Arizona Secrets #1
This will likely be a series of posts. In 1972, the first spring Brenda and I lived in Arizona, we jumped in our little red Mustang and made our way to the Grand Canyon and back in one day. Since that time we have explored every corner of the state, even some places the public can't go to now There is such variety here that we have found many surprises and have been amazed with what we have experienced. We've found alpine mountains with a Canadian climate, swamps, hidden canyons, a mini-Yosemite, lush arroyos, unique history and, of course, fascinating desert. Even if you are an Arizona native, I'm confident you will find something here you didn't know about.
Terrenate
In the 1770's, a small group of Spaniards tried to settle the SanPedro River Valley. Between the towns of Benson and Sierra Vista, west of the river from Tombstone is the remains of that settlement, Terrenate. To reach Terrenate, one must travel a few dirt roads which are easily accessible in a car. Then there is a hike of about a mile to reach the ruins. In 1776, the Apaches drove the Spaniards out and the settlement fell into ruins which remain today.
I've read varying stories about the settlement. The one I like the best is that the Apaches knew if the Spaniards could build a wall over five feet tall to protect the settlement that they would not be able to keep the Spanish from settling their homeland. In a series of attacks, the Spaniards were driven out and abandoned all plans to settle the San Pedro River Valley.
Terrenate is a best Arizona secret.
Ramsay Canyon
The Nature Conservancy owns Ramsay Canyon and it is protected as a nature preserve. In southern Arizona, the desert is dotted with what are called sky islands. Sky islands are mountains which rise from the desert floor to an elevation of 8,000 to 12,000 feet. Obviously, the ecology changes the further one goes up a sky island. The most famous of these is Mt. Lemon north of Tucson. There is a road to the top with the country's southernmost ski resort at the top.
Ramsay Canyon is located just southwest of Sierra Vista in the Huachuca (wa-chew-ka) Mountians. Ramsay has a limited number of people who can go in each day, but there are cabins available to rent. One advantage being that one can hike in the morning and evening when the canon is closed to other visitors. In the spring, it is a birders paradise as migrating humming birds travel through. Ramsay is a mecca for bird watchers and draws people from around the world. A short hike through Ramsay Canyon is like you being on display for the animals to view: a reverse zoo. We've seen numerous deer, a cheerful coati and, of course, countless birds.
Snakes and bears have been seen, so one must exercise a bit of caution at Ramsay.
Sandhill Cranes
Just east of Tombstone and south of Wilcox is a large playa or dry lake bed. Every winter this area plays hose to thousands of Sandhill Cranes who wisely winter in Arizona. They are noisy and interesting large birds. The town of Wilcox celebrates the arrival of these cranes and is a great place to obtain information about where to go for a look. Bring binoculars as it is not possible to get too close. There is also a rare beetle that lives on the playa, but I didn't try to find them!
If you enjoyed reading about these "Arizona secrets," there is more to come.
Terrenate
In the 1770's, a small group of Spaniards tried to settle the SanPedro River Valley. Between the towns of Benson and Sierra Vista, west of the river from Tombstone is the remains of that settlement, Terrenate. To reach Terrenate, one must travel a few dirt roads which are easily accessible in a car. Then there is a hike of about a mile to reach the ruins. In 1776, the Apaches drove the Spaniards out and the settlement fell into ruins which remain today.
I've read varying stories about the settlement. The one I like the best is that the Apaches knew if the Spaniards could build a wall over five feet tall to protect the settlement that they would not be able to keep the Spanish from settling their homeland. In a series of attacks, the Spaniards were driven out and abandoned all plans to settle the San Pedro River Valley.
Terrenate is a best Arizona secret.
Ramsay Canyon
The Nature Conservancy owns Ramsay Canyon and it is protected as a nature preserve. In southern Arizona, the desert is dotted with what are called sky islands. Sky islands are mountains which rise from the desert floor to an elevation of 8,000 to 12,000 feet. Obviously, the ecology changes the further one goes up a sky island. The most famous of these is Mt. Lemon north of Tucson. There is a road to the top with the country's southernmost ski resort at the top.
Ramsay Canyon is located just southwest of Sierra Vista in the Huachuca (wa-chew-ka) Mountians. Ramsay has a limited number of people who can go in each day, but there are cabins available to rent. One advantage being that one can hike in the morning and evening when the canon is closed to other visitors. In the spring, it is a birders paradise as migrating humming birds travel through. Ramsay is a mecca for bird watchers and draws people from around the world. A short hike through Ramsay Canyon is like you being on display for the animals to view: a reverse zoo. We've seen numerous deer, a cheerful coati and, of course, countless birds.
Snakes and bears have been seen, so one must exercise a bit of caution at Ramsay.
Sandhill Cranes
Just east of Tombstone and south of Wilcox is a large playa or dry lake bed. Every winter this area plays hose to thousands of Sandhill Cranes who wisely winter in Arizona. They are noisy and interesting large birds. The town of Wilcox celebrates the arrival of these cranes and is a great place to obtain information about where to go for a look. Bring binoculars as it is not possible to get too close. There is also a rare beetle that lives on the playa, but I didn't try to find them!
If you enjoyed reading about these "Arizona secrets," there is more to come.
We didn't go to see the Grand Canyon until we moved to California and went back to Arizona. I will never forget walking to the rim and seeing it for the first time. What a thrill! I still miss Arizona, and would move back if we didn't have grandchildren here.
ReplyDelete