Arizona, New Mexico & the Grand Canyon Trips (Lonely Planet, 1st Edition) - Aaron Anderson [62]
Josh Krist
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TRIP INFORMATION
GETTING THERE
The town furthest from Phoenix on this trip, Snowflake, is 175 miles northeast.
DO
Boyce Thompson Arboretum
The 1½-mile main trail goes past most of the arboretum’s 3200 plant species; taking in dramatic scenery that includes canyon walls and a small lake. 520-689-2811; http://ag.arizona.edu/bta; 37615 US Hwy 60, Superior; adult/child $7.50/3; 8am-4pm, seasonal variations
Butterfly Lodge Museum
The home of James Willard Schultz, the adventurer and writer who penned My Life as an Indian about his time with the Blackfeet tribe. The art of his son, Lone Wolf, is on display. 928-735-7514; www.wmonline.com/butterflylodge.htm; adult/youth $2/1; 10am-5pm, Memorial Day-Labor Day Thu-Sun & holidays
Fort Apache National Historic Park
Cruise through the White Mountain Apache Cultural Center & Museum or take a walking tour of the US military fort. 928-338-4525; www.wmat.nsn.us; Whiteriver; adult/senior/child $5/3/free; 8am-5pm Mon-Fri, seasonal variations
Lost Dutchman State Park
Hiking trails abound, but bring lots of water – finding the fabled Lost Dutchman Gold Mine will put you in the history books. 480-982-4485; 6109 N Apache Trail, Apache Junction; sunrise-10pm
Rim Country Museum
The region’s history in several buildings, including a replica of Zane Grey’s cabin. 928-474-3483; www.rimcountrymuseums.com; 700 Green Valley Pkwy, Payson; adult/teen/senior $3/2/2.50; noon-4pm Wed-Mon
Sunrise Park Resort
It’s worth the trip here just to see the White Mountains at their most scenic. Summer activities abound and the skiing is the best in the state. 928-735-7669; www.sunriseskipark.com; Greer; day lift tickets adult/child $46/37, r from $69
Superstition Mountain Museum
The Elvis Presley Memorial Chapel is a must-see and it has an interesting exhibit on the Lost Dutchman Gold Mine. 480-983-4888; www.superstitionmountainmuseum.org; 4087 N Apache Trail, Apache Junction; adult/senior/child $5/2/4; 9am-4pm
Tonto National Forest Payson Ranger Station
For information on camping and activities in the fifth-largest forest in the United States and to buy a Tonto Pass. 928-474-7900; www.fs.fed.us/r3/tonto; 1009 E Hwy 260, Tonto; day pass $6; 8am-5pm Mon-Fri
Tonto Natural Bridge State Park
Tucked into a tiny, forested valley about 10 miles northwest of Payson proper, it protects the largest natural travertine bridge in the world. 928-476-4202; adult/under 13 $3/free; 8am-7pm May-Sep, 8am-6pm Apr, Sep & Oct, 9am-5pm Nov-Mar
Troutback
Learn how to catch a whopper – or at least tell one convincingly – with the fly-fishing instructors here. 520-532-3474; www.troutback.com; Show Low; half-day lessons from $150, trips from $225
EATING
Amberian Peaks Lodge & Restaurant
The great outdoors and classy digs mingle seamlessly – no wonder it’s a favorite for weddings. Low season is March to May. 928-735-9977; www.peaksaz.com; 1 Main St, Greer; r $125-235, 4-person cabin from $200
Osmer D Heritage Inn
A B&B set in a historic house; groups should see if they can get a private dinner. If spending the night (rooms $105 to $130), three rooms have Jacuzzis. 928-536-3322; www.heritage-inn.net; 161 N Main St, Snowflake; meals $20
Roadrunner Espresso
This relative newcomer has already become a local favorite for powering up with strong mochas and a mouthwatering assortment of pastries, bagels and sandwiches. 928-472-7229; 511 S Beeline Hwy, Payson; sandwiches $6; 6am-5pm Mon-Sat, 8am-3pm Sun
SLEEPING
Best Western Payson Inn
Dependable and good value, this 99-room property in a mock-Tudor building has modern-looking rooms (get a deluxe for extra space). Rates include a modest breakfast. Children under 17 stay free