlled cars, refreshments and access to open-air viewing cars, complete with narration about the sites of the canyon as you pass.
Information: 800-293-7245; www.verdecanyonrr.com
GILA/ GLOBE
Apache Lake
35 miles northwest of Globe on State Route 188, then turn southwest on State Route 88 along the Apache Trail for 5 miles
The second largest of the Salt River Project lakes, Apache Lake is a swathe of sparkling water formed by Horse Mesa Dam. Perfect for boating, fishing or waterskiing, the lake’s dock and boat ramp are conveniently located at the Apache Lake Marina and Resort. Nature-lovers can visit the Three Bar Wildlife located on the opposite side of the lake from the marina.
Information: www.recreation.gov/detail.cfm?ID=1
Besh-Ba-Gowah Archaeological Park
1100 Jesse Hayes Road in Globe
Built around the site of a sprawling Salado culture pueblo, the park has two interactive versions of ancient pueblos that visitors can explore. Visitors to Besh-Ba-Gowah can walk through the ruins of a 700-year-old Salado Indian pueblo, climb ladders to the reconstructed second story and view what life was like for these inhabitants of the Tonto Basin between A.D. 1150 and 1450. The park also has a large collection of pottery, stone tools and items, textiles and shell jewelry. Open daily 9 A.M. to 5 P.M. Contact the park for more information.
Information: 928-425-0320; www.jqjacobs.net/southwest/besh_ba_gowah.html#museum
Boyce Thompson Arboretum
9 miles east of Florence Junction on U.S. 60
Founded by mining magnate William Boyce Thompson, this 320-acre park, located at the foot of Picketpost Mountain, is dedicated to preserving, fostering and displaying desert ecosystems and their inhabitants. The arboretum is the oldest and largest botanical garden in Arizona with a stunning variety of 3,200 plants, 230 birds and 72 animal species that inhabit the area and can sometimes be seen from the miles of trail that meander throughout. The park also features art exhibits, seasonal festivals and educational seminars.
Information: 520-689-2723; http://ag.arizona.edu/BTA
Desert to Tall Pines Scenic Road
Spanning 76.3 miles of State Route 288 from 15 miles northwest of Globe to State Route 260
The paved first length of the route snakes along the Salt River Mountains until, with the help of a single-lane bridge, it crosses the Salt River and begins its ascent into the majestic Sierra Ancha. From that vantage point, terrific views of Roosevelt Lake are possible. The second stretch of the road is unpaved and, on each side, wilderness abounds as you travel through the sleepy town of Young and then up the Naegelin Rim.
Information: www.arizonascenicroads.com/main.aspx
Gila County Historical Museum
1330 N. Broad St. in Globe
The site of a rescue station between 1914 and the 1960s, the museum features several collections of Indian artifacts and furniture from Arizona’s past. In addition, the museum houses an exhibit on ranching and cowboys and a myriad of photographic displays.
Information: 928-425-7385; www.globemiamichamber.com/visit.asp
Gila-Pinal Scenic Road
Spanning 26 miles of U.S. Route 60 from Phoenix to Globe
This scenic drive will take you past some of Arizona’s interesting landmarks and places of legend. From the road, travelers can see the peaks of the Superstition Mountains, the rocky columns in Devil’s Canyon and picturesque Queen’s Creek Canyon.
Information: www.arizonascenicroads.com/main.aspx
The World’s Smallest Museum
1111 W. U.S. Highway 60, Superior
Second only to Boyce Thompson Arboretum in Superior’s popular attractions, this small piece of small town claims to honor the world’s extraordinary workforce by showcasing “artifacts of ordinary life” within 80 square feet of display space. Shop for jewelry, gems and hot sauce or grab some post-hike grub at adjacent Buckboard City Cafe.
Information: 520-689-5857; www.worldssmallestmuseum.com
RIM COUNTRY
Rim Country Museum
700 Green Valley Parkway, Payson
The two-story Rim Country Museum provides visitors with a glimpse into the history of Payson and the lives of forest rangers, local pioneers and Indians who lived in the area in the past. On display are artifacts, exhibits and historic buildings. In addition, the museum maintains a gift shop that sells books, shirts and curios related to the area’s history.
Information: 928-474-3483; www.rimcountrymuseums.org
Strawberry Schoolhouse
Fossil Creek Road, about 1.75 miles west of State Route 87 in Strawberry
The oldest standing schoolhouse in Arizona originally opened in 1886. Today, visitors can see what it was like to attend school in Territorial Arizona in this log cabin, complete with desks, a blackboard and even a dunce’s corner.
Information: 928-476-3547; www.pinestrawhs.org/schoolhouse.html
Tonto Creek Fish Hatchery
25 miles northeast of Payson on Forest Road 289
One of the many fish hatcheries run by the Arizona Fish and Game Department, the Tonto Creek Fish Hatchery has a feeding pond where, for a few quarters, visitors can purchase food pellets and feed them to the trout. The hatchery also maintains a visitors center that explains how the hatchery works and overlooks tanks of water where small trout are kept until they grow larger.
Information: 928-478-4200
Tonto National Monument
4 miles southeast of Roosevelt Dam on State Route 188
In 1907, President Theodore Roosevelt set aside 640 acres of land containing significant ancient Salado ruins to be preserved as a national monument. Formerly overseen by the Forest Service and Department of Agriculture, Tonto National Monument became part of the National Park Service in 1933 and now covers 1,120 acres.
Information: 928-467-2241; www.nps.gov/tont/home.htm
Tonto Natural Bridge State Park
About 100 miles northeast of Phoenix on State Route 87
Thousands of years in the making, the Tonto Natural Bridge is believed to be the world’s largest natural travertine (a densely compacted form of limestone) bridge. The bridge is 183 feet tall and 150 feet wide with a 400-foot-long tunnel running through its center. There are four observation points along the top of the bridge as well as a trail to the bottom.
Information: 928-476-4202; www.pr.state.az.us/Parks/parkhtml/tonto.html
Zane Grey Cabin
700 Green Valley Parkway, Payson
Zane Grey used Arizona as a setting for several of his Western novels, including Under the Tonto Rim. The author spent time and wrote at his remote on the Mogollon Rim. Even though Grey left Arizona in 1929, never to return, his cabin had become a popular tourist destination. In 1990, the cabin burned in the Dude Fire. After the fire, Zane Grey artifacts were retrieved and the people of Payson decided to replicate the cabin to preserve Grey’s literary legacy. Zane Grey Cabin now stands in Green Valley Park in Payson, next to the Rim Country Museum. Visitors can learn about Zane Grey and his impact on the country’s Western heritage.
Information: 928- 474-6115; www.zanegreycabin.org
