Best springtime day trip from Phoenix: This city pops with wildflowers and public art

Roger Naylor
·7 min read
2

Imagine taking a short scenic drive climbing from the desert floor, passing through varied habitats and ending up in a historic town filled with flowers, art and new urban trails.

Sounds like the perfect spring road trip, right? Then what are you waiting for? Pack up and head for Globe.

The old mining town nestles in the foothills of the Pinal Mountains, and has dealt with adversity in recent years. First was the pandemic and then came the devastating Mescal and Telegraph fires burning through the surrounding Tonto National Forest. That was followed by an aftermath of flooding. But mining towns are used to coping with hard times. They bear the scars from the boom and bust cycles that define the community.

Even as things looked darkest a handful of residents concocted a creative solution to get the town back on firmer footing. Now Globe is experiencing something of a rebirth. And it all started with hidden stairways.

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Hike the Stairizona Trail in Globe

They call it the Stairizona Trail and it's one of the most unusual, most unexpected hiking options in a state filled with them.

Stairizona is a network of urban trails flavored with public art and expansive vistas. Meandering through historic neighborhoods allows guests to enjoy some of the town’s exquisite architecture with many buildings dating to the early 1900s.

Stairizona staircases in Globe are always open for locals and visitors to explore.
Stairizona staircases in Globe are always open for locals and visitors to explore.

It also provides instant access to the outdoors and the health benefits of a cardio workout. Every outing becomes a treasure hunt of art, architecture and mountain views.

The centerpiece of the trail is a series of concrete staircases spread throughout the neighborhoods surrounding Globe’s historic downtown. The stairs date back almost a century, built as part of the Works Progress Administration in the 1930s to help miners and other residents navigate the hilly terrain. Some may even be older. These are the concrete bones that once knitted the town together.

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Reinventing Globe's historic staircases as the Stairizona Trail

Over the decades, new roadways and an increasingly reliance on autos made the stairs less relevant. They fell into disrepair, eventually becoming overgrown and neglected, largely forgotten. Then an organization called I Art Globe stepped up to reclaim this piece of lost heritage.

Regina Ortega-Leonardi (left) and Dr. Thea Wilshire will begin offering monthly guided tours of the Stairizona Trail in Globe beginning in April.
Regina Ortega-Leonardi (left) and Dr. Thea Wilshire will begin offering monthly guided tours of the Stairizona Trail in Globe beginning in April.

Founded by Dr. Thea Wilshire and Regina Ortega-Leonardi, I Art Globe mobilized an army of community volunteers. They started with large-scale clean-ups of the stairways, removing trash, clearing weeds and trimming trees. Tons of soil and rocks were hauled away to make the stairs more accessible.

Then the artists went to work. The final touches to the Stairizona Trail were applied by dozens of local artists. At least 36 art projects have been completed with more additions planned in the coming months.

They include an 84-step staircase adorned in a cascade of painted poppies. Vibrant murals of cactus, quail, Gila monsters and even local dogs splash across walls. Other murals are interactive, allowing visitors to insert themselves into the images for photos. Metalwork and brightly colored benches line the routes.

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How to see the murals and art of the Stairizona Trail in Globe

Each version of the Stairizona Trail highlights the historic downtown and offers scenic views of the Tonto National Forest and surrounding mountains. And in spring, hillsides drenched in golden poppies are an added bonus.

A series of public art works have brightened up Globe’s historic downtown.
A series of public art works have brightened up Globe’s historic downtown.

The Stairizona Trail encompasses three routes of varying lengths:

  • Short: 1.4 miles, four staircases with 244 stair steps, one pedestrian bridge and 17 art installations.

  • Medium: 2.6 miles, seven staircases, 303 stair steps, two pedestrian bridges and 24 art attractions.

  • Long: 6.4 miles, nine staircases, 365 stair steps, three pedestrian bridges and 39 art attractions. This winding route also traverses G Hill and takes in the 1873 historic cemetery, final resting place of early pioneers, Buffalo Soldiers and Phin Clanton of the Tombstone Clantons.

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April is Poppy Month in Globe. Here's where to see the wildflowers

Globe has long been a haven of golden poppies, where the flowers line the roads and fill yards and vacant lots. During the restoration work more than 200,000 poppy seeds were planted around the staircases. Those seeds have likely benefited from abundant winter rains and should make for a showy, colorful spring in 2023.

Even local canines are featured in some Globe murals.
Even local canines are featured in some Globe murals.

April has been declared Poppy Month in Globe. Each Saturday will bring a different special event. April 8 marks the official unveiling of the Stairizona Trail when a guided tour of the 1.4-mile segment will be offered at 9 a.m. Wilshire and Ortega-Leonardi will act as guides and storytellers. Cost is $20 per person and reservations can be made at https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30E0448A8A723AAF94-with

I Art Globe will continue to offer guided tours ($20) on the first Saturday of each month.

Of course, the colorful stairways leading into the hills are always open. Visitors are welcome to tackle any portion of the Stairizona Trail on their own at anytime. Maps for self-guided tours are available at the Globe-Miami Chamber of Commerce.

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Museums in Globe

Stop at the Gila County Historical Museum for a good overview of the area’s rich history. Exhibits are housed in the old Globe-Mine Rescue Station, next to the chamber of commerce.

Details: 1330 N. Broad St. Free. 928-425-7385, www.gilahistoricalmuseum.org.

Salado structures at Besh Ba Gowah Archaeological Park in Globe.
Salado structures at Besh Ba Gowah Archaeological Park in Globe.

Besh Ba Gowah Archaeological Park and Museum offers visitors a chance to explore the partially restored site of an ancient village occupied by the Salado people between 1225 and 1400. The museum displays an assortment of intricate pottery and artifacts excavated from the site. $5 admission for adults. The park offers a free admission day on April 22 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Details: 1324 S. Jesse Hayes Road. $5; $4 for age 65 and older; free for age 12 and younger. 928-425-0320, www.globeaz.gov/besh-ba-gowah-archaeological-park-and-museum.

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How far is it from Phoenix to Globe?

Globe is about 88 miles east of central Phoenix via U.S. 60.

Shopping in Globe

Pickle Barrel Trading Post in Globe is known for a wide ranging selection of arts, crafts, gift items and turquoise.
Pickle Barrel Trading Post in Globe is known for a wide ranging selection of arts, crafts, gift items and turquoise.

Occupying an old warehouse, Pickle Barrel Trading Post is packed with arts and crafts. They also carry a good selection of the renowned Sleeping Beauty turquoise, sky blue in color and named for the silhouette of the mountain rising above the mine that produced the gem.

Details: 404 S. Broad St. 928-425-9282, www.picklebarreltradingpost.com.

At a Splash of Copper in Globe, they create unique artworks by melting copper ore in a smelter, splashing it onto a steel plate, then polishing and heating it.
At a Splash of Copper in Globe, they create unique artworks by melting copper ore in a smelter, splashing it onto a steel plate, then polishing and heating it.

Splash of Copper offers one of a kind handmade gifts and art. The “splashed copper” abstracts are created by pouring molten copper onto a steel plate. Dripped copper trees and colorful copper vases and bowls are other popular items. You’ll also find clothing, jewelry, books and work by local artists in this eclectic gallery.

Details: 656 N. Broad St. 928-793-3148, www.splashofcopperaz.com.

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Restaurants in Globe

Globe is known for authentic Mexican food and El Ranchito is one of the best. This downtown spot with festive décor feeds the locals and visitors savvy enough to seek them out.

Details: 686 N. Broad St. 928-402-1348.

The Copper Hen Bakery & Café is the go-to stop for breakfast, with favorites like biscuits and gravy and scratch-made quiche. They’re also open for lunch, serving tasty sandwiches and salads.

Details: 157 W. Cedar St. 928-473-1207.

For more information about shopping, restaurants, hotels and more, visit the Globe-Miami Regional Chamber of Commerce.

Details: 1360 N. Broad St. 928-425-4495, www.globemiamichamber.com.

Find the reporter at www.rogernaylor.com. Or follow him on Facebook at www.facebook.com/RogerNaylorinAZor Twitter @AZRogerNaylor.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Globe AZ is a fun day trip from Phoenix. Here's an itinerary