More Exploring in Tonto National Forest

We were told of a nice short trip just North of Mesa in the Tonto Forest.  Bush Highway (87) leads you into the forest  and there are several recreation sites.  The weather the past two weeks hasn't been great with rain, cold temps and snow!  No it didn't snow in Mesa but the higher elevations sure got some.  I have learned that elevation is very important for warmer temps.  The higher you are the colder it is.  It has been warmer back home in Wilmington NC then it has been here!  Dang jet stream is messing up my good weather. 

You will see Red Mountain.  It wasn't very red in the morning but on the return trip with the afternoon sun it was clear how it got it's name.  The mountains out here are always changing.

In the summer months the Salt River is the place to be to stay cool by tubing down the river.  We drove in to the Goldfield recreation site to find all kinds of RVs set up right in the parking lot complete with a camp host.  It was a beautiful day and nobody was around as they were probably hiking or on 4 wheelers but it peaked our interest to find out more.

Next we came across Pebble Beach and again the same sight.  RVs boondocking in the parking lot.  This time there were folks around so we struck up a conversation with them and got the scoop.  Oct 15th - April 15th you can camp for  $6 a day.  There are no hookups so you have to boondock but there are toilets.  There are good sized shelters that you can use with picnic tables.  The folks we talked to had a wonderful outdoor living room set up complete with an above ground fire pit (no fires allowed on the ground).  They told us they have been camping there for the 4 past winters meeting up with friends and having a large time.  Cocktail hour starts around 3, dinner on the grill and then a campfire.  Oh how we miss having a fire.  When you become a senior the cost is $3 a day.  I believe they said the camp host has hookups.  They are only about 10 minutes from town and there is a gas station that provides sewer and water for $10.  We will definitely keep this info in our memory banks for the next time we are in the area. 

These 2 pictures are at Pebble Beach where the rafters will come through.  Of course the river is low at this time of the year but they did say there were people that metal detected along it so Mark may have to come back.  Not sure if we could kayak in this location as some parts of the river are very shallow right now.

Farther on up the road you will come to Saguaro Lake which is a popular location for fishing and water sports.  There is a marina and restaurant.

On the return trip we took Usery Road which leads you to Buckhorn Campground in Usery Mountain Regional Park.  This was a nice campground with water and electric.  They have 4 work campers and is probably a pretty good gig.  Again we will have to remember this park as well.  We drove through the whole park and at the last cul de sac Mark spotted Mr. Coyote.

It's he beautiful!

Leaving the park you will see the sign to Phoenix.  I am told they are there to help the pilots with navigation.

                                                                      Happy Trails