I've Always Wanted To Glow In The Dark

[AZBang]

A couple of summers ago I went fishing with my friend Jerry up on Haigler Creek in AZ.

On the way back we stopped off here at this campground and found this sign. Anyone have any info or pix from around here?

[campp]

Interesting, never heard of this. Sounds like a mine that got messy and they know it.

[AZBang]

I believe it's more than one mine and the problem is bigger than they want to talk about.

http://www.paysonroundup.com/news/20...owmotion_thre/

[LauraA]

AZBang, The area you're talking about is in the Workman Creek area, it's loaded with old uranium mines.
The mines are downright nasty, bad air and oozing strange colored muck seeping out of them, particularly after heavy rains.
It's a beautiful area, tall pines and cool breezes, but it's not a spot I'd choose to camp in, although, it is a popular place during the hot summer months when people are trying to escape the city heat.
Here's an old post with photos I wrote after we explored the mines. (we don't need to use flashlights anymore, we glow in the dark now)

Uranium Mines, nasty places - Ghosttowns.com Forums
...and here's another post on the same area
How Often Do You See Signs Like This? - Page 3 - Ghosttowns.com Forums

[AZBang]

Thanks for the links Laura. Can you tell me how to get there from Phoenix? I have a general idea where they are but what roads did you turn off on to get to them?

[LauraA]

Originally Posted by AZBang

Thanks for the links Laura. Can you tell me how to get there from Phoenix? I have a general idea where they are but what roads did you turn off on to get to them?

You'll take Hwy 188 to Hwy 288 (Desert to Tall Pines Scenic Hwy) head on up the mountain, as a landmark, you'll pass Rose Creek Ranch on the left, then past that a ways you'll see a sign that says "Workman Creek" on the right. Turn onto that road and continue up the trail, the creek will be on your right, go past the camping areas, past the Elk's Youth Camp. The hillside on the left hand side is dotted with old uranium mines. There's one closed off mine visible from the trail on the left just before you head up the mountain, the rest you'll have to hike to, you'll see faint trails on the left, if you follow any of them, they'll lead you to an old mine, lots of them, all very dangerous.
While you're in the area, you might want to continue up the Workman Creek Road to the top. Past a deep canyon with a waterfall, flowing mostly in wet weather. The road ends at Aztec Peak, spectacular views with a fire tower. If the tower man is on duty, he'll invite you up to have a look around. His name is "Red" nice guy with lots of information he enjoys sharing. This is a great area, there's lots of exploring to do....since it's in our "backyard" I might be a bit prejudiced
If you're going to be in the area much, I'd recommend a Tonto National Forest Map, available at any ranger station.
If you need any further info, feel free to ask.

[AZBang]

Thank-you very much!

[JoeZona]

My wife and I spent a day exploring that area early this spring (hat tip to Laura). There was still snow on the ground when we went.

It's really a beautiful area with some very incredible views out over Roosevelt Lake at the nearby asbestos mines. Although we didn't encounter any bad air in any of the U or As mines, some of the adits were impassable due to water or bugs - bizzillions of them!

Although 4wd is probably not absolutely required, it will help as some of the more remote trails get a little rough in spots. However, a high clearance vehicle is definitely needed for most all the roads and trails up there.

(Now if I could just get rid of the alien-looking growth that sprouted on my neck since that trip...)

[Darin]

Originally Posted by JoeZona

(Now if I could just get rid of the alien-looking growth that sprouted on my neck since that trip...)

I ain't goin' there, I ain't goin' there, I ain't goin' there...though it is temptin'!!!!

[AZBang]

Thanks for the tips guys. I do have a Jeep so no problem getting around on rough roads. I might let it cool down a bit more before heading over there but it's someplace I've been wanting to explore since that fishing trip.