Grand Enchantment Trail
Town Guide

Trail Towns & Services Info (updated for fall 2008)
(c) 2008 Brett Tucker

Table of Contents

1. 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

From Sky Harbor airport, bus station, and train terminal:

Arizona Value Shuttle 711 South Meridian Road, Apache Junction, AZ 85220 (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. 
Scotts Blue Cab 710 South Lawson Drive, Apache Junction, AZ 85220 (480) 671-3379 Another shuttle option but more expensive.

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

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 Charlebois 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.

2. 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.

Trail miles from Phoenix (west) terminus: 46
Distance from GET: 4 miles E via US 60

Services in this scenic, if aging former mining community are spread out along US 60, with a few additional businesses - post office, library, Save Money Market, Cafe Piera Rojo, and ice cream parlor - 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.

Post office:

25 N High School Ave
Superior AZ 85273

Hours: M-F 08:30-04:45PM
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.
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. 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 adjacent, sometimes rowdy.
Casa Denogean 635 W US Highway 60 (520) 689-2866. Short-order Mexican fare in former burger stand - a hip little spot.
Edwardo's Pizzeria 701 S Belmont Ave (Hwy 60). Pizza, subs, salads. Good value.
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. $50-$60. Under new ownership (formerly El Portal Motel), with nicely renovated, if basic, rooms. Use of laundry facility for guests, and will sometimes shuttle back to the trail as time allows.
Superior RV Park 1113 W Us Highway 60 (520) 689-5331 (866) 689-5331 http://www.superiorrvpark.com ~$15 "tent" site, walk-ins okay, laundry for guests only.

Laundromat:

Laundry available at Copper Mountain Motel and Superior RV Park, in both cases for guests only.

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.

4. 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), though 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 in the San Pedro river valley. An attractive roadside park 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, laundromat, and Main Market located along Main St. one block east.

Post Office:

230 Main St
Mammoth AZ 85618

Hours: MO - FR 08:00-04:30PM
Phone: (520) 487-2861

Groceries:

Main Market 201 Main St (520) 487-2365. 8am-8pm 7 days. Full grocery store may be suitable for long-term resupply. Selection is somewhat limited/unrefined. Has fresh produce. Sells isopropyl alcohol.
Mammoth Ranch Market Highway 77. (520) 487-2660. 24 hrs, short-term resupply, some produce, deli / pizza. Does not sell HEET, but may have rubbing alcohol.
Corkers One Stop Highway 77 near Foster's Lodge. Short-term resupply.
Circle K 307 Highway 77 (520) 487-2621. Sells single-load laundry detergent. No HEET.
Maria's Tortillas 225 Main St (520) 487-2678. Made from scratch on the premises.

(Long-term resupply may be possible using both Main Market & Mammoth Ranch Market)

Restaurants:

Alicia's Cafe 337 Highway 77 # B (520) 487-2380. Mexican-American, with standard breakfast fare. Open daily 7:30am-8pm, except Sunday & Monday closes at 3pm. Operated by friendly Cathy Garcia.
La Casita 400 Highway 77 (520) 487-9980. Family-style Mexican. Hours: 11am-9pm daily
77 Drive Inn (hamburger stand) 102 N Highway 77 (520) 487-2783

Lodging:

Foster's Lodge 712 N Highway 77, Mammoth, AZ 85618 (520) 487-1904 www.fosterslodge.com Debora@fosterslodge.com $40 - $60. Basic accommodations, outdoor pool. May shuttle to/from trail 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 next door to Maria's Tortillas, which will exchange bills for quarters if needed. Laundromat has soap, but no available bathroom.

Bank / ATM:

ATM at Mammoth Ranch Market, Circle K.

5. 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. Primarily a ranching community these days, along with 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 possible alternative to resupplying in Mammoth, but be sure to call Bonnie (who lives behind the store, see store's local ph# below) to confirm whether she is still willing & able to accept mail.

Maildrop service:

(Current as of spring 2008)

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 Out Back
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. 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). No pressing need to call Bonnie to confirm your plans, although it couldn't hurt to verify package arrival before committing on foot from Mammoth or Safford environs. Parcels are stored in a large metal freezer (turned off) 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 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.

Groceries, restaurant & lodging:

Klondyke Country Store (NOW CLOSED) & Horsehead Lodge (OPEN) 36951 Klondyke Rd. Klondyke AZ, 85643 Toll Free 1-877-728-3335 Local 1-928-828-3335 Fax 1-928-828-3351. The Horsehead Lodge, located behind the closed store, remains open. $75-$250 per night (reservations suggested), 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. A worthwhile stay for hikers who plan to bring the food for it (no food available anywhere in Klondyke). The store/lodge area also has R.V. Spaces - 6 Hookups with Electricity and Water. And according to their website: "Conversation, Gossip, Political Debates, Liars are Welcome! "

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, car-friendly camping. $5 per night (self-pay). Generally a quiet spot, likely suitable for thru-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.

6. Safford AZ

Trail miles from west terminus: 217
Distance from GET: on route (services area ~1 mi E)

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 commercial district, an alternate route leads to most services, including 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, where westbound hikers can try to get a permit to enter Aravaipa Canyon if they haven't obtained one already. Safford is sorely lacking in public transportation. No buses or shuttles serve this rather isolated town in the Gila Valley, although one taxi company in Willcox, 40 miles to the south, may be willing to run out and back to Safford. (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.

Post Office:

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.
__________________

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 along the main route 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 preferring to bypass busy downtown Safford.

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.
Thriftee Food & Drug - IGA 755 S Central Ave (928) 428-1844 (in the old downtown)
CD's Quick Stop 2181 S Bowie Ave Solomon. (928) 428-5585 Convenience store along GET in Solomon open 7 days, sells drinks, snacks, microwave items. Hours: M-Th 9:30-7:30 , Fr-Sa 9:30-8 , Su 10-6. Pay phone out front.

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. Solomon. (928) 428-2094. Mexican. Open for lunch and dinner. Closed Sundays.
... and a number of other restaurants in Safford & Thatcher.

Lodging:

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.
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
Best Western Desert Inn 1391 W Thatcher Blvd 928-428-0521. $60-$80. Continental breakfast. Guest internet in lobby. Guest laundry.
Super 8 1578 W Thatcher Blvd (928) 428-5851 $75 and up. At the former Comfort Inn location. Has (or had) guest internet in lobby and full continental breakfast.
Econo Lodge 225 E US Highway 70 928-348-0011 $45 - $60.00. Guest laundry. On east end of town.
Quality Inn & Suites 420 E. Hwy 70 (928) 428-3200 $100 and up. On east end of town.
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!)

Please note that motels in town are often all filled by early afternoon during week days, due to contractors in town for the new mine project. (Several new motels, incl. a Motel 6 in the works, may alleviate the problem.)

Laundromat:

The Washtub 1910 West Thatcher Boulevard. In plaza, north side of road. Sells soap, makes change, has bathroom for guests.
Washer/dryer for guests available at the Econo Lodge

Stove fuel:

Safford Builders Supl/Ace Hdwr 707 S 6th Ave (928) 428-1033
AutoZone Hwy 70. Sells HEET.

Pharmacy:

Walgreens 1995 W Thatcher Blvd (928) 428-5059
Walmart 20th Ave, half a block south of US 70.

Library / Internet:

808 S 7TH AVE (928) 348-3202. Two blocks south of US 70 in old downtown.

Bank / ATM:

Wells Fargo 426 US-70
Bank One 321 W MAIN ST
ATM at Basha's and Safeway supermarkets, Walmart.

Transportation:

Safford has no bus service or in-town taxi. However Willcox Taxi, in the town of Willcox 40 miles south, may pick up or drop off in Safford with advance notice. Rates ~$65 one-way. 520-253-0702 (Carolyn & Thomas)

Enterprise Rent-a-Car 1018 West Thatcher Boulevard (928) 428-0955. Local and one-way car rentals.

Land Management Agency:

BLM Safford Field Office 711 14th Avenue Safford (928) 348-4400 dave_hall@blm.gov   Or call and ask for Jeff Wilbanks, recreation planner, for info on Safford-Morenci Trail and BLM lands north of Safford. Permits for Aravaipa Canyon 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)

7. Morenci / Clifton AZ

Trail miles from west terminus: 266 (via Eagle Creek Bypass) / 281 (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 towns, 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. 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, as well as Jail Cave, both living relics of Clifton's erstwhile mining heyday.

Post Offices:

9 Morenci Mall
Morenci AZ 85540

Hours: M-F 08:00-04:30PM
Phone: (928) 865-3312
__________________

494 N Coronado Blvd
Clifton AZ 85533

Hours: M-F 08:00-04:00PM, 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 right 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. 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.
Kopper Kettle Kafe 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 12pm-8pm, Sat 3pm-8pm. 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.
Gi'Mees' York Valley, Clifton (928) 687-1517

Lodging:

Morenci Motel Burro Ally, Morenci. 928-865-4111. $45-$60. Sometimes fills up, reservations recommended. Often fills up on week days; reservations recommended. Copper Room Restauarant located on premises. Mine tours can be booked via the motel's front desk. Additional rooms under construction 2008.
Rode Inn Motel 186 N Coronado Blvd Clifton. 928-865-4536 Price: $35-$50. "Studio" rooms, in back along river, are nice bargain. Washer/drier on premises. Friendly owners.

Please note that motels are often all filled by early afternoon, typically Mon-Thurs, due to contractors in town in response to a recent mining boom at Morenci.

Laundromat:

Sunrise Laundromat South Coronado Boulevard, Clifton. South of PJ's restaurant.
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. Sometimes has HEET.

Library / Internet:

Morenci Public Library Morenci Plaza (928) 865-1981. Located past Basha's, within Morenci Plaza. Open til 7pm most weekdays.
Clifton Public Library 102 School St (928) 865-2461. Follow "library" signs east from US 191 / S Coronado Blvd near PJ's restaurant. Closed weekends.

Land Management Agency:

Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest Clifton Ranger District HC 1, Box 733 , Duncan, AZ, 85594, Phone: 928-687-1301. (Located in town of Duncan - not Clifton!) Info on GET environment from Clifton to NM state line.

Morenci also has a movie theatre, (located near the library) providing occasionally beneficial cinematic distraction for hikers and miners alike.

8. Glenwood / Alma NM

Trail miles from west terminus: 330
Distance from GET: Alma on route, Glenwood 4.5 miles S viaUS 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 but charming and friendly community. Mogollon ghost town is nearby, as is Cooney Tomb and the beautiful Catwalk Trail along Whitewater Creek (a side trail off the GET).

Post Office:

5109 Highway 180
Glenwood NM 88039

Hours: M-F 08:00-12:30PM 01:00-04:30PM SA 10:00AM-1:00PM
Phone: (575) 539-2131

Groceries:

Alma Trading Company Alma (575) 539-2640. Open 7 days, 7am-7pm. General store with picnic-type supplies, microwave foods, snacks, and ice cream. Passable for short-term resupply. Alma Grill is located next door. Outside pay phone. Proprietor Janice is a friend of hikers. Be sure to sign her guest register.
Glenwood Trading Post Glenwood (575) 539-2321. A slightly better stocked general / convenience store and gas station, with some produce, canned goods, mac & cheese, snacks. Good for short-term resupply. Outside pay phone.

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. Closed Tuesdays. Good Mex/American food but somewhat pricey for what you get. Lunch and dinner daily. Bar room tended by friendly Lori, plus separate restaurant area.
Golden Girls Cafe Glenwood. (575) 539-2457. Serves breakfast from 6-10am in the kitchen of owner's home. Excellent food, friendly conversation.
Alma Grill Next door to the Alma Trading Company in Alma. 6am - 3 pm, 7 days. Serving breakfast all day, lunch from 11am. Best food in Alma! (Burgers, veggie melts, Mexican dishes) Popular gossip spot for area ranchers.
Mario's Pizza & Video Glenwood. (575) 539-2316. Tue 2-8:30, Sat 4-8pm.
The Tavern Glenwood. 575-539-2524 Bar room only. Sporadic hours. South end of town.

Lodging:

Lariat Motel Glenwood (575) 539-2361. Large, cabin-like rooms~$70, or smaller rooms $50 single. Showers available without stay ($5). Motel is conveniently located behind Glenwood Trading Post, which has pay phones. (No phones in room.)
Whitewater Motel PO Box 158 Glenwood, NM 88039 (575) 539-2581 whitewater@gilanet.com $40-$50. Located next to the post office on the opposite end of town (0.2 miles away!)
Crab Apple Cabins PO Box 86 Glenwood, NM 88039 (575) 539-2400. Reasonable rates. Hiker-friendly proprietors. Open seasonally.
Double TT Homestead NM 174. Cabins, RV spaces. Located on edge of town en route to the Catwalk trailhead.
Silver Creek Inn (B&B) HC 61 Box 306 Mogollon, NM 88039 1-866-276-4882.

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) Sells HEET (located on shelf beside entrance, near floor).

Library / Internet:

Glenwood Public Library 15 Menges Lane (575) 539-2277 Limited days / hours of operation. 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. District ranger Pat Morrison (email info specialist Beth O'Donnell: bodonnell@fs.fed.us)  Info on Gila National Forest from Mogollon Mountains westward.

9. 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 homeowners 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.
Phone: (575) 536-9551 daytime or (575) 536-9314 evenings
Email: pyluecke@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 very 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 possibly passable to Glenwood (westbound). Certainly acceptable for augmenting a maildrop, however. Store has other basics, like sunscreen, bug repellent, and usually sells HEET. Pay phone out front. Run by Paul & Ysabel Luecke.

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 $50-$75 for 2 ($7 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 $12. 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 Annette Chavez (email info specialist Annette Gomez: aggomez@fs.fed.us). Info on Gila National Forest east of Mogollon Mtns, west of Black Range.

10. Thru-hikers Caution

The next on (or near) 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 can't 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. Consider using one of the following two off-route resupply options instead of pushing straight through. (Westbounders can use Trail's End Market in Magdalena to facilitate a maildrop, shipping via Priority Mail to Monticello or Winston.)

11. Winston NM

Trail miles from west terminus: 433 (via Chloride Creek) / 475 (via Hwy 52)
Distance from GET: 15 miles E (hike) / 22 miles S (road)

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 52) to the off-trail hiking often required to reach Monticello (see next entry).

From the GET / CDT crossing of FR 226 in the Black Range, Winston is a ~15 mile walk east on a 4WD road which receives no regular vehicle use, and with several thousand feet of elevation loss. Chloride, reached 2 miles before Winston, offers cabins for rent but no other useful services for hikers.

From the GET crossing of dirt, 2WD NM Hwy 52 near Dusty (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.

http://www.ghosttowns.com/states/nm/winston.html

Post Office:

381 Republic 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.

12. Monticello NM

Trail miles from west terminus: 482
Distance from GET: 10.5 miles S via Monticello Canyon (4WD)

Like Winston, Monticello is a tiny, remote community located a fair distance off-route. In fact, it offers even fewer services than Winston - namely, just a post office. But unlike Winston, Monticello is reached by way of a pleasant roadwalk on a nearly level 2WD 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 River has long been the way of life in and around Monticello, and although the area has seen a decline in population in recent decades, a new lifeblood is slowly returning in the form of a few organic and herb 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.

Post Office:

355 Calle Del Norte Rd
Monticello NM 87939

Hours: M-Sa 08:00AM-12:00PM
Phone: (575) 743-0076

Camping:

Discreet camping may be possible in the old town square - a small, shady area with picnic tables - but ask the postmaster to direct you to whoever might be able to offer official permission. Traffic is virtually nonexistant, so noise should not pose a problem for campers. 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 rest rooms or pay phone, and cell phone reception is nonexistent. The best bet on all counts may be to try at the post office, or explain the situation tactfully to a resident in town.

Truth or Consequences, offering most services including Greyhound bus and taxi, is a 25 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 will likely pose a challenge. (The village of Placita, just south of Monticello and en route to T or C, has no services.)

Transportation:

Crisp Taxi Truth or Consequences 575-894-1145 New taxi company in T or C. (Current owner indicates he will NOT run to/from Monticello. Local T or C taxi service only. New ownership pending.)

The Darlen family in Monticello are friends of hikers, but seek them out only if you have a genuine concern - not for transportation to/from T or C.

Land Management Agency:

Gila National Forest Black Range Ranger District 1804 North Date Street, Truth or Consequences, NM (575) 894-6677. District ranger Andrea Sepulveda: asepulveda@fs.fed.us   Info on Black Range Crest / CDT / GET.

13. Magdalena NM

Trail miles from west terminus: 561
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, and refreshing, 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.

Post Office:

100 East First St
Magdalena NM 87825

Hours: M-F 08:00-12:30PM 01:30-04:30PM Sat 10:00-12:00PM
Phone: (575) 854-2231
Postmaster Mrs Bodio, wife of a local travelbook author, is a friend of hikers.

Groceries:

Trails End Market 1003 W 1st St. (575) 854-2205. Mo-Sa 8am-8pm. CLOSED SUNDAYS. Good for long-term resupply, although choice of brands is somewhat limited. Has good produce selection. Also has small "drug store" aisle with all the basics.
Conoco Gas/Food Mart 705 1st St. (575) 854-3680. Cold water, snacks, microwave foods, and (as of fall '07) HEET. Public restrooms. Pay phone. ATM.

Restaurants:

Evett's Cafe Highway 60 (575) 854-2449. 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.
Magdalena Cafe Main St, 1/2 block S of US 60. (505) 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.
Big Bear Cafe W US 60 (575) 854-3184. B, L, D. Sporadic hours.
Ponderosa Restaurant US 60 (575) 854-9916. Sporadic hours.
Golden Spur Saloon US 60. (575) 854-2554. Expect a rowdy good ol' boy crowd here.

Lodging:

High Country Lodge 303 E 1st St. 575-854-2062. HighCountry@starband.net $35-$40. Smallish but clean rooms; fridge/micro; computer with high-speed internet access available in lobby, free use with stay. Under new ownership.
Western B&B Motel & RV Park 404 1st St. (575) 854-2417 westernmotel@gilanet.com $46-$66 rooms, each with a unique theme. All rooms have fridge/micro and incl. continental brkfst or full breakfast for higher rate. Hot tub on premises for guests. RV park in rear.
Eagle's Nest RV & Motel 1405 W First St. (US 60 & NM 107) (575) 854-3651. Located about a mile west of the above motels.

Stove fuel:

Conoco Gas/Food mart Sells HEET
Trail's End Market Should have rubbing alcohol

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.
High Country Lodge High-speed internet access available free with stay.

Bank / ATM:

Wells Fargo 1st & Main St
Conoco Gas/Food Mart 705 1st St

Transportation:

Socorro Taxi 606 N. California St. Socorro NM. 575-835-4276. jess@socorrotaxi.com Will shuttle between Magdalena & full-service town of Socorro, 27 miles east on US 60.

Land Management Agency:

Cibola National Forest Magdalena Ranger District 1st St & Kelly Rd. Magdalena. (575) 854-2281. District ranger Dennis Aldridge: daldridge@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

14. Polvadera NM

Trail miles from west terminus: 589
Distance from GET: 0.9 mi SE

The Spanish word Polvadera means "dusty," and although the interstate corridor that butts up against this otherwise peaceful hamlet sometimes appears situated in a giant dust bowl, the nearby Rio Grande is actually surrounded by stately cottonwoods and is surprisingly lush. Polvadera lies at the edge of the 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, 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. Five miles farther lies the larger town of Socorro (Spanish for "help"), reachable by taxi and offering most services but no longer a Greyhound bus stop.

Post Offices:

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 rest room (as a courtesy to hikers) when open. Shade available by the front entrance, but watch out for the occasional postal customer. Also a quiet, secluded YCC picnic area, with picnic tables, grills, and tall shade trees (but no drinking water) lies about 1.5 miles east along the alternate GET highwater bypass route in the Rio Grande bosque.
__________________

5 Chambon Rd
Lemitar NM 87823

Hours: M-F 07:30AM-11:30PM & 12PM-4PM, Sa 8:15AM-10:45AM
Phone: (575) 838-0973|
__________________

124 Plaza St
Socorro NM 87801

Hours: M-F 08:30-05:00PM, 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.

Restaurants:

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.

Lodging / camping:

Several inexpensive options in Socorro (Econo Lodge a good value - has 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, 5-6 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 in Socorro.

Bank / ATM:

ATM at Road Runner Travel Ctr in Lemitar

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.

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. Ask for BLM recreation planner Mike Bilbo.

Socorro also has numerous restaurants, a public library with internet access, and a Walmart.

15. Mountainair NM

Trail miles from west terminus: 631
Distance from GET: 17 miles E via US 60

Hikers looking to roughly halve the 115 mile distance between on-route resupplies at Polvadera and Tijeras might consider detouring to the small town of Mountainair, a 17 mile hitchhike east from the GET crossing of 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 site, this monument showcases some of the most well-preserved ancient pueblo dwellings in the Southwest. The Abo district lies a mere 8 miles east of the GET crossing at US 60, and is a worthwhile detour if you have time.

Post Office:

221 W Broadway
Mountainair NM 87036

Hours: M-F 08:00-11:30AM 12:15-04:45PM
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.
Pop's Shaffer Cafe 103 W Main (505) 847-0228. Located at the Shaffer Hotel.
Granny's Sweet Shop 400 W Broadway (505) 847-1850. Sweet treats, plus limited food menu.
Alpine Alley 210 Summit Ave (505) 847-2478. Serving breakfast and lunch (incl. omelettes, sub sandwiches, baked goods).

Lodging:

Turner Inn & RV Park 303 E Highway 60 888-847-0170 / (505) 847-0248. turnerinn@uphi.net (formerly Tillie's Inn) Half a mile east of town center. $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) $60-$70 (winter rate). Fridge/micro included.
Shaffer Hotel 103 W Main 888-595-2888 / (505) 847-2888 shafferhotel@aol.com Historic inn recently remodeled. Rates from $80. Restaurant on premises.

Laundromat:

Mountainair Laundromat (505) 847-2374. You know it's a small world when: Googling "Mountainair Laundromat" in researching info for this page gives this page as the only result!

Hardware store / Stove fuel:

Gustin Hardware 117 W Broadway (505) 847-2261. HEET/denatured alcohol available.

Library / Internet:

Mountainair Public Library 109 N. Roosevelt (505) 847-9676
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. District ranger Vicky Estrada: vestrada@fs.fed.us   Info on the Manzano Mountains & surrounding areas. Located about a mile from downtown.

Allen Stibora, long-time CDT supporter, lives in Mountainair and is a friend of GET hikers too.

16. Tijeras NM

Trail miles from west terminus: 704
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 giant 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 (milepoint 718) 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.

Post Office:

499 State 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 is okay for short-term resupply to Tijeras and ABQ. 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. 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. Sandwiches & Salads. Located on the corner of Hwy 66 and 337 (along the GET).
The Village Coffee House Highway 66 Tijeras. Across from the public library.
Chameleon Cafe Kuhn Dr Ponderosa Pine. Cafe with "fine coffees and teas." Across the road from Morning Star Grocery.
Burger Boy 12023 State Highway 14 N Cedar Crest (505) 281-3949. A few miles north of the GET.
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

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 an 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 ranger Jackie Andrew: jcandrew@fs.fed.us   Info on the Sandia Crest and Cedro-Otero area.

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.

17. Sandia Peak Aerial Tram

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 $9 (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
505-856-7325

Restaurants:

High Finance Restaurant & Tavern 505-243-9742. Lunch and dinner menu. Steaks, seafood, burgers, nachos, etc. Located next door to the tram summit station, this casual fine dining establishment 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. 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 east of the tram station inside the Sandia Crest summit gift shop. A Forest Service information desk is here as well, and another inside the tram station.

18. Albuquerque NM / GET east terminus

Trail miles from west terminus: 727

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 here, 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.

Taxi services:

Albuquerque Cab Company Inc 3223 Los Arboles Avenue Northeast, Albuquerque, NM 87107 (505) 883-4888
Yellow Cab PO Box 25123, Albuquerque, NM 87125 (505) 247-4000

Post office:

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 be 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 an 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.