Oak Flat C. G.

October 31, 2017. From Gila Box we head northwest on Hwy 70 to Globe. A planned stop and camp near Pinal Pass is nixed as I can’t find the BLM office and the sign pointing toward the area took me into a residential area. It’s me, not them, but I decided I was too stressed driving through the traffic in Globe (which is a cute little town, by the way) to spend any more time looking.  It’s getting a bit late in the afternoon anyway and the decision is made to travel on. 

By sheer luck I was looking in the right spot at the right time and spy a campground sign between the little towns of Miami and Superior on Hwy 60. We pull in seeing these brush teepees on the left. This sweet little campground was not on my map, so I am thrilled to have found it.  Honestly a lot of these little places aren’t on the map I have!! 

It’s a free campground with minimal amenities. We find a suitable site and settle in for the night. Around 2:00 a.m. the boys go nuts and a peek out the door reveals the silhouette of a very large wild pig.  I shine the flashlight at him its eyes glow green, and he wanders off. 

Being very curious about the area I look up some information. There is an on-going controversy between mining interests who want to privatize Oak Flat and the surrounding area so the copper can be mined, Native Americans who claim it is a sacred site and want it closed to the public, other Native Americans who claim it is not a sacred site, and outdoor enthusiasts who want to keep the area accessible for their activities. 

We stay two nights here and leave midmorning, November 3rd, heading toward Florence, AZ.  The drive takes us along the Gila-Pinal Scenic Route and it doesn’t disappoint. Devil’s Canyon is gorgeous and the bridge over Queen Creek is high … I did not get a photo of the bridge; no place to stop.

Thanks for coming along on our big adventure. “See you” in a few days! Hugs, Shawna

CAMP AMENITIES
Water: No                   Garbage: No
Bathrooms: Vault      Electricity: No
Tables:  Yes                Shower: No
Fire Pit:  Yes               BBQ: No, but there’s a grate over the fire pit
# of Sites: 16               Fee: Free
Other:  Elevation is 3900 Ft, open all year, pets need to be kept on leash or restrained. There is an area suitable for group camping. Trailers over 30 feet not recommended.