Nearest stand of Aspen trees to the valley !?

fritzski · Joined: 10 Feb 2003 Posts: 50 Location: Gilbert, AZ

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

I'll be happy to drop some hints if needed ;)

mike · What box? Joined: 30 Dec 2002 Posts: 3134

Hint away!!
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fritzski · Joined: 10 Feb 2003 Posts: 50 Location: Gilbert, AZ

Patience Mon!! There's a lot of bright folks out there, let's give em a chance. I guess we shouldn't include you in that group, or you would have made a guess :lol:

mike · What box? Joined: 30 Dec 2002 Posts: 3134

Nighthiker · Joined: 05 Jan 2003 Posts: 1714

Accessed by hiking or driving ?

CatValet · Posted: 9/7/2003, 2:34 pm Post subject:

I Don't recall any on Four Peaks, so my guess would be Pinal Peak. I think there were some up top there, beyond the stunted sequoias. Years ago, a gardener at the Boyce Thompson arboretum planted a couple specimens from California as an experiment, and carried water up to them regularly. Now, they are stunted if still alive.

I also know of a few stands on the north facing slopes of Mt. Union in the Bradshaws. Those are the closest I'm aware of.

Welcome fritski, BTW, long time no see, Hi to Rusty.

fritzski · Joined: 10 Feb 2003 Posts: 50 Location: Gilbert, AZ

Good job Randy! I shoulda known it wouldn't get past you!

I also don't recall seeing any on Four Peaks. At over 7800' Mt Pinal is higher than Four Peaks, a little further as the crow flies, but definitely a shorter drive. This is still quite a low elevation to support Aspen, but tucked in a large canyon on the north side near the top at the Icehouse Canyon Trailhead, I believe it must be somewhat of a micro-climate (73F last Tues.)

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

Nighthiker · Joined: 05 Jan 2003 Posts: 1714

I was going to name the Pinal's. Most often overlooked, the Pinals offer mtn. biking, hiking, pinicing and camping. Great place to observe a monsoon roll in.

Canyon Dweller · Joined: 06 Jan 2003 Posts: 712 Location: Denver, CO

where is Pinal Peak?
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Nighthiker · Joined: 05 Jan 2003 Posts: 1714

The Pinals are located South of Globe, peaks include Signal Peak 7812', Pinal Peak and Madera Peak 6647'

fritzski · Joined: 10 Feb 2003 Posts: 50 Location: Gilbert, AZ

It seems like its overlooked to some degree because its profile doesn't live up to its elevation. Its such an unassuming hill, you just never really notice it, although in the winter any time there's a good snowfall you can easily see it on the horizon from the valley.