I took a mountain bike ride from US 60 south toward Escudilla Mountain, just inside the Arizona border with New Mexico. This is the rimrock country, a vast and sparsely populated region that stretches for hundreds of miles into New Mexico.

I rode a bit over 9 miles and finally connected with civilization when I met the road to White Mountain Acres. This is where I turned around, not wanting to spoil my day by actually seeing another human being! I lucked out and saw no one the entire time I was out there. What a great day. As for the riding conditions, I would say this rough 4WD two-track is about at an intermediate level, with plenty of rocks to negotiate, but not really technical. Nothing very steep, either.

My goal was to reach Molina Spring. It was a bit of a let-down--just a big bathtub-shaped container, and a system of piping. There was no extra greenery that one associates with a spring.

My other goal was to put 20 miles on the odometer, and I did, by adding a couple of side trips. One side trip was to view an overlook of the beautiful gorge of Nutrioso Creek, also known as Correjo Crossing in that section (see my HAZ hike of that name).

I wonder what the country was like before cattle...

To reach this area, take US 60 east approximately 6.4 miles from the stoplight in Springerville. Road is noticeable due to cattle guard at entrance, with cable gate. Please close the gate. Park there, and ride.