The Fading Former Way
August 27, 2008
Nestled in the hills, a stone’s throw from a major highway is a bit of history nearly lost to memory. Old Highway 60 North, at least what is left of it. It is an exciting journey for about five impossible miles.Many years have passed since this rugged trail was the primary route for Arizonans, and distant travelers to get from Globe to Show Low and all points north. Even at its peak it had to have been an arduous journey. The road is windy, and the bulldozer canyons shallow and narrow. Storms, rock slides, and washouts must have been a regular hazards to travel.Now, a drive through it in a four wheel drive vehicle is fit only for the daring and determined. The shallow canyons have all but washed down and buried the passes. Bushes and trees are slowly making their way inward, reclaiming space long stripped from them. With this, one last obstacle now stands to foil the trek of a northward venturer.A very large crevice has formed, nearly cutting the road in two. The only way around is the steep hillside lining the road. Driving with one tire skirting the crevice edge, and the other halfway up the adjoining hillside makes for a good sweat and a grateful heart once on the other side.Here in Copper Country, history and adventure are behind every bush.
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