SAFFORD — The public is invited to join the Graham County Historical Society on its Fall Trek.
The Historical Society will trek to the Klondyke and Aravaipa Canyon areas, starting with a visit to the Power Brothers shootout monument, recently dedicated at the Klondyke school property. Four were killed in the 1918 shootout — three members of law enforcement and the Power family father.
The next stop will be the famous Klondyke Store, to meet the new owners, Dave and Beth Ringwald, who can share the history of the store.
Then it’s on to the historic adobe Salazar family Catholic Church, which includes a signable guest register, and the Salazar Cemetery for those who wish to return.
The next stage of the trek is to the Aravaipa Canyon Wilderness area, to take in the rock formations, creek and lush green foliage. From there, following Turkey Creek Mountain Road, the trek will travel two-miles to the Cliff Dwelling. At the site will be a brief history amongst the tall shade trees, followed by a 100-yard hike to the dwelling on the side of the cliff.
That will lead to a lunch before traveling back to the Gila Valley.
The Fall Trek will take place Saturday, Nov. 12. Participants will meet at the Graham County Co-op parking lot in Pima at 8:30 a.m., leaving at 9 a.m. The trip is 120 miles roundtrip, and total time is anticipated to be upward of six hours. Car-pooling is available to those without access to a high-clearance vehicle.
Participants are asked to bring a hat, sweater, comfortable walking shoes, a walking stick, sack lunch and water. Participants can also bring a camera, folding chair, ice chest and toilet tissue, as the only restroom will be at the Klondyke Store.
For more information, call Chuck Smith at 520-678-2175, or Brent Quinn at 928-651-6389.
