camping

We took our kids camping for the first time last summer. It was awesome. We forgot a matchbook but eventually struck a flame on the emergency flare in the car. We built a fire and attempted to cook our tinfoil dinners before it started raining. We ate (our slightly underdone) beef patties and potatoes out of the back of the car, sheltered by the umbrella of our hatchback (using our hands, because we forgot silverware, too), then ran to the tent where we listened to the rain come down all night. Like I say, it was awesome. Truly.

From Sierra Vista, take Hwy 92 S and turn up Carr Canyon Road 

(At The Mesquite Tree Restaurant)

Were you around when our town was on fire? Hello!

We camped at the Reef Townsite 

(which calls for a $10 fee dropped into the forest service box).

Pitch your tent, roast some marshmallows, and take your kids exploring!

Ghost Town!

Who doesn't love a ghost town? From Sierra Vista, drive out toward Whetstone and take a right onto Hwy 82 E toward Tombstone. Go a couple miles (wave at the dump and keep going!) You'll see signs for Fairbank Historic Townsite on your left. Pull in and walk through what's left of the place. A former railroad stop, at it's heyday in the late 1800s, this town had around 200 residents. 

The only open building has been converted into a mock schoolhouse, surrounded by displays of other interesting artifacts. Kids are welcome to draw on the chalkboard and sit in the desks.

Ask the guide about the history of the place. It's fascinating!

 When the kiddies tire of that, walk the .3 miles to the San Pedro and throw in some rocks. Never fails to amuse. For older kids, take them the 3 miles to the gravesite! Or the other longer trails that begin from the townsite.