Took the long weekend camping up in the Gila with the kids. The Whitewater Baldy fire up there was growing but 30 miles off and the wind kept the smoke away. We went up FR150 (also called North Star Road on some maps) that heads north up along the Continental divide from the road to Lake Roberts just outside Mimbres. I don't have any shots of the drive because I was behind the wheel, but it's not that bad. About 20 miles off asphalt up to Black Canyon, ugly washboards in places and there's a few spots to go slow in the middle where you cross a dry creek bed numerous times, but otherwise a pretty easy drive. 4wd H to keep her from scrabbling on the bends but low range not needed. Well worth a look if you're ever in the area (although perhaps not right now - the fire has got a lot worse since we got back). But very dusty!
At the Ranger station on the way out.
Plenty evidence of busy beavers.
And something bigger. Mountain Lion? There are reintroduced wolves in the area too. At least, that's what we scared the kids with. Maybe just a large dog!
Friendly garter snake though.
Nice camping spot, Lower Black Canyon site was deserted.
