@azbackpackr
I am gratified to find someone else noticed we're not in northern Arizona. I suspect anything north of metro Phoenix (the center of the known universe) is considered northern Arizona. But by your reckonning (fold a map), we barely qualify there also.

Regards

FR 567 from the Blue River to hwy 191 is a maintained, all weather road. Its curvey and steep in places and a bit slippery when wet; but its, generally, not a problem for 2wd cars. Just drive slowly and enjoy the view.

I enjoyed hiking Capitol Reef N.P. Its less accessible and less well known than the other Utah parks; therefore, it is also less crowded. The terrain is really interesting (there's a highly technical geological description for you). I noticed a couple businesses that offer shuttle service, the Fremo...

Black Forest is atop a mesa. 35 degrees 06.382' N, 109 degrees 47.788' W will put you more or less in the middle of it.

Since you will be in Holbrook, go east on I-40 to Petrified Forest National Park. A couple miles inside the park you come to the Painted Desert Inn. A trail at the west side of the building leads to the Painted Desert Wilderness. The trail ends after a half mile, but you contine north and a bit west...

East Fork is pretty and easy. A couple miles upstream from trailhead, sign indicates cross the creek and on to Mexican Hay Lake. Don't. Continue on stream-side trail for another mile until path appears to end. Now cross and you can walk several more miles upstream. Two ponderosa pines at the trailhe...

To hike that distance, you will have to get off the reservation or risk running afoul of Tribal authority. Also, its been hot up here lately, so you will probably want to seek higher elevations. Baldy is the obvious choice. Other possibilities: (1) From Greer hike either the East Fork or the West Fo...

In response to RedRoxx44's reply: Bear Wallow is a good choice, and, as far as I can determine, is open. Call the Alpine ranger station (928-339-4384) to confirm. I think most of the Blue high country north of KP Rim (that would include Paradise Park and Mud Springs) is still closed due to Thomas f...

An organization called TRACKS maintains a system of trails around Pinetop/Lakeside and Show Low, mainly on old logging roads. Nothing very challanging and extremely popular with the ATV crowd; but the trails are close to where you will be staying. TRACKS has a web site, or you can contact Pinetop/La...

The north side of Escudilla is very bright. Sheeps Crossing is gorgeous. Otherwise color in White Mountains is spotty. I think the leaves are falling as soon as they change. Thus the forest floor is much prettier than the trees themselves.