WHERE IS THIS?

It is named for the late poet, politician and cattleman who owned the surrounding V Bar V Ranch. The ranch was acquired by the Coconino National Forest in 1994, and a portion of it was preserved as the V Bar V Heritage Site. Today, that area about a mile down the road is known as the Crane Petroglyph Heritage Site, and it protects one of the largest and best-preserved petroglyph sites in the Verde Valley. Continuing on, you'll come to the first of several short spurs that lead to the creek. A few minutes later, there's a second spur, followed by an intersection with the White Mesa Trail, which runs north for about a mile toward its namesake. Ten minutes after that, you'll come to an intersection with the Apache Maid Trail, a strenuous route that runs northeast past Casner Butte (5,121 feet). Just beyond that junction, the trail crosses into the Wet Beaver Wilderness, which was established in 1984 and protects 6,178 acres.Visually, the landscape doesn't change much, but the trail shifts from mostly level to a gradual ascent. It's not a strenu-ous climb, but it's enough to get your attention. Keep in mind, the ascent will fool you at times. More than once, you'll think you've arrived at the high point of the hike, only to turn a corner and see that there's more uphill ahead. After a half-mile of deceit, you'll arrive at a narrow bench that runs along the canyon's north wall. The trail levels off briefly and passes some spectacular ocotillos, like something you'd see in the foothills of the Santa Rita Mountains. After that, it starts climbing again until it reaches an elevation of 4,265 feet the official high point. From there, the single track drops into the canyon and arrives at Wet Beaver Creek, at a place known as Bell's Crossing.Although the Bell Trail continues uphill for another 3.2 miles to an intersection with the Long Canyon Trail, this is where most folks turn around. Big trees shade the water, creating an oasis that's best known for “The Crack,” a natural pool that was listed in National Geographic Adventure as one of the nation's best swimming holes. Sadly, that great magazine is no longer in print, but The Crack remains, and it's the payoff on a trail that seems to have it all.

ADDITIONAL READING: For more hikes, pick up a copy of Arizona Highways Hiking Guide, which features 52 of the state's best trails one for each weekend of the year, sorted by seasons. To order a copy, visit shoparizonahighways.com /hikingguide.

TRAIL GUIDE

LENGTH: 7 miles round-trip (to Bell's Crossing) DIFFICULTY: Moderate ELEVATION: 3,867 to 4,265 feet TRAILHEAD GPS: N 34°40.451', W 111°42.801' DIRECTIONS: From Phoenix, go north on Interstate 17 to State Route 179 (Exit 298). From the exit, turn right onto Beaver Creek Road (Forest Road 618) and continue 2 miles to Forest Road 618A. Turn left onto FR 618A and continue a quarter-mile to the trailhead parking lot.

VEHICLE REQUIREMENTS: None DOGS ALLOWED: Yes (on a leash)

HORSES ALLOWED: Yes

USGS MAPS: Casner Butte, Walker Mountain INFORMATION: Red Rock Ranger District, 928-282-4119 or fs.usda.gov/coconino

LEAVE NO TRACE PRINCIPLES:

WHERE IS THIS? Snow Day

By the time you read this, snow might be falling at this Northern Arizona landmark, which dates to the 1930s and was designed to resemble a pioneer settlement. The accommodations there aren't as fancy as at some neighboring places, but the view is hard to beat.

September 2024 Answer & Winner

Bisbee Mining & Historical Museum. Congratulations to our winner, Lexi DeBenedetto of Phoenix, Arizona.

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To enter, correctly identify the location pictured above and email your answer to editor@ arizonahighways.com-type "Where Is This?" in the subject line. Entries can also be sent to 2039 W. Lewis Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85009 (write "Where Is This?" on the envelope). Please include your name, address and phone number. One winner will be chosen in a random drawing of qualified entries. Entries must be postmarked by November 15, 2024. Only the winner will be notified. The correct answer will be posted in our January issue and online at arizonahighways.com/where-is-this beginning December 15.

Festival of Lights

WANDER THROUGH HISTORY AND EXPLORE THE PARTIALLY RESTORED PUEBLO VILLAGE OF THE SALADO CULTURE.

BESH BA GOWAH