by Heidi Schewel
Mornings are becoming slightly cooler. Garden plants seem more robust at the end of the day. Although 100-degree temperatures are still in the weather forecast, seasonal changes are beginning to creep into our area. While daytime temperatures at our lower elevations can still be quite toasty, temperatures at the higher elevations on Coronado National Forest are cool and comfortable, inviting visitors to engage in a variety of recreational activities.
The “Sky Island” mountain ranges of southeastern Arizona offer opportunities for recreationists at all experience levels, from simply packing up a picnic to planning for a backpacking trip in the wilderness. For those who enjoy camping in developed campgrounds, General Hitchcock, Rose Canyon and Spencer Canyon campgrounds provide campsites with restrooms on nearby Mt. Lemmon. Travel a little further to campgrounds such as; Reef Townsite and Ramsey Vista campgrounds, in the Huachucas; Arcadia, Hospital Flat, Shannon and Riggs Flat campgrounds on Mt. Graham; and Rustler Park, Cypress Park and Sycamore campgrounds, in the Chiricahuas.
Each of the mountain ranges also offer places for “dispersed” camping in areas without developed facilities. Picnic grounds for those wishing to escape the heat to share a meal include Little Bear, Chihuahua Pine, Cypress, Lizard Rock, Inspiration Rock, Loma Linda, Box Elder, Alder and Marshall Gulch on Mt. Lemmon. Picnickers may also use the facilities in developed campgrounds.
High-elevation lakes provide fishing at Rose Canyon Lake on Mt. Lemmon and Riggs Lake on Mt. Graham. Trails for hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding as well as opportunities for nature watching, birding, photography, and scenic driving are available throughout the Sky Islands.
Visitors are reminded to use situational awareness while enjoying the great outdoors. As the summer monsoon winds down, many stream channels are saturated. While the outlook from the National Weather Service Climate Prediction Service favors above normal rainfall totals for the period of September through November, heavy rain from thunderstorms or from the remnants of hurricanes or tropical storms could cause dangerous flooding. Recreationists should check weather forecasts for the areas they plan to visit.
Many species of wildlife make their homes in the areas where we recreate. Visitors should use caution in bear and mountain lion country. While most wildlife will avoid humans, food and trash can attract wild animals. Maintaining clean areas for recreation and keeping pets leashed can minimize the potential for human-wildlife interaction. It is comforting to know that while the summer temperatures sizzle, the mountains beckon us outdoors.
