Arizona is just a wonderful state to explore.  In April and May of 2010, I went on several interesting Road Trips.
 

First on the list was not actually a road trip at all.  I was hiking in North Mountain Preserve, which was within walking distance of my home.  I came across a most prolific wildflower display along the hike.  Wildflowers are somewhat elusive in Arizona and people will actually hire a guide to take them to sites with abundant flowers.  This was nearly right in my backyard, so I hustled back home, grabbed the camera and hiked back to the spot to capture these images.
 

Mexican Gold Poppies in North Mountain Park in Phoenix Lupine at North Mountain Park in Phoenix Mexican Gold Poppies at North Mountain Park in Phoenix
 

In April, I also took a drive up to Camp Verde.  Near Camp Verde, there is an off road trail that leads to Bullpen Ranch campground.  From the campground, a trail runs along West Clear Creek.  So... for those of you not familiar with Arizona, the state is not known for its water features.  Creeks are usually full of dry sand.  Rivers are usually not perennial meaning you have to time it perfectly in order to actually see water.  So you can imagine my surprise when West Clear Creek was a raging river!
 

West Clear Creek near Camp Verde
 

The next road trip was up a dirt road called "The Desert to Tall Pines Scenic Drive".  It begins out near Roosevelt Lake and climbs from about 2000 feet in elevation up to about 7000 feet over the span of 90 miles.  There are so many places along this road that I wanted to explore.  The one I chose was Workman Falls.  The dirt road up to the falls was incredible and included driving over a old wooden bridge that hugged a cliff face.  A signpost claimed the bridge was capable of carrying several tons, but it sure didn't appear that way!  Shortly after the bridge was the payoff...  a gorgeous 120 foot waterfall surrounded by rugged mountain country.  Check it out!
 

Workman Creek near Young Arizona Workman Falls near Young Arizona
 

Last but certainly not least was the road to the Sunflower Mine.  This is an abandoned mercury mine up near Rio Verde Arizona.  The road to it is quite rugged and a high clearance vehicle is needed to manage the route.  In "Jeep speak", that translates to good clean FUN!  Naturally, the camera eye seemed to wander away from the scenic beauty and toward my Jeep.  This was quite an adventure and we ultimately turned around before reaching the mine.  Mind you, this was due to the incapability of the truck I was with... Ha!
 

Along the road to Sunflower Mine Along the road to Sunflower Mine The road to Sunflower Mine