3 days at the Black River 13,14,15

[timh]

I had been wanting to do a trip for my birthday camping somewhere for a few days. I ultimately decided on the Black River area near Alpine in the White Mountains of Arizona. My mom came in from San Diego to join us on this trip and some other friends came along also.

We left Tucson Friday morning and hurried to Clifton/Morenci, I had heard a lot about the small mining towns and wanted to check them out. Clifton was a really neat little town with the San Francisco river running right down the middle.

Clifton Court House

Bridge over the San Francisco River

We stopped to check out the old Jail dug out of the side of a cliff, it was open to walk right in and check out, according to the information the 1st prisoner was the miner who dug it!

.

Givin the dogs a break

We then headed up out of town. The highway snakes up through the monstrous mining operations that just leave you astounded by it's shear size.

Windy road!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

stay tuned for much more!:victory:

 

[drbandkgb]

very cool

 

[timh]

Highway 191 is the windiest road I have ever driven. Most of the road allows for 25-35 mph but you get a few sections to stretch your legs. Our friends had a little one also so there were many last second potty breaks and pulling over to let them catch up.

Had some Turkey cross the road in front of us.

When we finally got up on the rim we stopped at Blue Point (9200ft) to stretch the legs and gets some pictures.

Facing southwest

southeast

We continued up the highway to Hannigan Meadow, found our turn off and headed out into the forest via the maze of forest service roads in the area. When you turn off the highway there are signs advising that the area is the Mexican Wolf reintroduction area so I was hoping to see some.

Deer

And finally we arrive at the East fork of the Black River.

Rocco enjoying being out of the truck.

Wes set up camp up the hill from the West fork of the River. The river was only about 200 yards down the hill behind camp.

 

[timh]

Rocco already tired, he's not even that old but man does he like to lounge.

This was the 1st trip with the Kodiak Tent and we absolutely loved it.

Meadow across the road from camp.

Took an afternoon walk down to the river.

Louie wasted no time jumping in and getting wet.

 

[timh]

I woke up early Saturday morning and Kiley heard me so she jumped out of bed ready to go. We tried to wake my Mom up in her tent but she had already headed out for a morning hike. Kiley and I walked around a bit and got some pictures.

Then we hopped in the truck to do some exploring.

More Turkey across the road.

Another Deer.

We hadn't filled up since Clifton so we were a little worried about exploring too much and not finding gas quickly on the way out. We also needed some more ice so we took a trip to Alpine.

After filling up we found a different way back that was really nice. We stopped to let the kids and dogs play a bit.

We also went on a Mountain Bike ride on Saturday. We thought we has seen some deer off in the trees so we turned down a two track road to investigate. No deer but as we approached the meadow we got to see a wolf running through the trees on the other side of the meadow. Unfortunately no picture though.

 

[timh]

Another evening walk down to the river.

On the way back from Alpine we encountered quite a bit of rain but never did get any at camp. We were all pretty tired so we turned in pretty early.

Sunday morning at about 5am we awoke to the howls of a pack of wolves. They sounded like they were probably just across the road from camp. I think that was the best wake up call I ever received. We all got up and headed out in the truck hoping to catch a glimpse of the wolves or any other wildlife we could find.

We came across a herd of Antelope. They were completely un-bothered by us and allowed us to get some pics.

I can't imagine the wind force that this took!!!!!!:Wow1:

 

[timh]

After our early morning drive we packed up and started our journey home. We decided to go out past Big Lake and towards Show Low. Finally saw some elk on the way out.

Quick stop at the bottom of the Salt River Canyon.

The storms were building up on the way home!

We finally got into some rain between Mammoth and Oracle.

Almost home.

And that's it. A short three days but it was great trip. As I write this trip report I am already trying to decide when the next one will be.:smiley_drive:

 

[LandCruiserPhil]

Thanks for sharing, its such a great area.

 

[Lichen]

The Black River is easily one of my favorite destinations in AZ. Very nice pics.

 

[waterweber]

I do some work with the guys at Morenci and will definitely have to check this area out the next time I an out there.
Thanks.

 

[timh]

The Black River is easily one of my favorite destinations in AZ. Very nice pics.

This was the 1st time I had been there, and it definitely won't be the last!!!!:wings:

 

[LandCruiserPhil]

San Fransisco river FR212 is also an epic trip in that area. Not a stock friendly FR, you cross the river at least a dozen times and never see another vehicle.

 

[stolenheron]

fantastic wildlife shots

 

[Lichen]

He is me up there in the early 70's. I hope to get back up there at the end of the month and do a little fishing.

 

[timh]

He is me up there in the early 70's. I hope to get back up there at the end of the month and do a little fishing.

Nice Bus...Not to make you feel old or anything but that was long before I was born!:bowdown: