Eastern Az. Summer

SSki wrote:
We spend it in Alpine, AZ. A little farther away from the valley, but that means less people and traffic. Small town atmosphere, a lot of friendly people, basically no shopping and only a couple restaurants. Several lakes nearby, lots of wildlife and a lot of hiking opportunities. We've seen a lot of elk, some dear, and a mountain lion so far this year. We are at 8100 ft so we get rain during the monsoon, this year so far it has been fairly light. Average temps in the 70's, to down in the lower 50's during storms.

Have had a mountain home there for 35 years, nice and cool.

Keith Haw wrote:
Hey Desert Captain, when you go up to Lakeside/Pinetop do you run up through the Salt Rive Canyon? How's it with an RV? Haven't been up that way in a lot of years but thinking about running up through there in the near future.

Thanks
Keith

We go through the SRC if we are heeded to the east of Show Low and drive up through Payson if we will be out on the Rim to the west. both are steep but very doable grades. As noted the SRC is mostly 30 to 35 mph and there are multiple passing lanes. My only regret is that I cannot enjoy the view as watching the road is job one.

:B

We spend it in Alpine, AZ. A little farther away from the valley, but that means less people and traffic. Small town atmosphere, a lot of friendly people, basically no shopping and only a couple restaurants. Several lakes nearby, lots of wildlife and a lot of hiking opportunities. We've seen a lot of elk, some dear, and a mountain lion so far this year. We are at 8100 ft so we get rain during the monsoon, this year so far it has been fairly light. Average temps in the 70's, to down in the lower 50's during storms.

Supercharged.....When talking the White Mountains my vote is Big Lake. They have Apache Trout Campground which has some full hookup sites, Rainbow is primitive, and boon docking all around. Good fishing to boot!

Keith Haw wrote:
Thanks for the reply Jeff.

Was just kind of wondering about the pull out of the canyon in the summer heat. My big old Ram V10 has never even thought about overheating but the current trailer is 1000+lbs heavier than the old one and don't have a trans temp gauge. Probably be doing it during the week so should be less traffic, at least I hope so.

Keith

The nice thing about the SRC is nobody is able to do much more than 35 in many spots so you don't feel rushed. Well, at least I don't (but I'm not stuck behind a fiver) :B

Thanks for the reply Jeff.

Was just kind of wondering about the pull out of the canyon in the summer heat. My big old Ram V10 has never even thought about overheating but the current trailer is 1000+lbs heavier than the old one and don't have a trans temp gauge. Probably be doing it during the week so should be less traffic, at least I hope so.

Keith

Keith Haw wrote:
......Lakeside/Pinetop do you run up through the Salt Rive Canyon? How's it with an RV? Haven't been up that way in a lot of years but thinking about running up through there in the near future.

Thanks
Keith

While we typically go thru Payson, we have never had an issue towing thru the Salt River Canyon.

Hey Desert Captain, when you go up to Lakeside/Pinetop do you run up through the Salt Rive Canyon? How's it with an RV? Haven't been up that way in a lot of years but thinking about running up through there in the near future.

Thanks
Keith

We spend a lot of time in the White Mountains escaping the warmer days of the Tucson summer. The White Mountains offer nearly limitless camping at whatever level of amenities you desire. Most of the area is national forrest so geezer cards get you in for half price. Lots of good fishing and unlimited hiking abounds.

For us it is a 3.5 to 4.5 hour drive and worth every minute. To the west of Show Low on and/or around the Mogollon Rim are some of our favorite CG's. There are a number of dispersed camping areas if you want to boon dock. Canyon Point is our favorite but make reservations as it stays full for a lot of very good reasons. Located at 7,700' it is cool, the sites large with nice amenities. There are number of nearby CG's as you continue west dropping down off of the Rim. Just returned from Sharp Creek and enjoy Christopher Creek and Ponderosa as well. There are several gorgeous alpine lakes in the area most with adjacent CG's.

Fool's Hollow Lake SP in Show low is very nice but the sites are rather small and very close together. East from show Low there are lots of good boon docking areas and Hawley Lake (8,400'), is beautiful/inexpensive(we love watching the wild horses). We like the Hoyer CG just outside of Greer (also 8,400'), and the Big Lake CG sits at 9,200'. There is a large cg at the foot of the Sunrise ski resort and like the Rim this area is dotted with lovely lakes most with a cg. Feel free to PM me if you would like more info.

:B

Although there are many wonderful places to camp we prefer the Pinetop/Lakeside area and for boondocking the White Mountain Apache reservation.