Middlemarch Road (Forest Service Road #345)

Fan of Western movies? Most people are aware of Hollywood movies like Tombstone and Wyatt Earp along with the infamous real life Gunfight at the O.K. Corral.  But instead of walking where Kevin Costner or Kurt Russell stood, walk the boardwalks along the dusty main drag where the real Doc Holiday stood.  The “Town Too Tough to Die” didn't earn its nickname name for nothing, it is now a boomin...

Take Rt. 10 east toward Benson and onto Cochise. Follow the sign to Pearce then to Sunsite. Take Ironwood Rd., Forest Rd. 84, for about 12 miles to the Stronghold Campground. Cochise Stronghold is about 1 hour from Tucson and well worth the drive. This is an out and back hike which makes for a long day hike. Guide books have it at 4.5 miles one way but it feels longer. From where I parked my c...

Looking for an authentic hiking and camping weekend? Then the Bonita Canyon Campground in Chiricahua National Monument is your ticket. The Chiricahua National Monument is a uniquely beautiful place. There are wonderful hiking trails, some of the best in Arizona. The rock formations are the attraction here. We saw deer cross the road in front of us on the way in to the park. The park has campgro...

Fort Bowie is an abandoned military outpost and the site of many bloody battles between the government and Native Americans. The fort and visitor center can only be reached on foot, which guarantees a quiet, uncrowded experience through this lovely canyon.Begin at the trailhead on Apache Pass Road. The approach from the town of Bowie is paved until the last couple miles, and is suitable for a p...

Drive through the gate of Saguaro National Park and continue straight onto Cactus Forest Drive. The 8 Mile loop takes you around to Javelina Rock parking area. Take time to enjoy this drive, it offers great views of the park and opportunities to spot coyotes and other wildlife.About 7 miles into your drive you will begin ascending along a hill. Just after the top, you will see the Javelina Rock...

Patagonia Lake State Park is located about 70 miles southeast of Tucson on State Route 82, 7 miles south of Patagonia, Arizona. Coming from the north, the drive to Patagonia Lake State Park is very scenic; the road winds through rolling hills and countryside with the looming Santa Rita Mountains serving as the perfect backdrop. There is a $15 day use fee to enter the park (camping is an additio...