Lost Dutchman State Park

The Superstition Mountains lay in the Sonoran Desert just east of Mesa, Arizona and was said to have received it's name by old Indian Legends. Back to the 1800's. there was a tale of a Mexican family who struck gold, and on the way back to Mexico, they were ambushed and killed by the Apache Indians. To this day, they call this area Massacre Grounds. I can say with almost certainty, your chances of finding gold and being ambushed by Indians is minimal. What you will find these days, is a great state park that offers camping, picnicking, hiking, and sightseeing adventures. Most popular in fall through spring you can enjoy the state park's 7 trails. They range from .25 mile to 5.8 miles. The daddy of them all, is the Siphon Trail, which leads you to the the top which is called the Flatiron. This trail is recommended for experienced hikers only who are in good shape. It takes around 5 hours or so to complete this trail. In the event you're not into hiking and want to just take in the view with a family picnic, the park offers 2 day use areas with covered picnic tables and bathroom facilities. If you still want to take your adventure just a little further, then you will enjoy the parks campground. It offers 72 campsites which 38 of them have electric and water hookups. The park offers showers, visitors center, and a dump station. There is a 15 day limit stay, and checkout time is 2 pm. Fees are around $15 per night. You can also reserve for group camping as well. Now if that's not enough, you can download the monthly calendar of events that the park puts on. These include astronomy programs, ranger led moonlight hikes, pet friendly hikes, geology hikes, and much much more. If you're inclined to be more adventurous and want to explore outside of the park, head east along the Apache trail and you'll end up at Canyon Lake, and Tortilla Flats. If you keep going, you will eventually end up passing Apache Lake and Roosevelt Lake. Right now is a great time to explore the superstition wilderness. The volcanic rock formations, and wildlife are just breathtaking. Remember, always pack out what you pack in. Never leave a trace and always respect wildlife. For more information contact the park at 480-982-4485. For info online visit azstateparks.com

Jerome, Arizona

Well it wasn't my first time and positive it won't be my last time to visit Jerome, Arizona. Practically a native , I have enjoyed coming here ever since I was a young girl. On our way north on Interstate 17 this morning, we decided to take the back way using Hwy 169-89A up through the historic Mingus Scenic Drive. The colors of fall have faded, but to our delight, there were patches of snow as a reminder we are in the dead of winter in Arizona. The road is a bit windy, so be careful not to take the turns too fast. About a 19 mile drive is all it took until it dropped us right into Jerome. As a historical landmark in Arizona, this old mining town with a population of over 450, still stands strong today. To give you a bit of it's history, it was founded in 1876,and was once the fourth largest city in the Arizona Territory.It is also said that Jerome is the biggest ghost town in Arizona as well. I think the scariest part in my opinion is, that most of the dwelling's are practically hanging off the cliffs. Jerome sits atop Cleopatra Hill at approx (5,200 feet) between Prescott and Flagstaff. The view from up there is so spectacular as you see the red rocks of Sedona, and the San Francisco Peaks protruding from behind. Today was breezy and cold, but nothing stopped us from eating at the famous Jerome Palace Haunted Hamburger. I first heard of this restaurant in an article in Arizona Highways magazine. It is said that a ghost of a woman appears from time to time, and when renovations were underway at one point, tools started to disappear and then reappear once it was talked about them disappearing. This is a small, fast paced restaurant, with indoor and outdoor seating with a breathtaking view of the Verde Valley. But most importantly, they have the best hamburgers in town. I highly recommend this place and you will also enjoy so much more on the menu. Whenever you get a chance I encourage you visit Jerome. The people are friendly, the food is fantastic, and the views are a site to see. Oh, and don't forget to check out Copper Country Fudge. visit them in person in Jerome, or visit them online at coppercountryfudge.com you will be in for a treat!