Greer Weekend Road Trip

Saturday, October 20 2007 @ 12:08 PM MDT

If you're looking for an adventure out of the ordinary, away from the same ole' thing, then get on the road less traveled and head to small and beautiful Greer, Arizona. Little more than four hours north east of Phoenix, not much more than a hop, skip and jump from New Mexico, Greer's atmosphere is relaxed and laid back - a perfect escape from the high paced world of today.

Greer pioneer, John Butler settled in the small mountain burg in 1898, and is considered the town's founder, being one of the first to observe its potential as a southwestern paradise. Well-known throughout the state, John and his wife Molly were known as the heart of Greer, providing hunting and fishing adventures for both locals and visitors. In the early days, the Butlers' with their great sense of humor and big hearts even decided they would go broke providing free lodging to guests in exchange for help with chores like gathering and branding cattle.

After the scenic drive through Arizona's country-side, it'll be time to stretch and chat it up with the locals at Tin Star Trading Post’s rustic coffee corral. While sipping a cup of “cowboy” coffee or a cold sarsaparilla let Greer's charming natives tell you about the latest event around town or the famous outlaw Butch Cassidy and the "Wild Bunch", whose secret hideouts in the White Mountains aren't secret anymore. Tin Star also offers plenty of other treats like ice cream and their own jerky and trail mixes. You can even get a fishing license and camping gear at this down home one-stop shop.

Afterward, treat yourself to a relaxing horseback ride atop the canyons starting at South Fork Canyon’s X Diamond Ranch. Kym Johnson, the great granddaughter of the John and Molly Butler will guide you for a unique ride through awe-inspiring wilderness and petroglyphs. Rides are very reasonably priced and include a sack lunch. The Tenderfoot ride for one horse, one rider is only $25 and lasts an hour. The Greenhorn is a two-hour ride and costs $40 or if you have the time, spend a half-day exploring the indescribable beauty of the surrounding mountains and valleys on horseback for $85.

Once your horse is back in the stable, take a step back in time at the Little House Museum. This one of a kind museum is full of turn of the century fashions, antiques and artifacts from the old west. The museum is located on the same grounds as X Diamond Ranch, so it's quite convenient. Feel free to put a nickel in a traditional Nickelodeon and kick up your boots to the ole-time saloon music. The Music Hall at Little House also has many rare instruments, some whose patents date as far back as 1865. Keep in mind that the Little House Museum only does tours by reservation, so be sure to set up a time before you board your horse. Normally reservations can be made a few hours in advance.

After a full day of seeing the sights and horsing around, dinner and drinks in a rustic and comfortable atmosphere is just the ticket.

373 Bar and Grill Restaurant at Greer Lodge Resort is a perfect place to unwind. Take a seat overlooking the Little Colorado River and help yourself to one of 373’s fantastic seafood or prime rib plates. They make excellent mixed drinks and have an extensive wine list as well. When you’ve had your fill, spend the night at Greer Lodge Resort and Red Setter Inn in one of their many rooms, private cabins or condos starting at $99. Many cabins are on the water and have cozy front porches great for an evening of stargazing. All the cabins have fully stocked kitchens and either a fireplace or a wood-burning stove.

Greer Lodge and Red Setter Inn offers free fly fishing for their guests including lessons and equipment in their private streams ponds and lakes. They are also a ski lodge in the winter months, and are only about ten minutes down the road from Sunrise Ski Area. After a good rejuvenating night’s sleep at Red Setter, there’s nothing like hitting the slopes to get the adrenalin going.

No matter what time of year you venture, Greer is a majestic and serene wonderland among the pines, aspens and plentiful wildlife of the White Mountains, it just waits to be discovered.

Tin Star Trading Post: 38940 State Route 373, Greer AZ 85927. Phone: (928) 735-7540 X Diamond Ranch LLC: 38735 State Route 373 Greer, AZ 85927. Phone: (928) 333-2286 Little House Museum: P.O Box 113 Greer, AZ 85927. Phone: (928) 333-2286 Greer Lodge Resort & Red Setter Inn: 44 Main St. Greer, AZ 85927. Phone: (928) 735-7216

Greer is five miles south of State Road 260 at the end of State Road 373, nestled in the Arizona White Mountains.

See The Southwest
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