Pine Strawberry Trail, Mountain Biking with Howlie

You start off with a climb

Directions: Take Highway 87 north from the Valley through Payson to Hardscrabble Road in Pine. Turn East on Hardscrabble Road and travel 1.8 miles to the trail. There is a sign at the trail and limited parking.

Dog Friendly: Yes but bring water. There was a spring but it was only a trickle.

The Pine Strawberry trail is a good out and back ride that takes you from Pine to Strawberry on some nice forest, single track. There are some good climbs and descents, with a few rocky patches but the whole ride is doable, depending on your fitness level. The elevation tops out at 6,028 ft and has a low point of 5,689 ft. The trail offers some great views of Pine, Strawberry and beyond.

This was also the first single track ride that Howlie did with me and it was ideal for him. Although there was plenty of evidence that the trail gets used, I only met one group of hikers. It was also about 18 degrees cooler than the Valley. Howlie is an experienced, obedient off leash trail dog, that doesn't react much to other trail users. Know your dog's temperament and fitness before taking them mountain biking or hiking.

Christmas, Arizona: The Holiday is Over

Directions: Christmas is located on a closed road which is about 7 miles North of Winkelman off of Highway 77. The road to Christmas is well gated, with a permanent wall built across the road.

Christmas is one of the spots you see on a map and wonder what it's like and how it got such an un-Arizonan name. Christmas is another mining ghost town, just like so many others that dot the American Southwest. The area was found in 1878 and claims were staked that later became invalidated because they were on the San Carlos Indian Reservation. It took a few years but the boundaries of the reservation were changed and news of the boundary change was received on Christmas Eve, the new claim was named Christmas. The town of Christmas was established in 1905. After some up and down economics, the town grew to over 1,000 by the 1930s and had a grocery store, hat shop, dairy, school and a church.

The mine changed owners several times throughout it's history, closed and reopened depending on the price of copper. It converted from an underground mine to an open pit mine in the 1960s. The Christmas mine finally closed for good in the 1980s. During it's lengthy existence nearly 55 million tons of copper were mined as well as some gold and silver.

Most of the building have bulldozed and all that remains in most places are the foundations. There are a couple of shacks and some tanks that may be part of a processing plant. The views are great.

I mountain biked my way through the town and up to the mine. It was over a 1,000 feet of climbing on wide but rocky road. I imagine there are other mining roads that have access to the upper workings that you can access with an UHV.

Cane Springs Canyon to the Red Bird Mine

Park at the Bath Tub!

Directions: Take Highway 87 North towards Payson to Forest Road 26, which is on the right, about a half mile past Milepost 229. Your only going to be on FR 26 for a short distance, when you reach a parking area with a concrete water tank. There's a gate in the barb wire fence, go through gate, stay to the right to avoid tons o' cat claws. There's a short steep trail to the canyon.

Dog Friendly: Yes. The only cacti are prickly pear and there was flowing water. I'm not sure if it runs year round. There were some places that we had to scramble over rocks.

Cane Spring Canyon is another great day hike option if you're looking for

Howlie Swimming

something close to the valley and away from the crowded and popular hiking spots. There wasn't much of a trail but you can make your way at the bottom of the canyon with only a couple of spots where you have scramble up and down rocks. All three of my dogs handle them easily but Howlie, the youngest, took some coaxing in the steepest places. There was plenty of water flowing in the canyon creating some pools deep enough for the dogs to swim and stay cool. I was surprised because a lot of the creeks we've hiked recently were dry.

Where's the Road?

After you hike through Cane Spring Canyon, you can explore Corral Creek or brave the old mine roads from the Red Bird Mine, in the foothills of Mount Ord. The Red Bird was a mercury mine, worked in the 1960s. The roads are over grown and collapsing in places but they do offer some great views that hiking in the canyon didn't provide. There wasn't much left of the mine beyond some rusty old metal. It's always inspiring to see how nature reclaims itself.

The Hike to the Belmont Mine, History and a View

The Belmont Headframe

Directions: From Phoenix take the US 60 to Highway 177 South in Superior. Drive .9 miles to Apache Leap Rd. Travel 1.2 miles to what's left of an old mining road through Belmont Canyon. Stay on this trail and avoid any spurs to the left until you see the Grand Pacific Mine. The trail switch backs left just before the Grand Pacific.

Dog Friendly: So-so, there isn't any water most of year so pack enough for you and your pooch. This is not a summer time hike, Fall through early Spring. There is cactus through most of the hike but the teddy bear or jumping cholla disappear as you gain elevation. Just beware and make sure you have a cone and some needle nose pliers. I did not come across any open shafts on this hike but we stayed on the road.

If you're looking for a short, challenging hike with the opportunity to visit history, this is the hike for

The Belmont Shaft

you. The trail head is just outside of Superior, along Apache Leap Road. The hike is only around three miles round trip but you're gaining over 1,000 feet of elevation. Plus if you take some time to explore the areas around the Grand Pacific and Belmont Mines, it will add some more time to your trip. The trail is actually an old mine road but I think it's been deliberately destroyed to make it more difficult to get to the mines. It's weathered into a very rocky, rough single track.

The Belmont Mine is tucked into Belmont Canyon under the looming cliffs of the Apache Leap. Copper, gold, silver and host of other minerals have been dug out of the ground at the Belmont Mine. The area was first prospected in 1899 and mining began in 1913 through about 1945.

Ronin in the hoist house.

The site has two buildings still standing and the Belmont Shaft, that is caged for our safety. I had the dogs with me and for once I was grateful for the protection. The shaft is 1,600 ft deep, I leaned over the cage to look down and it appeared bottomless. When I dropped some rocks down it, I could hear them hit the sides but never heard the definitive thud when they hit the bottom. Besides the shaft there are supposed to be over 30,000 feet of underground workings. One of the surviving buildings is the hoist house that still has some of the machinery inside. You can smell the grease. The other building might have been a workshop and there were some rock walls as well that may have been another building. There were also two rusty water tanks. This is one of the few abandoned mines I've come across where the head frame is still there but unfortunately it's now at the foot of the tailings pile in Belmont Canyon. It would have been cool if they had left it standing.

The view along the hike is tremendous. You look west towards Picket Post Mountain, Superior and the Superstition Mountains. You look east upwards at Apache Leap, named from the legend of when 45 Apache Warrior cornered by cavalry troops chose to leap to their deaths rather than surrender. This legend is part of the argument against the Resolution Copper Mine at Oak Flat. An interesting side note is that when I took the surface tour of the Oak Flat Mine site, the guide who is a member of the San Carlos Reservation disputed the legend.

The Belmont Mine

MTB Journey to the Bronx...Mine

Directions: The Bronx Mine is only a mile or so off the US 60 but its not easy to get there. The old mine road is blocked by a ditch and rocks. There isn't good area to park near the road. I ended up parking on the other side of the 60 and riding my bike to the road. There is an old gate that you can get through to get to the road. The Google Map coordinates for the road 33.361712, -110.975440. It's about 1.5 miles East of Top of the World.

Good for Dogs: Not so much, with out better parking and access. I can't see walking my pack along the 60.

Molybdenite...I think

The Bronx Mine was worked in 1942 as a Molybdenite, Silver, Gold and Lead mine. The property was originally worked in 1890 for Gold, Silver and Copper. I found a collapsed adit and shaft that i believe is relatively deep. There are some interesting rocks in the tailings but the mine itself isn't all that amazing.

I wasn't expecting much from this mine but I was determined to get there. There are several roads that aren't accessible because of private land in Top of the World and that pisses me off. The terrain in that area is fascinating. The old mine road to the Bronx mine was a great downhill and there appear to miles more in the area. I got off to a late start and by the time I explored the mine is was getting dark. I will be back to explore the roads some more and other workings in the area. 

Collapsed Tunnel at the Bronx Mine

The Oxbow Mine

Directions: The Oxbow Mine is located off of Highway 87 near Payson, from the Bush Highway, take Highway 87, 46.5 miles to Forest Road 537. Stay on this road for two miles, where you come to the mine road on your left. The Oxbow mine is about .5 miles.

This was quick and easy trip to the Oxbow Mine, which was a gold, copper and silver (plus a boat load of other minerals.) Gold was discovered here in 1875 and the area was mined from 1916 to the 1980s. There was a main tunnel that was over 500 feet long with shafts and other workings. Besides the underground mine this was also a placer mine. This area shows extensive mineralization. All in all a good trip to some interesting Arizona history.

Tonto Creek and the Pittsburgh Tonto Mine

Directions: From the Mesa take Highway 87 to Highway 188. Stay on Highway 188 for 3.3 miles and your going to turn left on Forest Road 649 for .5 miles where you will turn right on Forest Road 184. This road is rough and would require a high clearance 4WD. I parked here and hiked because I wanted a good hike for the dogs and I'm not that confident in my off roading skills. The coordinates for the mine (34°00'01.3"N 111°17'43.5"W)

Dog Friendly: Yes, I went in August and Tonto Creek was flowing and there were large swimming areas. This would be an ideal hike for late fall, winter and early spring. We left early and it was hot on the trip back (95 degrees when we got back to the truck). There are two significant uphills so make sure you're packing enough water for the climb out of Tonto Creek. Know yourself and your dogs, heat kills. Also there are cows, so if your dogs like to chase them, probably want to keep them leashed.

The hike to Tonto Creek wasn't the most exciting terrain but the creek itself and the canyon it flows

Howlie and Ronin standing guard at a prospect

through was great. There were several large pools deep enough for the dogs to have to swim. I kept my boots dry until we came to a point where I had to wade through waist deep water to keep going to the mine. In August the water was great, I'd imagine it would be a little chilly in December.

Adit partially filled with sand

The Pittsburgh Tonto Mine was a gold mine established in 1942. It wasn't right on the creek but up on the steep side of the canyon; however, it was easy to spot because there was a cable running from other side of the creek to the mine. I don't know for sure if it was part of the original mine as way to get the ore to the other side of Tonto Creek. I climbed up to an adit that was partially full of sand. The surrounding rock was highly mineralized and colorful. I did not make it up to the other workings. The canyon walls were steep but did not require climbing gear. I was going to keep going but Ronin didn't like being left and came up with me. I knew getting down was going to be hard enough without a 110 pound ridgeback scrambling around with me. I am definitely coming back when it cools off, without the dogs.

Richinbar Mine and Ghost Town

Directions: The hike to this mine on the North Bound Lane of I17 just past the Sunset Point rest area. The coordinates from Google maps are (34.206753, -112.119748). There is a locked gate and with for parking. You will need to either climb the gate or squeeze through it. Follow the road past the wind mill and the cattle coral. You should see the FR 9006 marker. This will take you to the canyon and you can see some of the foundations. Follow the road along the canyon to the right and that will lead you to the mine workings.

Dog Friendly: Nope. There are some extremely deep mine shafts that aren't fenced and cattle.

Old Foundation at Richinbar

This is an area that you drive through on your way to Sedona, Prescott or Flagstaff as I've done for years. I knew there was a lot of mining on the other side of the I17 in the Bradshaws but I had never heard of the Richinbar Mine. I was looking for quick trip that my son and I could take on the way to Flagstaff and found this little historical gem.

This blog is mostly about places I take my dogs hiking or I go mountain biking but I'm also intrigued by old mines. In college I had an internship with Arizona State Mine Inspector locating and researching abandoned mines. It was a great summer jobs as I got paid to go to some remote and rugged locations around the state. I was always amazed at how the first explorers made their way to those places without roads and occasionally found their fortunes.

The Zyke Shaft

The Richinbar mine was founded in the1890s and worked until approximately 1948. They mined over 4600 Troy ounces of gold and another 1400 Troy ounces of silver. The mine also produced copper and lead. There are several shafts in the area, the deepest one being the Zyke shaft which was over 500 feet deep. This is a dangerous mine as some of the shaft are poorly fenced or not fenced at all. If you come here to explore be mindful where you step.

There are foundations for many buildings as well as a 20 stamp mill but thats pretty much all that remains. There are some very unique structures that I read may have been cyanide tanks but we thought maybe they were some type of kiln or oven. There's also a tank that looks like an old swimming pool on top of one of the hills. There are a lot of old bricks, cans and some broken bottles though out the site.

Storage, oven or a tank?

 Beyond the mine and the ruins, there are some fantastic views of the Aqua Fria Canyon. I've also read there are petroglyphs in the area. I would consider coming back to hike down into the canyon and check out the petroglyphs.

Oak Flat Mine Rd

Directions: Take US 60 towards Globe. The turn is at Mile Post 231, where you turn left onto a dirt road. Magma Mine Rd which takes you to the Oak Flat campground is the right had turn at this intersection. You want to stay on this main road as it turns left for a .5 miles until you come to a locked. This is where you park. The road should be easy enough for most cars.

Dog Friendly: Yes, minimal cactus. There was still water in the creek but it will probably be gone soon.

This one of my favorite hikes that is strictly for the dogs. It was 97 degrees when I left Mesa and when we got to the gate it was 83 degrees. It takes a little over 30 minutes to get there from the 202 and the 60. The whole hike is on an old mine road, so it's easy to follow and it's a gradual uphill that's almost unnoticeable.  The road follows a creek which is still barely running but was lot of fun all spring. We went in the afternoon so the route was shaded by the surrounding hills. The road leads to an old open pit copper mine. Watch out for cattle.

Haunted Canyon

Directions: Take US 60 East towards Globe-Miami, you're going to turn left on Pinto Valley Rd (Forest Road 287) which is .4 miles past Mile Post 239. Take Pinto Valley Rd approximately 7 miles to Forest road 3037. Drive this road until you come to a gate, there are several parking places.

Dog Friendly: Absolutely; however, the water is probably seasonal. Watch out for cattle!

This probably one of my favorite dog friendly hikes. It takes less than an hour to get there from the 202 and US 60, It's only a few degrees cooler than the valley but a lot of the hike is shaded. It's also an interesting drive as Pinto Valley Rd takes you through the heart of a large mining operation. As mentioned above there is a gate on FR3037 so you have hike 1.5 miles to the single track. It's not bad, the creek was running along the road for most the road to the trail head. It's an easy hike with only a few, short, steep climbs once you get on the trail. Lots of big trees and some stellar views.

Hike to the Sun Flower Mine

Directions: Take Highway 87 North towards Payson, your going to turn left on Forest Rd 627 which is approximately .6 miles past mile post 222. Your going to drive 1.2 miles and then make a right on Forest Rd 201 and then turn left in 1,3 miles on Forest Rd 25. I parked at a campsite where Forest Rd 25 meets Sycamore Creek. On the way to the mine we hiked along and in the creek and it eventually intersects with 25A, It wasn't bad but took longer. On the way back we hiked along 25A. The mine and the processing plant are the first road to the left. You can search for Sun Flower Mine on Google Maps. I have a 4wd truck but there are parts of 25A that I wouldn't drive and I'm there to wear the dogs out so I don't mind hiking.

Dog Friendly: Yes, I lucked out, it was 60 degrees and the West Fork of Sycamore Creek was still running. The dogs had a blast and as I write this they're all passed out.

Timbers and the sealed mine tunnel

The Sun Flower Mine (also known as the National Mine) was active from 1913 to the mid-1980s. It was mostly a mercury mine but gold, silver and copper were also mined. What makes this area great is that there is still some of the mercury processing plant still left but unfortunately not as much as there was before the 2012 Sun Flower fire. Beyond the processing plant the actual mine is about 1/2 mile away. All three of the tunnels have been sealed.

One of the sealed mine tunnels of the Sun Flower Mine

Despite the recent fire the hike along the creek was scenic and rugged. The view from parts of Forest Rd 25A was excellent. It was well worth the drive.

Hike to Asbestos Point

Directions: 91 miles to trail head. I took US 60 to Highway 188 and then Highway 288. The trail is actually Forest RD 489. This trail .1 miles past Mile Post 277. There is minimal parking on Highway 288 and a couple of spots slightly up FR 489 but you might need a high clearance vehicle.

Distance 7 miles round trip.

Dog Friendly: Yes, there was water but it's probably seasonal,. No concerns about cactus. If you plan on making it to the top, bring lots of water for you and your dog.


This was my second time up to Asbestos Point. The first time was in son's

One of the tunnels of the asbestos mine

FJ Cruiser a little over 2 years ago. It was a pretty brutal 4WD adventure. Since then a lot of the area was devastated by the Juniper Wild Fire.  I wanted to see what condition this left the road. It's not much of road in some places and is completely impassible by motorized vehicles (at least ones I know.).

It was a good hike and the dogs enjoyed it. There was water along the first 1/3 of the hike and then again about 3/4s of the way up. This could be seasonal. It was only 7 miles round trip but it was an almost 2000 foot elevation gain from the trail head. Although it was an old road there will still some steep and rocky sections. Most of the way up your hiking through Pocket Creek Canyon, so it's pretty well shaded. There were still a lot of green trees in the lower portion of the hike but eventually you get to the effects of the fire.

The Asbestos mine consists of few a tunnels and of course the white tailings (Angel Wings) that can easily be seen from below. This mine was founded in the early 1900s, There is also some equipment still left and some ore cart tracks. Remember, abandoned mines can be dangerous even without asbestos!

Riding to Bellevue, Arizona

Time to Parking: 50 minutes from the 202 and the US 60 (33.354949, -110.966477)

Man Made Waterfall

Directions: The turn off is on the right .2 miles past US 60 mile post 236. You're going to travel .8 miles and there will be a turn off on your left and a clearing to park. There's a weird man made wall that created a small water fall.After you park, ride back to the dirt road, take the road to the right before you cross the bridge over the creek. Make an immediate left and cross the creek (creek bed in the summer.) Take this road up for 2 miles where you'll hit Hutton Peak Road. Turn left and this will take you to Bellevue.

Distance: 3.5 Miles to Bellevue(33.332131, -110.945384)

Dog Friendly: Yes, minimal cactus, pretty isolated. There was water but probably not in the summer.

Bellevue's Last Standing Structure

I find a lot places by scrolling through Google or Apple Maps in satellite view. I found Bellevue, Arizona by looking for some places to take the dogs hiking. Bellevue is a ghost town that was founded in 1906 to support the Gibson Copper Mine, there were 300 residents at it's height. The post office closed in 1927 and that was the end of Bellevue.

Copper Mill Equipment

It looked easy enough to get to, at least digitally. My first attempt was taking Forest Road 3 but it ran into a gate saying it was private property. I was disappointed but found a great hike for the dogs. I set out again a few weeks later, this time trying Hutton Peak Road out Top of the World, again ran into a gate and someones ranch or farm. Just like the first time I picked another random road and went exploring with the dogs. That's how I found the jeep trail that google calls "unnamed road".

Turn left here!

I checked it out and sure enough, this road eventually hit Hutton Peak Road well past the ranch. It was steep, rocky and still a good ways from Bellevue. I was already running out of sun light and it would have been a monster hike. I decided that if biked it I would at least be able to cut the travel time considerably by being able to ride down hill.

I'm not going to lie, the climb sucked. I still need to work on my fitness but this would have been tough in my cycling prime. This ride had over a 1000 feet of climbing but it's all rideable depending on your fitness. It's mostly uphill until you get to Hutton Peak Road and then you're treated to a good descent into Bellevue. That descent also means you get another tough climb out of Bellevue. There are some great views from the top of the climb and the decent is fast and fun. Watch out for the bushes on either side of the road, some of the best lines got me bush whacked! Here's link to part of the descent.  http://youtu.be/jJuNV3RjzAA

Gibson Copper Mill

Copper Ore

Bellevue is... well what most Arizona ghost towns turn out to be. A few foundations, a shed and piles of junk. The foundation for the Gibson Copper Mill is there along with some remnants of metal mill equipment. There are also a lot mine tailings and some ore. Along the road there are some other mine workings but nothing to interesting or significant. This was definitely more about the ride than the destination.

View from the top