Mary Ann and I took a day trip to the Pinal Mountains. It was nice and cool there, and not too long of a drive. We left at 7:00 AM and arrived at Sulfide del Rey campground at about 8:30. We stopped at a couple of places along the way on Forest Road 651 (after the dirt road started). There was a creek flowing across the road, and some birds, butterflies, and dragonflies. In general, there was a lot of water flowing in the springs and creeks this year.
We spent some time at Sulfide del Rey Campground (there were four Painted Redstarts there, but they’re difficult to photograph), and then drove to Ferndell Spring (about 25 minutes up the mountain). The spring was flowing heavily.
From there we went to the Upper Pinal Campground at the peak, which is just a few minutes drive.
We left from the peak at about 2:00, and got home at approximately 4:00.
This was our anniversary trip: 21 years on June 5. We usually take a few days, but this year decided on just one day trip. Mary Ann had three days off, so we went on her first day off, June 3.
We had a great trip. We always enjoy going to the Pinals.
