Things to see around AZ unit 1
Elk
I am heading to AZ in Sept for a unit 1 archery hunt. Any particular museums or restaurants or sights I should try to see before or after hunt? Same question for the drive there through SW New Mexico.
Congrats Mark! I had that hunt in 2019 and it was super fun. I live in PHX, so don't know anything in NM. There isn't much in Alpine, but a couple little taverns, gas station, and couple cafes. All are great and cool little spots. I will say you MUST go to Mulloy's Public house just up the 191 in Nutrioso. It is such a random place right in the middle of an open valley and burn. Has limited, but home cooked menu, great booze, and a super cool setting.
How many points did it take draw in Unit 1?
Good feedback. thanks. As to points I tried for rifle first choice but did not get it. So I used about 23 points to get an archery tag. I am not getting younger and I am trying to use up points in one state per year.
There is the casino at Hon Dah(73&260) Pinetop/Lakeside, plenty of gift shops and places to eat My favorite is Darby's on 260 as you head to show low. Also, there is Timber Mesa Archery in Show Low. Great guys there.
You will have fun Mark. You doing it yourself or getting there early to scout?
I agree with Boris on places more up NW, if you go that way. There is also a big outdoor/general store in Springerville if you have any equipment issues. Springerville and Eager also have auto shops, grocery, etc. for supplies. Booga Reds is good for mexican food and Avery's/Chuckwagon saloon was always hopping on Fri/Sat nights if you need to celebrate. Their gas station also had great breakfast burritos.
I just drove out that way from Missouri. If you drive I-40 through Oklahoma City, the Cowboy Heritage Museum is really cool. We stopped there, and we didn't give it enough time. But it's really neat.
I also recommend driving over into AZ from Socorro NM along highway 60. I think that's a gorgeous drive. I've done it 3 times on hunts and vacations, and love that area. The Plains of St. Augustine, etc. You'll go through Pie Town and Quemado.
If you tag early, we just did the Grand Canyon and Zion National parks. I recommend them both. If you do Zion, the Narrows trail up the creek is REALLY cool.
Have fun!
I always like the drive and views through the Salt River Canyon on hwy 60 to Globe, AZ then towards Safford, Morenci, AZ and back up to Springerville if you want to see some big country.
A little bit of a drive, but I would like to visit the VLA. (Should check if they allow visitors)
I am a geek and work in radio communications. I driven through it and understand how it works. But hearing about it from someone who works there would be cool.
https://public.nrao.edu/visit/very-large-array
Have fun, I spent 3 weeks in that unit last year as my buddy had that tag.
On your way home, stop at Faywood Hot Springs north of Deming NM. Lithium in the water will calm down all the excitement from the hunt.
Caution half the place is clothing optional the other half is textile only.
Terry
This is really good stuff. I am also going to try see ice caves in new mexico
Was just out going by the VLA on July 3rd. They had a sign on the road the visitors center was closed including the restrooms. Had about 15 buck antelope inside the fence of the highway so if you go that way keep your eyes out for critters on the road, especially elk.
Western Drug in Springerville will surprise you with what's inside ...
My son had that tag last year. Maybe spend some time after the hunt looking around, but if you have a free second before the hunt spend it in the woods looking at elk. There are a ton of elk in that unit, but you should try to find a great one because they are there. I would not waste one hour before doing anything but scouting. You have one of the best elk tags in the universe.
Agree with elkocd. Don’t even think about anything other than elk until after you kill one!
Good luck glad to see Tennessee hunters chasing elk stick one Lewis
Saw four bulls yesterday in a middle of a rainstorm in 1. All were mature.....one was a good one! You should have a fun hunt
