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Lower Cibecue Creek. Nina Crowder | Miner
Copper Area News
Looking to cool off this summer? Arizona has many places to hike and even areas that offer a cool, refreshing splash in the water to chill off your body. Cibecue Creek is about a two-hour drive from Mammoth and well worth the adventure. Natural beauty surrounds the area as well as calming sounds of birds and running water.
A brainpower boost and creative problem solving skills are some of the benefits to hiking. Spending time outdoors, interacting with nature, trees, sunshine and fresh air all help to boost our individual creative side. Hiking works your body as much as it does your brain and just one hour of hiking can burn over 500 calories depending on the weight and what you are carrying.
Remember before you head out on your adventure to take lots of sunscreen, plenty of water, snacks, bug spray and a first aid kit, even on shorter hikes. You never know what may happen.
Cibecue Creek is just not far from the Tri-Community area and well worth the journey. From Hwy. 77 head towards Globe (North), approximately 52 miles; turn left on US 70 (West) about 2 miles; turn right onto US 60 (signs for Arizona 77 North /ShowLow) about 38 miles; then turn left at the bottom of the Salt River Canyon bridge onto a primitive dirt road. There is a wood sign that says Cibecue Creek; drive approximately 4 miles on the primitive road to where the water is running. From the parking area, hike north up the creek. There are pathways along the side the creek for about 1 mile until the Cibecue Creek Falls destination is in sight.
Prior to your adventure please contact Apache Tribe for a license guide at (928) 338-4385 to see if a license is needed for this great hike.
If you enjoy hiking, swimming, climbing and a great place to escape the summer heat this will certainly quench some of your desires! Give it a try and enjoy the Arizona outdoors!
Nina Crowder is a resident of Mammoth. She volunteers in several local organizations. She covers events throughout the Copper Corridor and Superior Town and School governance.
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