Bailed out of the heat to an area just west of the dumpy, run down mining towns of Miama/Globe to hang out in an area we used to climb at over 10 years ago. Spent one night there, but it was still a bit too warm, so we went about 20 miles further east to the desert mountain island of Pinal Peak. Pinal Peak rises to 7848ft or so, WAY above the Sonoran Desert, and offers a completely different climate and landscape. The highlight for me was riding my bike down the mountain this morning and splitting a herd of four javelina on the gravel road, about hitting them, but not having enough time to take a pic.
Driving south of Oak Flat to our campsite.
The desert continues to bloom at various elevations.
Dropping into a steep, secluded little valley for the night. Mostly a good, but steep road with some loose sections and a short section of rocky, slow terrain.
Camp for the night.
Driving south of Oak Flat to our campsite.
The desert continues to bloom at various elevations.
Dropping into a steep, secluded little valley for the night. Mostly a good, but steep road with some loose sections and a short section of rocky, slow terrain.
Camp for the night.
Chilly temps but lots of nice hiking trails in the pines.
Looking SE towards Mt. Graham and Pioneer Pass.
Pics from my morning rides down the roads/trails, then riding back to camp.
Weaver's Needle way out there.
More truck camper nirvana roads.
This is some sort of cholla blooming, not sure of the exact name.
Not fully open yet.
Prickly pear.
Another great trip, highlight for me was nearly smashing into four javelina on my bike. Next week, depending on temps, we might go to the island in the sky of Mt. Graham.
Leaving the heat for Pinal Peak.
Leave Globe that sits at about 3,000ft and climb up to 7,500ft to our campsite. Arizona has some amazing topography!
Nice campsite mostly out of the wind.
