BACK ROAD ADVENTURE Six Mile Crossing at Burro Creek

travel Tips

GETTING THERE: Drive approximately 118 miles northwest from Phoenix on U.S. Route 93. At Milepost 132, turn right on a dirt road signed "Burro Creek Crossing Road," also known as Six Mile Crossing Road.

WARNING: Back road travel can be hazardous if you are not prepared for the unexpected. Whether traveling in the desert or in the high country, be aware of weather and road conditions, and make sure you and your vehicle are in top shape. Carry plenty of water. Don't travel alone, and let someone at home know where you're going and when you plan to return. Odometer readings in the story may vary by vehicle.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Bureau of Land Management Kingman Resource Area, (928) 692-4400.

52 MARCH 2003 is another name for Six Mile Crossing Road, as it appears on some maps. This is as good a time as any to confess ignorance about the origin of the name Six Mile Crossing. My reliable references for name origins are mum on the matter.

From the dirt turnoff, the distance to the crossing is 14.5 miles.

Another route to the crossing is the sandy track behind Nothing, Arizona, but that route is too soft for anything but a four-wheel-drive vehicle. And although it looks shorter on the map, the sand track is not graded, and Bureau of Land Management recommends the longer route for travel to Six Mile Crossing. The trip from Burro Creek Crossing Road is safer and more scenic.

Another sign greets you as you turn off the highway asphalt, and it quickens the pulse. "Primitive Road. Use at your own risk. This surface is not regularly maintained. Rough Road next 14 miles." It's a clean and smooth dirt road. Any high-clearance vehicle should have no problem making the trip in about 40 minutes at a leisurely pace, unless it has rained recently. With rain, the road gets sticky in some spots, sloppy in others. Other times it can be rough.

Volcanic activity defined much of the area's landscape 7 million years ago. Scientists describe the resulting jumble of metamorphic and sedimentary rock formations as "complicated geology." Cowboys just call it rough country.

The elevation at Milepost 132 is 2,600 feet. The dirt road climbs for the first 7.5 miles to an elevation of 3,400 feet near a basaltic continues toward the crossing. The narrow road cuts into the hillside and winds down through paloverde and mesquite trees; saguaro, cholla and prickly pear cacti; thorny wands of ocotillo; spiky yuccas and grasses such as bush muhly and black grama. Take it slow and watch for approaching dust. Somebody may have to back up on narrow parts of the road if you encounter travelers heading the other way.

The massive flat-topped mountain a couple of miles to the west is called Hells Half Acre. With annual precipitation of less than 10 inches and daily temperatures regularly above 100 degrees, it may not technically be hell's half-acre, but I bet you can see it from there.

Around every turn, the landscape widens into open space, revealing terrain unchanged except by nature and time. Archaeological findings-grinding stones and projectile points-suggest that Indians lived in the Burro Creek vicinity, probably during seasonal migrations, beginning as early as A.D. 600.

"One lane cattle guard ahead. Bicycles cross with caution." One can only admire the perceived necessity of such a sign so far from pavement.

You pick up the subtle scent of water before the tops of dozens of cottonwood trees that shade the creek become visible around the last bend. There are several places to camp near the crossing, but none have improvements, such as portable toilets.

You can see the tailings dam of the Phelps Dodge-Bagdad copper mine approximately 8 miles away, but in the environmental parlance of our times, the dam's visual impact is minimal. You may spot other small mining efforts along the way to the crossing, but these were abandoned due to their unprofitable yields.

Since the 1870s, cattlemen who lived along Burro Creek have worked their tough cow ponies up and down the rough terrain, moving their herds with the seasons. As a result of the riparian improvement project underway at the crossing-a joint project with the Bureau of Land Management, the Arizona State Land Department, the Byner Cattle Company and the Phelps Dodge-Bagdad Copper Corporation-there are no cattle in the area.

Wildlife abounds here. Mosquitofish and longfin dace swim in the pools. From javelinas to herons, toads to soft-shelled turtles, raptors to rattlesnakes, this perennial and ancientstream attracts all the life that abides here. For hiking upstream, you'll want to wear river sandals. The creek's braided channel runs through the banks of cottonwood and willow trees, so you'll get your feet wet eventually. If you spend the night, don't sleep directly on the ground. Ants run rampant, so watch where you put your feet and hands.

Return to the highway along the same route. Whether you go for a day of birding and a picnic or for a long weekend campout, Six Mile Crossing on Burro Creek will remind you of what it is you love about Arizona. AlH

experience. arizona

Festivals, powwows and get-togethers / by CARRIE M. MINER

PHOTOGRAPH A LUSH OASIS IN THE DESERT

Join Friends of Arizona Highways on a adventure in Havasu Canyon, a branch of the Grand Canyon that is home to three spectacular waterfalls. Our explorations of Havasu, Navajo and Mooney falls will reward us with stunning views of tranquil turquoise pools and give us plenty of chances to relax in an idyllic setting. Everywhere you turn there are chances to take wonderful photographs, whether you're making images from the unusual colors of the water, the exotic rock formations or of the creeks and caves that surround the falls.

Arizona Highways photographer Kerrick James brings energy and enthusiasm to this excursion, so bring your swimsuit and come play in the water May 22-26.

For more information or a free workshop brochure, please contact Friends of Arizona Highways at (602) 712-2004, toll-free at (888) 790-7042 or visit their Web site at www.friendsofazhighways.com.

OTHER PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOPS

From the bucolic Valley to the picturesque High Country, capture the essence of Yosemite National Park with Lewis Kemper An expert Nikon instructor teaches us about digital photography in the magnificent Grand Tetons Longtime Colorado resident Jim Steinberg shows us the best spots to find wildflowers in the area around Ouray

SEARCHING FOR GOLD

March 9; Apache Junction Deep within the craggy Superstition Mountains east of Apache Junction, legend tells that a rich vein of gold awaits rediscovery. The forbidding Superstitions reportedly conceal the famous Lost Dutchman Mine, named for two Germans, or "Deutschmen," which locals confused to mean Dutch. In the 1870s, German prospectors Jacob Waltz and Jacob Weiser supposedly made a sensational gold strike somewhere in the depths of the mountain range. Weiser suffered an untimely end, some say at Waltz's hand, others suggest an Apache ambush. Waltz visited the mine every so often, but hid his route from anyone who tried to trail him. When he died, he left only a cryptic comment to guide future seekers. The Dons of Arizona, a nonprofit group interested in Southwestern history and lore, spins this and other treasure stories during the 69th Annual Lost Dutchman Gold Mine Superstition Mountain Trek. Featured events include guided hikes of various lengths, gold panning, Indian arts, live entertainment, a barbecue and craft demonstrations. Information: (602) 258-6016.

O'ODHAM DESERT HERITAGE

March 15; AjoIn remote southern Arizona, a quiet Indian tribe, the Tohono O'odham, or "desert people," lives among jagged lava mountains and arroyos choked with dusty sagebrush. Once called the Papagos, a Spanish name meaning the "bean eaters," they grew crops to take advantage of the heavy floods following summer thunderstorms. The tribe would "sing down" the rains from torrid summer skies to nourish indigenous crops of beans, squash and corn. In their constant search for water and food, the Tohono O'odhams also culled wild grass seeds, roasted cactus stems and harvested saguaro cactus fruit.

Tribal members gather at Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument to celebrate their heritage at the 13th Annual O'odham Day Celebration. Activities include demonstrations of O'odham basket weaving and traditional uses of desert plants, pottery, storytelling, plus arts and crafts booths and live entertainment. Information: (520) 387-7661.

MEN OF THE MOUNTAINS

March 14-16; Oatman Between 1800 and 1850, rugged mountain men braved the wild frontier to explore and exploit the West's great abundance. These hardy characters often wore clothing made of animal skins, such as the buckskin suit, because when fabric shredded in the outback, skins were the only ready replacement. Every spring, these solitary trappers would emerge from the lonely wilderness to trade their furs and socialize at planned gatherings.

Re-enactment buffs come together for a weekend of 1840s fun at the Mountain Men Rendezvous in the old mining town of Oatman, nestled in the bleakly picturesque Black Mountains. The three-day event features black-powder shoots, campfire stories, re-enactments of primitive camps, knife-throwing contests and craft exhibits at Trader's Row. Information: (928) 768-6222.

Other Events

Buckeye Bluegrass Review; February 28, March 1-2; Buckeye; (623) 386-2727. Bluegrass bands, jam sessions, arts and crafts and children's activities.

Heard Museum Guild's Indian Fair and Market; March 1-2; Phoenix; (602) 252-8840. Indian arts and crafts, ethnic food and entertainment.

Glencroft's Benefit Quilt Auction; March 7-8; Glendale; (623) 847-3004. Show and auction of quilts, antiques and collectibles.

Penzoil Copper World Indy 200 Weekend; March 21-23; Avondale; (602) 252-2227. Indy Racing League competition.

Antique Car Show; March 15; Mesa; (480) 644-2760. Model A Fords from 1928 to 1931.

Founder's Day; March 15-16; Marana; (520) 682-4314. Live entertainment, parade and games.

Arizona Flywheeler's 18th Annual Show; March 22-23; Cottonwood; (928) 282-7626. Antique engine and tractor displays, tractor pull, arts and crafts and entertainment.

Verde River Canoe Challenge; March 29; Camp Verde; (928) 567-0535. Celebration of the Verde River and a canoe launch.