Hiking & Camping

The Copper Corridor area provides a large number of opportunities to enjoy the outdoor environment. Whether you are camping in a national forest or hiking the Arizona trail you will find multiple areas to explore and enjoy.

Arizona Trail
The first section of the Arizona Trail, which ran 45 miles, was dedicated in 1988 by the Forest Service. Today, the Arizona Trail offers tourists the opportunity to follow continuous trails, extending more than 750 total miles, traversing the entire Grand Canyon State from Coronado National Forest to the Kaibab Plateau.

There are three specific passages leading up to and within the Copper Corridor, Passage 12 takes you from the summit of Mount Lemmon to the town of Oracle. Hikers will need at least two days to navigate this passage of the Trail. Typically, there is an ample supply of water. Check with the Santa Catalina Ranger District (520)749-8700 for current conditions, including any fire warnings. This area is not mountain biking friendly. It is a challenging 22 miles that is beautiful and rugged.

Passage 13: A brief, 8.3 miles is an easy hike for even the novice hiker with proper footwear and cool weather. This is an excellent route for bikers and there is even a clear, “Arizona Trail” trailhead post/gateway marker that reads: The Arizona Trail: Santa Catalina Mountains, segment dedicated May 20, 1989. There are easy parking areas off of Mount Lemon Road to begin the hike or ride, however, there is no naturally occurring water, so be sure to stock up in nearby Oracle.

Passage 14 begins at the Tiger Mine Trailhead and continues to Freeman Road. Called the “Black Hills,” this 28.2 miles of trail is rated at a “moderate” level of difficulty and is managed by the Arizona State Land Department and the Pinal County Department of Public Works. The biggest challenge in this section of the trail is the lack of readily available water. This section of trail which was just recently completed is located in the heart of arid desert. It is generally recommended that hikers consume up to one gallon of water per day in order to stay hydrated. Local ranchers may offer water sources located on the path but permission must be secured in advance. If you wander off of the Arizona Trail, a permit is required from the Arizona State Land Department, 602-542-4631. This passage provides a wonderful opportunity to observe the native plants, mammals, birds, reptiles, and insects indigenous to the Sonoran Desert. After its divergence from the Mammoth area towards Florence, subsequent trail passages are described in books and websites such as: Arizona Trail, The Official Guide and www.aztrail.org

The northern portion of the copper corridor rests within the Tonto National Forest. The town of Superior is in the Tonto National Forest. Miami and Globe are within very close proximity. Pinal Mountain Recreation area located just 9 miles south of Globe offers a campground and prominent vistas. With camping areas including Oak Flat, Sulphide Del Rey, Pioneer Pass, and Cherry Flat, there are plenty options for you and your family to enjoy the area. According to the Backcountry Adventures book, additional trails in the area include Montana Mountain Trail and the Telegraph Canyon Trail.

Rough rider and U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt spoke of the wonders of the Tonto National Forest which includes the Apache Trail. He said, “The Apache Trail combines the grandeur of the Apls, the glory of the Rockies, the magnificence of the Grand Canyon and then adds an indefinable something that none of the others have. To me, it is the most awe-inspiring and most sublimely beautiful panorama nature has ever created.” The area from Globe through Miami and to Superior are part of the Southern route of the 200-mile loop around Superstition Mountains.

The southern portion of the Copper Corridor rests within the Coronado National Forest. Near Oracle and Mammoth is the Galiuro Wilderness, Aravaipa Canyon, and Rincon Mountain Wilderness. Former Governor Wesley Bolin commented that the Aravaipa Canyon was the most beautiful area in Arizona.

While exploring the area, check with Ranger District 5, the rangers will likely identify the Peppersauce area as a popular site for camping. The Arizona Backcountry Adventures book, identifies trails like Willow Springs Road, Oracle Control Road, Copper Creek Mining District Trail, and the Sibley Mansion and Bluebird Mine Trail as fun and challenging.

The Biosphere
Ground was broken in 1987 on the 3.14 acre Biosphere facility off of Arizona 77 near mile marker 96.5. In 1991 a crew of 8 entered the Bioshpere 2 through an air lock in order to complete scientific research while enjoying the livestock, gardens and even computer centers and living quarters for a period of two years.

Today it features roughly 7,200,000 cubic feet of sealed glass, 6,500 windows and is 91 feet at the highest point, sealed from the earth below by a 500-ton welded stainless steel liner. The Biosphere 2 has two “lungs” outside that allow the greenhouse to compensate for atmospheric pressure changes. The facility features 40-acre campus, 300,000 sq. ft. of administrative offices, classrooms, labs, conference center and even housing.

The Bioshere 2 offers guided tours through the Biosherians’ living quarters, multiple biomes (self-sustaining ecosystems) and through the two acres of machinery that control the climate. Guests are able to wander around the ocean-viewing gallery and other exhibits at their own pace, making a trip to the Bioshphere 2 an exciting day of experiencing the natural world in a new way.