Autumn in Arizona is not like where I grew up, in New England. But, seek and a good diversity of fall foliage can be found in Southeast Arizona. From Tucson, that can mean an easy day trip to places like Mt Lemon and Madera Canyon or scheduling a weekend get-away to the Mt Graham region.
Ever the adventurer, I have had my sights on Mt Graham for a few years now. The Pinaleno Mountains are more than just a day trip away, which, on this occasion, is all the time I had to spend. Still my curiosity and quest to find fall foliage in a somewhat more obscure region of southern Arizona got the best of me, so off I went.
From northwest Tucson, it takes about two and a half hours to get to the start of Swift Trail Highway, the main entryway into the mountains. This highway was originally a wagon road, which was later improved. Arizona designated it a state scenic highway in 1993. It encompasses a thirty-five mile stretch, which ends at Riggs Flat Lake and is slow going the entire way. The speed limit fluctuates, between 10-25 miles per hour. If you decide to venture this way, you would be very wise to adhere to them.
With no guardrails, the Swift Trail Highway is no place for impatient drivers! It only takes a deer to run in front of you, for you to veer off a cliff. Please read these driving tips from the Mt Graham Observatory, to ensure your trip will be a safe one.
I saw the BUTT OUT sign, at the start of Swift Trail Highway. This image is a marriage of two separate photos, the sign and the highway, united with Photoshop. After the wildfire season we had last year, the message is very much appreciated.
The road snakes, for much of the way up. Maple trees seem to thrive, along the many shaded slopes.
From top to bottom, the mountain sides are heavily forested, with as much diversity of flora as you will find in southwestern United States.
An incredible mix of conifers exist as well. Impressive views of lower mountain ranges abound.
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Aspen Ridge ~ Black and White
I made it just beyond Hospital Flat, where I took this photo, before I had to turn around. (Night time travel is discouraged.) The area is called Hospital Flat, because injured cavalry soldiers were brought up to this high mountain place, to escape the intense summer heat, in the valley below.
The trip to the Mount Graham region was definitely worth the effort. At times, it looked and felt like I was riding along the Mohawk Trail in western Massachusetts. Other times, it reminded me of the woods in Maine. The next time, I will plan to spend more than just an afternoon.
If you love the outdoors, you should go, too, but, please don‘t fall off the cliff! Traveling the Swift Trail Highway can be as dangerous, as the scenery is beautiful.
NOTE: Swift Trail Highway is closed to the public, every year from November to mid-spring.