Thanks Tim!
This is the Rattlesnake Canyon area at the northeast end of the Galiuro Mountains. Access to this particular area is via Rattlesnake Rd., from Aravaipa Rd. near Klondyke, and requires signing in and out and carrying a "Ranch Pass" in the vehicle. This is because you are crossing a private ranch which grants access to sportsmen and recreationists through an agreement with AZ Game & Fish Dept. But once you cross the ranch property and enter the Coronado National Forest, you can camp pretty much anywhere. The road is steep and rocky in spots, so I recommend 4wd and high clearance, especially along the last few miles of two-track as you approach the trailhead at the Galiuro Wilderness boundary. The sections of road in my photos are pretty mild by comparison. Spring and fall would be best, weather-wise. Summer would be very hot, and there could be significant snow in winter. Elevation is in the 4,000 - 6,000 ft. range. We were about a month late for the best fall color, the little maples and big sycamores down in the canyons had all dropped most of their leaves already. Early Oct. would be nice. As far as things to take or not, nothing special...whatever you normally take. I would recommend camera and binoculars. One thing to keep in mind is hunting seasons. Because access to the National Forest is somewhat limited, hunters and their vehicles will be concentrated in those areas. So if you like solitude and don't want trucks and quads running up and down the roads past your camp, you might want to plan a trip between seasons.
Roger
