Lower Eagle Creek Road is accessed off of US 191 above Morenci, but still within the vicinity of the mine. The road leaves US 191 to the west. Eagle Creek Valley can be reached from either Lower Eagle Creek Road or Upper Eagle Creek Road (MP 188 on US 191).
Eagle Creek is one of Arizona’s largest creeks and is known for its spectacular scenery, historical remnants, huge spreads and uncrowded campgrounds. Lower Eagle Creek, with its sacred beauty, left Geronimo pleading with military authorities to allow his return to live out his remaining days in this area, off the new reservation. Rich in history of both past inhabitants as well as today’s working ranches and mining activities, Eagle Creek Valley is famous for its beauty.
“El Capitan” Rock Formation and many historical ruins can be seen during an adventure of Lower Eagle Creek Valley. The Old Schoolhouse Ruins are easily accessed just off the well-maintained gravel road traveling toward the pump station facilities. Certainly exploration of this area doesn’t stop here. Continuing on this main road will lead you to an overlook located just past the schoolhouse. Gaze up the cliff sides to see bighorn sheep climbing sheer cliffs and the miraculous views of many bald eagles soaring above. Enjoy waking to this view after camping or RVing in the nearby primitive campground found off a side road heading north before reaching the creek.
Heading southeast along the creek by way of hiking, 4WD or other off-road vehicle leads the extreme adventurer to a number of homesteads, gravesites and natural wonders. Wildlife, scenery and the steep hillside grottoes of Eagle Creek Hot Springs filled with 90° mineral water and evidence of the area’s past mining history are provocative. Wonderful primitive camping options have been previously “set-up” alongside the creek under the valley’s umbrella of cottonwood and walnut trees. Camping near Bat Cave will allow one to experience the flight of thousands, viewed generally thirty minutes before sunset.
Heading northeast boasts even more fishing and swimming opportunities as you travel toward a wider embankment of the creek provided by the gauging station. Traveling west, before turning toward the creek once again,allows you to explore the many homesteading ruins of our historical past all throughout Stove Canyon.
Words or even pictures alone cannot describe the spectacular scenery along Eagle Creek’s carved path of deep canyon sides during most of its course. The natural beauty of Eagle Creek Valley is certainly a must-travel-to destination, an done to be explored year after year to discover all its wonders.
2019-08-17