SPRING - SUMMER - FALL

WINTER

40. Hidden Meadow Ranch
Greer
Untouched by last year’s devastating Wallow Fire, Hidden Meadow Ranch sits on 150 acres of forested equestrian trails, fishing holes and  luxury lodging. A departure from spartan dude ranch bungalows and family-style meals, Hidden Meadow carves its own unique niche: the dude resort. Upon check-in, a guide on horseback leads guests to a chic two-story cabin prepped with soft lighting, smooth jazz and a ready-to-light fire. In the Ranch House, guests are served three squares, such as mushroom-stuffed trout and elk tenderloin, complemented by an extensive wine list. Anticipating guests’ every need (after a recent 4-inch overnight snowfall, every car’s windshield was scraped by 7 a.m.), this ranch keeps it real with roping, riding, target practice, fishing and sleigh rides.
ELEVATION: 8,500 feet
DIRECTIONS: Take Highway 87 north to Payson; turn east on Highway 260 through Show Low and past Sunrise ski area. Near mile marker 385, turn left onto County Road 1325/Forest Road 118 and proceed 6.5 miles to the ranch.
DRIVING TIME: 4 hours, 30 minutes (230 miles)
RATES: Double occupancy cabin rates range from $275 to $525 per day, depending on the meal and activities package selected.
INFO: hiddenmeadow.com
TRAVEL TIP: It’s a loftier world at 8,500 feet. Pack lip balm, thermal underwear and ibuprofen.
KIDS: Take ’em.

Photo by Mare Czinar

41. Hieroglyphic Trail 101
Superstition Mountains
Not everyone can log 600 miles on their odometer every weekend, so here’s a close-to-home quickie: Hieroglyphic Trail No. 101. On the Gold Canyon fringe of the Superstition Mountains, this 2-mile roundtrip trail takes hikers quickly up a 500-foot ascent along switchbacks sprinkled with succulent Sonoran desert vegetation. At the trail intersection, take the clearly marked Hieroglyphic Trail to the left. The hike is fairly easy until the end, when a bit of boulder scrambling and a climb across to the Indian hieroglyphs for photo ops is strenuous. Pools of water sometimes invite a bit of play, and plenty of boulders offer a pleasant setting for lunch.
ELEVATION: 1,800 to 2,600 feet
DIRECTIONS: Take US 60 east five miles east of Apache Junction to Kings Ranch Road. Proceed nearly 3 miles to Baseline Road and veer right. Turn left on Mohican Road. Follow signs to Lost Gold Mine Trail parking lot.
DRIVING TIME: 1 hour, 15 minutes (49 miles) from central Phoenix
INFO: fs.usda.gov/main/tonto/home
TRAVEL TIP: Do not go during winter rains.
KIDS: Take ’em.

For more of PHOENIX magazine’s '52 Weekend Adventures', check back soon, find us at newsstands Valleywide or call 480-664-3960.  Subscribe today so you don’t miss another issue!

                                                                 <------ Back to Article Home Page