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Table
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| Off-route
distances to off-route towns not included in above mileages;
see "Distance from GET" within heading info for
each town's chapter below. |
Travel
to GET west terminus
The
Grand Enchantment Trail begins east of Phoenix at the First Water
Trailhead on the Tonto National Forest. This trailhead is easy
to reach from downtown Phoenix, the Amtrak or Greyhound terminals,
and Phoenix Sky Harbor international airport. (At
right, hikers Li Brannfors & Michael Sandoval starting east
from the trailhead. Photo by Li Brannfors.)
From
Sky Harbor airport, bus station, and train terminal:
Arizona
Value Shuttle 711 South Meridian Road, Apache
Junction, AZ 85220 1-866-269-2693 / (480) 982-8551. Located in
the town of Apache Junction, near the GET trailhead. Will pick
up at the airport, bus or train station, and/or area motels &
shuttle to or near GET west (First Water) trailhead. $30-$35.
Call 2-3 days ahead. Also local runs (Apache Junction area
to/from trailhead) with a $15 minimum charge.
Phoenix
area transportation:
Discount
Cab (Total Transit) $2.50 base + $1.65/mi valley-wide (602)
200-2000
Super Shuttle Phoenix (602) 244-9000
Yellow Cab (602) 252-5252
Rental
car facilities:
Sky
Harbor Airport Most major rental car companies are located
at the airport's nearby rental car facility, reachable by continuous
free shuttle bus service from the airport baggage claim area.
As of 2010, all vehicles rented from or returned to the airport
include an airport-mandated 'drop fee' of around $40 for one-way
rentals within the Phoenix metro area.
Enterprise Rent a Car 1628
E Sky Harbor Circle South, Phoenix (602) 225-0588. Hours: Mo-Su
5am-12am. Allows one-way rental at no extra charge to Enterprise
location in Apache Junction. For one-way rental from Apache Junction
to airport, call ahead. (see next entry)
Enterprise Rent a Car 3400 S Tomahawk Rd, Apache Junction
(480) 983-2206. Hours: Mo-Fr 8am-6pm, Sa 8am-1pm, closed Sun.
Possible free shuttle from/to Apache Junction office to/from junction
of SR 88 and FR 78, 3 miles from trailhead, but call ahead.
Greyhound
bus location:
In
Phoenix: 2115 E Buckeye Rd, Phoenix,
85034 (602) 389-4200.
In Tempe: 502 S College Ave Tempe
85281 (480) 377-6532
Or (800) 231-2222 for reservations. www.greyhound.com
Amtrak
location:
At
Phoenix Greyhound location:
2115 E Buckeye Rd Phoenix
At Metro Center Transit Station: 9617
North Metro Parkway West, North Phoenix
1-800-USA-RAIL www.amtrak.com
Directions
to GET west terminus:
First
Water Trailhead is located about 45 miles east of downtown Phoenix.
From
Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport, exit onto Washington St eastbound.
Pick up the 202 freeway east to US 60 east to exit 196 / Idaho
Rd. Turn left, following Idaho Rd north through four traffic lights.
Along the way, pass a Super 8 motel, a few convenience stores
(for water, etc.), a Walgreens pharmacy (rubbing alcohol, Bic
lighter, sunscreen, etc.), and several restaurants nearby. At
the 5th light, turn right, northeast, onto Apache Trail / State
Route 88. Pass Goldfield ghost town / tourist attraction, and
then (at around 5 miles from Idaho Rd jct) a signed turnoff to
Lost Dutchman State Park on right. Continue on Apache Trail less
than a half mile farther, then turn right onto graded dirt FR
78 at sign for "First Water Trailhead." Your driver
may opt not to continue farther, although the road is usually
passable for 2WD vehicles except following flash floods. At ~2.3
miles on FR 78, find First Water equestrian parking on the left,
along with a self-service pay station for vehicle parking on the
Tonto National Forest. Here a spur trail heads east, or continue
on the road ~0.6 mile farther to First Water Trailhead hiker parking
and the GET west terminus. Toilet facilities are here, as well
as a hiker register and information kiosk, but no water is available.
(First probable water along the trail is Charlesbois Spring about
9 miles away.)
Land
Management Agency:
Tonto
National Forest Mesa Ranger District 5140 E. Ingram St.
Mesa, AZ (480) 610-3300. For information about conditions along
the GET environment between the west terminus and Rogers Canyon
area including the Superstition Wilderness.
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A
Note About Post Offices
All
US post offices, listed among the town entries below, accept packages
mailed to them via "general delivery" and will hold
them typically up to 30 days. Since these post offices are not
yet very familiar with the GET or its hikers, it may be advisable
to notify them by phone in advance of sending a food or equipment
package.
Use
the following mailing convention when sending maildrops:
Hiker's Name
General Delivery
Town, State Zip Code
The post office's street address can be omitted; these are listed
below only to assist hikers in finding each location.
As
those who've hiked other long trails will attest, it's also a
good idea to include on your package the words "Hold for
Hiker" to the bottom-left of the address, along with an "Estimated
Date of Arrival (EDA)." This helps the postmaster to better
identify your package and to prioritize its manner of storage
until you arrive.
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Superior
AZ
Trail
miles from Phoenix (west) terminus: 46
Distance from GET: 4 miles E via
US 60
Services
in this scenic, erstwhile Arizona mining town are spread out along
US 60, with a few additional businesses - post office, library,
Save Money Market, and a couple of eateries - located in the old
downtown (Main Street, shown at right) just to the north, now
bypassed by the highway. The renowned Boyce Thompson Desert Arboretum
is west of town along US 60, 1-2 miles east of the GET/AZT. Superior's
public library
offers internet access; this would be a good opportunity for eastbound
hikers to obtain permits (online or over the phone) to enter Aravaipa
Canyon, about 70 miles away.
Superior
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Superior
US
Post Office address:
25
N High School Ave
Superior AZ 85173
Hours: M-F 08:30-04:45PM Closed SA
Phone: (520) 689-5790
Groceries:
Save
Money Market 420 W Main St (520) 689-2265. Long-term resupply,
ATM, some drug store items, including denatured (isopropyl) alcohol.
Family Dollar 580 W US Highway 60
(520) 689-5480. Discount variety store, new in 2010, has several
aisles of groceries, mostly discount brands, some packaged dinners,
no fresh produce.
Farmer's Market 798 W US Highway
60 (520) 689-5845. Small convenience store with some fresh produce.
Also a liquor selection that may include Everclear (for alcohol
stove fuel).
Circle
K convenience store US
Highway 60. Does not sell HEET.
Restaurants:
Buckboard
City 1111 W US Highway 60 Superior, AZ (520) 689-5800.
We-Su 6am-2pm; closed Mo & Tu. Unpretentious western &
Mexican fare. Don't miss "World's Smallest Museum" adjacent
to restaurant.
Los Hermanos 835 W US Highway 60
(520) 689-5465. Family-style Mexican-American
fare, also serves breakfast. Bar room adjacent.
Casa Denogean 635 W US Highway 60
(520) 689-2866. Tu-Su 8am-8pm except Fri-Sat 8am-10pm. Closed
Mon. Short-order Mexican fare in former burger stand - a hip little
spot.
Edwardo's Pizzeria 701 W US Highway
60. (520) 689-2628. Closed at 8pm daily. Pizza, subs, salads.
Good value.
Jade Grill 639 W US Highway 60 (520)
689-2885. We-Su 11:30am-2:30pm & 5pm-8pm, closed Mo &
Tu. Asian BBQ (open-fire cooking) including Chinese, Thai, and
Vietnamese dishes prepared by a renowned former New York area
chef.
Triple C Coffee House 558 W Kiser
St (corner of US 60) (520) 689-2877. Coffees and specialty drinks
a la Starbucks, also sandwiches and assorted goodies incl. some
breakfast items. Wifi hotspot. Trendy spot with young, friendly
staff breathing new life into the old mining town.
Cafe Piera Roja 507 W Main St (520)
689-0194. Classy little Mexican cafe. Out of the way (in old downtown)
but reportedly worth the walk. Open for breakfast and lunch.
Felicia's Ice Cream Shop 229 W Main
St (520) 689-2394
Lodging:
Copper
Mountain Motel Old Highway 60 West (520) 689-2886. $60
1 bed, $65 double. Under new ownership (formerly El Portal Motel),
with nicely renovated, if basic, rooms. Fridge/microwaves available.
All rooms non-smoking. Pets OK. Public computer in lobby; Wifi
in rooms. Use of laundry facility for guests, and will sometimes
shuttle back to the trail as time allows. Motel occasionally fills
up; reservations may be advisable.
Superior
RV Park 1113 W Us Highway 60 (520) 689-5331 (866) 689-5331.
$23 RV sites, $5 tentsites (on front lawn, next to highway). Restrooms,
coin-op laundry (no soap) & showers available with or without
stay. Camp host Jake "Forest Hamster," AT thru-hiker,
'79, '95. http://www.superiorrvpark.com
Laundromat:
Laundry
available at Copper Mountain Motel
and Superior RV Park.
Library
/ internet:
99
N KELLNER AVE (north off Main St in old downtown) (520) 689-2327
Bank
/ ATM:
Community
First National 351 W Main St
ATM at Save Money Market and
Circle K convenience store
Transportation:
Arizona
Value Shuttle in Apache Junction may (or may not) run to
Superior on advance notice. See Phoenix
area transportation info above.
Land
Management Agency:
Tonto
National Forest Globe Ranger District 7680
S. Six Shooter Canyon Rd. Globe AZ (east of Superior) (928) 402-6200.
Info on Rogers Canyon area east along the GET to Superior.
Arizona
Trail Association PO Box 36736 Phoenix,
AZ 85067-6736 (602) 252-4794. http://aztrail.org. For trail-specific
information along the shared AZT / GET corridor.
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Mammoth
AZ
Trail
miles from west terminus: 112
Distance from GET: 10 miles S via
AZ 77
A
public telephone is no longer available at the Central Arizona
College Aravaipa Campus just off Aravaipa Rd (N of the GET &
0.5 mile E of Hwy 77), although these days it should be possible
to borrow a cell phone there. Call Foster's Lodge for possible
shuttle (for guests) into Mammoth, a small (not extinct!), friendly,
but spread out community along the San Pedro river valley. An
attractive roadside park (shown here) is located along Hwy 77
in town and offers picnic tables and water. Most services are
spread out along the highway, with the post office and laundromat
located along Main Street one block east.
Mammoth
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Mammoth
US Post Office address:
230
S Main St
Mammoth AZ 85618
Hours: MO - FR 08:30-04:30PM Closed SA
Phone: (520) 487-2861
Groceries:
Corkers One Stop 732 Old Highway
77. (520) 487-2411. Mon-Thurs 7:00 am-10:00 pm; Fri 7-10:30; Sat
8-10:30; Sun 8-10. Short-term resupply, some produce, deli / pizza.
Does not sell HEET, but does have rubbing alcohol. Fee for ATM.
Mammoth Ranch Market Out of
business. Former short-term resupply option (convenience store
with deli/pizza).
Circle K 307 Highway 77. (520) 487-2621.
Open 24 hours. Sells single-load laundry detergent. No HEET or
rubbing alcohol. ATM (fee is charged) and cash back available.
Tortillas Mi Pueblito 337 Highway 77. (520) 487-2123. Tuesday-Sunday
4:00 am-2:00 pm. Closed Monday. Fantastic tortillas made on the
premises.
(Short-term
resupply to Klondyke - not to Safford - may be possible using
both Corkers One Stop, Circle K, and/or
take-out food from restaurants below. Partial or full PO
maildrop resupply strongly recommended to grubstake distances
greater than Klondyke.)
Restaurants:
Las
Michoacanas 337 Highway 77 (520) 487-2380. Mexican-American,
with standard breakfast fare (served until noon), plus L &
D menu. Open weekdays 7am-8pm (closed Wednesdays), and weekends
7am-4pm.
La
Casita 400 Highway 77 (520) 487-9980. Family-style Mexican.
Hours: 11am-9pm daily (closed Tuesdays).
Cassandra's Cafe 739 N. San
Pedro (on Highway 77). Mexican and American food. Restaurant is
temporarily closed, has changed ownership, and will reopen under
the name Chula's. Timeframe uncertain.
77 Drive Inn 102 N Highway 77. (520)
487-2783. Hamburger stand--home of the famous Mammoth Burger.
Open 7 days a week 10 am - 8 pm.
Lodging:
Foster's Lodge 712 N Highway 77,
Mammoth, AZ 85618 (520) 487-1904 www.fosterslodge.com Debf_(at)yahoo.com
$40 - $60. Basic accommodations, outdoor pool. May shuttle to/from
trail for a small fee. Also may do laundry, likewise for a small
fee. Sometimes fills up on weekends during fall hunting season.
Stealth
camping may be possible along the (usu. dry) San Pedro River just
east of town along Copper Creek Rd.
Laundromat:
On
Main Street, east of Hwy 77. Sells soap (no attendant, just vending
machine - BYO quarters). No public bathroom available at last
check. Out of business as of early 2011.
Odds n'
ends:
Thrift
store 108 Redwood Dr in Mammoth.
(Look for "Tri-Community Food Bank" sign on Hwy 77.)
520-487-2010. Open Monday thru Thursday as well as Saturday 9:00
am-12:00 pm. Closed Friday and Sunday. Proceeds benefit community
food bank.
Library:
125
Clark St., in the basement of the town hall. (520) 487-2026. Open
Monday 4:00 pm-8:00 pm; Tuesday-Wednesday 2:00 pm-6:00 pm; Thursday
and Saturday 9:00 am-1:00 pm. Closed Friday and Sunday. Free Wi-Fi,
Internet access, restroom.
Bank
/ ATM:
ATM
at Circle K & Corkers.
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Resupply
Caution
The distance between the Mammoth area (GET crossing of Hwy 77)
and town of Safford is around 110 miles via the main route of
the GET. Travel time in this section can be slower than average
as you navigate the region's many scenic highlights (including
Aravaipa Canyon, the Santa Teresa Wilderness, and the rugged crest
of the Pinalenos, often snowbound in springtime). As such, consider
sending a maildrop to Klondyke, a couple of days east of Hwy 77
(either instead of, or in addition to, using Mammoth). See the
next entry for more about resupplying in Klondyke. In addition,
you may want to allot 6 or 7 days of food *just between Klondyke
and Safford* if planning to hike the main route in Segment
8 on your way through. Don't underestimate this stretch of the
GET; plan to slow down and enjoy it!
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Klondyke
AZ
Trail
miles from west terminus: 142
Distance from GET: 2.5 miles SE via
Aravaipa-Klondyke Rd
Founded
in the early 1900's by a pair of nostalgic Yukon gold diggers,
Klondyke (spelled with a 'y' instead of an 'i') holds on as a
tiny outpost of civilization near the east end of Aravaipa Canyon.
Now primarily a ranching community, as well as playing host to
the occasional urban refugee, Klondyke had just one storefront
before its historic Klondyke Country Store closed in 2005. Owner
Bonnie Garwood has been attempting to sell the ailing business,
strangled for several years by a lack of visitors to Aravaipa
Canyon's east trailhead due to access issues (since resolved).
Nevertheless, Klondyke remains a legitimate alternative to resupplying
in Mammoth, but please take note of current arrangements for the
shipping and holding of mail parcels, detailed below.
Maildrop
service:
Klondyke
will continue to serve as a maildrop location this season. Although
the Klondyke Country Store is closed and remains for sale, proprietor
Bonnie Garwood who lives behind the store will continue to accept
mail, including parcels, shipped to:
(hiker's
name)
c/o Klondyke Store / freezer behind store
36951 Klondyke Rd.
Willcox (Klondyke) AZ 85643
(Include
"Please hold for hiker" and an estimated date of arrival)
Ship
via US Postal Service only. Limit one package per person, please,
and no outgoing mail. Ship via Priority Mail (rather than Parcel
Post) so that package can be forwarded or returned if needed at
no additional cost or inconvenience to you or to Bonnie. Pay for
Delivery Confirmation as well so you'll know when your package
has arrived. Postal mail is delivered Mo., We., Th. only. (Tu.
replaces Mo. on holiday weekends.) Ship early enough so it gets
there before you, but not so early that it's languishing (and
wearing out the welcome). Parcels are stored in a large metal
freezer (turned off, unlocked) located on the back porch of the
store, with 24/7 access. According to Bonnie they've never had
any foul play, although she emphasized that it's an honor system
only. Bonnie looks forward to meeting folks as they pass through.
If she isn't out and about, feel free to check at the house. Please
note that the "Freezer" designation in the address is
important, as this will alert the postal carrier to place your
box in the store freezer rather than at Bonnie Garwood's doorstep.
Note
also that the only trash facility in Klondyke (for discarded boxes,
etc.) is a dump station along Fourmile Creek Rd, 0.8 mi west of
Klondyke Store. Do not expect to leave your empty boxes and trash
at the store or with Bonnie. Pack it down the road please!
Lodging/camping:
Klondyke Country Store
(NOW CLOSED) & Horsehead Lodge
(OPEN)
36951 Klondyke Rd. Klondyke AZ, 85643 Ph 928-828-3335 Fax
1-928-828-3351. ( klondykestore@vtc.net )The Horsehead Lodge,
located behind the closed store, remains open. $95-$275 per night,
rate dependent upon how much of the (large, rustic) lodge is rented.
5 bedrooms available, with room for 13 guests. Individual renters
may share a common area in the middle of the lodge, between the
private rooms, as well as one of two available full kitchens within
the lodge. Stay incl. showers but no laundry available. A worthwhile
stay for hikers who plan to bring the food for it (no food available
anywhere in Klondyke and no meals provided with stay). Advance
reservations recommended for those with a specific interest in
staying over. And try to confirm whether you're on schedule several
days prior to arrival, so that Bonnie knows when/if to expect
you and so she can make arrangements for a key drop if she'll
be out of town when you arrive. Otherwise, if disinterested in
making reservations, you could plan to wing it when you get there,
spending the night instead at the nearby Fourmile Canyon Campground
if need be (see below). The store/lodge area also has R.V. spaces
- 6 hookups with electricity and water.
The
Klondyke Country Store and Horsehead Lodge are for sale! Anyone
interested in owning this historic Klondyke property situated
in peaceful isolation along Aravaipa Valley in the shadow of the
Santa Teresa Wilderness should contact Bonnie Garwood at 928-828-3335
or klondykestore@vtc.net For the right person, whether
business-minded or otherwise, this opportunity could be a dream
come true.
Camping
is available at the BLM's Fourmile Canyon
Campground 0.8 mi. west of the Klondyke Store on Fourmile
Creek Rd. Developed water available year-round. Modern toilet
facility, picnic tables, grills, spigots, car-friendly camping.
$5 per night (self-pay). Generally a quiet spot, likely suitable
for walk-in hikers.
BLM
Klondyke Ranger Station,
next door to the Klondyke Store, is only sporadically staffed.
Last-minute permits for westbounders entering Aravaipa Canyon
may be available from the ranger here, but don't count on it.
No
operational pay phone available in town, (nor is cell service
likely) though you may be able to borrow a ranger's phone when
the BLM Klondyke ranger station is staffed.
Note
that the road leading to the west trailhead for Aravaipa Canyon
is called Aravaipa Road, while the eastern trailhead is accessed
via Aravaipa Canyon Road.
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Safford
AZ
Trail
miles from west terminus: 222
Distance from GET: on route
A
bustling community at the intersection of two main travel routes,
Safford is the largest town directly along the route of the GET
(save for Phoenix and Albuquerque at the end points). Although
the GET bypasses the town's main services area, this area nonetheless
remains conveniently close by and includes a number of motels,
restaurants, and full-service supermarkets. The
majority of services are located in Safford and the adjacent town
of Thatcher along US 70 (Thatcher Blvd), the main drag. The
BLM has an office in town - the GET runs right by it - where westbound
hikers can try to get a permit to enter Aravaipa Canyon if they
haven't obtained one already. Although Safford - given its size
and relative isolation in the Gila Valley - is notably lacking
in public bus service, several taxi companies have established
themselves in recent years, one or more of which may be willing
to run to Willcox, 40 miles to the south. (Willcox, along I-10,
has Greyhound bus service.) Safford is also located along the
Southern Tier Bicycle Route, with touring cyclists often spotted
along Highway 70, especially in springtime.
Please
note that Thatcher Blvd and US Hwy 70 in Safford are the same
road.
Safford
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Safford
US Post Office address:
504 S 5th Ave
Safford AZ 85546
Hours: MO-FR 08:30-04:30PM SA 10:00-12:00PM
Phone: (928) 428-0220
The
Safford post office is located in the old downtown, 3 blocks east
of 8th Ave on the south corner of US 70.
__________________
Solomon
US Post Office address:
2106
S Bowie Ave
Solomon AZ 85551
Hours:
MO-FR 8:00AM-12:00PM & 1:00PM-4:00PM SA 8:30-9:30AM
Phone: (928) 428-4030
The
Solomon post office is located in the town of Solomon, 5 miles
east of Safford and about 0.6 of a mile south of the GET. Solomon
offers few other services (a small convenience store and a Mexican
restaurant - see below), but its p.o. may be of use to those already
heading into Solomon, such as for water.
Groceries:
Basha's Supermarket
US 70 (long-term resupply)
Safeway Food & Drug US 70 (long-term
resupply, with organic options)
Walmart
20th Ave (long-term resupply). Half
a block south of US 70. (8th St at 20th Ave)
Thriftee Food & Drug - IGA 755 S
Central Ave, at 8th St. (long-term resupply, less refined selection
than above options) (928) 428-1844
CD's
Quick Stop 2181 S Bowie Ave Solomon. (928) 428-5585. Convenience
store in Solomon sells water, drinks, snacks, microwave items,
some hiker basics but not acceptable for full resupply. Sporadic
hours as of 2011: Tu-Su 10-?. Pay phone out front.
(Don't
count on finding the store open. If you need water, a spigot is
located outside the old bank adjacent the post office.)
Restaurants:
The Branding Iron River Rd. near 8th St (928) 428-6252.
Western-style dinners. Closed Mondays.
Los Jilberto's Fast Mexican 215 E
US Highway 70 (928) 428-4887
Taco Bell 2267 W US Highway 70 (928) 428-3330
Pizza Hut 1305 W Thatcher Blvd (928)
428-4320
Subway Sandwiches & Salads 750 S 8th Ave (928) 428-6373
China Taste 1391 W Thatcher Blvd
(928) 348-3336. Buffet-style.
Super Wok 1275 W Thatcher Blvd (928)
348-9452. "Safford style" Chinese with buffet.
Aria's Ristorante Italiano 540 E
Hwy 70 (928) 428-2742
Golden Corral Buffet & Grill 2019
W US Highway 70 (928) 428-4744. AYCE with daily specials.
La Paloma Restaurant 5183 E. Clifton
St. Located in Solomon. (928) 428-2094. Open weekdays 10:30-7
and Sat 10:30-8 (closed Sunday). Nice, authentic little Mexican
restaurant with large menu listing, est. 1975.
... and a number of other restaurants in Safford & Thatcher.
Lodging:
Econo Lodge 225 E US Highway 70 928-348-0011
$40 - $60. Wifi in rooms. Guest laundry. On east end of town between
8th Ave and 8th St.
Budget Inn 1215 West Thatcher Boulevard
(928) 428-7850. $40. Clean and basic. Friendly proprietors.
Tour Rest Motel Thatcher Blvd,
Safford (928) 428-3881. $35. Basic. Rooms reportedly nicer than
exterior.
Sunrise RV Park 900 E Hollywood
Rd Safford (928) 428-1895. Located along GET route just east of
Hwy 70 crossing. RV & mobile home park has showers & laundry,
and is the only RV park in town that accommodates tent camping.
Best Western Desert Inn 1391 W Thatcher Blvd 928-428-0521
$65-$85. Price sometimes negotiable when vacancy high. Continental
breakfast. Guest internet in lobby. Guest laundry.
Super 8 1578 W Thatcher Blvd (928)
428-5851 $65 and up. At the former Comfort Inn location. Guest
internet in lobby and full continental breakfast.
Olney House B & B 1104 South
Central, Safford (off US 191 between 8th St and 14th St.) 1 (800)
814-5118 or (928) 428-5118. Historic building with Colonial Revival
architecture & decor. $65 (double occupany) for Main House
(shared bath) / $75-$85 for cottage (kitchenette, private bath).
www.olneyhouse.com
Quality Inn & Suites 420 E.
Hwy 70 (928) 428-3200 $100 and up. On east end of town between
8th Ave and 8th St.
Comfort Inn & Suites 450 Entertainment
Ave (just off Thatcher Blvd) (928) 348-9400. $100 and up. New
location with full breakfast and exercise room (for those antsy
"zero" days!)
Laundromat:
The
Washtub 1910 West Thatcher Boulevard. In plaza, north side
of road. Sells soap, makes change, has bathroom for guests. Open
7 days, 10am-8:30pm.
Washer/dryer for guests available at the Best
Western & Econo Lodge motels
Stove
fuel:
Safford
Builders Supl/Ace Hdwr 707 S 6th Ave (928) 428-1033
AutoZone Hwy 70. Sells HEET.
Home Depot 8th St at 20th Ave.
Pharmacy:
Walgreens
1995 W Thatcher Blvd (928) 428-5059
Walmart 8th St at 20th Ave.
Library
/ Internet:
808
S 7TH AVE (928) 348-3202. Along the GET route, two blocks south
of US 70 in old downtown. Computers available with internet access.
HOURS: Mo-Th 10am-7pm; Fr Sat Sun CLOSED.
Bank
/ ATM:
Wells
Fargo 426 US-70
Bank One 321 W MAIN ST
ATM at Basha's and Safeway
supermarkets, Walmart.
Outfitter:
Gila
Outdoor
3660 W Main Street Thatcher, AZ 85552 (928) 348-0710. 8:00 am
to 7:00 pm Mon -Sat. Basic selection of backpacking equipment
and accessories, including footwear. Hunting/fishing-oriented
selection and staff. Store most easily accessed on foot from the
GET route through Thatcher. From the railroad grade across the
EA College area follow College Ave N about 3/4 of a mile to US
70. Gila Outdoor is a short distance E along the hwy.
Transportation:
1-Taxi
(928) 322-1512. $5 minimum ride. Thereafter $2 per mile. Rides
exceeding 12.5 miles one-way, driver holds the fee at $25.00 until
25 miles is reached, then charges $1.00 per mile after that. Will
run on short notice within the Safford area, including Cluff Ranch,
Thatcher, Pima, Solomon, and the Safford airport area. Longer
runs available with advance notice, such as to Clifton/Morenci
and Willcox. (One way to or from Willcox a bargain at $40; $75
round trip.) Operated by friendly Dave Etter, a former local radio
personality.
High
Five Taxi (928) 428-3433. $2.50 flag drop plus $1.75 per
mile. Local runs throughout the Gila Valley on short notice. Allow
at least 12 hours advance notice for other destinations. Willcox
$50; Clifton / Morenci $50; Tucson $100; Phoenix $150. (All rates
for one way trip.) Hours of operation: Su-Th 9am-11pm, Fr-Sa 9am-3am.
Tom
Larimer, owner of Bucko's Coffee in the town of Willcox
40 miles south of Safford, may pick up or drop off in Safford
with advance notice. Call for current rates. 520-384-2875.
Enterprise
Rent-a-Car 1018 West Thatcher Boulevard (928) 428-0955.
Local and one-way car rentals. One-way rentals are not always
available, sometimes require advance notice, and may require a
drop-off in Tucson. Ask for Brandt Taylor, asst. manager, and
mention you're a GET hiker.
Land
Management Agency:
BLM
Safford Field Office 711 14th Avenue Safford (928) 348-4400
SFOWEB_AZ@blm.gov Or call / email and ask for BLM recreation
planner Deb Morris (928) 348-4417 (Deborah_Morris@blm.gov) for
info on Safford-Morenci Trail and BLM lands the GET uses north
of Safford. Permits for Aravaipa Canyon are issued here as well.
Coronado
National Forest Safford Ranger District
711 14th Ave, Suite D Safford (928) 428-4150 mailroom_r3_coronado@fs.fed.us
Info on Pinalenos, Mt Graham, and Santa Teresa Wilderness.
Veteran ranger Chuck Duncan: (928) 348-1964
Kimball
Hanson: (928) 428-9367 for information regarding new mine construction
in the Gila Mtns north of town. (Public info contact for Freeport
McMoRan / Phelps Dodge)
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Morenci
/ Clifton AZ
Trail
miles from west terminus: 268 (via
Eagle Creek Bypass) / 282 (via main GET)
Distance from GET: via US 191 at Lower Eagle
Creek Rd: Morenci 5 mi E, Clifton 8 mi E (or via
US 191 at main GET crossing: Morenci
15 mi S, Clifton 18 mi S)
Clifton
and Morenci are sister communities, the former an historic mining
town, the latter a modern, company-built town at the foot of a
massive open-pit copper mine. Each community offers its own distinct
cultural charm and eccentricity, and neither is soon forgotten
after visiting. Hikers following the Eagle Creek Bypass (Segment
14) can opt to detour 5 miles on foot into Morenci via low-speed
Highway 191 (aka the Coronado Trail). Hitchhiking to and from
the main route, 10 miles farther up the lightly-travelled highway,
is certainly possible, but don't expect instant gratification.
(See the guidebook for more
on this.) Morenci offers most hiker services, including a full-size
supermarket, but those who can manage the 3 or 4 miles extra into
Clifton will be duly rewarded for their efforts. Historic Chase
Creek Street is here (photo), as well as Jail Cave, both living
relics of Clifton's erstwhile mining heyday.
Morenci
post office | View
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Morenci
US Post Office address:
9
Morenci Mall
Morenci AZ 85540
Hours: M-F 07:00AM-03:45PM Closed SA
Phone: (928) 865-3312
__________________
Clifton
US Post Office address:
494 N Coronado Blvd
Clifton AZ 85533
Hours: M-F 7:45am-3:45pm, Sa 11-12
Phone: (928) 865-3892
To
reach the Clifton post office, follow Chase Creek St to Comb St
and turn east to Hwy 191 close by the PO. This avoids having to
walk the narrow shoulder of Hwy 191 in the upper part of town.
Groceries:
Basha's
Supermarket 172 Plaza, Morenci 928-865-1820. Long-term
resupply with deli.
Circle K N Coronado Blvd, Clifton
(928) 865-3441
Restaurants:
Copper
Room Restaurant & Lounge 261 Burro Ally, Morenci (928)
865-4111. M-F 5am-9pm, Sa-Su 10am-4pm. B / L / D. Lively little
joint located inside the Morenci Motel.
R & R Pizza Express Morenci Plaza,
Morenci (928) 865-2200. AYCE lunch buffet. Delivers to Clifton.
Copper Canyon Cafe Morenci Plaza,
Morenci (928) 865-2213
Golden City Chinese Restaurant Morenci
Plaza, Morenci (928) 865-5941
Dairy Queen 438 Plaza Dr, Morenci
(928) 865-3456
Los Mendoza Taco Shop 355 N Coronado
Blvd, Clifton. 928-865-1010. Far north end of town.
El Corralito 352 North Coronado Boulevard,
Clifton. (928) 865-5291. Open M-F 11am-8pm, closed weekends. Pizza,
Mex/American fare, salad bar. Formerly Marla's Pizzeria.
P J's 307 S Coronado Blvd Clifton
(928) 865-3328. Homestyle B L D. Don't miss breakfast here for
all the juicy mining gossip.
Gold Panner's Grub Chase Creek St,
Clifton.
Gi'Mees' York Valley, Clifton (928)
687-1517
Lodging:
Morenci
Motel Burro Ally, Morenci. (928) 865-4111. $75. Fridge/micro/satellite
TV. Sometimes fills up on week days; reservations recommended.
Copper Room Restaurant located on premises. Mine tours can be
booked via the motel's front desk.
Rode Inn Motel 186 N Coronado Blvd
Clifton. (928) 865-4536. $55 standard rooms, or $45 for smaller
rooms, in back along river. Washer/drier for guests. Friendly
owners. Sometimes fills up on week days; reservations recommended.
Please
note that both motels are sometimes all filled by early afternoon
during week days, due to mining contractors in town. Consider
making reservations ahead of time if possible.
Laundromat:
Sunrise
Laundromat South Coronado Boulevard, Clifton. South of
PJ's restaurant.
Coin-op laundry (no soap or change)
also available at apartment complex behind Morenci Motel.
Also see Rode Inn Motel, above.
Outfitter:
Phelps
Dodge Mercantile 172 Morenci Plaza, Morenci.
(928)
865-4121. Located adjacent to the
Basha's supermarket. An assortment of hardware and "Coleman-variety"
outdoors items, including white gas and some very basic camping
provisions. A Radio Shack "mini-store" is located inside
the Mercantile as well.
Stove
fuel:
Phelps
Dodge Mercantile
(see above).
Conoco US 191 (east of Morenci Plaza,
around the bend) (928) 865-3975 Mini Mart sells HEET but call
to confirm availability.
AutoZone Morenci Mall, Morenci. Once
sold HEET, reportedly no longer.
Library
/ Internet:
Morenci
Public Library Morenci Plaza (928) 865-1981. Located past
Basha's, within Morenci Plaza. Hours: M-F 9am-5pm, Sat 10am-2pm.
Closed Sunday.
Clifton Public Library 102 School St (928) 865-2461. Follow
"library" signs east from US 191 / S Coronado Blvd near
PJ's restaurant. Hours: M-Th 10am-5pm, Fri 10am-4pm. Closed Sat
& Sun.
Bank
/ ATM:
ATM
at National Bank & Basha's
in Morenci, Circle K in Clifton.
Land
Management Agency:
Apache-Sitgreaves
National Forest Clifton Ranger District
HC 1, Box 733 , Duncan, AZ, 85594, Phone: (928) 687-8600. (Actually
located in Three Way, near the town of Duncan - not in Clifton!)
Info on GET environment from Painted Bluff Trail @ Eagle Creek
to the AZ / NM state line. District ranger Donna Reed: (928) 687-8612.
Morenci
also has a movie theatre, (located
near the library) providing occasionally beneficial cinematic
distraction for hikers and miners alike.
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Glenwood
/ Alma NM
Trail miles
from west terminus: 330
Distance from GET: Alma on route,
Glenwood 4.5 miles S via US 180
Located
along US Hwy 180 just north of the GET crossing, Alma is a tiny
ranching community featuring little more than a small general
store and adjacent diner. A pay phone is here, from which you
may be able to call one of the motels in Glenwood for a shuttle
into this likewise small, charming and friendly community. (Lariat
Motel shown in photo.) Mogollon ghost town is nearby, as is the
historical curiosity known as Cooney Tomb. The beautiful Catwalk
Trail along Whitewater Creek is a must-see area attraction and
is accessible as a side hike off the main GET.
Glenwood
post office | View
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Glenwood
US Post Office address:
5109
Highway 180
Glenwood NM 88039
Hours: M-F 08:00AM-12:30PM 01:00PM-04:30PM SA 10:00AM-1:00PM
Phone: (575) 539-2131
Groceries:
Alma
Store Alma (575) 539-2640. Open 7 days, 7am-7pm (6-6 when
Daylight Savings Time not in effect)..General
store with picnic-type supplies, microwave foods, some produce
(onions, tomatoes, avocados), snacks, and ice cream. Passable
for short-term resupply, depending upon current inventory (call).
Alma Grill is located next door. Outside pay phone and water spigot.
Glenwood Trading Post Glenwood (575)
539-2321. Open 7 days, 8am-7pm. General / convenience store and
gas station, with some produce, canned goods, Lipton dinners,
mac & cheese, snacks. Maybe passable for short-term resupply.
Sometimes sells HEET. Call for current inventory, as selection
is not regularly restocked. Outside pay phone (receives calls
to # scrawled on side of phone, but doesn't ring).
Taken
together, the above two grocery options may offer enough for unparticular
hikers to reach Gila Hot Springs or Morenci.
Restaurants:
Blue
Front Bar & Cafe Glenwood (575) 539-2561. Wed 5pm-9pm,
Th-Sun 11am-9pm, cafe closed Mondays & Tuesdays. Serves lunch
& dinner. Good Mex/American food plus salad bar. Bar room
tended by friendly Lori, plus separate restaurant area.
Golden Girls Cafe Glenwood (575)
539-2457. Serves breakfast from 6-10am daily (sometimes 5-9am)
in the kitchen of owner's home. Excellent food, friendly conversation.
Mario's
Pizza Glenwood. (575) 539-2316. Open Mon, Tue, Fri, Sat
only: 4-8pm. (Hours & days somewhat unreliable.) Pizza, calzones,
sub sandwiches, home-made ice cream.
Alma
Grill (575) 539-2233. Next door to the Alma Trading Company
in Alma. 6am - 3 pm every day except closed Thursdays. Serving
breakfast all day, lunch from 11am. Best food in Alma! (Burgers,
veggie melts, Mexican dishes) Popular gossip spot for area ranchers.
Lodging:
Lariat
Motel Glenwood (575) 539-2361. All rooms $50-60. Larger,
upstairs rooms best value. Showers available without stay ($5).
Motel is conveniently located behind Glenwood Trading Post, which
has pay phones. (No phones in room.) Check in at trading post
if no answer at motel.
Whitewater Motel PO Box 158 Glenwood,
NM 88039 (575) 539-2581 whitewater@gilanet.com $50-$60. No phones
in rooms. Located next to the post office on the opposite end
of town (0.2 miles away!) Backs onto Whitewater Creek.
Los Olmos Guest Ranch PO Box 225
Glenwood NM 88039. (Corner of Hwy 180 & Catwalk Rd., across
the street from Glenwood Trading Post.) (575) 539-2213. Email:
info@thelosolmosranch.com 14 newly renovated private stone cabins
for rent in a preserved pioneer-era setting. Outdoor pool, fishing
ponds, horse facilities. No tv in rooms. Reasonable daily rates.
Call for current info.
Crab Apple Cabins PO Box 86 Glenwood,
NM 88039 (575) 539-2400. Reasonable rates. Hiker-friendly proprietors.
Open seasonally.
Double T Homestead NM 174 (Catwalk
Rd). (575) 539-2812. Cabins, RV spaces. Located on eastern edge
of town en route to the Catwalk trailhead.
D & D's Organic Haven B & B
13 Blue Heron Lane, Pleasanton, NM 88039 (575) 539-2483 $60 single
/ $75 double occupancy. Tranquil bed & breakfast located in
nearby Pleasanton (3 miles south of Glenwood via Hwy 180). Stay
includes generous continental breakfast, as well as access to
hot tub, sun room, and large shady yard. Open seasonally April
1 - mid November. Run by hiker-friendly hosts Dan & Deb Nordquist
(hikers themselves). Call from Alma or Glenwood for possible shuttle.
www.d-and-d-organic-haven.homestead.com
Silver Creek Inn (B&B) HC 61 Box
306 Mogollon, NM 88039 1-866-276-4882. Located in the nearby ghost
town of Mogollon.
Camping:
USFS
Bighorn Campground 5 drive-in campsites,
with picnic tables, grills, and juniper shade. Toilet facilities.
No water. This free public campground is a convenient 0.1 mile
north of Glenwood along US 180, not in the ideal setting but FREE.
Stove
fuel:
Glenwood
Trading Post
(see above) Sometimes sells HEET (located on shelf beside entrance,
near floor). Call to confirm.
Library
/ Internet:
Glenwood
Public Library
Menges Lane (575) 539-2277 Hours: Mon 10-3, Tu & Th 10-2,
6-8 Fr & Sat 10-2. Closed Wed. Sometimes open evenings as
well. Hours may vary depending on library volunteers' schedules.
Public internet computers and always-on wifi hotspot that works
outside. Located at south end of town, past post office, on side
road to the right off of US 180.
Bank
/ ATM:
ATM
at Glenwood Trading Post
Transportation:
Glenwood
Trading Post (see listing above) May offer shuttle to/from
Silver City (70 mi) with advance (2-3 wk) notice. Ask for Lester
or Wendy.
Out N' Back Trails Unlimited 575-590-7795
Located in Silver City. Proprietor Bryan McDonald will shuttle
to/from Glenwood area for $1.70/mi (~$135 one way).
Land
Management Agency:
Gila
National Forest Glenwood Ranger District
Hwy 180, Glenwood (575) 539-2481. (Info specialist Tom Hayes:
tehayes@fs.fed.us) Info on Gila National Forest from the
crest of the Mogollon Mountains westward to the AZ state line.
The District Ranger's office is 0.25 mile south of Glenwood on
the west side of HWY 180.
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Gila
Hot Springs NM
Trail
miles from west terminus: 386
Distance from GET: 3 miles S via
Hwy 15
Doc
Campbell's Post is the center of life in this small unincorporated
village, surrounded on all sides by the vast Gila National Forest.
True to its name, hot springs abound here, and have attracted
an eclectic, free-spirited band of residents and homegrown, tourist-friendly
businesses to the area. Gila Hot Springs lies about 3 miles south
of the GET along NM Hwy 15.
Maildrop service:
(Hiker's Name)
c/o Doc Campbell's Post
HC 68 Box 80
Silver City NM 88061
Mail
food parcels c/o this address via Postal Service or UPS. Include
your name in the address, and "hold for hiker" in the
corner of the box, along with your estimated date of arrival.
You can mail your package a couple of weeks early as necessary,
in order to accommodate UPS ground service, etc. Store is NOT
capable of handling outgoing parcels. Outgoing letter mail (store
sells stamps) may be placed in a small mailbox out front.
Store
hours:
8am-4pm, 7 days. Summer hours: 8am-5:30pm, 7 days. (Sometimes
doesn't open until 10am and, in general, store hours can be variable
but usually open 7 days a week.)
Phone: (575) 536-9551 daytime or
(575) 536-9314 evenings
Email: pyluecke (at) gilanet.com
From
their website: "Here you will find a special country store
with groceries, a snack bar, homemade ice cream, ice, gas, fishing
and hunting licenses, fishing supplies, a real southwest gift
shop, books, postcards, T-shirts with Wilderness and local designs.
Also laundromat and hot showers."
Groceries:
Doc
Campbell's Post.
A limited selection of groceries, incl. a few types of freeze-dried
meals, mac & cheese, snacks, peanut butter, tortillas, canned
goods, microwave burritos & sandwiches, plus home-made ice
cream. Probably unacceptable for resupply to Monticello (eastbound),
but may be passable to Glenwood (westbound). Certainly acceptable
for augmenting a maildrop, however. Store has other basics, like
sunscreen, bug repellent, and usually sells HEET and white gas
fuel. Pay phone out front. Run by Paul & Ysabel Luecke. (Hikers
note: Trash facilities are limited in Gila Hot Springs as well
as at the Cliff Dwellings visitors area. Please don't ask to leave
your trash at Docs unless making a purchase here of some reasonable
value. Paul will collect your discarded maildrop boxes and packaging,
however.)
Restaurants:
None.
Sandwiches & microwave items are available at Doc
Campbell's.
The Wilderness Lodge serves breakfast for guests.
Lodging:
The
Wilderness Lodge Jackass
Lane, Gila Hot Springs NM (575) 536-9749. wildernesslodge@gilahot.com
$68 for 1 or $78 per couple with shared bath (one bed), $105 for
2 with private bath (two bedroom suite). Bed & breakfast in
a nice, secluded area with friendly hosts. Follow NM 15 south
from Doc Campbell's to Access Rd, turn left, then left again onto
Jackass Lane.
Gila
Hot Springs Ranch (575) 536-9551 daytime or (575) 536-9314
evenings. Affiliated with Doc Campbell's Post. Lodge-style suite
with kitchenette for $76-$92 for 2 ($8 each extra person). www.gilahotspringsranch.com
gilahotspringsranch@gilanet.com
Camping:
Gila
Hot Springs RV Park
Across from Doc Campbell's on Hwy 15. Grassy tent site with "RV
ambience" for $15. Showers for guests only.
River
Campground Located on banks of the
W Fork Gila River. Dusty car camping area with public hot spring.
Tenting allowed. $3 day use, $4 overnight. Drinking water &
toilets available. To reach the campground, follow Access Rd (off
NM 15) to end and turn left.
Forest Service Campgrounds Two
campgrounds, each located just off Hwy 15 near confluence
of West & East forks of the Gila. User fee. This may be the
best bet for semi- quiet camping in the area, apart from stealth
camping on the national forest.
Laundromat:
Laundry
& pay showers at Doc Campbell's Post.
Stove
fuel:
White
gas & HEET at Doc Campbell's Post.
Land
Management Agency:
Gila
National Forest Wilderness Ranger District
HC 68 Box 50, Mimbres, New Mexico, 88049. (575) 536-2250. District
ranger Al Koss (email info specialist Annette Grijalva-Disert:
jgrijalvadisert@fs.fed.us). Info on Gila National Forest east
of Mogollon crest, west of Black Range crest.
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Resupply
Caution
The next convenient, on-route resupply is at Magdalena, 175 trail
miles from Gila Hot Springs. Although it is possible to hike this
entire stretch without a resupply, it cannot be recommended due
to the remote and rough nature of this terrain. Hikers who run
low on food will find it difficult to obtain more without having
a pre-arranged maildrop along the way. Often what happens is that
the hiker ends up shortcutting or hitchhiking in a desperate bid
to reach Magdalena (eastbound) or Gila Hot Springs (westbound),
in the process missing some of the best scenery of the hike. Please
consider using one of the following two off-route resupply options
instead of trying to push straight through. (Westbounders can
use Trail's End Market in Magdalena to facilitate a maildrop,
shipping via Priority Mail to Monticello or Winston.)
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Winston
NM
Trail
miles from west terminus: 447 (via
Hwy 59 & 52) / 475 (via Hwy 52)
Distance from GET: 24 miles SE /
22 miles S
Winston
is a near ghost of a former silver mining boomtown, located in
the shadow of the remote Black Range of the Gila National Forest.
The town is difficult to reach from any direction, and you won't
find much once you get here. However it's a link to the outside
world in this lonely corner of New Mexico, and a possible resupply
point for hikers who would prefer a sketchy hitchhike (via Hwy
59 or Hwy 52) to the off-trail hiking often required to reach
Monticello (see next entry).
From
the GET / CDT crossing of NM Hwy 59 in the Black Range, Winston
is a ~24 mile hitchhike via paved roads which receive only light
vehicle use. Hwy 59 in particular is very lightly travelled, most
often by hunters or USFS personnel. Because of the difficulty
of hitchhiking from this remote spot and the lack of good options
if stuck here with an empty food bag, the following hitchhiking
location is likely preferable.
From
the GET crossing of dirt, 2WD NM Hwy 52 near Dusty (scattered
ranches/residences in an emergency, but no services), Winston
is a ~22 mile hitchhike south. Traffic is very light, though ranchers
in the area do head into Winston to pick up mail. Hwy 52 is paved
south of its junction with Hwy 59.
Chloride,
located 2 miles beyond Winston, may offer cabins for rent but
likely has no other useful services for hikers.
http://www.ghosttowns.com/states/nm/winston.html
Winston
US Post Office address:
451
Graspon Rd
Winston NM 87943
Hours: M-F 07:30AM-04:00PM SA 09:00-11:00AM
Phone: (575) 743-0157
Groceries:
Winston
General Store Highway 52. (575) 743-6915. Snacks, some
canned and packaged foods, microwave items, sandwiches. Pay phone
out front. Unacceptable for resupply, although the Winston General
Store Official Merchandise (ball caps, t-shirts) might just improve
the hitchhiking prospects after resupplying via the post office.
Restaurant
/ Lodging:
Winston
Bed & Breakfast / Cafe 202
Broadway (575) 743-0208. Now closed.
Cabins available for rent in Chloride (2 mi west). For details,
contact proprietor: dedmund (at) windstream.net
Winston
also has a bar / saloon. Perhaps one could win a drinking bet
to get back to the trail from here.
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Monticello
NM
Trail
miles from west terminus: 483
Distance from GET: 10.5 miles S via
Monticello Canyon (4WD)
Like
Winston, Monticello is a tiny, remote village located a fair distance
off-route. It, too, offers only the barest of services - namely,
a post office and, as of recent, lodging. But unlike Winston,
Monticello is reached by way of a pleasant, well-watered walk
on a nearly level dirt road. A few residents live along this scenic
road on sprawling ranch/farm acreage in a dramatic canyon setting.
Anyone heading your way may be willing to offer a ride to or from
town.
Farming
and ranching along perennial Alamosa Creek have long been the
way of life in and around Monticello. Although the area has seen
a decline in population in recent decades, a new lifeblood is
flowing in the form of a few organic farms, and a revitalization
of the old town square is in the works. Still, the community is
very small, eclectic, and close-knit, and feels a world apart
from the rush of modern life.
Monticello
US Post Office address:
355
Calle Del Norte Rd
Monticello NM 87939
Hours: M-Sa 08:00AM-12:00PM
Phone: (575) 743-0076
Lodging:
Lodging
is now available in Monticello and may be an attractive option
for hikers, due to the absence of public land for camping immediately
surrounding town.
Two
one-bedroom adobe casitas
with fully-equipped kitchens are available for rent, one of which
sleeps 2 (single queen bed), while the other sleeps 4 (additional
sleeper-sofa in living room). Hosted by Steve and Jane Darland
at their organic herb farm in town. Each private casita rents
for $85 per night. Cash or check only. Rate & terms available
to walk-in GET hikers only, otherwise 2 night minimum stay required.
Reservations recommended, and plan to bring all of your own food.
Guest laundry facilities available (for clothing only please).
Call (575) 743-0200 or email: jane.darland@gmail.com View
of casita: www.oldmonticelloorganicfarms.com/#234287717
Camping:
Although
day use of the old town square -
a small, shady area with picnic tables - is an option, overnight
use is probably unacceptable and also impractical, due to a lack
of public restrooms in town. Otherwise, the road in Monticello
Canyon (public right-of-way among private land) passes through
or near a few state and BLM sections where stealth camping should
be acceptable away from the road. To locate these parcels, refer
to the GET Topo Map Set and/or Forest Service maps of the area.
Please
note that Monticello has no public restrooms or pay phone, and
cell phone reception is unlikely. (Reception possible if you head
east up FR 139 about a mile.) Hikers paying for lodging may be
able to use the proprietors' phone (no phones in rooms) for a
brief call. Otherwise, consider explaining the situation tactfully
to a resident in town. (The post office phone is unavailable for
public use.)
Truth
or Consequences, offering most services including a taxi
company, is a ~22 mile hitchhike SE of Monticello; all traffic
- what little there is - will probably be heading all or most
of the way there, though getting back to Monticello can be more
difficult and may recommend use of the taxi - see next entry.
(The village of Placita, just south of Monticello and en route
to T or C, has no services.)
Transportation:
Hot
Spring Taxi Truth or Consequences 575-894-1145 Taxi company
in T or C. Closed Sundays. Will only run TO Monticello from T
or C (plan to hitchhike into T or C - usually not problematic).
$2 / mile = $44 (approximate). Give one day advance notice and
plan to be flexible with pick-up time.
Please
note: Greyhound bus lines discontinued service to Truth or Consequences
in 2010. Albuquerque and Las Cruces are now the only bus stops
along I-25 in this stretch. For those looking to disembark from
(or to rejoin) their adventure via T or C, perhaps the only economical
public transporation option at this time is a Mexican-American
shuttle bus company. El Paso-Los Angeles Limousine Express services
T or C regularly via shuttle van. A GET hiker used this company
in 2011 and deemed the rate and service to be reasonable. www.eplalimo.com
Land
Management Agency:
Gila
National Forest Black Range Ranger District
1804 North Date Street, Truth or Consequences, NM (575) 894-6677.
District ranger Les Dufour: ldufour@fs.fed.us Info
on Black Range Crest / CDT / GET.
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Magdalena
NM
Trail
miles from west terminus: 562
Distance from GET: on route
A
former railroad town, Magdalena was once the end of the line for
the Great Western Stock Driveway. Here, cattle were unloaded and
herded west toward interior Catron County and on to Arizona. The
town took its name from biblical Mary Magdalene, whose likeness
is said to grace a nearby mountain. In terms of appearances and
services Magdalena remains something of an anachronism, but nonetheless
offers enough of the basics to make this a welcome stop along
the trail. Several reasonably priced motels are here, as is a
good-sized market, a few colorful eateries, and a Cibola National
Forest district office. The ghost town of Kelly lies just south
of town along the route of the GET. Except for its historic white
adobe church, you'll need a permit before visiting Kelly, available
at a roadside rock shop along Kelly Road in Magdalena.
www.magdalena-nm.com
First
Street and US 60 are the same road, Magdalena's main drag, where
almost all services are found.
Magdalena
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Magdalena
US Post Office address:
100
East First St
Magdalena NM 87825
Hours: M-F 8:00AM - 4:30PM Sat 10:00 - 12:00PM
Phone: (575) 854-2231
Long-time employee Libby Bodio, wife of a well-known local travelbook
author, is a friend of hikers.
Groceries:
Trails
End Market 1003 W 1st St. (575) 854-2205. Mo- Sa 9am-7pm.
Reportedly now open Sundays as well. Good for long-term resupply,
although choice of brands is somewhat limited. Has decent produce
selection. Also has small "drug store" aisle with all
the basics.
Family Dollar W 1st St. Discount
variety store, new in 2010, has several aisles of groceries, mostly
discount brands, some packaged dinners, no fresh produce.
Conoco Gas/Food
Mart 705 1st St. (575) 854-3680. Sells water, snacks, microwave
foods, but no longer sells HEET. Public restrooms. Pay phone.
ATM.
Restaurants:
Magdalena
Cafe 109 Main St. (1/2 block S of
US 60) (575) 854-2696. Open for breakfast and lunch M-F 7am-1:30pm,
Sat 7am-12:30pm. Also serves dinner Th and Sat evenings, 5-7.
The local favorite breakfast spot.
Bear Mountain Coffee House 902 W
1st St (US 60) (575) 854-3310. Hours: Wed-Sun 9am - 4pm. Cafe
serving breakfast and lunch, with an ever-evolving menu incl.
espresso, pastries, sandwiches, salads, soups, pizzas, paninis,
ice cream and homemade desserts. WiFi hotspot, "book
nook" and sometimes live entertainment on the weekends. Adjoining
art gallery features the works of local and regional artists.
Golden Spur Saloon US
60. (575) 854-2554. Serving Red Baron
pizza, sometimes burgers and steaks, otherwise no food menu.
High
Country Lodge 303
E 1st St. (575) 854-2062. Dining area in motel lobby serves continental
breakfast from 7am-9am daily.
Evett's Cafe Highway 60.
(575) 854-2449. NOW CLOSED. Old-fashioned ice cream fountain (see
photo above) with decent food menu as well. Mex/American staples,
simply prepared. The "social aorta" of town, in the
words of one guidebook to the area. SADLY, EVETT'S - A MAINSTAY
IN TOWN FOR MANY YEARS - WENT OUT OF BUSINESS IN 2009.
Ponderosa Restaurant US
60. (575) 854-9916. Mex/American. 3pm-7pm daily although in actuality
hours and days of operation tend to vary. B L D menu available.
CLOSED AS OF 2010, AT LEAST TEMPORARILY.
Conoco Gas/Food Mart 705 1st St.
(575) 854-3680. Fresh-baked whole pizzas made to order after
5pm or so. PIZZA NO LONGER AVAILABLE AS OF FALL 2010, BUT
INQUIRE FOR LATEST WORD.
Please
note: As the above info reveals, Magdalena currently lacks a reliable,
everyday dinner restaurant. Plan to arrive early enough to avail
yourself of "take-out lunch for dinner" from either
Magdalena Cafe or Bear Mountain Coffee House, as available / needed.
(Another option: The Eagle's Nest Motel has kitchenettes, and
the Western Motel has a public barbecue grill, for preparing your
own dinner after shopping at Trail's End Market.)
Lodging:
High
Country Lodge 303 E 1st St. (575) 854-2062. $41 single,
$52 double before tax. Rooms are modest and clean; fridge/microwave
& satellite tv. Continental breakfast from 7am-9am. Free Wifi
hotspot.
Western Motel & RV Park 404 1st St.
(575) 854-2417 westernmotel@gilanet.com $41-$66 rooms, each with
a unique theme. All rooms have fridge/microwave/tv. No continental
breakfast. $25/night RV park in rear (no tenting allowed). Propane-fired
barbecue grill on premises for public use. Laundry available with
stay.
Eagle's Nest Motel & RV Park
1405 W First St. (US 60 & NM 107) (575) 854-3651 or (505) 859-6446.
Located
about a mile west of the above motels, closer to Trail's End Market.
Remodeled motel rooms with kitchenettes are immaculate and roomy,
like studio apartments. Satellite tv. $48 single / $53 double.
Call ahead as proprietor (Paul Lucero) is often out of the office.
Laundromat:
Suds
& Stuff 1006 1st St (across from Trail's End Market).
(575) 854-3377. Mo-Sa 9am-7pm except Wed closed. Su 9am-3pm. Sells
soap, makes change, has bathroom for guests. All washers front-loading.
Western Motel provides laundry service
for guests.
Stove
fuel:
Conoco Gas/Food mart Previously sold
HEET, but not as of late.
Trail's
End Market Should have rubbing alcohol
Family Dollar Should have rubbing
alcohol
Alamo Plumbing & Heating US Hwy
60. Sells Coleman fuel only.
Library
/ Internet:
Magdalena
Public Library
108 N. Main St. (575) 854-2261. HOURS: Mo, Tu, Fr 11am-4pm; We,
Th 11am-9pm; Sat 9am-2pm. Internet access. Library housed inside
the the town's historic railroad depot along the GET route just
north of US 60.
WiFi available at Bear Mountain Coffee House and High Country
Lodge.
Bank
/ ATM:
Wells Fargo 1st & Main St
Conoco Gas/Food Mart 705 1st St
Permits:
Tony's Rock Shop Located on Kelly
Rd (GET) about a mile south of US 60 in Magdalena. Sells permits
for visiting the nearby mining ghost town of Kelly. (Kelly's historic
adobe church
is the only structure in town not requiring a permit to visit.)
Transportation:
Socorro
Taxi 606
N. California St. Socorro NM. 575-835-4276. jess@socorrotaxi.com
May shuttle on advance notice between Magdalena & full-service
town of Socorro, 27 miles east on US 60. Taxi runs until 5pm daily,
and no longer on weekends, except possibly by advance reservation.
Ask whether taxi driver Darrell may be available, or reach him
directly at (575) 418-0574. Mention that you're a GET hiker.
Land
Management Agency:
Cibola
National Forest Magdalena Ranger District
1st St & Kelly Rd. Magdalena. (575) 854-2281. Trails specialist
Herbert Ray: hlray@fs.fed.us Info on Magdalena
& San Mateo Mountains incl. Apache Kid & Withington Wildernesses.
While
in Magdalena, well-cultured hikers may be able to take in a play,
compliments of the unlikely-named London
Frontier Theatre Company. www.londonfrontiertheatre.com
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Polvadera
NM
Trail
miles from west terminus: 589
Distance from GET: 1.1 mi S & E (via
frontage rd) / 0.9 mi S & W (via Canal Rd)
The
Spanish word Polvadera means "dusty," and although the
interstate corridor that bumps up against this otherwise peaceful
hamlet may appear dust-choked and desertified, the nearby Rio
Grande is actually surrounded by stately cottonwoods and is surprisingly
lush. Polvadera lies at the edge of the Rio Grande bosque, another
Spanish word, meaning "riverside woods." Agriculture
and ranching, permitted by an elaborate network of drainage canals,
are the primary ways of life here; the interstate and its culture
actually bypasses the community itself. Polvadera offers little
more than a post office, (see photo) and no public telephone,
although the village of Lemitar, 5 miles south via a frontage
road, has a full-service truck stop and several cafes. Escondida,
a tiny hamlet along the Rio Grande Highwater Bypass route, has
a cafe, as well. Five miles farther south lies the larger town
of Socorro (Spanish for "help"), reachable by taxi and
offering most services but no longer a Greyhound bus stop.
Socorro
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Polvadera
US Post Office address:
15
Correo St
Polvadera NM 87828
Hours: M-F 07:30AM-11:30AM & 12PM-4PM, Sa 7:30-11AM
Phone: (575) 835-9707
World's
tiniest post office has drinking water and restroom (as a courtesy
to hikers) when open. Shade available by the front entrance, but
watch out for the occasional postal customer. Also a pair of quiet,
secluded picnic areas, with tables and tall shade trees (but no
drinking water) are available "in the vicinity"; one
lies along the main GET route, 2.5 miles away, the other along
the alternate GET highwater bypass route, both located in the
Rio Grande bosque.
__________________
Lemitar
US Post Office address:
5 Chambon Rd
Lemitar NM 87823
Hours: M-F 07:45AM-11:30PM & 12PM-3:45PM, Sa 8:30AM-11:00AM
Phone: (575) 838-0973
__________________
Socorro
US Post Office address:
124 Plaza St
Socorro NM 87801
Hours:
M-F 08:30AM-05:00PM, Sa 9-12
Phone: (575) 835-0542
Groceries:
Road
Runner Travel Ctr I-25 Exit 156 Lemitar, NM (575) 838-1400.
Truck stop and convenience store with possible short-term resupply
potential. ~5 miles south of Polvadera. Mac n cheese, Ramen, tuna
(in a can) and spam, (no Liptons), and sandwich fixings. Sells
HEET.
Several
long-term resupply grocery options exist in Socorro,
~10 miles south of Polvadera. (Walmart, Smith's, John Brooks,
the latter with some progressive / organic packaged items like
corn pasta & Annie's.)
Restaurants:
Escondida Grill 153 NM 408 Escondida
(quarter mile west of Pueblito Bridge over the Rio Grande on the
Highwater Bypass route) (575) 838-2423. Tu-Th 9am-7pm, Fr-Su 9am-9pm,
closed Monday. Mexican/American + ice cream, some picnic supplies
for sale, including sunscreen & bug repellent. (Phone number
not working as of 2011. Unable to verify current status of this
facility.)
Tina's Restaurant 33 W Frontage Rd Lemitar (575) 835-3340
Crane Cafe I-25 exit 156 Lemitar
(575) 838-1200
Good variety of restaurants in Socorro including
Socorro Springs Brewing Company (microbrewery
with full lunch / dinner menu specializing in pizza & burgers).
Lodging
/ camping:
Several
inexpensive options in Socorro (Econo
Lodge a good value - has PC with internet in lobby)
Escondida
Lake Park Escondida, NM 575.835.2041.
Self-pay tent camping in grassy field of RV Park with nearby oxbow
lake. Water available from RV site spigots, of questionable purity
(strong mineral taste). Park located along Staton Rd by Pueblito
bridge, 6.9 miles south of GET or directly along alternate high-water
GET route.
Showers
available at Road Runner Travel Ctr in
Lemitar.
Laundromat:
Road
Runner Travel Ctr in Lemitar. Laundromat also available
in Socorro.
Stove
fuel:
HEET
available at Road Runner Travel Ctr
in Lemitar, and at auto parts stores and Walmart in Socorro.
Bank
/ ATM:
ATM
at Road Runner Travel Ctr in Lemitar
(more ATM's / banks in Socorro)
Transportation:
Socorro
Taxi 606
N. California St. Socorro NM. 575-835-4276. jess@socorrotaxi.com
Will shuttle between Polvadera, Lemitar & full-service town
of Socorro, 10 miles south via Lemitar frontage road.
Taxi runs until 5pm daily, and no longer on weekends, except possibly
by advance reservation.
Land
Management Agency:
BLM
Socorro Field Office 901 S. Highway
85, Socorro NM 87801 (575) 835-0412. Info on GET environment from
Magdalena to US 60 near Abo Canyon.
Socorro
also has numerous restaurants, a public library with internet
access, and a Walmart.
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Mountainair
NM
Trail
miles from west terminus: 633
Distance from GET: 18 miles E
via US 60
Hikers
looking to roughly halve the 115 mile distance between on-route
resupply options at Polvadera and Tijeras might consider detouring
to the small town of Mountainair, an 18 mile hitchhike east from
the GET crossing of well-travelled US 60 near Abo Canyon. (The
place names of Scholle and Abo, as shown on maps, offer no services,
nor is tiny Bernardo worthy of a westward detour.) Mountainair
is a small ranching-oriented town offering a modest array of services,
and is also home to the headquarters for Salinas Pueblos National
Monument. Organized into districts, each at a different cultural
site, this monument showcases some of the most well-preserved
ancient pueblo dwellings in the Southwest. The Abo district lies
9 miles east of the GET crossing at US 60, and is a worthwhile
detour if you have time.
Mountainair
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Mountainair
US Post Office address:
221
W Broadway
Mountainair NM 87036
Hours:
M-F 8am-11:30am, 12:15pm-04:45pm. Sat. 9am-12pm
Phone: (505) 847-2206
Groceries:
Mountainair
Grocery 204 W Broadway (505) 847-2223. Not
much variety, but may be ok for long-term resupply.
Town and Country Butcher shop with
a few grocery items.
Restaurants:
Ancient
Cities Cafe 511 W Highway 60 (505) 847-2368. Mex/American.
Coffee
Cup Court @ Alpine Alley
NM 55 North (505) 847-2478. 8am-2pm Mo-Sat. Breakfast burritos,
pastries, baked goods, traditional & designer sandwiches, homemade
soup, espresso bar, original coffee creations.
Shaffer Dining Room 103 E Main (505)
847-2888. New Mexican & American. 7am-3pm, Tuesday-Sunday. Located
at the Shaffer Hotel.
Granny's Sweet Shop 400 W Broadway
(505) 847-1850. Sweet treats, plus limited food menu.
Lodging:
Turner
Inn & RV Park (formerly Tillie's Inn) 303 E Highway
60 888-847-0170 / (505) 847-0248. Half
a mile east of town center. "Authentic 1950's style auto
court motel made famous by Route 66." $55 single, $65 two
beds, $80 cabins. Microwave/fridge
in rooms. Internet
access. Guest laundry. Also $10 tent
sites with shower included. Hiker's best bet.
The Rock Motel 901 US Highway 60 (505) 847-2577 or 847-0082.
therockmotel@wildblue.net. (formerly El Rancho Motel) $65-$75
(winter rate). Fridge/micro included.
Shaffer Hotel 103 E Main 888-595-2888
/ (505) 847-2888 shafferhotel@aol.com Historic inn recently remodeled,
under new management. Rates from $28 (community bath), considerably
more for room with private bath. Restaurant on premises.
Laundromat:
Mountainair
Laundromat
118 W Broadway. (Adjacent the Hair Enchantment salon.) (505) 847-2374.
Also sells showers for $7.
Turner Inn & RV Park
has a laundry facility available for guests.
Hardware
store / Stove fuel:
Gustin
Hardware 117 W Broadway (505) 847-2261. HEET/denatured
alcohol available.
Library
/ Internet:
Mountainair
Public Library 104 N. Roosevelt (505)
847-9676. Computers & WiFi. Hours: Mo-We 9am-12pm; Thu 9am-12pm
& 2pm-6pm; Fri 10am-3pm; Sat 9am-1pm; closed Sun.
Public internet access reportedly also available at an internet
service provider storefront in town.
Bank /
ATM:
My
Bank One block west of the post office.
Wells Fargo 111 US-60
Land
Management Agency:
Cibola
National Forest Mountainair Ranger District
#40 Ranger Station Road Mountainair, New Mexico (505) 847-2990.
Recreation specialist Arlene Perea. Info on the Manzano Mountains
& surrounding NF lands south of the Isleta Reservation. District
office located about a mile from downtown.
Allen
Stibora, long-time CDT supporter, and Billy Weinmen of the Salinas
Pueblos National Monument, both live in Mountainair and are friends
of the GET.
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Tijeras
NM
Trail
miles from west terminus: 706
Distance from GET: on route
Twenty-three
miles before reaching its eastern terminus at Albuquerque, the
GET passes through Tijeras (teh herr' es), a bedroom community
to the big ABQ, yet one which actually feels quite distinct from
its outsized neighbor, and keeps a small-town "Route 66"
profile despite its location along the busy Interstate 40 corridor.
Tijeras itself offers just a few services for hikers, although
more is available 4 miles off-route in Cedar Crest. Fourteen miles
north of Tijeras along the GET lies the Sandia Peak tram summit
station and High Finance restaurant; combined with the other eateries
along this corridor, ABQ-bound hikers should be able to forego
a maildrop at Tijeras in favor of big meals and take-out food.
(Photo:
Smoky the pyrophobic bear greets GET hikers south of town. The
Sandia Ranger Distict of the USFS has its headquarters here in
Tijeras, right along the route.)
Tijeras Post Office | View
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Tijeras
US Post Office address:
499
NM Highway 333
Tijeras NM 87059
Hours:
M-F 07:00AM-04:30PM Sat 08:00-11:00AM
Phone: (505) 281-5656
Groceries:
Morning
Star Grocery 4 Kuhn Dr Ponderosa
Pine (505) 281-5151 Hours: 7am-9pm every day. Located just
off NM 337, 2.5 miles east of the GET route, 12
trail miles south of Tijeras, this small convenience store
(snacks, canned goods, maybe mac & cheese or Liptons) is okay
for short-term resupply to Tijeras and ABQ but probably not to
Mountainair for westbound hikers. Some drug store-type items available,
including TP. Does not sell HEET or other stove fuels. Deli serves
breakfast items, sandwiches and gigantic pizza. Outside pay phone
and picnic table.
Tri-Angle Grocery 12165 Highway 14
N Cedar Crest (505) 281-3030. A
few miles off-route. Short-term resupply.
Restaurants:
Trail
Rider Pizza 544 Highway 66 E Tijeras (505) 281-6068. Hours:
11am-8:30pm every day. Take-out stand with pizza, steak bombs,
and good-sized salads. Molly's bar room next door has a dining
area (bring your pizza over), bathrooms and a few snacks, but
no food of its own. Located 0.3 mile east of NM 337 / Rt 66 intersection
(GET).
Subway Highway 66 Tijeras. (505)
286-1411. Sandwiches, salads, personal-sized pizzas. Located on
the corner of Hwy 66 and 337 (along the GET).
The Village Coffee House Highway
66 Tijeras. (505) 281-9611. Across from the public library. Coffee,
microwave burritos and snacks (plus Holy Man Tarot Readings while
you relax on the patio, for those so inclined).
Jo's Chameleon Cafe Kuhn Dr Ponderosa
Pine. Cafe with "fine coffees and teas." Across
the road from Morning Star Grocery.
Sandia Crust Pizza Co. 12216 State
Hwy 14 N Cedar Crest (505) 286-2646.
A few miles north of the GET.
Burger Boy 12023 State Highway 14
N Cedar Crest (505) 281-3949.
North 14 Diner 12128 State Highway
14 N Cedar Crest (505) 286-2355
Cedar Point Grille 12124 Hwy 14 N
Cedar Crest (505) 281-2534
Lodging:
Elaine's
Bed & Breakfast 72 Snowline Rd Cedar
Crest (505) 281-2467. Rustic lodge located in attractive
setting adjacent to the National Forest. Rooms starting at $105.
Gas
station / Convenience:
Chevron
Redi-Mart 12011 State Highway 14 N Cedar
Crest (505) 281-8859
Library
/ Internet:
Tijeras
/ East Mountain Public Library 1 Tijeras Ave (Rt 66) Tijeras
(505) 281-8508. Hours: Tue-Sat 10AM-6PM, except Thu 11AM-7PM.
(Closed Sun & Mon) Internet access available with registration
(forms!) and a (free, provided) inter-library access card.
Bank
/ ATM:
Wells
Fargo 503 Rt 66 E Tijeras
Transportation:
Albuquerque
cab companies will run to/from Tijeras & Cedar Crest. See
Albuquerque entry below.
Land
Management Agency:
Cibola
National Forest Sandia Ranger District
11776 Highway 337 Tijeras NM (505) 281-3304. District office located
along the GET route half a mile south of Tijeras village. District
ranger Cid Morgan. Info on the Sandia Crest and Cedro-Otero
area (Cibola NF north of the Isleta Reservation).
Be
sure to check out Tijeras Pueblo, an archeological site with interpretive
trail located directly behind the forest service office along
Hwy 337 / GET south of town.
Please
note that Highway 377 and 14, south of Tijeras and through Ponderosa
Pine, refer to the same road.
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Sandia
Peak Aerial Tram
Trail
miles from west terminus: 720
Quite
possibly the world's longest aerial tramway, the Sandia Peak Aerial
Tram offers a fast, thrilling, and incredibly scenic trip between
the Albuquerque city edge and Sandia Crest, a 10,000+ foot elevation
fault-block upthrust which the GET follows on its own more terrestrial
journey toward the city. The GET is very scenic as well as it
descends over 4000 vertical feet in 9 miles toward the base of
the tramway. Yet the tram is certainly an option for those not
interested in such a climb or descent, particularly for day hikers
beginning from Albuquerque.
In
essence, the tram connects the end of the GET at its eastern terminus
with the GET 9 miles away from this point. One-way tickets can
be purchased from either the summit or base station for $12 (adults).
Tram cars run regularly throughout the day.
Tram hours
of operation:
Labor
Day - Memorial Day: 9am - 8pm daily, except Tues 5pm - 8pm only
Memorial Day - Labor Day: 9am - 9pm daily
Closed for maintenance: Nov 7-18 2011 & April 9-20 2012
(505) 856-7325
Restaurants:
High
Finance Restaurant & Tavern
(505) 243-9742. 11am-3:30pm & 4:30pm-9pm daily. Lunch and
dinner menu. Steaks, seafood, burgers, nachos, etc. Located next
door to the tram summit station, this "casual fine dining"
establishment (hiker trash welcome) can be true to its name: expensive
(but might be hard to resist after a 700+ mile walk!)
Sandiago's Mexican Grill (505) 856-6692.
Open 7 days, 11am-4:30pm (lunch), 4:30pm-9pm (dinner). Muy bueno
Mexican restaurant and bar located inside the tram base station
at the GET eastern terminus.
A short-order grill is located 2 miles north (GET east) of the
tram station inside the Sandia Crest Summit House gift shop (on
the main GET route). A Forest Service information
desk is here as well, and another is located inside the
tram station.
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Albuquerque
NM / GET east terminus
Trail
miles from west terminus: 729
Directions
from GET east terminus to Albuquerque airport:
The
Grand Enchantment Trail's eastern terminus lies at the start of
the Tramway Trail, a locally popular connector trail between the
Sandia Peak Aerial Tram and La Luz Trail. This trailhead is well-marked
and easy to identify at the edge of the Sandia Tram parking lot.
Pay phones, water, vending machines, and rest rooms are located
in the nearby Tram Station building, which also hosts an excellent
Mexican restaurant & bar (see previous entry), and a gift
shop. City taxi companies will pick you up here or drop you off.
Rates to/from the airport run about $45.
To
reach the airport from the Tram building, head west 1 mile on
Tramway Rd. Turn south on Tramway Blvd and continue ~9 miles to
Central Ave at I-40 interchange. Here are franchise motels and
restaurants, 2 full-service grocery stores, laundromat, and a
movie theatre. Take I-40 west to I-25 south and follow signs to
Albuquerque International Sunport. (Another transportation option,
city bus route 66 runs throughout the day between Central Ave
at Tramway Blvd and downtown, from which a connecting bus route
continues to the airport. See City Bus info below.)
Taxi
services:
Albuquerque
Cab Company 3223 Los Arboles Avenue Northeast, Albuquerque,
NM 87107 (505) 883-4888
Yellow Cab PO Box 25123, Albuquerque, NM 87125 (505) 247-4000
ABQ
Ride city bus:
A
major city bus stop is located behind the Albertson's plaza on
Tramway Blvd just south of Central Ave.
http://www.cabq.gov/transit/routes-and-schedules
Bus route #66 - Central Ave@Tramway - Downtown
Bus route #250 - Downtown - Sunport nonstop express (free)
Albuquerque
US Post Office address:
Foothills
Station
13101 Lomas Blvd NE
Albuquerque NM 87123
Hours:
M-F 8AM-5PM Sa 9AM-3PM
Phone: (505) 346-1822
Nearest post office to GET terminus. Half a mile west of Tramway
Blvd (2 miles north of I-40 & Central Ave)
PLEASE
NOTE: General Delivery mail may end up being held at the
Albuquerque main post office, located downtown. Specify "Foothills
Station" and street address on mailing label and call before
arriving to confirm.
Library
/ internet:
Lomas-Tramway
Public Library 908 Eastridge Drive
(just south of Lomas Blvd east of the PO) Phone: (505) 291-6295.
Internet access available with registration (forms!) and a provided
inter-library access card.
Grocery / Restaurants / Lodging / Laundromat / ATM:
Available
along route to / from the airport, particularly convenient at
the intersection of Central Ave. and Tramway Blvd. See "directions"
above.
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