Aspens near by !?

Fritzski · Post by **Fritzski** » Sep 06 2003 8:50 pm

I'm quite sure I have located the nearest stand of Aspens to the valley that can be found. It is a large and healthy stand that caught me completely by surprise. Anyone care to guess where?

I'll be happy to drop some hints if needed

AK · Post by AK » Sep 06 2003 10:12 pm

Mazatzals?

Fritzski · Post by **Fritzski** » Sep 06 2003 11:13 pm

Good guess, but in my travels thru there I don't recall seeing any - (caveat: surely doesn't mean there couldn't be some up there somewhere)

Fritzski · Post by **Fritzski** » Sep 07 2003 2:59 pm

Hint: Higher than Four Peaks, a little further as the crow flies, but definitely a shorter drive.

joebartels · Post by **joebartels** » Sep 07 2003 3:59 pm

Fritzski wrote:HINT: ...but definitely a shorter drive.

what kind of hint is that!
you live in the EAST valley

Pinal Mountains

http://hikearizona.com/FloraDEX-Hikes.php?TID=1

Fritzski · Post by **Fritzski** » Sep 07 2003 9:43 pm

I'm sorry! I forgot. Given the traffic facing anyone crazy enough to live in the world's largest cul de sac, it may be shorter to drive to Mt Lemmon than Camelback

Fritzski · Post by **Fritzski** » Sep 07 2003 9:52 pm

I should've figured, Joe wins on his first guess! OF COURSE

At over 7800' Mt Pinal is higher than Four Peaks, a little further as the crow flies, but definitely a shorter drive. This is still quite a low elevation to support Aspen, but tucked in a large canyon on the north side near the top at the Icehouse Canyon Trailhead, I believe it must be somewhat of a micro-climate (73F last Tues.)

You can indeed drive right through parts of it on the well maintained FR651 as it winds its way to the top of Signal Peak and a beautiful little Forest Service campground. Given the sheer size, it would definitely be worth it for colors in the fall.

Bruce was kind enough to chauffeur me up there since he wanted to get out in his new truck and I'm still on crutches recovering from surgery. It wasn't hiking, but it was still good to get out of the house.

Nighthiker · Post by **Nighthiker** » Sep 08 2003 5:49 pm

How about this one. The location of perhaps the tallest Arizona Cypress trees.

joebartels · Post by **joebartels** » Sep 08 2003 6:53 pm

maybe we should rename this topic
"Double John Tree Triva!"

the best I could figure by "prime" conditions would an area with a clay south face mountain... of which I haven't a clue

maybe Chiricahua (chee-ree-KAH-wah) Mountains
but that doesn't seem to fit the profile

did find it interesting to see it spreads ALL the way to the Florida pan handle! Which leads me to think it's not in state and may be in Colorado or east NM?