Camino El Diablo
Southern Arizona
One of the last great stretches of uninhabited wilderness remaining in the continental United States, Camino del Diablo (or Highway of the Devil) takes a minimum of two days to traverse. A four-wheel drive vehicle is required by the rangers, although the road is easily passable in a two-wheel drive with high ground clearance. There are no campgrounds and few signs of people, but camping is permitted at any point along the highway.
Don’t miss it: On the last trip I made across Camino El Diablo, I didn’t see another person, car or airplane for four days. The scenery is tremendous; the isolation absolute. It’s good for the family that just wants to put up their tent and not worry about others.
Directions: The highway stretches for 127 miles across the deserts of Southern Arizona.
More info: Cabeza Prieta Wildlife Refuge, 520-387-6438
East Rim Overlook
Kaibab National Forest
I am perched high on the edge of the cliff; the vague shadow of Marble Canyon is barely visible in the distance. A goshawk swirls above me on the strong updraft rising from the lower elevations. A single bird strays unknowingly into the goshawk’s vision; I hold my breath as the hawk dives, striking its prey. From a cloud of feathers, the hawk flies into the forest to partake of his dinner.
Don’t miss it: Goshawks live in old growth ponderosa pine, and there are plenty of pines at East Rim Overlook. The spacious, natural, campsites are situated right on the edge of Marble Canyon. This is a great place to avoid the crowds at the Grand Canyon, without settling for a view less than fantastic.
Directions: Take SR 67 south from Jacobs Lake; turn left at the sign for the East Rim View. Turn left at FR 610, then turn right on FR 611 until it deadends at East Rim.
More info: N. Kaibab Ranger District, 520-643-7395




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