Exploring Control Road #38: Old Mt. Lemmon Road A Scenic Journey Through Coronado National Forest
Discover the hidden gem of Control Road #38 also known as old Mt. Lemmon road in the Coronado National Forest! This historic path, once the only trail up the Santa Catalinas, now offers a scenic byway for adventurers seeking breathtaking views and a taste of the wild. Journey through a land of legends, with old mines and ranches, and enjoy stunning overlooks of the San Pedro Valley and distant mountain ranges. Control Road #38 is more than just a road—it's a journey through history, nature, and the heart of the mountain. 🌄🚗 #Adventure #Nature #History #scenicdrives
Discover the American Flag Ranch in Arizona, a living chapter of the Wild West! Founded by Isaac Lorraine from Martinique, this ranch was more than just cattle and silver—it was a community hub. The American Flag Post Office, established in 1880, became a lifeline, connecting people across distances. Today, it stands as a proud symbol of endurance and heritage, etched into the National Register of Historic Places. Join us in celebrating this iconic piece of Arizona's history!
Discover the Arizona Trail, starting right next to the old post office! This incredible path, envisioned by schoolteacher Dale Shewalter in the '70s, stretches over 800 miles from Mexico to Utah. Shewalter's journey in 1985 inspired many to appreciate Arizona's stunning landscapes, from deep canyons to towering mountains. Officially designated a National Scenic Trail in 2009, the Arizona Trail showcases the state's natural beauty and rich history. Join us as we explore this testament to the enduring spirit of the West!
Discover the hidden gem of Peppersauce Campground in the Coronado National Forest! Imagine the sun casting dappled shade through Arizona sycamores and walnut trees, creating a perfect autumn scene with golden leaves. Gather around the campfire with off-road enthusiasts, families, and wanderers, sharing stories of lost gold, mysterious disappearances, and the legendary hot sauce thief. Join us for an unforgettable adventure!
Discover the wild side of Peppersauce Creek! Usually dry, this creek transforms into a roaring force during mountain rains, carving deep canyons. Flash floods? Absolutely! Learn about Alex McKay, the 1880s prospector with a love for hot sauce, and the mystery of his vanished spicy elixir. Was it a ghost or a coyote with a craving? Find out in this thrilling tale! 🌊🌵🌶️
Discover the mystique of Peppersauce Cave, just a short trip from camp! Once a refuge for natives and settlers, this cave echoes with history. Marvel at the stalactites, uncover secrets etched in limestone, and maybe even spot a ghost or two. Join a guided tour to delve deeper into this timeless wonder. Next time you visit, keep your hot sauce close, listen to the whispers of the wind, and remember: legends are the heartbeat of the land.
In 1881, amidst the wild west of Tombstone and the US Cavalry's pursuit of Apaches, Sara Allen Plummer Lemmon, a determined botanist, set her sights on Mount Lemmon. With grit and passion, she journeyed to the peak, leaving her mark on the rugged landscape. The mountain was named in her honor, celebrating her spirit and love for the flora. To the Tohono O’odham, this peak is Babad Do’ag, Frog Mountain, a name rich with ancient tales and memories.
Discover the hidden gem of the Campo Bonito Mine in Arizona's rugged wilderness! Nestled in Pinal County, this tungsten-rich treasure was unearthed before 1908. From 1915 to 1916, miners chased veins of tungsten, gold, silver, and lead. Even Buffalo Bill Cody had a stake in this mine, adding a twist to its rich history. Though the mine is closed now, its story lingers in the desert sands. Join us as we explore this fascinating piece of history!
Explore the Oracle Ridge Mine near Summerhaven on Mount Lemmon! Discovered in 1900, this historic mine has been vital to Arizona's mining legacy. Operating since 1937, it uses room and pillar mining to extract bornite from Pliocene-era diorite. Nestled in the Mexican Highland, it's a testament to the desert's enduring spirit.
Explore the wildlife of Mount Lemmon! 🏞️ From the agile Coatimundi with their twisty ankles to the majestic Mexican Spotted Owl, there's so much to see. Keep an eye out for White-Tailed Deer, Wild Turkeys, and maybe even a rare Brown Bear sighting. 🌲🦉🦌
Join us as we uncover the secrets of these amazing creatures and their mountain home. Keep your boots dusty and your heart open to the wonders of nature! 🌿✨ #MountLemmon #WildlifeAdventure #naturelovers
Explore Mount Lemmon's secrets! From the haunted Iron Door Mine and the elusive Lost Lemmon Gold Mine to the mystical white stag and the charming retreat of Summerhaven. Uncover legends, history, and hidden treasures in this captivating journey. Will you find the gold or glimpse the stag? Join me to find out! #MountLemmon #adventure #history #mystery
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Turkey Creek Cliff Dwelling Bonita Cemetary Billy the Kid Shot his First Man and Klondyke Ghost Town
In this video, we explore Turkey creek cliff dwelling. But first we will make a stop at the Bonita cemetery and visit the grave of Frank Windy Cahill. The first man Billy the kid shot, then we will stop at the ghost town of Klondyke before moving on to the cliff dwelling.
In 1877, in Bonita, Arizona, outside Atkins Saloon, under a tree, young Billy the Kid (then known as Henry Antrim) found himself in a heated altercation with a burly blacksmith named Frank “Windy” Cahill. Cahill had been bullying Billy, and tensions escalated. On that fateful day, Cahill went too far, calling Billy a “pimp.” In response, Billy called Cahill a “Son of a B.” The confrontation turned physical, and Cahill easily threw Billy to the ground.
Pinned beneath the stronger man, Billy panicked. He drew his pistol and shot Cahill, who succumbed to his wounds the next day. Some witnesses believed Billy had no choice but to use his weapon, while others questioned whether the shooting was justified since Cahill hadn’t drawn his own gun. Regardless, this incident marked Billy the Kid’s first kill.
Our next stop is the ghost town of Klondyke.
Klondyke was founded around 1900 by miners who had recently returned from Alaska after participating in the Klondike Gold Rush. The town is situated west of Safford in the picturesque Aravaipa Valley. During its heyday, Klondyke had a population of around 500 people, primarily engaged in mining for led and silver, as well as nearby cattle ranching.
Unfortunately, Klondyke’s population dwindled over time, and today, only about a dozen residents remain. The Great Depression led to many leaving, and the post office closed in 1955. Despite this decline, the Klondyke General Store and Power’s Cabin (located south of the town) have been preserved and are now open to tourists.
Klondyke is home to one of Arizona’s most notorious stories. The Klondyke Cemetery holds the remains of “Old Man” Jeff Power, his family, and others. In 1918, a shootout occurred at Power’s cabin in the Galiuro Mountains, resulting in fatalities and an escape into Mexico. The Power brothers were later released from prison.
Our final destination is Turkey Creek Cliff Dwelling.
Nestled in the northern foothills of the Galiuro Mountains of southeastern Arizona lies Turkey Creek, a small riparian canyon that flows into Aravaipa Creek. Lined with large sycamore, Arizona walnut, and Arizona white oak trees, this narrow canyon provides a quiet retreat for picnicking and camping. Numerous small pull-outs along the three-mile length of the canyon are perfect for primitive camping. Day hiking is easy along the canyon bottom, a jumping off point to the east entrance of Aravaipa Canyon Wilderness. Colorful birds, as well as an occasional deer, javelina, or even a coatimundi, can be seen on early morning walks along the dirt road. A short trail leads to a prehistoric cliff dwelling; remnants of 120 years of homesteading and ranching are visible in the canyon.
The Turkey Creek cliff dwelling is one of the most intact structures of its kind in southeastern Arizona. It was probably occupied for a few months each year by prehistoric farmers around 1300 A.D. These people, of the Salado culture, probably collected plants along Turkey Creek, grew corn, and hunted wild animals. Salado farmers disappeared suddenly around 1450 A.D.
The construction of cliff dwellings like the Turkey Creek site involved impressive engineering and resourcefulness.
They chose natural alcoves or overhangs in cliffs as building sites. These provided shelter, protection from the elements, and a stable foundation.
Builders used locally available materials such as sandstone, limestone, and adobe (a mixture of clay, sand, and straw). These materials were abundant and easy to work with.
To hold stones together, they created mortar from clay, sand, and water. This adhesive helped stabilize the walls.
Walls were constructed in layers. Builders placed large stones as the base layer, followed by smaller stones and adobe. The final layer was often plastered with more adobe or mud.
For roofs and floors, they used wooden beams (usually juniper or pine). These beams spanned the alcove, supporting the upper levels.
To access upper levels, they carved handholds into the cliff face or used ladders made from logs.
Some dwellings had storage rooms built into the cliffs. These were used for food, tools, and other necessities.
Access to Turkey Creek is via a dirt road that is maintained by Graham County. Conditions vary with seasonal precipitation and may require high-clearance vehicles and sometimes four-wheel drive. Restrooms are located at a small parking area near the wilderness boundary; maps and information about the wilderness are available at the BLM ranger station in Klondyke.
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The Hunt for the Redfield Canyon Cliff House known as the Hope Jones Cliff House in Southern Arizona
The search for the Redfield Canyon Cliff House, also known as the Hope Jones Cliff House in Southern Arizona, is a fascinating journey into the region's history.
In this difficult journey I will take you to the Redfield Canyon Cliff house also known as the Hope Jones Cliff House.
In Redfield Canyon, within the Galiuro Mountains, stands a cliff house constructed by a cowboy named Chick Logan. Chick, who rounded up wild horses in the canyon during the 1930s, met and wed Harriet, a divorcee with two children, on a trip to Reno, Nevada. The family returned to Arizona and began building their home into the cliff of Redfield Canyon in 1936, completing it after three years. Although the Logan Family resided there briefly, the experience profoundly impacted Harriet's son, Frank Logan, who penned the short novel "A Cave House Ranch" inspired by their life in Redfield Canyon.
In the 1930s, Hope Iselin, a young woman in her twenties, arrived in Arizona. She began purchasing land around Redfield Canyon and acquired a house from the Logan Family. Her initial intention was to raise horses and allow them to roam freely. Originating from a well-known Rhode Island family of affluent financiers and thoroughbred horse owners, her experience with horses may have fueled her passion for the Western lifestyle.
Hope married a cowboy named Honeycutt Jones, and they had a son, Archer, before divorcing. For some time, Hope raised her son in the secluded cliff house. She resided there for over a decade, later splitting her time between Redfield Canyon and a small horse ranch on the east side of Tucson. The ranch in Redfield Canyon, operated by Hope, was known as the C-Spear Ranch. The Bureau of Land Management eventually prohibited her from grazing her horses on BLM land, and the ranch shifted to solely cattle operations. A cowboy employed by Hope and his family resided in the cliff house for two years.
As of 2001, the C-Spear Ranch was still active in Redfield Canyon under the management of cowboy Johnny Lavin. Hope Jones, who celebrated her 94th birthday in 2001, resided in a Tucson apartment. She retained ownership of the nearby small horse ranch, which she visited occasionally. Despite vandalism over time, the cliff house continues to stand as a stunningly beautiful marvel for those determined enough to discover it.
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Embarking on the Copper Creek Rd, Bunker Hill Rd and the Challenging Sybley Mansion Spur in a Bronco
Embark on an off-road adventure to the Sybley Mansion. Today we'll tackle the challenging Sybley Mansion spur, navigating the rocky terrain in a Ford Bronco Sport. While the journey's end may be somewhat disappointing, the real excitement lies in traversing Copper Creek Road, Bunker Hill Road, and the challenging Sybley Mansion spur in Southern Arizona.
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An Off-Road Journey up Copper Creek Road to Explore the Historic Copper Creek Mine in a Ford Bronco
Set off on a 12-mile off-road adventure in the Ford Bronco Sport, traversing Copper Creek Road up to the historic Copper Creek mine ruins in Mammoth, Arizona. You'll encounter stunning views, rockslides, and an oasis along the way.
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Exploring the Apache Chief Cochise Stronghold in the Dragoon Mountains of Southern Arizona
Cochise Stronghold, situated west of Sunsites, Arizona in the Dragoon Mountains at an elevation of 5,000 feet, is a picturesque woodland area encased in a bastion of granite domes and steep cliffs. It once served as a sanctuary for the renowned Apache Chief, Cochise, and his tribe. For approximately 15 years, this formidable natural fortress acted as the residence and strategic headquarters for the celebrated Chiricahua Apache leader, Cochise. He, along with roughly 1,000 of his followers, including about 250 warriors, took refuge here.
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Exploring the Wild West: Fairbank Ghost Town in Southern Arizona
In today's video, we journey back to the Wild West with a visit to Fairbank Ghost Town in Southern Arizona. We'll explore the historic schoolhouse and the remnants of old buildings. Join me for a hike to see the Fairbank cemetery and the ancient mill that processed silver ore from Tombstone.
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Did I Discover Alien Evidence in the Petroglyphs at Honey Bee Canyon Park Oro Valley Arizona
In today's video we head out to Honey Bee Canyon Park located in Oro Valley Arizona. I will take you along with me on a one mile hike to a bolder with strange petroglyphs. Could these ancient drawings tell us about alien visitors?
Would you like to help out?
https://www.givesendgo.com/JacksTacoFund
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A Look at Copper Mining History at the San Manuel Historical Museum in San Manuel Arizona
In today's video I will take you to the San Manuel Historical Museum where I learn about the rich copper mining history of the town of San Manuel Arizona. I will show you old photos and maps as well as some beautiful mineral specimens. You will also hear the story of the white boots ghost.
San Manuel Historical Museum Facebook Page:
https://www.facebook.com/sanmanuelhistory/
If you like my videos and would like to help?
https://www.givesendgo.com/JacksTacoFund
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Hiking the Nature Trail and a Tour of the Kannally Ranch House at Oracle State Park Oracle Arizona
Come with me on a cold and windy hike on the nature trail in Oracle State Park Oracle Arizona. I will then take you on a tour of the Kannally Ranch House. The Kannally Ranch House was built in 1929-1932 and is of Mediterranean Revival Style with Moorish influences, patterned on Italianate villas of the 1920s.
Would you like to help out?
https://www.givesendgo.com/JacksTacoFund
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A Hike Around the Nature Trail in Catalina State Park Tucson Arizona
In today's video I take you to Catalina State Park in Tucson Arizona. I will hike the Nature Trail. This trail is a one-mile loop trail with signs that describe the local wildlife and plants of the Sonoran Desert. I will also show you what the local animal tracks look like.
Would you like to help out?
https://www.givesendgo.com/JacksTacoFund
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A Visit to a Once Great Community, The Casa Granda Ruins National Monument, in Coolidge Arizona
In today's video, I will explore the history and stories of the Casa Grande Ruins National Monument. The word Casa Grande is Spanish for Great house. I will show you the extended network of communities and irrigation canals of the ancestral Sonoran Desert people's farming community which are preserved at Casa Grande Ruins.
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A trip to Saguaro National Park West and a Hike up Signal Hill in Tucson Arizona
Today I take you to the Saguaro National Park west where you can see the majestic giant Saguaro cactus. I will show you a great picnic area to stop and relax and I will then hike up Signal Hill and show you rock petroglyphs that are over 900 years old. At the end of the day, I am sworn in as a junior ranger for the Saguaro National Park.
Jack's Taco Fund:
https://www.givesendgo.com/JacksTacoFund
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Having Fun at Apple Annie's Corn Maze and Picking Pumpkins in Wilcox Arizona
Let's have some fun this Fall at Apple Annie's Farm in Wilcox Arizona! I will go through a corn maze and answer some Halloween trivia questions to guide me through the maze and pick some pumpkins in the pumpkin patch.
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A Walk Through the Forever Wild, Forever Fun Reid Park Zoo in Tucson Arizona
Join me today on this wild and fun walk through at the Reid Park Zoo! You will see elephants, lions, flamingos and Giraffes! I will take you to a forest full of birds and I get to pet a snake!
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A Trip to Apache Pass and a Hike to Fort Bowie National Historic Site in Arizona
A hike through history. Come with me on this 1 1/2-mile hike to historic Fort Bowie. I will show you the ruins of an old miner's cabin, The remains of one of the Butterfield stage stops, the fort Bowie cemetery of the 1800's, an Apache camp, Apache springs and a tour around the Fort Bowie ruins. I will take you inside the visitor's center where I earn my Fort Bowie junior ranger badge.
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A Walk Up to the Lower Cliff Dwelling at Tonto National Monument in Arizona
Come along with me as we walk the half mile trail up to the 700 year old lower cliff dwelling at Tonto National Monument in central Arizona. I will dive into some of the history of the park as well as the Salado people that once called it home. Afterwards, I will show you the perfect place to have a picnic lunch at Roosevelt Lake.
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A Four Mile Hike on the Echo Canyon Loop Trail at the Chiricahua National Monument
Join me on this four mile hike of the Echo Canyon Loop trail at the Chiricahua National Monument. It is a combination of three trails, Echo Canyon, Hailstone and Ed Riggs Trails. The route winds through spectacular rock formations including the Grottoes and Wallstreet to the densely wooded Echo Park. Hailstone Trail is fairly level, and due to its southern exposure, hotter and dryer. You will see more desert plants: yuccas, agaves, prickly pear and hedgehog cactus. Ed Riggs Trail takes you back to the trailhead among large pine trees. At the end, I will be sworn in as a Chiricahua National Monument junior ranger.
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Hiking Children's Cave Trail at Picacho Peak State Park and Being sworn in as a State Park Jr Ranger
A trip to Picacho Peak State Park to hike the children's cave trail and walking the historical loop trail. We will talk about some of the area's history. I will then be sworn in as a Picacho Peak State Park Jr. Ranger.
Picacho Peak State Park website: https://azstateparks.com/picacho/
My Taco fund: https://www.givesendgo.com/GAYRV
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A Drive Up Mt. Graham with Switchbacks, Hair Pin Curves and Rocky Dirt Roads
Today we take you on a 32 mile scenic drive up Mt Graham Arizona to Riggs Flat Lake. You will experience breathtaking views, Hairpin curves, Switchbacks and a rocky dirt road all the way to the top. Before we make the climb, we will make a quick stop at the Bonita General Store where Billy the Kid shot and killed his first man for hacking on him.
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Walking The Legends of Superior LOST Trail To The Claypool Tunnel
On today's video we take you to the Legends of Superior LOST Trail: Superior to the Claypool Tunnel crossing over the old Queen Creek bridge and walking under the new Queen Creek bridge. We will talk about some of the history of the Miami to Superior highway and US Route 180, US Route 60 and US Route 70 in Arizona.
You can tip me at my taco fund here:
https://www.givesendgo.com/GAYRV
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A Stop at Rooster Cogburn Ostrich Ranch to Feed the Stingrays and Mom Kissed a Goat!
In today's video we stopped by Rooster Cogburn Ostrich Ranch located off Interstate 10 Exit #219 in Arizona. We fed Ostrich, Miniature Sicilian Donkeys, Nigerian Dwarf Goats, Fallow Deer, Peking Ducks, Boer Goats, Rainbow Lorikeets, Bunnys, Desert Tortoises and stingrays! We had a great time!
Rooster Cogburn Ostrich Ranch: https://www.roostercogburn.com/
Jacks Taco Fund: https://www.givesendgo.com/GAYRV
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A trip to Arizona's The Thing? Dragoon Springs Stagecoach Stop & Rattlesnake Ranch Sculpture Garden
In today's video, we take a day trip to Southeastern Arizona to Bowlin's The Thing? Travel Center where we discover the mysteries and the possibilities of What If? We take you through the museum and discover The Thing? Next, we travel to a remote location and visit the site of Dragoon Springs stagecoach stop where we dive into some of the history of this historical site and visit the graves of the long since passed soldiers. Our last stop, we will visit the Rattlesnake Ranch Sculpture Garden and marvel at the intricate sculptures of dinosaurs, American Indians and horses displayed for our viewing pleasure. I hope you enjoy this video.
You can give tips to my Taco Fund here at this link:
https://www.givesendgo.com/GAYRV
This fund helps me to make more videos for you to enjoy.
You can get your permit at this link:
https://azland.my.salesforce-sites.com/recreationalpermit/
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Hiking Aravaipa Canyon Wilderness West
Ready to get your feet wet? Come along with Jack to the Aravaipa Canyon Wilderness West! Explore towering cliffs, flowing water and a rich diversity of flora and fauna, Aravaipa Canyon Wilderness remains as one of Arizona's truly unique areas. Its 19,410 acres of designated wilderness beckons adventurers who yearn for solitude and scenic splendor. We will explore a little of Arizona's history along the way. We will learn about old Fort Grant.
Jack's Arizona Adventures Taco Fund: https://www.givesendgo.com/GAYRV
Aravaipa Canyon Wilderness Permits: https://www.recreation.gov/permits/251864
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Exploring the Chiricahua National Monument
In this video, I will take you to the Chiricahua National Monument. We will explore the beauty and history of the area. A "Wonderland of Rocks" is waiting for you to explore at Chiricahua National Monument. The 8-mile paved scenic drive and 17-miles of day-use hiking trails provide opportunities to discover the beauty, natural sounds, and inhabitants of this 12,025-acre site. We will visit the Faraway Ranch Historic District to discover more about the people who have called this area home. Welcome to Jack's Arizona Adventures! If you can, give to my taco fund at https://www.givesendgo.com/GAYRV This will help me make more videos.
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