Cutthroat at Big Lake
White Mountains
There is a place where ponderosa pine and quaking aspen trees surround the azure water of a wide and gentle lake. Deer and elk come down to drink the clear water and the fish, well, they jump right into your boat. No, this place isn’t in Colorado or even Wyoming, but is high in the White Mountains of Arizona at Big Lake. And while at Big Lake, I prefer to avoid the cavalcade of RVs by camping in the “tents only” campground at Cutthroat. Facilities at Cutthroat are modern and the visitor center offers scheduled programs. For alpine camping and fishing, it is hard to beat Big Lake. (Oh, by the way. I was just kidding about the fish jumping right into your boat; you actually have to fish for them.)
Don’t miss it: My favorite activity is floating around the lake in a rented boat, while my daughter prefers renting a horse for a leisurely ride through the green aspens.
Directions: Take SR260 from Eager, turning south at the junction of SR 261. Follow the signs for Big Lake.
More info: Springerville Ranger District 520-333-4372
Picacho Peak State Park
South of Phoenix
A f ield of golden desert poppies carpets the desert floor, swirling in a slight breeze. The blue bells of desert lupine are interspersed amongst the undulating yellow cover of flowers. Pale, pink mountain mallow glisten sporadically in the washes. Saguaro cactus and green palo verde trees rise up from the bajada ahead. Towering over the entire scene, solitary and majestic, is Picacho Peak. Located on I-10 between Phoenix and Tucson, the campground offers a convenient spot for travel weary visitors to rest and enjoy a spectacular desert vista. More adventurous travelers may want to hike to the top of the peak.
Don’t miss it: The desert in springtime is an inspiring sight, and the one the best places to view it is at Picacho Peak State Park.
Directions: Look for the Picacho Peak exit on I-10 about 40 miles south of Phoenix.
More info: Picacho Peak Sate Park 520-446-3183
Lost Dutchman State Park
Superstition Mountains
The name Jacob Walz, known as the “Lost Dutchman,” is one of the most famous in Arizona lore. His mythical gold mine, buried deep in the aptly named Superstition Mountains, still fascinates treasure-seekers today. Geologists and park rangers insist there is no gold to be found in the Superstitions, but this doesn’t stop scores of professional and amateur prospectors from scouring the hillsides and draws in search of the lost mine. The campground at the base of the mountains offers a fantastic view of the legendary mountain range, as well as a perfect starting point for hikes through scenic desert vistas.
Don’t miss it: My favorite hike is the Siphon Draw Trail that climbs to the top of the mountain range, affording awe-inspiring views of the surrounding wilderness.
Directions: Take the Apache Trail (SR 88) out of Apache Junction and turn right at the sign for the park.
More info: Lost Dutchman State Park, 602-982-4485
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