“In the last days the mountain of the Lord’s temple will be established as the highest of the mountains; it will be exalted above the hills, and all nations will stream to it." – Isaiah 2:2
When you think you've seen all that Arizona has to offer, that’s your first mistake. Never underestimate the hidden secrets of this incredible state. Imagine a mountain view over 9,000 feet above sea level, overlooking the flat desert of eastern Arizona. As I approached the outskirts of this mountain, I doubted there could be any clear, running streams. But upon reaching the summit, I was greeted by flowing streams, winding roads, lush vegetation, and towering, weathered rocks. It felt like discovering Arizona’s very own Mount Sinai.
A high mountain overlooking Arizona in all directions, it’s easy to drive by and assume it’s just another of the state’s regular desert peaks. But it truly isn’t. Once you venture into the heart of it, you’ll find something breathtaking. This mountain region stands unique among Arizona’s other ranges. It felt close and familiar, reminding me of the Appalachian Mountains but on a much grander scale. I drove up on a Tuesday morning and was amazed at how empty it was. During the summer months on the Rim or in the White Mountains, seeing more people is common, especially on weekends. But this region was deserted. I’m sure it gets busier on weekends or holidays, but on this day, it felt like a hidden paradise.
Now, you may be wondering why I ventured into this lesser-known mountain region. If you don't already know, I am an avid fly angler. I love exploring different mountain areas, wading in streams, and soaking in the breathtaking scenery that God has gifted us. The best part is hiking into these mountains. You grow to appreciate just how rugged Arizona's high country is—these mountains can be deadly. Nevertheless, the thrill of searching for wild or native trout is the same rush you get from bow hunting for elk high up on a mountain.
As I reached my staging area, I parked my vehicle, prepared my gear, and made my way downstream. The crystal-clear water filled me with joy and confidence that this stream held wild trout. As I surveyed my surroundings, the mountains loomed closer, and the cliffs grew larger. I found myself climbing down waterfalls and slipping on the rocks. Despite my efforts, I didn’t spot a single fish—no trout, no minnows. Undeterred, I continued downstream to explore more of what this place had to offer. Eventually, I came upon a massive cliff creating a larger waterfall, and the mountains opened up to reveal the desert beyond. This trip wasn’t just about chasing wild trout; it was about appreciating the creation of God’s earth.
After some reflection, I decided to head back to the staging area and try my luck upstream. I hiked over a mile and a half downstream, facing challenging terrain. When I returned to the staging area, I pushed upstream through various obstacles—slippery rocks, logs, and branches. It soon became clear that this stream was empty. I reached as far upstream as I could before the climb became too difficult. The fire that ravaged this region had caused significant damage, including the loss of thousands of wild and native trout. Despite the disappointment, I wouldn’t trade this experience for anything. Not everyone gets the chance to see the places I do. I look forward to the day when my son is old enough to join me and his mother on these adventures. While I cherish his toddler years, there are some areas I prefer not to risk taking him or his mother into for safety reasons.
I always find myself gearing up for a new region each time I head out. I’ll start by visiting my usual spots, and then, out of nowhere, I’ll venture into a new or hard-to-reach area. Once I’ve accomplished that, I find myself exploring yet another mountain region in search of native trout. Each trip prepares me for something unknown, leaving me open to whatever God has in store for me. Each new area I visit, I imagine bringing my family along and seeing the excitement on my son’s face as he plays in the cold mountain water, sits by the campfire, and enjoys quality time with loved ones.
I’ve visited many mountain regions known for bear activity, so I was surprised to discover that this small range also has black bears. It made me wonder about the size of the population and whether they venture into the desert valley during the cooler months in search of food. If not, they must find everything they need up in the mountains. During my exploration, I encountered more bear signs in this region than anywhere else I’ve been. I’m curious about how close I might have been to one or if a bear had caught my scent. Having a bear population living in such a remote mountain area feels truly special.
My time here was brief, but if anyone discovers this hidden spot, I highly recommend exploring it. Arizona offers so much more than just Tombstone or the Grand Canyon. I seek out places like this for others to experience firsthand. Even though these areas have been explored before us, we can still share in their beauty through a quick photo or video. I am reflecting on this trip, and what I saw, heard, and experienced is why I’m sharing it with you. Why keep it to myself when I can write about it? There are ways to share stories while keeping certain secrets. You’re not lying; you’re simply preserving an area that should be protected at all costs, however small it may be. Especially after the fire’s impact, it will take many more years for the region to fully regrow and for native trout to repopulate these remote streams.
Exploring a secluded mountain region like this one reminds you of how small you are in the grand scheme of the universe. It highlights the importance of respecting and appreciating your surroundings. Never underestimate a new area; go explore—you might be surprised by what you discover. You could even capture the best photo of the year. Instead of actively searching, let the experience come to you. Avoid tunnel vision; observe your surroundings and find salvation in God's creation. Until the next adventure, may God bless you all.
"How many are your works, Lord! In wisdom you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures." Psalm 104:24