Trip offers mother lode of Ariz. mining history

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Driving trip through region has stark reminders of a wild and woolly past.

Winkelman. Hayden. Kearny. Superior. Miami. Globe. These communities in the rugged, hard-rock highlands north of Tucson were born of mining — and the ore-rich heritage shows through today, more than a century after the early boom days. While mining history and Old West ways are the backbone of this colorful region, the area is also treasured for its spectacular canyons, pine-topped peaks, quaint downtowns, antique shopping and savory Mexican food. A loop trip through the towns and wild country along the way offers a rich mix of sights and experiences. History buffs, hikers, antique lovers, photographers and those who savor small-town flavor are likely to hit pay dirt on the route. It's possible to make the loop drive from Tucson — 235 miles or so — in a long day trip. But an overnight stay will give you more time to explore. See the cover story inside for a word-and-picture guide to a trove of mining history and timeless natural splendor. Doug Kreutz

GLOBE — You know you're in a rough-and-tumble Old West kind of town when one of the prominent monuments is a plaque commemorating "The Hanging Tree." • The plaque in downtown Globe notes that two men — L.V. Grime and C.B. Hawley — were lynched on a sycamore tree near the site on Aug. 24, 1882, in connection with a hold-up and murder. • "Saloons were closed and it was an orderly lynching," the plaque notes. • All righty then. Comforting as it is to learn that the lynching was carried out with all due decorum, the monument is a stark reminder that this historic mining region 100 miles north of Tucson had a wild and woolly past.

It's that mother lode of Western history — along with a scenic setting and other attractions — that makes the area a popular tourist destination.

Today, we offer a guide to a loop route that will take you to historic mining displays, craggy canyons, lushly wooded mountains, a fast-flowing river and an archaeological site — not to mention The Hanging Tree monument. Along the way, you'll encounter plenty of small-town color, streets brimming with antique shops and some delectable Mexican food. read more